Emily and Sean’s elegant Michener Museum wedding was super personal and beautifully put together with elements from both their family’s weddings and collections. Their unique style and planning can be seen throughout the day with extravagant details and delicate family heirlooms interweaved throughout the wedding. The museum was the perfect venue emulating all the qualities of this stunning couple for their Jewish wedding ceremony and reception.
Getting Ready for their elegant Michener Museum wedding
They started off their special day by ready at the Doylestown Inn, a charming little place with tons of beautiful natural light (perfect for those elegant bridal portraits we love!) Emily wore her mother’s wedding dress from the 70’s, even having to sign a wavier that the dress may fall apart from the vigorous cleaning it received. She modified the top to a more modern look for her own style, and changed into an exquisite reception gown. Emily and her bridesmaids wore custom monogramed button-ups to get ready in matching her delightful purple color palette. Emily’s even had her wedding date and “I Do!” embroidered on her sleeves. She opened a few personal gifts including a super cool mug with photographs of her and her future husband all over it, a monogram necklace with her new initials, and some delicates with ‘bride’ written on the back. Her mother helped her into the delicate and polished gown she once wore herself, and helped her put on her jewelry. Her maid of honor helped slip her feet into her something blue, simple royal blue flats, and they headed off for her elegant Michener Museum wedding! Sean was super chill while getting ready, looking spiffy as ever in his purple polka-dotted tie. One of our favorite groom details to capture is the cufflinks, each groom has unique taste and we love seeing all the different individualized ones they pick out. Sean wore a pair of his grandfathers, yet another special detail of family used throughout the day. As a gift to his groomsmen, he gave them each monogrammed cufflinks and tie bar sets AND custom caricatured flasks, how unique! One of his groomsmen even used a pocket knife to cut holes in his shirt so he could wear the cufflinks.
First Look & Portraits at the Michener Museum
Their first look took place in the front courtyard at the Michener, one of our most favorite first look spots. There are so many different ways to capture this moment, which was perfect for this unique couple. Emily walked through the tunnel and tapped Sean on the shoulder. He smiled a sweet smile and admired his bride. The Michener museum has so many amazing spots for couples’ portraits and we took full advantage with these two. With plenty of time built in our timeline, we explored the multiple gardens and greenspaces, all the extraordinary sculptures, tunnels, and cool reception space glass. Ashley even climbed on a sign to get that perfect portrait angle.
Ketubah & Wedding Ceremony at the Michener Museum
The Ketubah signing took place in the Nakashima room, a small and intimate wooden space perfect for this small gathering of close family before the ceremony in the courtyard. They had a traditional Jewish ceremony under a chuppah that was marvelously setup by Garnish Florals. It was lavishly covered in gorgeous greens and sunflowers with a hint of purple to match the bridal party and bouquets. Emily and Sean exchanged vows and rings, and officially became husband and wife.
Elegant Michener Museum Wedding Reception
Cocktail hour took place in the beautiful back sculpture garden under a glass tent before the reception room was revealed by the raising of the shades into the all glass space. Emily’s mother’s lace table clothes and table runners from her collection were used on all the tables, including the food station. There was also a heart shaped paper weight on each table as well as the cake from her grandmothers collection. Yet another way Emily and Sean graciously decided to integrate tradition and family into their wedding day.
When they made their big entrance as husband and wife, Emily had changed into her elegant and flowy reception gown. Another personal element was their choreographed first dance. Emily and her father danced to “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder and Sean and his mother danced to “Days Like This” by Van Morrison. Fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, and the maid of honor all delivered sweet and special toasts. Emily’s father even took time to talk about the tremendous work with emotionally, physically, and mentally challenged children, saying she’s always has a heart to help those whom society would cast off. They danced the rest of the night away in celebration of this amazing kindhearted couple. The perfect end to this perfect day was the s’mores available for dessert in the outside tent.
We loved every minute of this thoughtful family, love, and tradition filled day with Emily and Sean. Congratulations on your marriage and thank you for letting us capture this super special day!
Thank you for sharing our special day!