Almost half of our couples opt out of the engagement session that is available in our full collections by opting for simple wedding day digital coverage or exchanging it for extra coverage on the wedding day. We’re cool about that, but it is always a little unnerving for me to go into a wedding day “blind,” without having worked directly with our couples beforehand. (Anyone else feel me on that?) But when I had our planning call with Stephanie & Dustin about all of the elements for their Franklin Commons Wedding, I knew that we would have an amazing day.
The day started just a few minutes away from the studio at Stephanie & Dustin’s home. She and her wedding party were relaxing when I arrived. It was a fun change to go from our usual-sized wedding party down to Stephanie’s more compact set of three bridesmaids. All three of her attendants were positive and relaxed when I arrived, which really set the tone for getting ready.
Details were in a lovely dusty rose and I was able to incorporate elements from around their home into the detail styling, including the sand-colored backdrop of her couch and a beautiful wooden tray from their dining room. Our crew has never been the type to pack our own accessories in an attempt to make your day look like our work, but rather, we like to incorporate details that are sentimental or specific to your day personally. Once all of the odds and ends were photographed, Stephanie calmly stepped into her wedding dress, layered on her jewelry, and posed for a few classic bridal portraits, before we all headed over to a hotel in Malvern to prepare for the first look.
While we were getting ready at home, Dustin and his guys were doing the wedding day preparations over at the hotel and then patiently waited for Stephanie & her crew to arrive. Once we were all back in Malvern, the wedding party & family were ushered into the hotel lobby so that Stephanie & Dustin could have privacy during their first look. We were a little creative, trying to find a quiet spot for these two to share their initial moments, but a small copse of evergreens behind the hotel was tucked away enough to be the perfect spot for a first look.
After Stephanie & Dustin had a few quiet moments together, we gathered the rest of their friends & family and hopped onto a trolley headed for Valley Forge National Historic Park. Valley Forge is so close to downtown Phoenixville, which makes it a perfect spot to get some photos in a natural setting before heading to the more industrial Franklin Commons for a wedding ceremony. We took pictures throughout the park, focusing our time at the Memorial Arch, but finishing up with some awesome portraits in the rolling fields behind Varnum’s Quarters. Between the dreamy September weather and the flowing fabrics of Stephanie’s long train, we could have spent literal hours photographing these two, but it was time to get on the road to Franklin Commons before we knew it.
A Franklin Commons Wedding Ceremony
Although we had never been to Franklin Commons before, our friends from Drexelbrook Catering manage the venue, so we knew we were in good hands. When we arrived to the unique property, we wound our way past school pick-up for Renaissance Academy and through a multipurpose building that housed everything from theatre groups to dentists. We found our way to the awesome courtyard lined with ivy and with a gorgeous floral backdrop from Cottage Flowers.
One of our favorite things about Stephanie & Dustin’s wedding ceremony was how they let their personalities shine throughout the service. From Dustin’s low-key waves coming down the aisle to Stephanie’s goofy laughter during their vows, it was so easy to see how lovable and perfectly suited these two were, even on display in front of hundreds of guests. With a personally officiated ceremony by a close friend and appearances by Stephanie’s brother walking her down the aisle, “I dos” were said and it was time to whisk everyone inside for cocktail hour & the party.
Wedding receptions at Franklin Commons
Franklin Commons was such a unique space for a wedding reception. The spacious industrial ceiling vaults high above with the dance floor with huge metal statement chandeliers dangling Edison bulbs. The tiered ceiling has rows of windows that flood the central dance floor with light and naturally brings your guests’ focus center to all of the action. The dance floor is surrounded by market lights and the darker side wings have the perfect mood lighting for guests to enjoy their meals before hopping up and joining into the party.
Stephanie & Dustin charged out onto the dance floor of their Franklin Commons Wedding reception ready to go, complete with cold sparklers from DJ Gaetano! After a short first dance, the floor opened up and everyone from the youngest kids to the oldest grandparents hit the dance. Formalities were kept to a minimum, but Stephanie & Dustin did cut into an amazing cake from Brooklyn Girl Bakery.
Stephanie & Dustin, it was an honor to be a part of your celebration and we wish you a lifetime of happiness together.
The Professionals that Made this wedding awesome include:
Photographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: Residence Inn by Marriott | Reception Venue: Franklin Commons | Florist: Cottage Flowers | Entertainment: DJ Gaetano | Stationery: MagnetStreet | Cake: Brooklyn Girl Bakery | Transportation: Chic’s Limousine | Videography: Tom Johnson | Dress Boutique: Country Way Bridal
