This styled wedding shoot was an ode to the couples who desire elegance on their wedding day in the most relaxed and playful terms possible. A Willows Villanova Wedding (a Philadelphia main line wedding venue) seemed liked a wonderful way to bring this inspiration home. We wanted to encourage brides to pursue the dreamy details they crave for their wedding day without feeling burned out or tied down by order and tradition. An open air wedding, free from tents and walls, gives couples an opportunity to give their guests space and freedom to wander and explore the wonderful venues they fell in love with. With fresh edible ingredients as décor sprawled through a wedding, a seemingly endless serving of hors d’oeuvres, sophisticated, yet playful cocktails- couples are creating an atmosphere with no pressure, and no take, only give. This is an “eat, drink & be merry” wedding that is still formal but effortlessly so. An open air wedding is remarkable because depending on the location, it really has the potential to give destination-wedding vibes. For the Europe loving couples who may not want to have guests travel so far for their big day, historic, architecturally-rich venues can be an ode to the places that inspire you, a backdrop that feels like a destination. The Willows Venue for example sits on a hill overlooking a seemingly endless sea of trees and a lake, while the venue itself gives Spanish Revival / Eurocentric vibes. In an open air fete, you might be anywhere, it’s all about the scene you set, and the experience you want to provide. I’d say, surround yourself with fresh ingredients you’ve both loved since childhood. Immerse yourselves in your favorite things on your wedding day. Your favorite wines, your favorite fruits and desserts, your favorite music, played live and of course your favorite people. Embrace childlike fun in refined ways. Oftentimes those are the most storied weddings, the ones guests, and you, forever look back fondly to.
The Wedding Venue
The Willows Villanova on Philadelphia’s main line in Willows Park preserve is a historic mansion that has been restored to the elegance and beauty of its heyday. As it states on the venues website: ” This historic mansion, a beautiful example of Spanish Revival style architecture, was built in 1910. The venue’s capacity is 150 with outdoor dining in a white tent and exclusive use of the mansion and surrounding patios, courtyards, stone walls and landscaped grounds.” Peachtree Catering the in-house caterer & coordinating team were wonderful to work with and make this venue that much more perfect for a wedding.
I would love a megaphone or a giant billboard in Time Square right now to shout out the incredible vendors I got collaborate with on this shoot. Everyone was so fantastic and each vendor brought so much of their heart to this project. My favorite part was day of, when several of the women entrepreneurs on this vendor list showed up and stayed for the shoot. We all got to chat and get to know each other a bit more, we shared stories, captured some behind the scenes, it was all good vibes with an amazing group. So thankful to finally share this beautiful project.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of this and if you’re getting married in PA or the surrounding states, reach out to the vendors below, you won’t be disappointed!
Photography & Planning | Writer & Beloved Photography
Venue | The Willows in Villanova PA
Catering | Peachtree Catering
Model | Karla Alara
Gown Designer | Monique Lhuillier (Blue Floral Gown)
Boutique | The Wedding Shoppe PA
Shoes | Badgley Mishka Bride
Paper Goods | Olive Lane Paperie
Rentals & Furniture | Tides Crossing
Make up & Hair | Diana Kramer Beauty
Jewelry | Koser Jewelers
Cake / Baker | Katie Cakes Cakery
Florals | Forte Florals
Candles | The Floral Society
Styling Mat | Locust Collection
Film Lab | Photovision Prints