Sarah & Daniel- Chester County Wedding

Sarah and Daniel’s Chester county wedding day was full of joy and surprises! We started out at Sarah’s parents’ house where the girls, along with Sarah’s dog Macy were getting ready. The energy was light and fun. The hair and makeup team from Fabrizio Salon were putting final touches on the girls. The house was all decorated for Christmas which make for some great backdrops for photos. I also loved having festive small details to include with my ring and invitation shots. We took some photos of all the bridesmaids in a bedroom. Even Macy joined in on the fun! Sarah got dressed and looked gorgeous in her backless gown.

We then headed over to the Hilton Garden Inn in Kennett Square where the guys were putting on their final touches. Daniel was obviously extremely excited for the fun to start. We took a few quick photos here and then headed over to the church.

When arrived at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester just a few minutes ahead of the bridal party. The church was fully decorated for Christmas and I knew it was going to be a gorgeous ceremony. Once the bride and groom arrived, I set up for their first look. Sarah and Daniel decided to do a first look to make sure that most of their photos were done before their ceremony. This was a smart decision, as their ceremony was taking place after sunset. Sarah and Daniel saw each other for the first time in the courtyard at Westminster. The stone facade of the church provided the perfect backdrop for a Chester county  wedding. Daniel was giddy with excitement. We gave them a few moments to themselves before taking family and bridal party photos.

We then took Sarah and Daniel for a little walk for their portraits. Sarah had scoped out a pretty path across the street. This was perfect! There was even a small pond which made for some nice reflection shots. Sarah and Daniel were relaxed and natural together for their photos. They were great to work together.

The ceremony got underway with the church perfectly lit with Christmas lights. Sarah’s very talented bridesmaids even performed during the ceremony, one was a singer, and one played the french horn. After their sweet vows, they sealed the moment with a kiss, and Daniel even gave a fist pump. One of my favorite moments came next. Because it was already dark, Sarah and Daniel decided to have a sparkler exit from the church. These are some of my favorite photos of the day.

We then headed to Loch Nairn Golf Club in Avondale, Pennsylvania. The Great Room looked very festive with long tables and white floral arrangements from Le Style 25. During cocktail hour, we took some time for some lovely night photos with Sarah and Daniel. It was nice to get these done early on in the night. After cocktail hour came the bridal party entrances and Sarah and Daniel’s first dance. As they were going to sit down, DJ Binh from SilverSound Djs announced that Daniel had a surprise in the works. A keyboard was brought out and Daniel sang a song to Sarah that he had prepared. I think the entire room was in tears. It was very sweet. The tears kept flowing as Sarah’s dad gave a memorable toast, followed by the best man and maid of honor.

After dinner and cake cutting, DJ Bihn had the dance floor packed! I loved these photos from the end of the night. Katie and I had such a great day with Sarah and Daniel and their families. It was truly an honor to capture their amazing moments. Please enjoy the photos and slideshow below. Planning a Chester county wedding? Please contact me to capture your day! 

Allison & Anthony- Red Clay Room Wedding

Allison and Anthony’s Red Clay Room wedding fell on a beautiful day full of beautiful people. We started at Allison’s parents’ house with the ladies getting ready. Salon by Dominic did all the girls’ hair and was putting the finishing touches on Allison’s makeup when we arrived. We started with the dress…a stunning Casablanca gown with beaded lace appliqués accented with Swarovski Crystals, pearls, and silver backed sequins over Luxe Satin. I just loved the pearl encrusted spaghetti straps; such an unexpected and delicate feature! Then I grabbed her shoes and jewelry. Allison had beautiful heels for the day, but also custom made Nike sneakers with her soon-to-be last name on them. They were a gift from Anthony. I also had to get a few shots of the family dog, Kooper. He was very friendly and fluffy! Once makeup was done, we went upstairs to get Allison and her bridesmaids in their cute bride and bridesmaid tank tops. Then everyone went to get dressed. We stepped out so Allison could get into her gown. Her mom and sisters helped her get her shoes, jewelry and veil on. We grabbed her bouquet from Fresh Designs Flora and Events which was overflowing with white and pale pink roses, peonies and ranunculus. I don’t know if it smelled or looked more amazing! We asked everyone to step out of the room so Alan, the videographer from VideoGems Videography, and I could focus totally on Allison. She looked amazing and was so natural in front of the camera…she made my job easy. Next we stopped at Anthony’s mom’s farmhouse; it was gorgeous! There were horses everywhere and the barn and pond made for fantastic backgrounds for photos with her bridesmaids.

Now it was time to make our way through the crowded streets of Kennett Square to get to the Red Clay Room wedding venue. With the Mushroom Festival in full swing, we had to maneuver around lots of closed streets, but we arrived with plenty of time. Guests were being seated in front of a beautiful gazebo along the banks of the White Clay Creek. There were programs, water and even beer for guests as they arrived. The chalkboard read “grab a program and a beer, our wedding day is finally here!” They even had custom Allison and Anthony beer cozies! The couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends and sealed the service with a sand ceremony. As guests head to cocktail hour, we gathered both sides of the families for formals. Then we had some fun with the wedding party before taking Allison and Anthony off for some portraits. I took them straight to the small covered bridge that I had been eyeing up before the ceremony. I knew it would be perfect if the clouds would just get out of the way. We had to be patient, but finally we got some sun and I wanted to make the most of it. Allison’s dad came out and told us we better get inside before we missed the reception.

While the wedding party got ready for entrances we met DJ John Scibello, who filled us in on the order of events. The parents danced their way in, followed by the wedding party and finally the bride and groom. Then everyone’s attention was directed to the screen over the dance floor where a video of Anthony’s proposal played. They then enjoyed their first dance to “To Make You Feel My Love,” sung by Garth Brooks. Anthony danced with his mom to “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton and Allison danced with her dad to “I’ll Be Your Man” by Zac Brown Band. After the blessing came the speeches. Allison’s matron of honor and twin sister spoke about the special bond that twins have, they’ve been best friends since day one and they share everything….even Anthony! You see the two dated for about a week back in 6th grade.  Allison’s older sister also toasted the couple and gave Anthony some great gift ideas for future anniversaries. Last, came Anthony’s brother and best man. He spoke of how he’s always looked up to Anthony and loved playing baseball with him. He said that Anthony had some pretty great home runs during his baseball career, but non as impressive as the home run he landed in Allison.

While guests enjoyed a delicious spread by Capozzoli’s Catering, I shot the rings and some other details of the reception. After dinner DJ John got everyone on the dance floor; the kids were really tearing it up. And everyone loved doing the Polka for the dollar dance! After some more dancing, the newlyweds took a break to cut their gorgeous cake from Master’s Baker. Allison and Anthony had some cake smashing fun, but not into each other’s faces. They surprised everyone and smashed the cake into the faces of the matron of honor and best man! It was hilarious!

Allison and Anthony were such a fun couple to spend the day with and I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to photograph their wedding day. Please enjoy the highlights and slideshow below.

Jackie & Kyle- Mendenhall Inn Grand Ballroom Wedding

When I think of love, beauty, and celebration, Jackie and Kyle’s Mendenhall Inn Grand Ballroom Wedding is the day I think of. The couple was surprised to have snow on the ground for their March 18th wedding, but not even a little rain could damper their spirits. It was a day overflowing with love.

We started at Jackie’s parents’ home in Glen Mills where she and her eight bridesmaids were getting ready. The mood was light and the house was brimming with gold confetti and tulle. You could see the joy and anticipation on her parents’ faces as they watched their only daughter getting ready for her wedding day. Hair and makeup was flawless thanks to Joseph Anthony Salon and Jackie’s wedding dress from Claire’s Fashions was just dreamy. The open back and lace of the dress looked exquisite under Jackie’s mom’s veil.

Once dressed, we asked for a few moments alone with Jackie to take some portraits. You’d never know how dreary it was outside upon seeing the beautiful light coming through the windows. Jackie said her dad would be excited that we used the newly renovated bathroom for photos!

We then headed to the church to meet Kyle and his groomsmen…all 9 of them! We grabbed Kyle for a few quick portraits while the groomsmen made quick work of their boutonnieres. I have to say these guys get an A+ for their speed and accuracy! Kyle was excited to see Bells of Ireland in his boutonniere from Matlack Florist. We knew he was proud of his Irish heritage when we saw he choose a Claddagh ring for his wedding band. The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring given which represents love, loyalty, and friendship and I think that certainly sums up his and Jackie’s relationship.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church is simply lovely. From the stained glass window behind the alter, to the amazing wood beams overhead, it was a beautiful place for Jackie and Kyle to exchange vows in front of their family and friends. During the ceremony Jackie and Kyle were presented with a beautiful, hand-painted blessing from the Pope from Kyle’s parents which I’m sure they will cherish forever. 

After the ceremony, we spent some time on the beautiful altar for family photos. We then followed the limo because we had a very special stop to make before heading to the reception venue. The entire day was packed with incredible moments, but this moment stands out… visiting Jackie’s grandmother at her nursing home. Nana was sweet and a little bit sassy! I’m so glad we got the opportunity to meet her and get some photos.

Now it was time to head to the reception site. The captivating Mendenhall Inn Grand Ballroom wedding venue showcases a breathtaking spiral staircase under a stunning crystal chandelier. The table décor was simple yet elegant as was the cake from Masters Baker. I couldn’t wait to get photos on the dance floor as the lights reflected beautifully on it.

We got some bridal party shots on the striking staircase before heading outside. The bride and groom didn’t want to keep their friends outside in the rain for too long, but the few photos we got out there were amazing. We sent the bridal party in and were thrilled when the newlyweds said they wanted to stay out. Jackie and Kyle didn’t mind the rain at all…they tromped through snow, mud and puddles without a single complaint! After walking around the property, we did take a minute to let them get warm next to the cozy fireplace at the Mendenall Inn Restaurant. Jackie and Kyle were a true delight to photograph. You could honestly feel the love between them and I think it really shows in their photos.

While we gathered some groups of family and friends for a few last shots, guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the large outdoor terrace area surrounded by beautiful greenery. They enjoyed custom cocktails, delectable hors ‘devours and even a crab cake station. Then it was time for the real party. Once the guests were seated, DJ Dan from Silver Sound got them all back on their feet for parent and bridal party entrances. These are always a fun part of the night, but the bride and groom made the grandest entrance of all to Danza Kuduro by Don Omar which had the whole bridal party rocking out.

Jackie and Kyle enjoyed their first dance, followed by parent dances and a few toasts. Then everyone relaxed and enjoyed dinner served by the wonderful team at Mendenhall. Their white glove service is truly fantastic. It wasn’t long before DJ Dan opened the dance floor and had it packed. There were some serious dance moves being busted out and we’ve never seen so many people do the Wobble! Maybe it was the candy bar that kept them full of energy all night. They were certainly a fun group to spend the evening with.

Jackie and Kyle, thank you for entrusting me with your special day and I wish you two nothing but all of the magic you shared with us at your wedding! Please enjoy some photos and more highlights in the slideshow below. 

Erin & Kane- Brandywine Manor House Wedding

From the minute I met Erin and Kane about 2 years ago, I knew that their Brandywine Manor House wedding was going to be a fun one. Their wedding fell on the first of October. It was a drizzly and chilly day. The weather was not going to bring anyone down. Everyone was cheerful and excited.

Everything took place at the amazing Brandywine Manor House. The Brandywine Manor House really does a great job accommodating all types of weddings. They have great bridal suites for both the girls and guys to get ready in. The mood in the getting ready rooms was relaxed and fun. The girls had already gotten their hair and makeup done at Emily Alice Salon in West Chester. Erin rocked pink hair on her wedding day which just perfectly matched her bubbly personality. I loved the colors and different dress styles that the girls wore. Their bouquets were lovely pastel florals by Elaine’s Flowers.

The ceremony took place in the barn. The wedding was officiated by Erin’s grandfather, and both of her parents walked her down the aisle. Erin and Kane wrote their own sweet vows together. It was a beautiful ceremony that had many crying tears of joy.

After the ceremony, the guests ventured below the barn for the cocktail hour while we took some time for photos. Family formals took place in the barn to keep everyone warm and dry. Erin and Kane had no problem venturing into the drizzle for their portraits. It really was just misty, which made for some beautiful moody photos.

Everyone was welcomed back into the barn for the reception. The fireplace was lit and string lights twinkled through the rafters. It was the perfect ambiance for a cool fall day. Erin put together all of the center pieces and decor herself. Toasts were made and dinner was served. Erin and Kane chose upscale barbecue by Hess Barbecue Catering for dinner. It was the perfect comfort food and everyone loved it.  Another twist on traditional, Erin and Kane chose to serve apple cider donuts from Northbrook Farms as their main dessert with a small cake to cut at the top tier. Who doesn’t love a cider donut!

After dinner everyone was excited to dance! Kane’s father was the leader of the band RK3. Erin’s sister, Laura sang a few special songs during the night as well, including Erin and Kane’s first dance. Having their family incorporated into the wedding was very important to Erin and Kane. It really made the wedding such a fun family affair. This was such a wonderful wedding to be a part of and I loved being able to capture it for Erin, Kane, and their families.

Evan & Anita Rose- Philander Chase Knox Estate Wedding

Evan and Anita Rose were married on a perfect September day. Their Philander Chase Knox Estate wedding day was incredibly sweet from start to finish.

I first met up with Anita Rose and her bridal party at her parents’ home. The girls were getting ready, with makeup by Ashley Gallo, and the mood was light and excited. Anita Rose’s wedding dress was a stunning, one-of-a-kind gown and her bridesmaids looked exquisite in halter-style blush colored dresses. In the meantime, Katie worked with Evan and the groomsmen as they got ready for the day ahead.

We worked closely with the Florescio Films video team. It quickly became a team effort and we really enjoyed working with them throughout the entire day.

After preparations, our next location was at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Coatesville for the ceremony. Harpist Meghan Davis provided enchanting music for the guests. I loved the look on Evan’s face as Anita walked down the aisle. After the ceremony we took time to get family formals with everyone, as well as some shots of just the bride and groom.

Next we were off to the reception site. The Philander Chase Knox Estate wedding venue in Valley Forge is a picturesque venue newly opened for weddings. Rolling meadows gave way to creeks and towering trees all around us as we were simply surrounded by nature. It is definitely a special venue with an abundance of rustic and historic charm.

We had a lot of fun with the bridal party shots. We followed a path that led to a bridge over Valley Creek. The photos of everyone on the bridge were amazing. I had to actually go into the creek to get some of them but it was well worth it. On the other side of the bridge was an old, historic barn. We found the most incredible light and space inside an old chicken coop and captured some fantastic shots. Evan and Anita Rose were wonderful to work with. They were natural in front of the camera and their love for each other really shines through in their photos.

After this we headed back to the reception space, which was a gorgeous draped tent. Inside, the florals were breathtaking. Evan’s brother Ryan had hand built flower boxes that had a reclaimed barn wood look for the centerpieces. The Argyle Bouquet filled them with a mix of soft pink and green hydrangeas, blush colored roses, and touches of silver leafs and indigo thistle and tied in with the bridal party’s elegant bouquets. Set atop the long farmhouse style tables, the look came together beautifully.

Everyone enjoyed the the lovely dinner by Robert Ryan Catering. The delicately decorated cake was made by The Master’s Baker. The toasts had everyone crying with laughter as did a special dance by Evan’s brothers. The Rich Posmontier Ensemble brought the party to life and provided fantastic entertainment that had the dance floor shaking all night.

It was such a fun and beautiful day and Katie and I enjoyed being a part of it all. Congratulations and best wishes to Evan and Anita Rose!

Jessica & Jack- Wedding at The Old Mill

Jessica and Jack’s wedding at The Old Mill by Conner Catering in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania was straight out of a fairytale. We started the day getting ready at the Best Western Plus in Concordville. Immediately upon walking in, I just knew this day was going to be magical. The floral arrangements by Fresh Designs Florist were just amazing. Their wedding day came at the peak of dahlia season. They incorporated these majestic flowers everywhere. This is not a flower we see often at weddings and I just loved it! Jessica’s dress made by Justin Alexander fit her like a glove. I also loved Jessica’s choices in jewelry. They were very understated and unique. Jessica chose very simple but elegant hair and makeup done by Chelsea of Essentials Salon. Jessica and Jack both gave each other gifts. Jack gave Jessica two gold roses and Jessica gave Jack her uncle’s bass guitar. It was clear that both of them really put thought into every aspect of this day.

The ceremony site at The Old Mill was adorned with more amazing dahlias and roses. The space really had an english garden feel. The ceremony was short and sweet. It was very hot on this September day so the guests were glad to step inside to start the reception. We took the couple out for some portraits together. The sun peaked out just in time for some very romantic photos.

The reception space was just amazing. All of the details were so romantic and carefully planned. More dahlias sat atop the cake by Master’s Baker. The crowd was so much fun. Jessica and Jack’s family and friends absolutely loved to dance. The moves on the dance floor, led by the DJ from Schaffer Sound, were really impressive. Katie and I really enjoyed this wedding and the thought that Jessica and Jack put into it. I wish Jessica and Jack all the best and cannot thank them enough for having me as a part of their day. More images in the slideshow below!

Gretchen & Dave- Brandywine Manor House Wedding

Gretchen and Dave’s Brandywine Manor House wedding was nothing short of enchanting. I first met this couple for their engagement session a few days after this winter’s huge snow storm. They were incredibly fun to work with, happily trudging through the snow banks to have an impromptu snowball-fight photo session. It was quite clear to me from the beginning that they are a couple who delight in each other’s company.

From snowy to sizzling, their wedding day was the opposite as far as weather is concerned. It was about 90 degrees and quite humid, but they did not skip a beat. Gretchen and Dave, as well as their bridal party, were so upbeat for the formal photos, and their sweetness shines throughout their whole album. I arrived for this Brandywine Manor House wedding in the early afternoon and was immediately struck by how magical a venue it is. The Brandywine Manor House is the epitome of quintessential Chester County beauty. Surrounded by buildings built in the 1700s and acre upon acre of meadows and mature trees, you can’t help but feel like you’ve been transported to another time. It’s a spectacular blend of rustic and refined; a real gem.

This Brandywine Manor House wedding ceremony took place outdoors at a serene location alongside a stream. Gretchen and Dave exchanged vows under an incredibly designed floral arch. I loved the understated elegance of their bouquets and boutonnieres, all made of just Baby’s Breath. Their simple floral aesthetic carried through as the flower girls wore wreaths of Baby’s Breath on their heads. The bride herself was a vision, with a lace overlay gown and a woodland floral crown.

The reception opened with a casually elegant cocktail hour. The guests retreated below the circa 1794 preserved barn to cool off with some drinks and games. The couple’s signature cocktail was called the “Luna”, named after their dog. A few rounds of disc-game Kan-Jam kicked off the night.

The reception took place in the refinished Manor Barn Loft, a breathtaking room with natural wood beams, thick-plank barn floors, and strung lights. They opted for long narrow tables, which gave dinner a warm, family feel. The “almost naked cake” (very little icing) by Master’s Baker contributed to the sweet, rustic aesthetic. There were quite a few toasts by friends and family and endless laughter and cheer throughout the night. Dinner by John Serock was divine. Afterwards, guests were up and dancing to Bachelor Boys Band, having a blast. I took the opportunity to whisk the bride and groom outside once more so they could enjoy some photos together in the subdued temperatures and dusk lighting.

From the beauty of a Brandywine Manor House wedding to the great energy of the wedding party and guests, it was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful couple’s enchanting day. I cannot thank Gretchen and Dave enough for sharing their memories with me. I wish them all the best. More photos in the slideshow below. 

Caterer: John Serock Catering

Band: Bachelor Boys Band

Florist: Green Meadows Florist

Cake: The Master’s Baker

Hair/make up: Avante Salon and Spa

Dress: Willow by by Watters