Merion Cricket Club Wedding | Jennifer Lee & Rusty Belsinger

Getting Ready in the Cottage House of Merion Cricket Club

It was the perfect spot for Jen & her closest girls to gather and get ready for the day ahead. A cozy front room adorned with a roaring fireplace greeted the team as we looked around the corner for our bride. Seated in the hair and makeup chair for final touches, Jen was a bubbly bride looking forward to the events to come. The espresso martini in her hand may or may not have had something to do with her giddy spirit. Her group of girls put on a playlist specially made for Jen’s wedding day and sang and danced in their matching polka dot pajamas. We took this time to capture a few classic detail shots of her Badgley Mischka heels and ADCO Diamond rings with a little help from her bouquet by Merion Cricket Club.

Jen’s gorgeous Martina Liana gown hung in the windowsill of the cottage was waiting to be worn. The lace and tulle detail were the perfect complements to The Crickets Clubs classic ambiance. Jen’s sister stood in the shadows as she buttoned up every last loop on her gown and slid into those silky white shoes. Jen stood in the most beautifully window lit room of the cottage and adorned her engagement, simple statement earrings, and traditional tennis bracelet. Now that she was all ready to get married, we captured her beauty as a bride.

Hanging out at the Bar

While the girls were generally pretty relaxed, Rusty and his groomsmen had an even easier morning. We found them hanging around one of Merion Cricket Clubs bars enjoying a glass of wine and a few beers. This groom opted for a classic yet laid back look with his classic black suit, simple single stem boutonniere, and loose top button. Rusty was more than ready to see his bride as we headed out to the main pitch for their first look.

First Look & Couples Portraits

Tucked away behind the front entrance is a small path surrounded by lush greenery and florals. The large flowing leafs juxtaposed beautifully with the hard red architecture of the clubhouse in perfect harmony for a private first look. Anxiously awaiting Jen, Rusty almost forgot to put down his half-finished glass of wine. Jen emerged from the covered porch of the club and headed to her groom facing the other way. When he turned around to see her for the first time, he smiled his biggest smile of the morning. The bride and groom shared a few sweet words and a short kiss before we captured their couples portraits.

With such a grand landscape and location, we were hard pressed to choose a spot to show off Jen & Rusty’s style. Collected yet playful, much like the setting, Rusty and Jen opened up a bit more now their nerves had faded away. We tranced down the brick trail and Rusty even attempted to tackle his bride (with love, of course). They showed off a bit of their dance skills as practice for their first dance as husband and wife that was soon to come.

Ceremony

Having to pivot plans because of bad weather, the ceremony was set up inside. Friends & family gathered in the library room waiting to catch a glimpse of Jen in all her bridal glory. Rusty awaited his bride under a lavish floral arch. The flower girls & ring bearer successfully strolled down the aisle while handling their rightful responsibilities. Jen and her father made their way toward Rusty who was smiling ear to ear for his bride. There was a hug and a handoff and Jen & Rusty were ready to be married. The ring bearer even made sure everyone kept quiet during their exchange of vows. With the rings placed and the prayers said, Jen & Rusty were finally Mr. & Mrs. They headed off to a private room with some family & champagne to make things official while signing their marriage license before beginning the celebrations.

Ball Room Reception

The grandiose of the Merion Cricket Club Ball Room is almost incomparable. The shiny chandeliers and second floor stage hosted the perfect place for BVT Live’s City Rhythm. Bridesmaids & groomsmen made their entertaining introductions before Mr. & Mrs. Belsinger were introduced for the first time. After many many kind words from their closest friends & family, Jen & Rusty took the time to express their gratitude for all of the love and support they received from the guests on this most important day. After lots of laughs and a few tears, it was time to get the party started. With full bellies and partially filled glasses, guests took to the dance floor with some help from City Rhythm’s beats.