Alexis and Ron, Greystone Hall Wedding Venue

Alexis and Ron’s Greystone Hall wedding fell on a chilly November day. We met Alexis and her bridesmaids at the Sheraton Inn where they were getting ready. Since five of the girls are stylists, they took turns doing each other’s hair and makeup. We grabbed a few pics of them in their satin robes before moving on to details. Alexis’ sheath style gown was very light and flowy with a gorgeous beaded and satin belt. Her bridesmaids wore full length gown in blush and beige and they were ready to have fun. I snapped a few pics of Alexis getting into her dress before heading over to the Greystone Hall wedding venue.

Once the girls arrived at Greystone, we grabbed her bouquet from Sweet Pea Florists and took Alexis to the amazing mansion stairway. The stairway is overlooked by stained glass windows and makes for the most gorgeous lighting. Alexis looked just flawless; her dress fit perfectly and I loved the magnolia leaf headpiece she wore. Her bouquet had roses, peonies and anemones in various shades of pink. She laughed when I asked her to dance around in her dress, saying that was the most girlish she’s ever been. What better day than your wedding to by ultra girly! Ron and his groomsmen arrived next so we met them in the library. They wore navy suits with blush colored ties and brown shoes. I could tell Ron was so excited. The guys put on their succulent boutonnieres from Sweet Pea Florists and then I took Ron off for the first look. Alexis and Ron couldn’t stop smiling when they saw each other…it was such a sweet moment. We did a few portraits before moving on to bridal party formals as we were losing the light. The large group was really fun to work with and troopers about being out in the cold as the sun went down.

Alexis and Ron exchanged vows in the Great Hall. This was my first time shooting an indoor ceremony at the Greystone Hall wedding venue. What a great space! The couple chose to have a simple ceremony officiated by their friend, PK. Many happy tears were shed during the couples self-written vows and you could really feel the love coming from the family and friends. After the ceremony, guests set off to cocktail hour. The main bar was in the Iron and Glass Palm Room overlooking the North Garden.  While we made quick work of family formals, guests enjoyed butlered hors’ d’oeuvres by Sage Catering. After family formals, we shot the reception area; the Tent-Pavilion was lit by small twinkle lights along the perimeter and highlighted by two beautiful white lanterns on either side if the Great Hall doors. Iron lanterns and vases full of succulents served as beautiful centerpieces of the guests’ tables, while magnolia leaf garland accentuated the sweetheart table. When it was time for dinner, guests were ushered into the tent. The DJ from Xclusiv Entertainment settled down the excited crowd so he could make introductions. After parents made their entrances, all the bridesmaids came out dancing, followed by all the groomsmen. Alexis and Ron then made their debut to Wifey by Next. Surrounded by all their closest family and friends, they enjoyed their first dance to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love. About midway through the song it changed over to the UB40 version of the song and the couple invited everyone onto the dance floor. It was tough getting everyone back into their seats because they were ready to dance! Before dinner was served, Alexis’ sister gave a toast where she read excerpts from her diary starting on the day Alexis was born. She even spoke about the time they went to camp and Alexis kissed some boy named Ron. Ron’s two cousins spoke next and both talked about how Ron is more of a brother to them than a cousin. They offered words of advice, admiration and love for the couple, and one even sang a few lines with a very impressive voice. During dinner, Alexis and Ron snuck off to cut their cake in the Dining Room. The barely naked cake by Master’s Baker was a sight to be seen! I loved the hint of sparkle mixed into the icing. After dinner, Alexis danced with her dad to Hero by Mariah Carey and Ron with his mom to Three Times a Lady by Lionel Richie. Finally the dance floor was officially open and it was packed! This group was having such a great time that it was hard to say goodbye.

I really enjoyed spending the day at the Greystone Hall wedding venue with Alexis and Ron. They are obviously head over heels in love and that is always something I am happy to be part of and capture. Please enjoy the highlights and slideshow below. Please contact me to capture your love. 

Ashley & Scott- Brandywine Picnic Park Wedding

Ashley and Scott’s Brandywine Picnic Park wedding was the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. We started at Hotel Warner where Ashley and the girls were getting ready. Avante West Chester had already given the ladies perfect hair and makeup and they were all relaxing when we arrived. We hung Ashley’s gorgeous mermaid-style Robert Bullock gown in the window and got to work. I really loved the simplicity of this dress; it was all white satin with a beaded belt to add just enough zest. The Kate Spade shoes with bows at the back were a perfect addition. Once Ashley’s mom and bridesmaids were dressed, it was time for her to slip into the gown. It fit her perfectly and she was glowing in it. After her mom and sister helped her with her jewelry, shoes and veil, we asked everyone to step out of the room so we could have a moment alone with Ashley for portraits. We grabbed the beautiful bouquet from Blue Moon Florist which was filled with roses and dahlias and got started. The light coming through the sheers was so beautiful and so was Ashley.

We then head over to St. Agnes Parish to meet Scott and his groomsmen. We took a few moments to stare in awe at this exquisite church before grabbing a few portraits of Scott. Guests started arriving so we got set up for the ceremony. The bridesmaids wore champagne colored gowns and the groomsmen wore navy suits with maroon ties. Ashley’s niece was flower girl and she pulled the cutest little ring bearer down the aisle in a wagon engraved with the couples names and wedding date. Reverend Michael G. Mullen married the couple in front of their family and friends during a traditional Catholic ceremony. Afterwards we got a quick shot of all the guests cheering for the newlyweds outside the church and family formals were taken in front of the striking alter before heading to our next stop.

We arrived at Brandywine Picnic Park which is nestled amidst the rolling hills of Southern Chester County and sits along the scenic Brandywine Creek. We gathered the wedding party for photos under Lenape Bridge, a gorgeous stone arch bridge built in 1912. We then took some time with the bride and groom before heading to cocktail hour in the pavilion, which was decorated with festive white pumpkins, lantern candles and lush green ferns. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Hickory House Catering at Brandywine Picnic Park. Some guests explored the picnic park, checking out the miniature golf course, riders, and the petting zoo including llamas, chickens and goats. There was even a talkative bird named Francis! Next everyone head over to a beautifully lit tent for dinner. DJ Nick Digiulio of White label DJ’s introduced the parents, bridal party and then the bride and groom. Ashley and Scott shared their first dance on the checkered dance floor while family and friends watched with big smiles. After the blessing came toasts by the maid of honor and best man. They both spoke of their love and admiration for the Ashley and Scott and the way the couple perfectly completes each other. After dinner Ashley danced with her dad and Scott with his mom. They then cut their cake before officially opening the dance floor for everyone to rock out. Guests loved dancing around with glow sticks and especially the ice cream sundae bar featuring ice cream from the Penn State University Creamery.

Ashley and Scott are such a sweet couple and I loved being part of their wedding day. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into their beautiful day.

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. 

We

Amanda and Dan- Penn Oaks Golf Club Wedding

The one word that I would use to describe Amanda and Dan’s Penn Oaks Golf Club wedding would be joyous. The day started with both of them getting ready at the Wyndam Garden in Glen Mills. It was there that we joined up with Nicole from Moving Memories Videography. We started with the guys getting ready. The guys were very relaxed and low key. We took some photos of the details and some portraits of Dan and headed to the girls suite. A trail of glitter confetti lead us to the room. Inside the vibe was completely different from the guys. This was a getting ready party! The room was decorated with confetti and streamers. The music was blasting and everyone was really having a great time. I’m pretty sure I still have the playlist from this room stuck in my head! Amanda and the girls were very excited for the day to come. After Amanda was dressed in her amazing lace gown it was time to go. Amanda’s stepfather lead her to the parking lot where his Corvette was waiting to bring them to the church.

The ceremony took place at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester. This church is beautiful and full of lovely light. The ceremony was a shortened mass. I loved the looks on both Amanda and Dan’s faces as they saw each other down the aisle. After the ceremony, we took some time for family formals and bridal party portraits in the church. We then headed across the parking lot for a photo of Amanda and Dan with a beautiful Chester County field in the background.

We all headed to Penn Oaks. More bridal party photos were taken. We then got the chance to head out with just Amanda and Dan on a golf cart. Dawn from Penn Oaks took us to all the favorite photo spots. It was really a gorgeous fall day and we got the opportunity to take photos before dusk, when the light was just perfect. Once we got back, cocktail hour was finished and guests were ushered to the ballroom.

The ballroom for the reception was decorated with amazing purple orchids. The flowers were all provided by Wise Originals. The cake by The Master’s Baker was also decorated with these delicate flowers. Amanda and Dan came right into their first dance. They chose a Dave Matthews song which I loved. Toasts were made by the best man, the maid of honor, and by Amanda’s stepfather. After dinner, dancing was held out in the tent, lead by DJ Tony Brooks.

I can’t thank Amanda and Dan enough for choosing me to capture their day. They are truly just wonderful human beings. I loved spending the day with them and getting to know them through the process of their wedding planning. I wish them all the best.

Jess & Gerardo- Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast Wedding

Jess & Gerardo’s Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast wedding was all about the joining of families. This wedding was near and dear to my heart. I know Jess from the YMCA in West Chester where she works. She works in childcare and has taken care of my kids since they have been going there as babies. I also shot one of their best friends’ weddings last year. Before Jess contacted me, I had decided I was not going to take any more October weddings. But of course I decided to break my own rules.

The day was very much about the kids. Jess has 3 children and Jess and Gerardo have one child together. The day was not just a wedding between two people, but a blending of families. The kids were all very excited! They all received gifts and loved every second! They got the be part of the whole day, from the getting ready, to the ceremony, to the dancing. Little Ethan walked his mom down the aisle and was very emotional through the whole ceremony. It was very sweet. I also have to give a shout out to my Associate Photographer, Katie, for the great shot of Jess and Ethan right before the ceremony.

I also loved the vendors that Jess and Gerardo chose for their intimate affair. They chose all local vendors which was really great. Kati Mac provided the gorgeous purple and white florals. The cake, and surprise grooms cake were made by Cakes and Candies by Maryellen. My brother in law’s company, Greensleeves Entertainment, provided the DJ and guitarist. Delicious food was provided by John Serock Catering. Hair was done by Hair by Patti Ann (also my hairdresser, who was also my daughter’s best friend at the Y). Makeup was done by Jennifer Harris at Confidence Corner Beauty Supply.

I loved being a part of this beautiful day. It was great to shoot a wedding where I knew so many people, from the vendors to those on the guest list. I wish Jess and Gerardo a lifetime of happiness!

Kristin & Jon- Penn Oaks Golf Club Wedding

Kristin & Jon’s Penn Oaks Golf Club wedding was incredibly lovely and lots of fun.

Kristin first contacted me after finding me online, and we soon came to realize that actually she works with my husband. I did their engagement session at Longwood Gardens, a special place for them as it is where Jon proposed. They were a pleasure to work with and I was really looking forward to their wedding.

Fast forward to their wedding day, which may just have been the hottest day of the whole summer. I met Kristin and her bridesmaids at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in nearby Glen Mills, where they were getting ready, wearing really cute matching robes and enjoying their last few moments together before the wedding. They all dressed and looked stunning, with hair and makeup by Betty Ann Bugden and Michelle LaBlanc. The flower girls and ring bearer were also there and clearly excited to be behind the scenes with Kristin. Gorgeous florals provided by Flowers by the Greenery provided lovely accents to all of the photos. We stopped in to see the guys in their hotel suite as well before heading to Penn Oaks. It was clear to see that the pre-wedding jitters had set in.

We moved on to Penn Oaks Golf Club, where Kristin and Jon had separate quarters for finishing preparations and relaxing. They had decided to do a First Look shoot, so I brought Jon to the spot where he would first see Kristin to set everything up. He was definitely anxious to see his bride, and when she approached it was a moment of true emotion for them both.

After that, the bridal parties joined for photos all together. Due to the heat, we moved fairly quickly, and everyone was laid back and easy to work with. A Penn Oaks Golf Club wedding staff member offered to transport us around on a golf cart, which provided a refreshing break. There is a gorgeous grove of wildflowers along the golf course that provided a picturesque backdrop for photos. Once we got some great shots, everyone retreated indoors to cool off for a final moment before the ceremony began.

The timing of the ceremony was perfect, as the sun fell just enough to provide shade for the guests as they found their seats. Videographer Lexoria Wedding Films was there to capture it all. Kristin and Jon had written their own vows to each other, which were incredibly sweet and brought their family and friends to tears.

The Penn Oaks Golf Club wedding reception space was decked out in a fresh and pretty combination of navy and hot pink, and was a large and welcoming space. Toast after toast had the room in stitches, and Kristin’s sisters topped it off by singing a hilarious version of Wild Thing to the bride and groom. The wedding cake by The Master’s Baker was served alongside a decadent chocolate fondue fountain and delicious accompaniments. Everyone had a blast dancing into the night to music played by Scott Goldoor of Signature DJs.

Kristin and Jon’s wedding was all about friends and family. It was great to get to know everyone through the day. It is clear to see that they have an extremely loving support system. Thank you, Kristin and Jon, for allowing me to capture your memories. I wish you all the best!

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!