Meghan & Matthew- Greystone Hall Fall Wedding

Meghan and Matt’s Greystone Hall fall wedding may have been late September, but felt like July.

Meghan and her nine bridesmaids were getting ready at her parents’ home in West Chester. Alyssa Gallen was doing hair for all the ladies and Hayley Gerrard was finishing up Meghan’s makeup. We grabbed Meghan’s dress and hung it in one of the window alcoves where the light was pouring through. The Diamante-embellished designer wedding gown from Stella York featured a beaded sweetheart neckline, shoulder straps, belt and back details that were just stunning. I couldn’t wait for Meghan to put it on! After finishing the rest of the details, the bridesmaids started to get dressed. Each had a different style gown in various shades of gray. Once they were finished, as was Meghan’s mom, it was time for Meghan to get into her gown. She looked absolutely amazing! We grabbed a few photos while she got her shoes, jewelry and veil on before taking her downstairs to see her dad. He was waiting for Meghan at the bottom of the stairs and said he had been waiting his whole life for this moment. Sharing in moments like this are the best part of my job.

Matthew and his groomsmen, including Meghan’s five brothers, were getting ready in the house next door. After shooting a few details, including his Eagles cuff links, we moved on to portraits. His dad helped with his cuff links, his soon to be brother in law helped with his pocket square and his best man helped with his boutonniere. At that point City Wide Limousine was waiting outside so the guys head off to the church. St. Maximilian Kolbe Church was only a few minutes away and was already filling with guests when we arrived. During the processional, each of Meghan’s brothers took turns walking their mother down the aisle to her seat. Then Meghan’s father beamed with pride as he walked his only daughter to meet her soon to be husband. The couple exchanged vows during a traditional Catholic ceremony and then greeted each guest by row as they exited. After family formals at the Church we head to Greystone.

Upon arriving at Greystone Hall, we took Meghan and Matthew inside for some portraits. I typically do couple portraits outside, but could not resist the amazing interior of the historic mansion. The mansion stairway is overlooked by stained glass windows and made for gorgeous lighting. We then grabbed the wedding party and headed outside to the amazing pergola located at the edge of the woods. They were a fun group and had some great ideas. It’s always fun when the group wants to get a little silly. We then sent the wedding party back to the mansion and did some more portraits with Meghan and Matthew. I couldn’t resist the amazing shadows from the pergola; I just love the shot of Meghan in the lines of light! The light shining through the trees was also gorgeous so I had the couple dance around in the grass for me. I didn’t want to stop shooting, but I wanted to let them enjoy cocktail hour so we finished up and head back to the mansion. While everyone enjoyed cocktails and hors’ d’oeuvres from Feastivities Catering, we shot all the great details of the reception, including the cutest bulldog place cards by The Paperly Studio.

After cocktail hour, guests filled their seats at tables featuring beautiful arrangements by Offshoots! Décor. DJ Qlassick from Scratch DJs got everyone excited for entrances and then brought in the parents of the groom, parents of the bride, the wedding party and finally the bride and groom. Meghan and Matthew enjoyed their first dance to “Wanna Be That Song” by Brett Eldredge before taking their seats. After a blessing by Meghan’s uncle, her parents shared lots of fun memories of their youngest child and only daughter and their new son-in-law.  The maid of honor and best man toasted the couple well. After dinner, Meghan danced with her father to “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion and then got a surprise from her brothers. They had gotten in touch with DJ Q to plan a surprise dance with their baby sister. Each of her five brothers took turns dancing with her to “Stand by Me” by Ben E King; it was honestly the sweetest thing! Then Matthew danced with his mom to “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men. Next the newlyweds cut their four-tiered cake from Bredenbeck’s Bakery that featured fresh roses cascading down the side and a “today & forever” topper. After that it was time to party…and party they did! The dance floor was packed and there were some top-notch moves going on.

Photographing Meghan and Matthew’s wedding day was so fun and truly a pleasure. I wish them love and joy for all the years to come. Please enjoy the highlights and slideshow below. 

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Pam & Jim- Greystone Hall Wedding

I have been anxiously awaiting Pam and Jim’s Greystone Hall wedding for the past year. It finally arrived on my husband a my fifth wedding anniversary! It was every bit as beautiful as I expected it to be. I have really spent time the last 12 months getting to know these two and their families. We have done multiple engagement sessions, family portraits, and an engagement party together. I have not only had the pleasure of getting to know them, but I have also learned a great deal about Jewish wedding customs and traditions.

Pam and Jim’s big day began at Pam’s parent’s home. Hair and makeup was being done upstairs by the girls from Gloss in the City when we arrived. Pam not only had bridesmaids getting ready, but also had four bridesmen. Four of Pam’s best guy friends were asked to stand by her on her wedding day. They took the job very seriously and owned the role. They carried on during the getting ready portion of the day wearing matching floral robes and blasting music. Their positive energy was truly infectious. After photographing the getting ready and the details we headed to Greystone Hall.

Pam got into her amazing dress by Modern Trousseau at Greystone. After revealing to her dad, Pam and I spent a few minutes doing some amazing portraits throughout the Mansion. I then spent some time with Jim and the guys before the first look. The first look took place outside. The weather was just perfect! At this point in the day we were running a little behind. We spent some time walking the grounds and grabbing some photos in the amazing pergola. This space was just a dream to shoot in. The bridal party joined us for some formal photos and some fun as well. This group was just fantastic to work with. Everyone really had a great time getting photos done which is not always the case when working with bridal parties and various personalities.

Family formals then took place in the back of the house before the ceremony got underway. After family formals we headed indoors to meet with Cantor Mark Stanton for the signing of the Ketubah. The Ketubah, or the official Jewish marriage contract, was truly a work of art. It was a very detailed paper with a cutout design around the outer edge. Once the families witnessed the signing of the Ketubah, it was time for the ceremony.

The ceremony took place outside under an amazing Huppah, adorned with incredible florals by Bri from Robertson’s Flowers. Yarmulkes were handed out as guests arrived. The ceremony itself was full of many Jewish traditions lead by Cantor Mark. Once the ceremony was over we had Pam and Jim stop at the end of the aisle for a group photo. I loved this idea! I think it is great that they have a photo of everyone who celebrated with them.

The guests headed to cocktail hour. Pam and Jim and I took a few minutes for some portraits before we lost the last inch of light. We then joined cocktail hour which took place in the back of the house. The guests enjoyed an elaborate spread of food stations by Boscov’s A la Carte Catering. Each station had a different theme that varied from hand rolled sushi fresh made paella.

I had a few minutes to sneak into the tent to get some photos of the reception space. All I can say is, wow! I was blown away by the attention to detail. The room glowed with candles.The florals were a mix of hydrangeas and peonies. The place cards were hand made. Every detail had been very clearly thought out and came together beautifully. The cake, brought in from L’Estis Desserts in Brooklyn, New York was a work of art, adorned with sugar flowers. The space was carefully lit by Brian from Events Productions.

The party really got started the minute Pam and Jim entered the reception space. They went right into a Hora. After a few minutes of dancing, it was time for toasts and first dances, followed by dinner. After dinner was served, the Janis Nowlan Band played a killer set that had everyone on their feet. Once cake cutting took place, dessert was served in the house. The dessert display, also brought in from L’Estis Desserts in Brooklyn was incredible. Every type of pastry, cake, and mousse was there. It was a sweet lover’s dream. There was even a crepe making station.

It was an incredible day and even ended on an amazing note with a send off by the band. Pam and Jim followed the horn players in a New Orleans style Second Line.

I cannot thank Pam and Jim, the Stapes, and the Meissler’s enough for trusting me to capture your memories. It was an honor to be a part of such an amazing day and to witness the love Pam and Jim have for each other and their friends and families. Also, thank you to Samantha from Secretariat Wedding and Event Planning for helping to make this day go smoothly. It was also wonderful to work with Jennifer from The Good Life Films. I am anxious to see the final video!