Kate and Sean have known each other for years. And years. And years. Since first grade, in fact. They’ve been together for about that long too (give or take a decade or so). They’re the adorable couple I whose engagement session I photographed around their neighborhood in Philly back in April. This nature/bird-themed wedding might just blow your mind. Be prepared.
We started the day at a hotel in Audubon. The bridesmaids happened to represent each stage of Kate’s life: a sister, a friend from high school, college, grad school, and work. I loved Kate’s details – adorable (yet comfortable) red patent leather flats, borrowed earrings, a Phillies garter (game 6 of the NLCS was that night). She also had custom purses for each of the ladies (via Etsy, of course!).
Not far away, the guys were prepping for the day.
The wedding was held at the historic John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove (about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia). It was home to John James Audubon, the renowned artist and naturalist. Kate and Sean played up this aspect and incorporated so many delightful touches into their wedding to make it seem like the place was made for their wedding. You’ll see…
We set up a first sight for Kate and Sean before taking some of the “formals”.
We had a chance to wander the grounds. The place was fantastic. I had been wanting to shoot a wedding at the JJAC for ages. It boasts 175 acres nature with trails along the Perkiomen Creek, a great stone farmhouse/museum, a barn, and the colors were extraordinary.
I absolutely loved their Ketubah. It’s was a painting on canvas and the most unique I’ve seen.
The Jewish ceremony began at sunset with music by Kate’s Aunt Ruth and family friend, Bob. Guests were treated to hot apple cider and wraps to help stay warm.
The cocktail hour was held in the barn. Jeffrey A. Miller Catering provided the food, which was to die for! There were cheeses, grilled vegetables, a buckwheat blini station, and butlered hors d’oeuvres (micro cheeseburgers, lamb kabobs, latkes, sashimi tuna cones…). There was also an awesome assortment of beers.
Escort cards were created on a rustic setup with clothespins, string, lace, lattice and featured the bird theme. (Little bird figurines were seen all over the place that day.)
As if that wasn’t enough, we were treated to a guest appearance by a live owl. Too cool!
The reception was held in the tented pavilion. I love this place with it’s exposed wooden beams.
Astrograss, a lively bluegrass band from New York was incredible. Kate and Sean danced their first dance to Sarah McLachlan’s “Ice Cream”.
This was such a fun group and it was great to see some familiar faces from high school. Astrograss seriously rocked it!
These self-proclaimed food people couldn’t have gone without delicious reception food too: branzino or filet and some spectacular dessert goodies. There were chocolate truffles, cheesecake lollipops, caramel apples, and s’mores created in the fireplace of the pavilion. Oh, and cake.
The day was incredible. Such a beautiful wedding. And Kate and Sean – so relaxed, so happy, so in love. Perfection, really.
Your love is better than ice cream
Better than anything else that I’ve tried
~ Sarah McLachlan, “Ice Cream”
p.s. Shout out to my awesome second shooter, Jauhien!
