Erin and Anthony's Grand Estate at Hidden Acres June Wedding in Pennsylvania
Erin and Anthony were a joy to work with. From their first phone call to me, I knew that they had the right idea about what their wedding is all about. They were focused on their vows, the promise they were making to each other, and enjoying every aspect of their wedding day to the fullest. We had the discussion I have with many couples about how my job is to capture their wedding day, while also playing wallflower. I am happy to do so, being far off in the distance whenever possible so they do not feel the presence of the photographers. This resonates with me, as a personal individual feeling that way about myself and own experiences, as well as aligning with my philosophy on my role as a photographer as well. Although when necessary, I'll happily step in to make the decisions needed quickly, taking charge to control the crowd or pose the groups. But when the portraits are over, happy to fall back into my position as I quietly capture the memories as they happen throughout the day.
When I arrived at the Grand Estate at Hidden Acres on June 8th, 2024, I felt butterflies about how perfect the day was unfolding for a few reasons. On a personal note, my own wedding day was just one day later, June 9th just over a decade ago. And I remember that day fondly with the same warm/cool mix of weather temps - a perfect 80 degrees with a little breeze. No one was hot, cold, or uncomfortable in any way. This day was no different. And as my husband and I walked into this wedding together to begin our work day photographing this wedding together, we paused to remember our own day and smiled at the similarities.
Bill captured Anthony and his groomsmen getting ready in the pool house and I ventured up the spiral staircase to find Erin and her bridesmaids in the mansion. As each of them were beaming with delight and nervous-exciting energy, our day began and didn't stop for a minute until well past sunset.
There were a few very unique aspects of this wedding, which I am excited to share here in photos. The attire was requested that all guests wear black, this made the bride and groom (both wearing white) stand out in the crowd like they were in a beam of sunlight all day. It was a very cool, sleek and unique theme for the day that everyone thoroughly enjoyed taking part in. You could see the excitement of the guests, and how it brought everyone together just like a good themed event always does! The other unique factor of this wedding was that they chose to do their ceremony in the woods behind the mansion, a different setup from the normal spot at the gazebo and I absolutely loved that choice for this couple. The fabric drapes in the woods and the sea of black gowns and suits of the guests sitting among the gorgeous trees was just breathtaking. In fact, not sure if many guests noticed it, but a small quiet deer walked behind the bride and groom as they said their vows. (no I dont have a photo of it because it was hidden among the brush pretty well) It was a peaceful as you can imagine it to be. After the ceremony and some portraits on the property, the party began and didn't stop all night. This group of guests LOVED to dance and had an amazing time with the Bachelor Band! The decor all in white with the absolutely stunning tent that The Grand Estate provides (that drapery inside - omg!) just made for the most perfect atmosphere for this black and white themed affair. There was nothing about the day I would change, the timeline was smooth and ran like clockwork. Everyone had an amazing day from start to finish.
I hope you enjoy this visual storytelling below of Erin and Anthony's absolutely beautiful wedding day.
