Shelley & Troy- John James Audubon Center Wedding

Shelley and Troy’s John James Audubon Center Wedding at Mill Grove was truly a perfect fall wedding. It took place on November 19th. As we approached the day, I was planning for a chilly wedding with bare trees. Pennsylvania surprised us this year, saving gorgeous yellow leaves and mild temperatures for late fall.

The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove is truly a spectacular venue. Once the home of the famed conservationist, this estate features 175 acres of rolling hills and trails. The venue itself features beautiful beams and stone work.

Shelley and Troy decided to nix the formalities. They skipped the “getting ready” portion of photos. We started our time together, along with videographer Michael from Envision Video Productions, at their first look under an amazing maple tree. After they spent a few moments together, we took the opportunity to walk the grounds for some portraits. The weather really was perfect and the foliage didn’t disappoint.

Shelley and Troy then took some time for photos with their families. The bridal party was made up by their children. We took photos of them together with their kids and Shelley’s parents.

The ceremony took place in a rustic barn. The barn was lit by candles and decorated with dried hydrangeas from Shelley’s garden. The ceremony was short and sweet. In the middle of the ceremony, the windows started to rattle. A storm was rolling in and the old barn was a little noisy but no one seemed to care. The ceremony was all the more intimate with Shelley and Troy’s children by their sides.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to cocktail hour in the barn. They enjoyed apple cider mimosas and a gorgeous charcuterie spread on farmhouse tables. Oysters were shucked in the corner as everyone mingled. Toasts by Shelley’s daughter and Troy’s son had everyone laughing before heading to the reception.

The reception space was all dressed up to carry on the rustic feel of the day. The flowers and decor were beautifully done by Heidi Sharkey. Music by the Love 77 band from Ebe Events and Entertainment was blaring as guests ran in the building to get away from the crazy winds. Shelley and Troy enjoyed their first dance. Shelley danced with her dad and Troy danced with his daughter. It was all very sweet. After first dances, toasts, and dinner by Jeffrey A Miller, the Love 77 band had everyone dancing. They were truly fantastic! I wish Shelley and Troy all the best. I cannot thank them enough for choosing me to capture their amazing day.

James

Amanda & Drew- Washington Crossing Inn Wedding

Amanda and Drew’s Washington Crossing Inn wedding fell on an absolutely gorgeous fall day. The day started with the girls busily getting ready in the bridal suite. The hair and makeup was all done on site by the Bridal Hair Boutique. The theme of the wedding was very classic elegance. The girls all had stunning dark brown gowns with black shawls. Florals were kept simple and stunning. Amanda chose white hydrangeas for all of the bouquets that were put together by Gordon Florists. All jaws dropped when Amanda stepped into her amazing Vera Wang gown.

We headed out to see the guys that were hanging out in the garden before the ceremony. As I walked towards the garden I was surprised to see that my brother in law was a groomsman! It was such a funny coincidence. The groomsmen shared a heartfelt gift with Drew and his parents to honor Drew’s brother who had passed away the previous year. It was very thoughtful of them. After the pesky boutonnieres were pinned, the groomsmen had some fun with photos. Drew had some really great ideas of photos that he wanted.

The ceremony took place out in the garden. It was refreshing to see one of the October weddings stay outside as planned. The look on Drew’s face was priceless as he watched Amanda walk down the aisle with her dad. The ceremony was kept short and sweet. Everyone headed right to cocktail hour. The cocktail hour was held in the other part of the garden. Everyone enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while listening to lovely music played by a string trio from Bob Egan Entertainment. It was the perfect evening for an outdoor affair. As cocktail hour got under way, I ran Amanda and Drew to the edge of the parking lot to catch the last of the light. We then took some fun photos with the bridal party and families.

Guests were ushered to the ballroom for the reception. The space was lovely and intimate with candles and chandeliers. The fireplace was lit behind the sweetheart table. It was the perfect space for a fall wedding. The evening kicked off with introductions and music by DJ Jeff Weiman. After first dances and toasts, everyone enjoyed delicious dinner by the Washington Crossing Inn. The cake was made by Cramer’s Bakery. The cake topper was an adorable silhouette of Amanda, Drew, and their cat. I loved getting to spend the evening with Amanda and Drew. I wish them all the best!

Jenna & Joe- Columbia Station Wedding

Jenna and Joe’s Columbia Station wedding fell on the second weekend in October. The day turned out to be a little bit cool and drizzly. Though the rain foiled their plans for an outdoor ceremony, it held off enough for photos outside. We started the day at the hotel where Jenna and the girls were getting ready. We were only there for a short period of time before heading to Columbia Station. We arrived at Columbia Station, where the gorgeous bouquets by Cottage Flowers. The sunflowers that they chose were perfect for fall. Columbia Station provides a bridal suite in a converted train caboose. This caboose was so adorable for photos. The girls finished getting ready and had some time to relax before the ceremony. I then met with Joe and the guys outside the venue. They had some fun throwing a football around. Everyone was ready for the ceremony and reception to begin.

The ceremony took place inside the ballroom. The staff did a great job at making sure that the indoor ceremony space was beautiful for Jenna and Joe. They were still able to have their sunflower adorned archway and glitter pumpkins as decor in the new location. It was romantic and beautiful. The trio from Aviva Strings played lovely music as Jenna was escorted down the aisle by her father.

After the ceremony, we were able to get everyone outside in the original ceremony location for photos. The space was beautiful and I was glad that we were able to at least get photos for them there. The puddles in the parking lot even made for some gorgeous reflective photos for Jenna and Joe.

The couple had some time to enjoy cocktail hour with their families and friends. One of the greatest things about a Columbia Station wedding is the food! Robert Ryan Catering really put on an amazing spread. They even had a sushi station! We got some photos of the guests mingling, and then set off to the ballroom to see the reception set up. Jenna and Joe chose beautiful fall colors. The tables were adorned with really lovely pumpkin lanterns to tie everything together. The cake by The Master’s Baker was beautifully hand painted with sunflowers. We knew it was going to be a spectacular evening.

DJ Dan of Silversound kicked off the reception with introductions followed by Jenna and Joe’s first dance. Toasts and parent dances followed. After dinner, things really picked up. The dance floor was packed the rest of the night. Guests also enjoyed a full dessert station filled with cake, s’mores, and cider donuts. Before we left, we got a few night photos for Jenna and Joe. I can’t thank Jenna and Joe enough for choosing me to capture their amazing wedding day!

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!

Mary & Bryan- Country Barn Wedding

Mary and Bryan’s Country Barn wedding in Lancaster, Pennsylvania was the definition of country chic. The day began at the Marriott in Penn Square in Lancaster where the girls were getting ready. Mary’s bridesmaids were all there for hair and makeup done by Josephine Love. Mary’s nieces were the flower girls and also got all done up for the occasion. The atmosphere in the room was very relaxed but excited for the big day.

We then headed to the Country Barn. It was a little confusing upon arrival. We almost crashed another wedding at the barn across the street. We finally got to the right location and met with Bryan and his groomsmen for some photos and family formals. Bryan seemed to be full of jitters awaiting the ceremony.

The Country Barn is very rustic but elegant. The inside has been completely renovated but still holds on to its historic charm. The ceremony took place on one side of the barn. The ceremony was short and sweet and had everyone in tears. After the ceremony there was time for family formals and portraits of the bride and groom. The couple wanted to get back for cocktail hour so we saved a few photos for during dinner.

The reception began with first dances and toasts by the maid of honor and best man. The space was decorated with long tables for a family feel. Flowers were done by Flowers by Jay which is provided by the Country Barn. All of the flowers are grown in a nursery on site. The venue also provided a delicious country buffet, complete with cake and a dessert bar.

The crowd was definitely ready for a party. Katie and I were extremely impressed by the moves on the dance floor! All the flower girls also had a blast. DJ Edge had everyone on their feet all night.  I loved spending the day getting to know Mary and Bryan’s family and friends. Their wedding was such a unique experience, from the barn animals, to the lanterns in the barn rafters. Thank you Mary and Bryan for allowing me to capture your beautiful wedding day. I wish you all the best!

Kathleen & John- Rivercrest Golf Club Wedding

Kathleen and John’s Rivercrest Golf Club wedding day was all about ease and elegance. The bride and groom were so sweet to work with, and the day was full of unexpected, beautiful moments.

I arrived at her parents’ lovely home in Phoenixville for pre-wedding shots. Kathleen and her bridal party were all smiles as they prepped for the big day ahead. They looked simply gorgeous with hair and makeup by Salena’s Salon. Kathleen drew gasps from everyone after putting on her exquisite gown. I love the new trend where the tops over the shoulders are a thin mesh, giving the illusion of strapless without the fuss! We had fun with some indoor shots before heading to the backyard for some sweet family formals underneath the trees. We were also able to capture a shot of Kathleen in her wedding gown by her parents’ front door, the same shot her siblings had taken on their own wedding days.

Our next stop was the church. Kathleen and John chose St. Ann Church, a magnificent stone church in Phoenixville, for their wedding ceremony. The stained glass windows and gothic archways did not disappoint, and the church seemed to glow just for them as we took some of their first photographs as husband and wife. Before heading off to the Rivercrest Golf Club wedding reception, we managed to get their families and all of their adorable niece and nephews together for some memorable shots outside of the church.

The Rivercrest Golf Club wedding reception was relaxed and elegant. Learning that the groom himself loves to golf, I took the wedding party out to the driving range to see if we could get creative. A kind stranger lent Jon his golf club for some fun pics with his groomsmen, before we continued on for shots under a beautiful oak tree. The Rivercrest Golf Club wedding venue provides such a variety of tranquil, lovely settings for photos. Kathleen had some ideas for her own for shots, and we all found it easy to feel inspired.

Kathleen and John’s Rivercrest Golf Club wedding continued with cocktail hour, complete with a mashed potato bar and sliders, followed by the reception in the ballroom. Pennypacker & Son Florists adorned the whole event with delicate, pretty flowers. All of the scrumptious food was catered by Rivercrest Golf Club. Friends and family toasted the bride and groom and everyone alternated between laughter and tears. It was clear that there was was a lot of love for this couple.

Well before her wedding day, Kathleen had mentioned to me that she loves sunsets. I was hoping we could capture one for her, but the sun had been in and out all day long. During dinner however, I noticed that the sun had returned just as it was about to set, and the light was spectacular. We snuck outside for some shots the results were stunning.

After the delicious dinner came dessert. Kathleen and John’s amazing cake from Cake Art Studio. The cake topper was a silhouette of the pair with their lab. The cake paired perfectly with the incredible spread of cookies, homemade by her mother. DJADUB of Scratch Records kicked this Rivercrest Golf Club wedding into high gear with a great mix of fun, danceable tracks. We took some final shots of the people they knew from different parts of their lives, from places they had lived to universities they had attended. The day had come together perfectly, and the bride, groom and their guests were all ready to let loose and celebrate together.

Kathleen and John, thank you so much for allowing me to capture your day. I wish you all the best! More photos available 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

Sarah & Colin- The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake Resort Wedding

I had such a great time at Sarah and Colin’s Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake Resort wedding. Some weddings are emotional, some are focused on the details, some are all about the food, Sarah and Colin’s wedding was about the fun. And fun it was! Their wedding took place in the Poconos. We started with getting ready at the Mt. Airy Casino and Resort where the bridal party was staying. Once I shot the details, the bridal party headed to the reception spot where we were going to be taking photos. This left me with some time alone with Sarah and her mom, Maggie. It was nice to have a quiet few minutes with them before heading off for Sarah and Colin’s first look. As much as every bride want the girls to be a part of the day, I think every bride should have a minute to herself. It was nice to take bridal portraits of Sarah with just her and her mom without a bunch of onlookers. I always ask that the bride and groom do the first look alone as well. It may just be the only time the couple will be alone all day.

After bridal portraits, we headed to the Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake Resort. What a gorgeous venue! The Lodge is situated next to a pond, with sprawling fields all around. Perfect for photos. It actually started raining as we were setting up for Sarah and Colin’s first look. It was just a few sprinkles so they grabbed umbrellas to see each other for the first time. My gear was getting a little wet so we came in to make a plan. As I was asking someone to check the weather, the skies turned a beautiful blue and stayed that way the rest of the day. No back up plan needed! The bridal party was so great to work with. The rain had passed but left us with some hot and sticky conditions. No one complained about photos in the field. The groomsmen even all agreed to some running and jumping!

We finished with photos and then headed over to the ceremony site. The ceremony took place at the Villa of Our Lady Retreat House. It was actually the first wedding ever done at the chapel there. After Sarah and Colin were officially married, we headed back to the Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake Resort. Guests were greeted with cocktails and small bites and were set to mingle in the gardens. During cocktail hour I took the opportunity to take some photos of the reception space details, including amazing florals by Julie Bree Flowers. Sarah and Colin infused their personalities into the reception with little details to show their humor. They provided each guest with a cook book of family recipes. It was titled “The Joy of Trying to Cook with Sarah and Colin”. So cute! They also brought to the reception an old TV that had been painted and transformed into a beer cap collector. They continued the beer cap collection at the reception which I loved! I have to admit, I was also a little obsessed with their cake.  It was decorated completely with sprinkles. My three year old would have loved it!

After first dances, dinner, and toasts, the crowd was ready to party! The DJ, Adam Skuba, had everyone on their feet. They were showing no signs of stopping when we left. Such a fun night and a great crowd! Sarah and Colin were so easy to work with. I appreciated them trusting my decisions and allowing me to capture their memories. I wish them all the best!