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! 

Jessica & Lavon- Delaware Museum of Natural History Wedding

Jessica and Lavon’s Delaware Museum of Natural History Wedding was so fun and unique! I always love when we get to see venues that are out of the box! The day started at Jess’ aunt and uncle’s home in Kennett Square, PA. The girls came back from getting hair and makeup done at Platinum Salon in West Chester and we began shooting. I actually shot some of the details before anyone had even arrived. I found a great dark room in the home that allowed for great detail shots and portraits. I really enjoy when brides decide to get ready in a home. It is great to be able to choose the space we shoot in rather than being tied to a single hotel room. Jess looked stunning in her Madison James wedding dress. After the girls were done getting ready, I moved over to see the guys. I had never actually met Lavon until that day. Poor Lavon had thrown his back out that week and was really feeling badly the whole day. He was gracious enough to allow me to take some great portraits before the ceremony began.

The ceremony took place in the back yard. It was hot that day but the wind picked up and made it tolerable for everyone sitting in the sun. The ceremony had both Christian and Jewish influences. It was very short and sweet. I loved watching Lavon’s face as Jess came down the aisle. It was so sweet to see the love they have for each other. After the ceremony we took a few minute for family photos and then headed to the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

Once we arrived at the museum, guests were invited to mingle through the exhibits for cocktail hour. It was fun for everyone to be able to eat and drink amongst dinosaurs, sharks, and fossils. The dinner portion of the evening took place in a back room that was transformed to fit Jess’ wedding day vision. The tables were decorated with hand made paper flowers and mint table cloths. A large dinosaur head sat in the corner by the cake. The cake was even made by Jess’ cousin, Allie. Dinner was served by the students at William Penn High School’s Penn Bistro. After toasts, dinner, and cake cutting, everyone was ushered back into the center of the museum for dancing, led by the DJ from Center Stage Entertainment. Jess and Lavon’s wedding day was so fun and unique. The museum was the perfect backdrop for their vision. It’s blank slate really allowed them to put together their own DIY touches. It was wonderful to meet Jessica, Lavon, and their families. Thank you for choosing me to capture such a special day! More images are in the slideshow below!

Wende & Mike- Chester County, Pennsylvania Wedding

Wende and Mike had the sweetest Chester County, Pennsylvania wedding. When I met with Wende and Mike back in the fall, their wedding vision was very clear. They wanted it to be an intimate, no fuss, affair with their closest friends and family. Their wedding day was exactly that. The day began with Wende getting ready in her West Chester home with her mom and sisters. At first, Wende was hesitant about how the pictures would look in her home. She warned me that it was small and dark. I assured her we would make it work. I actually really enjoy working in spaces like this. All it takes is a little window light to make a great photo. I also love the time spent with the bride and the women that are close to her at the beginning of the day. Working in their old home with its charm and quirks allowed for the photos to have more personality than if we had worked in a basic hotel room. I loved all of their details! Kati Mac  in West Chester provided all of the amazing flowers for the day. Mike’s suit even had the wedding date sewn into the inside pocket.

The ceremony took place at Marsh Creek State Park. The day started off a bit rainy but completely cleared just before the “I do’s”. Only their closest family and friends were present. The ceremony location was perfect for them. Wende and Mike both love the outdoors. Mike is an avid runner who is constantly hitting the trails. The ceremony was short and sweet with photos to follow.

The reception was what we deemed a “non wedding” wedding reception. Wende changed into a cocktail dress. The setting was a Chester County farm, complete with onlooking sheep. The feeling was all about simple charm. Beer and wine and a large cheese board welcomed their guests. The cake was a “Frozen” themed birthday cake for Wende’s niece, Charlotte. The farm to table menu was served family style with a toast given by Wende’s father.

I loved the simple beauty of this wedding, with a focus on family and fun. I am thankful to have been a part of Wende and Mike’s wonderful day. It has been a great time getting to know these two, from meeting them in West Chester, to their engagement session at Longwood Gardens. I wish them all the best.

Ceremony location- Marsh Creek State Park

Reception- Chester County Farm

Flowers- Kati Mac Floral Designs

Favors- Éclat Chocolate