Isle of Wight Winter Wedding: Leigh and Matt

Leigh and Matt married on the 22nd of December - one day after the Winter Solstice. We travelled down to the Isle of Wight with very stormy weather predicted and the forecasts were right for once! The weather made no difference to the happiness of the day and Leigh and Matt were game for getting some portraits outside in the dwindling light and drizzle. I'd say it was worth it :)

Leigh grew up in America and her family flew out for the wedding in Matt's home town. The day before the wedding, Leigh's Dad had a heart attack and was rushed to hospital. Thankfully they managed to catch it in time, but tragically it meant Leigh's Dad couldn't walk her down the aisle. In dealing with that, I don't think I've seen a person act with such grace and strength. The wonders of technology did mean that he could give his daughter away (via skype!) and even make a speech.

I asked Leigh how she dealt with it all and this is what she said:

"When I found out that my dad was on his way to the hospital in an ambulance the night before my wedding, I was in shock. One of my best friends and bridesmaid called to tell me that my dad was having chest pains, and they were just taking him in to be sure it was nothing serious. Then the really bad phone call came...He had a minor heart attack two days before and if they didn't operate soon, he might have another heart attack which could be fatal. I don't remember doing anything else but pray. I prayed while we ran all over town to get last minute things done, on the way to the hospital to visit my dad, on the ride home, during the rehearsal dinner...just constantly. At that point, the most important thing to me was that he would get the operation as soon as possible and that he would live. He was able to be airlifted to the mainland that evening (we were getting married on the Isle of Wight) and had 3 stints put in his heart. I got a call after the operation that everything was looking good, but he would have to stay at the hospital over the weekend for observation. I was heartbroken that my daddy would not be there to walk me down the aisle, but the overwhelming feeling was thankfulness that God had spared my dad's life and given us more time together. My dream as a little girl was to have my daddy walk me down the aisle, but instead my little brother was there to take my arm and lead me towards my future husband. Satan had tried to crush my spirit, make me feel hopeless and depressed, and ruin the joy of the day. But God had bigger plans, and He got the victory in the end. I was able to stand with my friends, family, and brothers and sisters in Christ around me and worship God and my dad would live to see me as a married woman. God's presence was so close on that day, it was almost tangible. He gave me strength and courage to know that no matter what happens, Christ is enough for me. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28"

I love the warmth and the twinkle of a Christmas wedding and they did such a beautiful job of decorating Languard Manor. Here's just a few of my favourites from their day:

With that, our 2012 weddings came to a close, and what a wedding to end with! Thank you so much to Matt and Leigh and all our 2012 couples for making it such a special year.