A Family Affair at Shadow Creek
When Kristen Kokkonen and Ben Simon decided to get married, they knew they wanted a day that was unpretentious, fun loving and all about them and their families. The grand equestrian barn and beautiful grounds of Shadow Creek in Loudoun County provided the perfect setting for this October 21, 2017 wedding. And there was even a special four-legged guest!
Before the ceremony, Kristen had the opportunity to take bridal portraits with one of Shadow Creek's equine residents. He later joined the cocktail hour for treats and photo ops with the guests. Kristen and Ben thoughtfully provided hand wipes for them.
It was a beautiful fall day - just delightful for an outdoor ceremony. The decor celebrated the harvest season and orange was a key component in the color scheme with accents of blue. An adorable goddaughter served as flower girl and even the groom shed some tears during the touching ceremony.
Taking advantage of the spectacular weather, the couple made sure to get some memorable sunset photos. Want sunset photos on your wedding day? Be sure to consult the Farmer's Almanac for the time the sun sets and plan on taking your photos 15 minutes before Old Sol dips from the sky. It can be a tricky task, so stay on time!
Decorating the guest tables for the reception were truly unique pieces. Using reclaimed wood from the family farm in the Midwest, Kristen's dad made boxes which contained bottles collected by the family. The bottles, each containing a simple floral arrangement, were wrapped in twine and burlap with lace. To complete this "country casual" reception, guests enjoyed truffle Mac & Cheese, sliders and upscale bar-b-que from Grandale Catering.
Thinking about your own "country casual" reception? Let these images from 1001 Angles Photography serve as a source of inspiration.
