From the beginning, we knew that Elaine & Gene’s Philander Chase Knox Estate wedding was going to be a stunning day. Elaine came to us through our wonderful friend, Tonia, at Aribella Events and had event & floral planning experience. So before we even met, we were excited for the day. Then the details of their wedding started to emerge – a wedding ceremony at the beautiful St Agnes Parish in West Chester before we headed to Valley Forge National Park for portraits. All of the elements for a perfect day were set in place.
Before their wedding ceremony, Elaine & Gene got ready separately with their wedding parties. Gene and his guys were getting ready in the home that he and Elaine share in downtown West Chester. While the guys got ready in a relaxed setting, with time for portraits at home before walking over to the church, Jenn was there to capture every candid moment. Meanwhile Ashley was over at Elaine’s family home getting ready with her and the girls. Although Elaine’s wedding details were impeccably styled, from the vibrant florals to her stunning Yumi Katsura gown from Kleinfeld’s, the real photography gold lived in the moments between her, her wedding party, and her parents.
Lots of laughter, giggling, & popped champagne keep the girls entertained while it was time for Elaine to step aside for a private moment with her mother as she got into her dress. As we sat down to capture bridal portraits, the significance of the day hit a tearful Elaine and we paused for the shedding of some happy tears. More happy tears came when Elaine’s father saw her for the first time. Elaine jokingly started counting tears to see who would win the battle of the cries – her, her mother, or her father. So far, the family was all on pretty even terms. Once everyone was settled, we loaded into the limousine and took the short drive over to St Agnes for a beautiful wedding ceremony.
If you’ve never been to St Agnes for a wedding ceremony, you are missing out. The beautiful stone facade towers over the west end of Gay St and the dark stone interiors filled with colorful stained glass are truly remarkable. Equally beautiful was the ceremony itself, while these two pledged themselves to each other. After sharing their vows before friends & family, Elaine & Gene processed down the aisle and out for some fun photos together and with their wedding party on St Agnes’s stone front steps.
Before heading to their wedding reception, the limo stopped back off at Elaine & Gene’s home, so that they could step out front and have their photos taken together in front of their first home together. After a few minutes, we were off to Philander Chase Knox Estate for their epic wedding celebration.
One thing we love about weddings at Philander Chase Knox Estate is the perfect location right in the heart of Valley Forge. This location allows couples to capture their wedding party & couple’s photos amidst the rolling hills of Valley Forge without dealing with the regular permit process. And it gives exclusive access to some of Philander Chase Knox Estate’s gorgeous features, including the old greenhouse. Elaine & Gene took advantage of the greenhouse to be a backdrop of their own personal vow sharing ceremony that they offered to each other privately. Because of the structure of their wedding mass at St Agnes Parish, they weren’t able to write personal vows. However, it was important to these two that they be able to share their love in their own words. So privately (along with our team and the video crew from New Pace Video), these two shared vows, laughter, and a few more tears in front of the Philander Chase Knox Estate greenhouse.
Once the tears were dried, it was time to head down into the celebration. Elaine & Gene’s celebration was filled with joy, family, and lots of silly dancing! There were even more than a few thumbs ups – a Gene-ism that Elaine has adopted without even realizing it! And to cap off the night, a beautiful sunset fell over Valley Forge, allowing us to sneak out side for a truly gorgeous set of portraits at dusk. If we could shoot weddings as effortlessly stunning and emotional as Elaine & Gene’s celebration every day, we would be in photographer heaven.
