Shona & Saif
Brookleigh Estate wedding

Two celebrations in one day at Brookleigh Estate — a white gown and black tie under the spring blossom, then gold and traditional dress after dark.

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Shona & Saif married at Brookleigh Estate in early September, and theirs was really two celebrations in one day. The first was a white gown and black tie; the second, after a change into gold, was a traditional ceremony, with the reception running on into the night.

Early September put the blossom out across the estate, and we used every bit of it — the bride smiling beneath the spring blossom with her groom behind her, and a kiss under the blossom tree.

Then the Chateau. Its arched limestone doorway is the frame every couple should ask for, deep enough to throw soft, even light on anyone standing in it. Add the limestone colonnade with the veil trailing behind, a dip against the ivy-covered wall, and the bride at the leaded Chateau window with her bouquet.

When the sun went, the vine arbour lit up, and the couple walked it in traditional dress — a long tunnel of warm light with the grounds sitting dark behind.