The beautiful Homestead resort was the setting for Elisabeth & Ben’s recent wedding, who enjoyed a typically fantastic day up in the mountains. While showers wet the lawn and dampened things a bit on Friday and Sunday, Saturday was bright and clear with vibrant clouds throughout the sky. Their union was a complimentary one–while both horse lovers, she came from an equestrian background, while he grew up on a ranch in New Mexico. Their hand-caligraphed invitations and other paper goods reflected this–two boots–one riding, one cowboy. Ben also wore the cowboy boots depicted on their invitations.
While Elisabeth donned her gorgeous Carolina Herrera dress and veil upstairs and sat for a few quick portraits, the library downstairs was abuzz with activity. After receiving their boutinaires, the guys sat to chat, and some played chess and checkers, while nearby best man Clay put the finishing touches on his toast. Back upstairs, Elisabeth’s dad arrived to escort her downstairs and exclaimed, “Wow!” when he first saw her, which we thought was particularly appropriate. As the processional began, Anne photographed the processional and view of the ceremony from the tower suite where Elisabeth got ready, while I was on the ground to get tighter shots of everyone. The jolly Cecil Armstrong, a local minister, led the two-reading service while the guests looked on, enjoying the shade from a nearby maple. Esme, the Homestead’s fantastic planner, then led the guests across the grand hall to cocktails in the Crystal Room while we did some family portraits as well as some of just Elisabeth and Ben around the historic resort before they joined their cocktail hour. They are such an incredibly sweet couple and both were simply glowing that day.
After dinner, even their first dance song, Leather and Lace, was apropos of their personalities, and we really enjoyed documenting their dance. The fun-loving band The Wrest kept everyone out on the dance floor and grooving until cake-cutting and champagne toasts. The cake itself was modeled on Elisabeth’s gown and both cake and Elisabeth looked stunning that evening. We even saw Rachael, the coordinator we love working with at the International Trade Center in DC, as one of the guests–small world! We also had yet another great opportunity to work with the uber-talented Allison from Pineapple Pro, who handled all of the decor and pre-wedding planning, including the fabulous floral design by Posh. It was our first time with Posh, and they did such an amazing job we look forward to photographing more of their decorated weddings! While the party had to end at some point, everyone had an amazing time and all left with big smiles on their faces, not the least of which were Elisabeth & Ben, who left a day later for Santa Fe and Taos for their relaxing and fun honeymoon out west. Congratulations you two! We had so much fun documenting your gorgeous day in Hot Springs and we couldn’t be happier for you both!
What a beautiful wedding!