Category Archives: Pennsylvania

Jacquie + Dan

Our final wedding for 2018 was so beautiful and definitely was such a fantastic way to end the year!  It was just before Christmas that Jacquie and Dan were married at the Inn at Mendenhall, a lovely boutique hotel in Mendenhall, PA.  Their entire wedding event was held at this delightful venue, with their ceremony and reception taking place in the Grand Ballroom.

This sweet couple met at a New Year's Eve party given by one of Jacquie's best friends.  Her friend had gone to college with Dan's best friend, who was also invited to the party, and Dan came along with him that night.  Jacquie and Dan met and hit it off immediately.  The following morning, Dan called Jacquie and asked her out (for the second time, as he actually already did once the night before!) and the two have been inseparable since!

Dan's proposal was brilliant!  Both he and Jacquie are board game fans but since both were very busy, especially Jacquie who was in grad school and working full time, Dan asked her if they could keep a game out on the coffee table to play in the evenings whenever they could.  Jacquie picked a Harry Potter deck building card game.  A few days later, Jacquie came home to see the game all set up and ready to go.  As Jacquie drew cards and flipped them over, she noticed that one of her new cards was different.  This card was actually a replica with a picture of the engagement ring and instructions to "Gain 1 Ring" on it...  Even though she now knew what was going on, Dan told her however that her turn was over, so she had to wait for his full turn and then play her own hand before she could play her ring card!  When she did, Dan pulled out the ring box and asked Jacquie to marry him.  She said 'yes' of course!  We don't know that official final score but we'd say they both won this game!

Because Christmas was just around the corner, the Inn at Mendenhall was decorated so festively for the holidays on Jacquie and Dan's wedding day.  The couple continued the wintertime theme and chose the divine color scheme of Ink Blue, Cabernet and Gray to compliment.  Of course, there were also a few subtle nods to Harry Potter to tie in that fun proposal!

Jacquie and Dan got ready for the big day in separate rooms there at the inn.  Jacquie's bridesmaids wore Ink Blue gowns in keeping with the chosen color palette and Dan dressed into a dark gray suit, while his groomsmen coordinated with light gray suits with matching blue ties.  The couple also had a bridesman and a groomswoman who wore a gray suit and a blue dress to match the group and we loved how they mixed it up with their wedding party a bit!

Jacquie was such a beautiful bride, wearing an amazing off the shoulder gown with a wonderful princess silhouette.  It featured a plunging v-neckline, a gorgeous open back design and a sparkling belt.  It was very sleek and very modern, reminding us of the Duchess of Sussex's classic, chic wedding gown, but just in ball gown form.  Simply stunning!  Her exquisite bouquet from Matlack Florist was overflowing with lush blooms in white, blush and deep burgundy.  And while outdoors, Jacquie wore an amazing gray cape lined in blue!

Before continuing on to the Grand Ballroom for the ceremony, the two met up outside for a first look and we loved their genuine reactions and sweet little kisses!  Pat and Stuart from Pat Robinson Photography were there to capture this moment for Jacquie and Dan's wedding photos, along with all the wonderful memories from the day, and it was such a pleasure to work alongside them.

Jacquie and Dan's ceremony was so personalized and so special, with Jacquie's brother, Ashton, serving as the officiant.  Jacquie also wore her grandmother's engagement ring during the ceremony to honor her memory on this important day.  They recited their loving vows, exchanged rings and made it official!

Their reception followed there in the ballroom, decorated beautifully with with evergreen garlands draped along the top of the staircase railings and a bright Christmas tree below.  The tables displayed lovely floral centerpieces in white and red blooms and snow globes in keeping with the winter wonderland theme.  And their fantastic five-tiered wedding cake from The Master's Baker had a Harry Potter themed "Always" cake topper!

Jacquie and Dan entered the room down the staircase together, and the newest married couple danced their first dance together on the ballroom floor.  It was so sweet and so wonderful to watch as they kissed and danced!  Later on, there was a special dance announced for Dan's grandparents who were celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary!

Everyone had so much fun dancing the night away, especially the kids who really got into the groove!  A-1 Entertainment did a fantastic job with keeping the guests laughing and dancing all night.  All their guests had such a blast!

This wedding event was truly an amazing celebration of the love of two wonderful, kindhearted people and we were so blessed to be a part of it.  Congratulations and best wishes always to Jacquie and Dan!

 

Photographer:  Pat Robinson Photography  - Wilmington, DE

Floral Design:  Matlack Florist - Nicole Coyle - West Chester, PA

Hair Stylist:  Happily Ever After Hair - Cherry Hill, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Makeup by Alyssa - Alyssa McCourt

Wedding Dress:  Martina Liana - Style 981

Officiant:  Jacquie's brother    

Entertainment:  A-1 Entertainment - Vineland, NJ

Cake:  The Master's Baker - West Chester, PA

Venue:  Inn at Mendenhall - Mendenhall, PA

Maria + Gregory

Maria and Greg met online and definitely hit it off right away!  Their first date actually lasted eleven hours and involved lots and lots of talking to get to know each other.  We're firm believers that when you know, you just know!

Greg's proposal came as a complete surprise to Maria.  He works most evenings, so Maria planned a nice evening out with the girls one night.  Well, about an hour into the evening, Greg called to tell her that he was coming home soon because he hurt his back at work.  He would need help from her with taking off his work boots.  So Maria, disheartened, left her friend's house and came home.  Inside her house, Greg had prepared rose petals on the floor in the shape of a heart, with tea candles outlining the petals.  In the middle stood Greg with a ring box in his hand.  Behind him were silver balloons that spelled out, 'MARRY ME?' and he had one of her favorite songs playing ('Holy' by Florida Georgia Line) as he asked Maria to be his wife.  A professional photographer was there to capture the moment for them forever as Maria said 'yes'!  She then changed because Greg told her they would meet her sister and brother-in-law out for a quiet dinner, but instead Greg had planned a huge engagement party at her sister's house and even flew her best friend in from out of state for the surprise!  As Maria noted for us, 'He did great!!'.

More celebratory silver balloons were present on their fabulous spring wedding day, as 'I Do' shaped balloons were tied to the lamp post at Maria's parents' home, the place where she would be getting ready for the big day.  La Bella Sposa expertly applied Maria's makeup while she remained in her pretty floral robe and the gorgeous, bright floral bouquets arrived for the large bridal party.  Afterwards, Maria took a few quiet moments to read a wonderful card filled with a beautiful, heartfelt message from Greg.  In it, Greg tells Maria that he is lucky and so blessed that they found each other and how excited he is for the day's events.  Meanwhile, Greg got dressed into his classic black tux with white tie at a nearby home and also took time aside to read a lovely love note from Maria.  We were so thrilled to be able to capture these sweets moments for the couple.

Then, with help from her mother and sister, Maria put on her gorgeous wedding gown.  Her sleeveless dress featured a head to toe, full lace overlay and had an elegant trumpet silhouette, flaring beautifully just above the knee.  She had a long veil fastened to the back of her updo for her ceremony and after accessorizing with jewelry, she was ready for her emotional first look with her father.

Then it was time to head to the church!  With a gorgeous white bouquet in hand, Maria arrived at St. Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson, NJ for their ceremony.  Father Dan delivered a very special, personal message for the couple and guests before they recited their traditional vows.  After being pronounced 'husband and wife', they sealed it with a kiss and exited the church to a fun bubble salute!

It was such a pleasure to work alongside Artistic Imagery, one of our favorites, as they photographed the day's events and the formal portraits for Maria and Greg's wedding.

Maria and Greg's wedding day also incorporated such beautiful, touching tributes to Maria's brother.  They released symbolic floating lanterns during the day and evening and laid a lovely flower bouquet at Lakeview Memorial Park in honor of his memory.  The remembrances were so beautiful and so moving.  It was so wonderful to have him included in this special day.

Afterwards, we traveled to the grand Belle Voir Manor at Pen Ryn Estate in Bensalem, PA for their incredible reception!  This elegant venue overlooking the Delaware River features soaring ceilings, ornate iconic columns and sparkling chandeliers. Maria and Greg's arrival was announced, then they danced a beautifully tender first dance as husband and wife.  Maria's father welcomed everyone to the reception and gave such a touching toast to the couple, officially welcoming Greg into his family.  Maria's maid of honor and Greg's best man followed with both heartwarming and lighthearted toasts to the happy couple!  And Maria's dance with her father had those same qualities... they started slow and traditional but broke into a fun, choreographed dance routine that had everyone cheering them on!  Sean McCaffrey from Center Stage Entertainment kept the party going all evening long and the guests' hands in the air on that dance floor!  The evening concluded with a dazzling sparkler salute for the couple as everyone celebrated this joyous occasion and two very special people.

Congratulations and all our best wishes to Maria and Gregory!

 

Photographer:  Artistic Imagery - Fairless Hills, PA

Hair & Makeup Artist:  La Bella Sposa - Glen Mills, PA

Entertainment:  Center Stage Entertainment - DJ Sean McCaffrey - Lindenwold, NJ

Cake:  Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Rev. Daniel E. Kirk - Cinnaminson, NJ

Church:  St. Charles Borromeo - Cinnaminson, NJ

Venue:  Belle Voir Manor at Pen Ryn Estate - Bensalem, PA

 

Kaitlyn + Mitch

Kaitlyn and Mitch were high school sweethearts, but not in the way you're thinking... They're both teachers and coaches at the same high school!  With the many extra curricular activities that they support, they quickly became friends.  As time went on, that friendship turned into a 'best friendship' and then, love.  We love how each knew they had found 'the one': Mitch acknowledged that it was so easy to be around Kaitlyn and she said that life just made sense with him by her side.

Mitch actually had the revelation that Kaitlyn was 'the one' during a special dinner at Plumsteadville Inn, so that's where he decided to ask her to be his wife!  While Kaitlyn was perusing the menu, Mitch left the table (Kaitlyn didn't realize that he was making sure everything was all set with the staff).  When he returned, he got down on one knee and proposed!  Kaitlyn of course, said yes!  After the applause from the surrounding tables subsided, he let her know that both of their parents were there waiting to celebrate with them.

Let's fast forward now to their wonderful wedding day!  Kaitlyn got ready at her parents' home where her mother and matron of honor helped her put on her dress and accessories. Kaitlyn was such a beautiful bride!  She wore a fabulous strapless Anne Barge gown with a lovely fit and flare silhouette and a subtle corset bodice.  It featured delicate lace appliqués and just the right amount of sparkle.  Kaitlyn carried a striking bouquet overflowing with greenery and blooms in shades of magenta, violet and rose from Allium Floral Design.  She didn't have a first look before the wedding with Mitch, but did share that special moment with her father.  He was so overjoyed to see his beautiful daughter in her wedding gown, ready to head off to the church for the ceremony.

Kaitlyn and Mitch crossed the river into New Jersey for their ceremony at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in the town of Alpha.  Reverend Monsignor Lawler delivered a wonderful mass and led the couple to recite their traditional marriage vows.  They were pronounced 'husband and wife', then greeted their guests in a traditional receiving line. When it was time for additional photos, they exited the church while their friends and family cheered and waved celebratory flags made by Kaitlyn's cousin.

Littlewing Studio Photography took photos of the special day's events and it was truly wonderful to work with their team, Kristi, Scott and Ciara.  And their photos are fantastic!  Check them out on their website's journal!

The reception then kicked off at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA.  The club's ballroom was decorated so beautifully with flowers that coordinated with the bridal party's bouquets.  The doors opened and Kaitlyn and Mitch entered the ballroom to cheers and very exciting lighting effects, then danced their first dance together, complete with a dip and many kisses!

We were treated to such witty and wonderful toasts that evening from Kaitlyn's father, Mitch's best man and Kaitlyn's matron of honor, whose sweet (pun intended!) toast was filled with candy references!  Soon, the dance floor opened to everyone and The Big House Band kept it packed!  They were amazing!

Kaitlyn and Mitch's wedding was so elegant and truly, so perfect!  We were so honored to be a part of capturing their special day and wish them a lifetime filled with love and happiness!

 

Photographer:  Littlewing Studio Photography - Pennsburg, PA

Floral Design:  Allium Floral Design - Bethlehem, PA

Hair Stylist:  Alisha Nycole & Co. - Easton, PA

Makeup Artist:  Alisha Nycole & Co. - Easton, PA

Wedding Dress:  Anne Barge at Elizabeth Johns - Morristown, NJ

Entertainment:  The Big House Band - Philadelphia, PA

Cake:  Easton Baking Co. - Easton, PA

Officiant:  Rev. Msgr. Terrance Lawler - Alpha, NJ

Church:  St. Mary Roman Catholic Church - Alpha, NJ

Venue:  Saucon Valley Country Club - Bethlehem, PA

Accommodations:  Courtyard Marriott Bethlehem-Lehigh Valley - Bethlehem, PA

 

Stephanie + Raul

What a pleasure it was to meet and work with this sweet couple!  Guo, known as Stephanie and Shukai, also known as Raul, decided to have a morning/early afternoon wedding, a rare treat for us!  Both their ceremony and reception took place at their church, with their photo shoot taking place at several iconic sites in the city of Philadelphia.

Stephanie and Raul went to the same high school, however they didn't really know each other until they met again at their high school reunion several years ago.  That's when they started dating and before long, they both knew they found 'the one'.  Raul's proposal was so romantic!  After asking her if she wanted to go out to see fireworks (it was Chinese New Year), he met her at the door and led her down the stairs of her building where he had already placed small candles along the way from the 5th floor to the 1st.  At the end were roses, rings and friends waiting there to congratulate and celebrate as Raul proposed to Stephanie.  Of course, she said yes!

On the morning of their wedding day, the two got ready at Homewood Suites in Philadelphia.  Stephanie's bridesmaids wore lovely mint green dresses with a one-shoulder design while the groomsmen wore dark suits with ties that coordinated with the bridesmaids' dresses.  Raul looked so dapper in his classic black tuxedo... and so excited to be marrying his love!

Stephanie looked so gorgeous in her breathtaking lace covered ballgown!  It featured a bateau lace neckline, an amazing illusion bodice and delicate buttons down the back.  She wore a veil on the back of her hair which was done in an elegant updo and fastened with lovely pins.  And her final beautiful accessory was that pair of sparkling Jimmy Choo shoes!  She and her bridesmaids carried lush bouquets filled with white flowers and accented with purple blooms from Rose 4 U Florist.

Stephanie and Raul's ceremony and reception were held at Grace Chapel Church in Havertown, PA where the pews were adorned with white fabric and mint colored bows.  After a very beautiful sermon by their Pastor Tony Liang, the two lit a unity candle symbolizing their two lives joining together to become one.  Their friends and family tossed red rose petals on the newlyweds as they walked back down the aisle together.

The bridal party also had a wonderful photo session at various sites around the city, including the Museum of Art and at the LOVE statue where they all had fun posing with the Philadelphia icon for the perfect wedding shots.  It was so enjoyable to work alongside Anthony and Laura Barlich from Hitch & Sparrow Photography for this fantastic wthedding event.

Stephanie and Raul's reception was decorated so festive with paper lanterns in mint green, blue and white.  After the newlyweds were announced, guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner and toasts from their fathers, Stephanie's bridesmaid and friend, as well as from the couple themselves.  All were so beautiful and so heartfelt.  Stephanie and Raul were so lovely to translate their sermon and speeches for us to include in their wedding highlight.

Wonderful, time-honored wedding traditions were included at their beautiful reception, such as tossing the bouquet and cutting that delectable cake!  Whipped Bakeshop created an amazing wedding cake in a deeper shade of mint, featuring a LOVE cake topper reminiscent of the famous statue we visited that day.

It was so wonderful, truly such an honor, to be a part of capturing this very special day for Stephanie and Raul.  We wish them, as in the words of Stephanie's good friend, a journey filled with love, laughter and adventures.

 

Photographer:  Hitch & Sparrow Photography - Anthony Barlich and Laura Barlich - Denver, CO

Floral Design:  Rose 4 U Florist -  Philadelphia, PA

Hair Stylist:  931 Skincare - Stephanie Lum - Philadelphia, PA

Makeup Artist:  931 Skincare - Stephanie Lum - Philadelphia, PA

Cake:  Whipped Bakeshop - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Pastor Tony Liang

Church and Venue:  Grace Chapel Church - Havertown, PA

Accommodations:  Homewood Suites by Hilton - University City Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA