BRIDE WE LOVE: MEET ANNASTASIA

They met on the other side of the world—and came home together.

A SHARED PERSPECTIVE

Josh and Annastasia met while doing mission work in Uganda. “We pretty much knew from the start that we were meant to be together!” said the bride-to-be. The couple spent two weeks in Africa, and arrived home utterly inseparable. “We felt comfortable together,” Annastasia continued, “and everyone could see how happy we made each other.”

THE QUICK-CHANGE

Annastasia and Josh had originally planned a large and detailed wedding, but due to the pandemic, they were forced to replan the entire event in only two weeks and cut their guest list to only 25 people. What really mattered to Annastasia and Josh? Getting married. And needless to say, according to the couple, the day was “perfect from start to finish.”

AT FIRST SIGHT

Annastasia’s favorite part of the ceremony: seeing Josh for the first time, and watching his reaction when he saw her!

THE THEME

Rustic, laid-back, and absolutely breathtaking. Josh is a landscape gardener and spends lots of time outdoors. Given his superior skills, the couple made a lot of the décor themselves—wooden welcome signs, personalized table placards. The natural venue was stunning, and surrounded by gardens designed by Josh and his father!

THE DRESS

Effortless, elegant, nature-inspired—hand-embroidered with a delicate leaf pattern in a mix of ivory and oyster shades. As Annastasia said, “I fell in love with it on my first day of dress shopping.” Soon after, Annastasia found a picture she drew as a teenager of her “dream wedding dress.” The two were almost identical. (How great is that?)

THE FIRST DANCE

“It was magic!” Annastasia told us. Josh and Annastasia danced to Major Lazer’s “Lay Your Head On Me,” a slow, romantic song that picks up speed and shifts into a faster beat. The newlyweds spun outside in the courtyard just as dusk became dark, while family and friends lit sparklers around them. Magic, indeed!

THE CAKE

The wedding cake, Victoria Sponge with jam and cream, was made from scratch by Josh’s aunt, and it was beautiful—simple and elegant, with a bit of a greenery. A floating cake stand separated the tiers, ethereal and festive.

As to what (in this case, who) makes Annastasia feel most beautiful, the answer couldn’t be clearer: Josh. “How he looks at me,” she answered.
Sounds like these two were meant to be.

Photos:KAREN GRATTAN PHOTOGRAPHY