Getting Ready
The details told the story before anyone walked down the aisle. On the table: an invitation in deep mauve with Tara and Carter's names in flowing script, two hexagonal blue velvet ring boxes side by side, sparkly heels at the edge of the frame, and a bouquet of burgundy dahlias, creamy garden roses, and dusty-rose blooms. These were the colours of the whole day — rich, warm, romantic, garden-grown.
Tara got ready in a floral robe, bridesmaids around her, the room full of that particular combination of laughter and nerves that only happens on a wedding morning. When her hair was finished and her dress went on — a white ball gown with a deep-V neckline, intricate lace bodice, and a full tulle skirt — something in the room shifted. Suddenly it was real. I photographed her looking down at the bouquet in her hands, the Pineridge Hollow property just visible through the window behind her. It was a quiet moment, and a beautiful one.
Carter was dressed and ready in his navy three-piece suit with a burgundy tie to match, boutonniere of garden blooms pinned to his lapel. The groomsmen settled into their roles easily — the kind of low-key relaxed energy that comes from a groom who simply isn't wound up. Out on the Pineridge Hollow grounds, in the dappled light of the established pine trees, he looked completely at ease.