Once upon a time a beautiful American princess named Bradshaw fell in love with a handsome English prince named True. Our story begins in a bar, but takes us to faraway lands and Bavarian villages. Jen and Mike, forgive me. This story should have been told on a hot Summer night and here it is the first day of Winter. You simply cannot rush a True love story.
Those of you who regularly follow the blog know that in January, my dear friend and fellow photog Nichole and I traveled across the pond to visit this lovely couple in London. Along the way we forged some wonderful friendships which only multiplied and grew during their wedding weekend in Leavenworth on this past August. A weekend beyond compare.
Jen and Mike were married at the gorgeous Beecher Hill House in the quaint city of Peshastin, just minutes from the Bavarianesque town of Leavenworth. Beecher Hill may just be my favorite venue of 2011. Located in a quiet pear orchard, it has the distinctly warm and sweet feel of an old Southern estate house.
Adorned with flowers from the talented Patti Bosket, the gorgeous wedding party only added to the classic elegance and picturesque quality of the day; the bridesmaids in peacock blue, the men in slate gray. Jen wore a pair of jaw-dropping studded heels in a color my friends at Crayola would call Jungle Green with stunning pearl jewellery hand-made by her fabulous step mom Linda. And what would a British wedding be without some amazing fascinators? All of the elaborate hair pieces were made by Gillian Million in London.
The ceremony took place on the grand lawn in the warm Summer sun. As is British tradition, Mike kept his back turned as Jen walked down the aisle accompanied by her father, only turning to see her once she arrived next to him at the altar. It was a beautiful affair with wonderful words of love and friendship. Their good friend Charlie played guitar and sang a breath-taking version of Angus and Julia Stone's The Wedding Song.
After the brilliant ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour imbibing on Bing Cherry Mojitos and Pimm's cocktails. All guests were given their choice of American or British flags to wave while listening to the musical stylings of the FABULOUS Chumstick Liberation Front. I'm telling you right now, these guys were hands down the BEST wedding band I heard all year, they even came up with the most amazing personalized wedding rap just for the couple!
The fun rolled on deep into the night with yummy food and desserts (Hilary Shepard, your french macaroons were to die for!!) and tear-jerking toasts followed by some crazy-fun dance moves! Unfortunately, you can't stay forever at the venue, but before moving on to the after party in downtown Leavenworth, we were all treated to fresh-baked cookies by Jen's friend Jen :) and cold milk.
Needless to say, this group knows how to party and the festivities rocked on 'til the break of dawn with lots more drinking, dancing, and dreaded karaoke. I honestly have no idea what time I finally made it back to the house in the wee small hours of the morning, but what I do know is that I made more than a couple of friends for life that night. And I know Nic did too. :)
It's funny how life works isn't it? Jen and Mike, your wedding not only changed the course of your lives, but ours as well. Nichole and I will be forever grateful for your hospitality, love, and friendship. I am so incredibly happy to have you both in Seattle now, drinks at Redhook soon!!
My Pimm's cup runneth over...
xoxo,
amy
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