It was such a pleasure to work with Kirsten and Gary on their wedding day! Kirsten has such an amazing character and is a very talented artist with her own design studio. And once we met Gary on the wedding day, we discovered that he is equally sweet and truly a perfect match for Kirsten’s enthusiastic personality! Their wedding was such a wonderful event held on a gorgeous summer afternoon.
Kirsten and Gary met online and had their first date, quickly finding out that they didn’t seem to have much in common. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t click! Kirsten mentioned to him that her passion is photography and that she had recently lost thousands of photos on a broken laptop computer. The computer repair team acknowledged that they couldn’t be recovered after weeks of attempts. But Gary insisted that she let him try to get them back for her. Kirsten agreed that they would have lunch if he tried to work on her photo recovery. The next day, Gary called to apologize for the fact that he had given up, and they met for lunch as planned. But over lunch, he let her know that he had indeed been able to get back all of her photos! The next four years together were full of surprises like this, some ups and some downs, but through it all, they’ve grown closer together and more in love each day.
The couple’s beautiful wedding took place at Ridley Creek State Park in Media, PA. She and her bridesmaids prepared for the wedding there, having Daneene Jensen and Associates perfecting their hair and makeup. Gary, meanwhile, was getting ready for the day at The Hotel Warner. Afterwards, we were happy to capture Kirsten reading her love note from Gary as the two exchanged heartfelt written messages and gifts. It was then time to get dressed for the big event!
Kirsten’s wedding gown was so beautiful! She wore a gorgeous gown that featured a sweetheart neckline, a gorgeous brooch and sparkling halter top straps. The lovely full skirt featured an abundance of beautiful ruching and we loved her accessories... lace gloves and a glamorous white feather and flower fascinator in her hair! She was an absolutely captivating bride! Gary was a very dapper groom in his formal white jacket tuxedo, which contrasted with his groomsmen in their black tuxes. Kirsten’s bridesmaids were all so delightful in their cream, lace covered gowns. And we certainly can’t forget their beautiful children all dressed up for this very special occasion (their son definitely stole the show in the reception)!
Kirsten and Gary’s ceremony was held outdoors in the formal gardens at The Hunting Hill Mansion at Ridley Creek State Park. The setting couldn’t have been more beautiful. With the grand tudor mansion in the background, the perfectly manicured grounds and the impressive gray stonework repeating throughout the park, this location was simply enchanting. The ceremony definitely took place in a ‘secret garden’ carbon copy! The two recited their heartfelt vows to each other and were now ‘two as one’! A fun bubble salute from their guests led them out of the ceremony location and on to formal photos by Luckie Photography’s Ivan Luckie and Crumz Photography’s Marvin Cruz.
After formal photos and the cocktail hour concluded, the reception kicked off! This took place inside the impressive ballroom at Hunting Hill Mansion, where Kirsten surprised guests with a terrific, well-choreographed dance with her son! It was a hit! And the venue was so wonderfully decked out in flowers supplied by Sue Dumin, who previously handled décor at Normandy Farms. The bridal party bouquets and table arrangements were just beautiful. Kirsten herself also supplied so many of the wonderful DIY décor pieces found throughout the event.
Guests continued to mingle on the patio and dance the evening away inside to high energy hits played by DJ Mike Oberholtzer, who also is a good friend of Kirsten’s! And check out that amazing cake by Shackamaxon All Seasons Catering (which Kirsten just couldn’t resist dabbing onto Gary’s nose during the cake cutting ceremony!).
At the end of the evening, guests treated the happy couple to a sparkler salute in celebration of their new marriage. Congratulations to Kirsten and Gary! We wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness!
Photographer: Luckie Photography - Ivan Luckie - Playa Del Carmen, Mexico and Crumz Photography - Marvin Cruz
Floral Design: Sue Dumin
Hair Stylist: Daneene Jensen and Associates - Doylestown, PA
Makeup Artist: Daneene Jensen and Associates - Doylestown, PA
Entertainment: DJ Mike Oberholtzer - The Quality DJ - PA, MD, DE, NJ
Cake: Shackamaxon All Seasons Catering - Jenkintown, PA
Officiant: Jay Geistdorfer - Immanuel Church of the Nazarene - Lansdale, PA
Venue: (Jeffords) Hunting Hill Mansion at Ridley Creek State Park - Media, PA
Accommodations: The Hotel Warner - West Chester, PA