While most couples who are planning and re-planning their weddings this year have ended up doing an intimate backyard ceremony with their closest family and a few friends, most couples’ backyard just isn’t quite the same as their wedding venue. But luckily for Jessica and Coleman, their backyard IS a beautiful wedding venue.
A few years ago, Coleman’s family turned their gorgeous home and country acreage into a super successful wedding venue, known as L’abri at Linwood. I was lucky enough to get to attend the very first wedding at their home for their daughter, (and my good friend) Ally, which was the inspiration for L’abri. So when Coleman called me a few weeks ago and asked if I was available to photograph his own wedding, now that they have transformed their home into such a fabulous event venue, I was absolutely honored and so excited.
The warm August evening began by saying our socially distant hellos and photographing a few of their pretty details. I loved how Jessica decided to layer two separate strings of pearls, one from her own mother and one from Coleman’s mother, both family heirlooms. Once the two were ready, they decided to share a first touch and say a quick prayer through the doorway.
We all headed over to their open air barn where the ceremony arbor was setup by the creek with massive oak trees that perfectly allowed the setting sun to stipple in. Coleman’s dog Liza was a big part of their day, just as she is a big part of their little family, and was escorted down the aisle by Coleman’s father. Their twin nieces were the flower girls and were pulled down the aisle in a wagon by Coleman’s three sisters. One of Coleman’s best friends officiated the ceremony which made it all the more personal and special.
Instead of blending sand or lighting candles as many people do as a ceremonial gesture, they blended two different types of coffee beans as an ode to their love of a good cup of joe, which I thought was SO fun and so unique. Coleman’s sisters – who are all extremely talented by the way – sang a beautiful harmony to the song La Vie en Rose while the couple blended their coffee beans that flooded the air with a fabulous aroma. They said their I-do’s and shared their first kiss, celebrating by dancing down the aisle and waving to their friends who were tuning in via Facebook Live.
After lots of hugs and family portraits we hopped onto a golf cart and rode over to Coleman and Jessica’s home that was just next door to take a few portraits. As the sun was setting we headed back for their first dance that they shared on the patio of the barn underneath the sparkling bistro lights. Jessica also shared a dance with her father and then we said our goodbyes before the group sat down for a lovely family dinner.
It was such a beautiful day and we were so honored to be a part of it. We wish Jessica and Coleman many years of love and laughter.
Vendors:
Venue – L’abri at Linwood
Dress – Needle & Thread
If you’d like to see another intimate backyard wedding we recently photographed take a look here!
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[…] If you’d like to see another recent micro-wedding we photographed, take a look here! […]