I probably don’t even need to tell you just how amazing this wedding is, because, honestly, one look at these gorgeous images captured by Blumenthal Photography and you’ll know instantly. But that’s not going to stop me. Because this is a wedding that sooo deserves an intro. One that talks for endless minutes about the beautiful blooms from Terrara House Estate, that gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown and one moment after another with two of the sweetest cuties you’ll ever lay your eyes upon. Click here for more.
This is a day that most girls dream about from a young age, and I was no exception. Originally from Sydney, Australia, but living in San Francisco, it was vital that we chose a venue that would help us plan and create the day of our dreams, the dreams I had since I can remember. The Verandah’s, Terrara House Estate was that venue. A stunning historic country wedding venue of timeless elegance.
I must make special mention of Rosie, the property owner and florist. Never have I seen more stunning flowers as I saw on my wedding day. My chosen colour was Aubergine. My four bridemaids wore aubergine, long, one shoulder dresses by Dessy, while my flower girl wore an ivory dress by Dessy, which we added an aubergine bow at the back to tie into my lace Oscar de la Renta gown. I envisioned my Bridesmaids holding white peonies, and I, in my ivory gown, carrying a bouquet full of aubergine flowers. So I searched high and low for a flower that fit the requirements. Finally I came across the Black Baccara. I excitedly phoned Rosie and told her my findings. She had heard of them, but had never seen them. She kindly told me it may not be possible and to come up with a second option. I decided I too would carry a bouquet of white peonies.
The day of the wedding was surprisingly calm. Benjamin and I had been together for almost nine years and I always knew we would be married eventually. My mum organised a champagne high tea, while we all got ready in the stunning salon at Terrara House Estate, while the boys were next door in the converted stables. After hair and make up was finished, we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the time before the ceremony. This is when Rosie surprised me with the most amazing bouquet of Black Baccaras, and to top it off, she had made an urn for the registry table with matching flowers. They were stunning.
As I mentioned Ben and I live abroad and adore our families. Besides making speeches, we wanted to include them in the ceremony, so we decided to have my sister and Ben’s brother marry us. We had them practicing and writing the ceremony months in advance, but managed to keep it a secret. No one knew and it was an added surprise to both our families.
Walking down the aisle was one of my favourite parts of the day. Seeing the faces of all those that I love and care about in one place together. My mum and dad both walked me down the aisle as I am exceptionally close to my mum and of course wanted my dad to also give me away. As we got close to my husband to be and the four groomsmen, Ben broke down and began to cry. I remember calling out to him ‘I love you Ben.’
The reception was divine. The food was amazing. As the band played we had canapes and cocktails after the ceremony, where guests could mingle and play croquet and giant chess. After an hour of this, guests were moved into the main marque, where a three course meal with wine, champagne, beer and spirits was served. What was so unique about the meal was it was served on platters in the middle of each table, so guests could chose what they wanted and eat as much as they liked, because, once a platter was nearing empty, a waiter would come out and replace it. So no one went hungry. If you liked steak, you could have two pieces, same with the chicken and fish. In case there were still some hungry guests. At 10pm supper was served. A platter arrived, with a leg of ham, fresh bread rolls and salads galore, accompanied with a cheese platter. Cognac was also served for those brave guests.
Our band, The Escalators played all our favourite songs as guests danced until there shoes came off. They had a bag full of funny hats and masks, which were offered around to guests to put on and pose for photographs. Its amazing the change in people when they put on a hat.
Towards the end of the night I was still left with one more surprise. Without me knowing, Ben had been rehearsing for the past month or so, 500 Miles, by The Proclaimers. Just so you are aware, Ben is not a singer. A friend grabs me and tells me to get to the front of the dance floor. I had no idea what was going on and before I knew it, Ben was at the microphone, with the band and a giant mitre (Pope hat) on his head, singing 500 Miles. The entire wedding was up on their feet, chanting and singing, and eventually putting Ben and I up on shoulders as we danced the night away. It was the perfect way to end a day I had dreamt about since I was a little girl.
To top it off we had Dan Blumenthal of Blumenthal Photography and Soda Films by his side to, capture our day… every moment, every smile, every tear, every laugh.
Photography: Blumenthal Photography | Cinematography: Soda Films | Event + Floral Design: Terrara House Estate | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Invitations: Kerri Herlihy | Shoes: Louboutin | Band: The Escalators | Celebrant: Ben Ager | Wedding Venue: Terrara House Estate