It’s finally slowing down a little bit over here at Hope & Stay as the fall season comes to a close and winter starts to set in.  I am taking this quiet time to revisit and blog some weddings from earlier this year that deserve their time in the spotlight.

Adam and Kristina’s HollyHedge Estate commitment ceremony was nothing short of magical.  It was a quiet and relaxed day that was definitely full of joy and laughter, too.  The wedding took place mid-March, but instead of the warmer days of spring, we were surprised with a cold snap and some snow on their special day!  

Adam and the guys got ready in HollyHedge’s honeymoon suite.  The dark exposed wooden beams and stone walls made for a dramatic backdrop for photos of their candid moments before the ceremony.  Kristina and the ladies dressed in the bridal suite in an adjacent building.  The gorgeous window light highlighted her beautiful vintage-inspired lace gown and loosely curled hair.  

Their first look took place on the walkway of the main house among the snow-covered trees and brush.  We also took a quick and slippery walk over to the bridge overlooking a pond on the property adjacent from the main house where Adam and Kristina got cozy for some more wintery portraits.  

Adam and Kristina’s ceremony was super intimate, beautiful and oh, so unique.  They exchanged vows they had written in front of their closest friends and family.  Part of their ceremony included a blessing of the rings where each guest said a quick prayer over the rings for the new couple.  One really amazing thing to note its that Kristina made their wedding bands by hand from lignum vitae, which is one of the denser Amazon woods!  Can you believe that!?  They also partook in a ceremony involving their “commitment tree” using a desert rose.   Each of their immediate family members added different objects, each containing different meanings and sentiments to the couple.   Fossils, crystals, sand, flint, water, and soil were added to represent the love, memories, and rooted support each of them had provided them in their past, present, and future together.

The unique and personal touches didn’t stop there, either!  Kristina and Adam also made their own wedding favors from shoots from a single plant they had grown and placed them in vintage teacups for guests to take home.  

The night rounded out with lots of dancing from Adam and Kristina’s tailored playlist, delicious eats, and some flurry filled outside portraits.  

Planning your own unique and beautiful wedding?  Contact Alyssa to chat about documenting your special day.