Of course, we always say that we love spending wedding days with our couples – and it is because we genuinely do! But we have to give a special shout out to Ashley & Nick for being an absolute pleasure to work with from the first moment! Preparing for their Farmhouse at People’s Light Wedding in the midst of Covid-19 was an adventure, but these two rolled with the punches with so much grace. Their engagement session happened just days before Longwood Gardens closed during the springtime quarantine, so almost our entire relationship has happened over zooms or behind masks. But that didn’t stop their inner light from shining through!
Of course, pivoting through everything is much easier when you’re working with some of the industry’s best – Richard & Dawn at The Farmhouse at People’s Light have been on top of the restrictions and ahead of the game on finding ways to accommodate couples. Their beautiful wedding has even been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer!
The Bridal Suite at The Farmhouse at People’s Light
When we did arrive to the Farmhouse at People’s Light to get ready, we were greeted by her mother, two bridesmaids, and the cutest little flower girl! Everyone was relaxing with a light brunch and Ashley had her details laid out. It was the perfect set up for us to get beautiful detail portraits, while sneakily grabbing a few candids of the ladies relaxing. Before it was time to get Ashley into her dress, we popped outside to get an environmental portrait of her gown and managed to capture her in the window enjoying a quiet moment.
Before we knew it, Ashley was laced into her dress and waiting patiently for Nick and his groomsmen to arrive!
Meanwhile at the Courtyard Marriott – Great Valley
While we were busy getting Ashley together, Nick and his two groomsmen were up the road at the Courtyard Marriott – Great Valley. Rachel arrived in time to capture Nelson helping Nick with his tie and jacket before she brought the guys back to The Farmhouse at People’s Light for some pictures prior to the first look.
First Look at The Farmhouse at People’s Light
Tucked back behind the Farmhouse at People’s Light is a beautiful walking path lined with greenery that made the perfect back drop for Ashley & Nick’s first look. And what a first look it was! When brides come into our studio with a Pinterest board of first look images, they’re looking for a reaction like Nick had to Ashley! As he turned around, he welled up with tears and we heard him exclaim “I’m not sure if I should touch you,” implying she was too perfect to touch! We agree, she was an absolutely glowing bride!
After their emotional first look, these two gave us a few minutes of portrait time before taking a moment to sit in the gardens and exchange gifts. Can we start doing wedding gifts this way at every wedding? We loved that they were able to see each other’s reaction as they read their cards and opened their gifts. Nick gifted Ashley a gorgeous strand of pearls and Ashley had a custom engraved watch for Nick.
We wrapped up our portrait time at The Farmhouse at People’s Light with a few quick wedding party and family portraits before everyone hopped into their car and headed over to the Church of the Good Samaritan for the wedding ceremony!
A Personal Ceremony at Paoli’s Church of the Good Samaritan
When faith has been an important part of a couple’s lives before they were a couple, navigating the choice of an officiant can become a more complex decision. But Ashley & Nick chose not to choose! Their ceremony included mini messages from Nick’s pastor from growing up, Ashley’s brother (who is also a minister), and their current church pastor. We loved getting to hear the different perspectives on marriage (& these two) that these three presented.
After the messages, Ashley & Nick exchanged their vows and rings and we headed back to The Farmhouse at People’s Light to celebrate.
A Beautiful Reception at The Farmhouse at People’s Light
We couldn’t have had a more beautiful day or a lovelier setting for their celebration. The ballroom area of The Farmhouse at People’s Light was full of beautiful greenery vines and florals that spanned the farmhouse tables. Throughout the space, Ashley & Nick personalized the room with customized signage, cookies for favors, albums made of their engagement photos, and more.
As the night continued, we sneaked outside for one last quick set of portraits before the party began. Headed off with a joyful first dance, a few short, but sweet toasts, and a delicious meal, this was the celebration we’d all been waiting for!
As we drove off, capturing one last photo of the gorgeous Farmhouse at People’s Light light up at night, we knew it had been a day for the record books!
