We could not have asked for a more gorgeous day for Meredith and Dwayne’s wedding. It was perfection. No humidity, not a cloud in the sky, and the temperature was just right. The entire day felt good. I fell in love with Meredith and Dwayne that day. Meredith’s jubilance was absolutely infectious. She’s a hardworking, type-A principal at a local Philly school but, on her wedding day, she was all smiles and lightness.
I (along with the bridesmaids) admit that her gown was a surprise. It was a fabulous frock but it didn’t seem quite right for our bride.
Until she tried it on.
At that point, there is no way she could have worn anything else.
Thanks to a first look before the ceremony, we had plenty of time to make use of Aldie Mansion’s beautiful property. There are so many spots for great pictures, inside and out. This old brick mansion has so much charm and character.
The to-be-weds watched their guests gather in the front courtyard from the windows above.
The ceremony went on with laughter and the faint sound of the fountain in the background.
Guests mingled on the back patio and the grounds before being called into the reception.
Meredith and Dwayne entered and danced their first dance as husband and wife to the classic “At Last” by Etta James.
Meredith’s father passed away just a few months before the wedding. She wore his wedding band around her neck that day. Instead of a traditional father/daughter dance, she called up all fathers and daughters in attendance to dance together. She shared this dance with all of the important “fathers” in her life.
Carolyn, Meredith best friend and neighbor from childhood, got some laughs as the reception kicked off.
The night was a mess of limbs and smiles as the dancefloor opened to one hell of a party.
It was an incredible day and I am so glad I was able to be with these two to be a part of it all!
I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
~ Etta James, “At Last”