I have to admit that I have fallen a little behind in my blog posts. Like 7 months behind... Oooops. So for a little while I will be posting some old and some new weddings! Danielle and Sean were married this past October on a gorgeous fall day. The colors on the trees throughout Hartefeld National in Avondale, PA made for the most exquisite backdrop for their outdoor ceremony. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We started the day like many weddings start... behind schedule. I generally factor in about an extra half hour or so for hair and makeup because that part generally takes longer than expected. So while I was waiting at the bride's parents home, I noticed a dress form upstairs. As a photographer, coming across one of those is like winning the lottery. Well, a really small lottery. But I was thrilled and got to play around a little with the dress until the bride arrived to finish getting ready! And golly was Danielle a striking bride!
Meanwhile, my husband (and second shooter) was over with the guys getting a few shots of their preparations.
Once everyone was dressed, we headed to Longwood Gardens to do a first reveal and grab a bunch of bride and groom portraits. Many of you already know how much I'm in love with shooting at Longwood Gardens. It's one of the few places that never gets old because it's constantly changing. Taking a bride and groom there is such a delight. For those brides and grooms that don't mind seeing each other before the ceremony and want to have a "first reveal," going to a second (nearby) location for your bride and groom portraits is always fun idea.
Then it was on to Hartefeld National for the wedding! We started with some bridal party portraits just before the ceremony was slated to begin. I LOVED how intimate this bridal party was with one bridesmaid and one groomsman. And they were just so darn adorable. Not to mention the stunning flowers that Danielle chose! How much do you love those bouquets?!
It was the beginning of October, so the weather held out quite nicely for this outdoor ceremony. Everything was just absolutely perfect. I particularly loved the moment that the two mothers hugged after combining the flowers, representing the joining of two families. Such a sweet little moment. Tip for future brides: If you want a gorgeous isle full of petals like this, spread the petals in advance. Do not rely on small children to make an aisle look like this one! ;)
And now on to the party! They have a lovely space there at Hartefeld National, and their DJ did a wonderful job with the lighting and music! This group of family and friends know how to party. And dance! There was some of the best dancing I've ever seen there that night. I loved the table dressings. Danielle did a fabulous job with all the small details. Enjoy these few highlights from their reception!
With about an hour left of the evening, Danielle decides that she's over wearing her dress and just changes into some street clothes. I love that. She felt constricted in the dress and just wanted to let loose. So what else is there for a girl to do? :)
Danielle and Sean, I had such a great time with you guys on your wedding day! I wish you the best of luck in your lives together!!
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