Emily + Ryan at Davenport House | May 2026
“Sarah, I wanted you to know how grateful I am for you. It was the perfect day. Everyone thought that you were a friend who had known us for years and were so impressed with the way you captured [us]”
Emily, a gorgeous American woman, and Ryan, a dashing British helicopter pilot, wanted a wedding ceremony that celebrated in a way that included loved ones, traditions and jokes from both sides of the Atlantic. And, for starters, they couldn’t have chosen a more chic and historical venue than Davenport House. I heard wide-eyed American guests comment after the ceremony, under parasols, sipping champagne and eating oysters no less, that it was like being transported into an episode of Bridgerton.
Don’t judge me that the first photo in men in uniform
It was posh. It was fabulous. There was no expense spared. No detail unplanned. But one thing I love about this couple is neither of them take themselves too seriously. In fact, it was Emily’s sarcasm and wit that won Ryan’s heart in the first place. Out on dating apps in the States he’d begun to think no American girl would ‘get’ his particular line of dry British humour. Then along came Emily and she out-sarcasm-ed him.
Stunning photography by Izzy J Weddings
The ceremony was a lovely blend of humour and meaning. One of my favourite moments was when I told assembled guests what Emily loves about Ryan, and when I got to “studious” there were murmurs and chuckles through his friends.
She’d told me: I love how Ryan studies. I’m in awe of his fastidious and complete notebooks of flying procedures and his skill and precision as a pilot.
But as I read this out, it was met with rising laughter.
"Oh sorry these are notes for tomorrow's wedding", I joked when seemingly no one was believing Ryan to be a studious man with his pilot folders.
Yes there were Americanisms, but given the location we really leaned into the Britishness of it all. Ryan’s pilot buddies were in full military uniforms and stood, swords drawn, when I included the line: "does anyone have any lawful reason why these two should not marry?". It was pomp-and-circumstance but done rather tongue-in-cheek.
The hymn Jerusalem was chosen as a song we could all stand and sign together and then, when it came to the moment, it was BELLOWED by the attending guests. Especially the military groomsmen on the front row. It became almost competitive in volume (which I would always choose over timid singing).
In order to honour both their lovely mums, American Mary and English Sharon, I had them both come forward to be part of a candle-lighting ritual. As well as being symbolic of family and a new union - the mothers both lighting their children’s tapered candles - and of how much we have to thank the mums for, all their dedication, love and support, we also used the candle-lighting as a moment to remember Ryan’s late dad Mark.
When Ryan and Emily emerged from Davenport House as Mr and Mrs, giddy and laughing, guests waved ribbon wands as they walked through raised military swords down the steps.
There was no doubt this wedding was impressive, but the most impressive bit to me was how much these two make each other laugh. And what could be lovelier than that?
“My best friend said that she loved how you captured the honesty of a partnership - the good and the real. You have a gift and brides and grooms are lucky you share it with us.”