The reception began less than an hour later inside the house.
Round tables of two filled the garden beneath another canopy. White flowers decorated the centrepieces, while soft lights hung above them.
The children remained in their own little party in another part of the property, where they were being watched by the adults assigned to keep an eye on them.
For the first time in a long while, the adults had the entire evening to themselves, and it felt more like a private date for all the couples present than a wedding reception.
Music played softly as everyone settled into their seats with their partners.
Stefan sat with Genevieve at the centre table, her head rested against his shoulder as they looked around at their family and friends who were eating and chatting with their partners.
"I'm glad we chose to do it this way. We are surrounded by so much love. Look at them all engrossed in each other," Genevieve said softly.
