Way back during the insanity of the pandemic (remember those faraway, yet not-so-distant days?), the wedding industry had to get super creative to stay alive. One of our favorite innovations during that not so awesome season was the creation of some really awesome new venues centering around an outdoor experience. River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate was one of those awesome new spaces and Ann was one of the first photographers to be able to capture a celebration there.
Now that we’re *knock on wood* beyond the worst days of the pandemic and life has returned to normal, we’ve lost a few of those outdoor venue options that we really loved, but River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate is still kicking and Ann had the pleasure of returning to this beautiful riverfront venue to celebrate with Nadia & David (& their ADORBS pup, Finley).
Let’s get the party started!
Not too far up the road from River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate, Nadia and her posse were getting ready at the nearby Courtyard Marriott. All of the joyful energy we’d come to expect from Nadia throughout her engagement was on full force this afternoon and we loved watching as she bound around the room cheering, toasting, and celebrating with her friends.
Nadia already thought of one of our favorite pieces of advice that we can give to brides about getting ready – if you’re going to be in a confined space in a smaller hotel room, consider getting a second space for hair/makeup to take place. Without needing to allocate time for tidying up after getting beautiful or worrying about any last minute straggling family members in the makeup chair, getting ready (& getting beautiful photos) is such a breeze.
David was enjoying a much calmer start to the day, which seems to suit his personality. (Opposites attract, right?) He quietly got dressed and savored a bit of the good whiskey until his wedding party joined in for a few quick photos before taking him over to River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate for first look time!
Once both Nadia & David were at River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate, we took advantage of the beautiful waterfront scenery and grounds of the estate to their fullest. They shared a private first look just a few steps from the ceremony before adventuring further down to the waterfront for photos against a backdrop of the Delaware river. Sandwiched in the middle of their portrait session, we had a fun photo shoot with their wedding party.
But to us, the true highlight of the afternoon was getting to see their pup, Finley, all dolled up for the wedding day. (Remember this other pup Finley who was the star of a wedding not that long ago?) Whenever a couple asks if we are comfortable photographing their dog as a part of their session or wedding, we *SQUEEEE* a little bit inside. The true answer? As long as you don’t mind if we take one of our dog selfies with your pup and give them a little love, we’re so excited to meet your furbabies!
A Waterfront Ceremony at River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate
Although they’ve always had a lovely ceremony space, with the opening of River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate, a second waterfront ceremony location was added right alongside the river and it is a truly beautiful backdrop! Nadia & David leaned into the scenery along the river with a floral design of white roses and lush greenery that stood out while perfectly complimenting the natural beauty around them. From the moment of the processional (which included our boy, Finley) to their last epic dip & kiss at the back of the aisle after taking their first married steps together, this was a breathtaking ceremony overflowing with deep love.
When is a tent reception not just a tent?
With the addition of Pen Ryn Estate’s permanent outdoor “tent” they created a space that flows beautifully from outdoor nature to a protected indoor space that preserves the great views of the Delaware. With floor to ceiling windows, a permanent tiled base, and a bright, high ceiling, River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate is a venue space that perfect combines the traditional tent vibes with a more permanent experience of an indoor space.
Nadia leaned into the views and continued her palette of greens, whites, and ivories into the reception space, with sage green details & signage complementing perfectly the setting of the venue. A simple four-tiered green & white wedding cake was delicately adorned with fresh flowers and their sweetheart table has a trailing centerpiece to bring everyone’s attention from all around the room.
But decor is just the start of a great wedding reception. The real magic happens when people enter the picture. And magic was happening this night! Between all of the absolutely lovely words during the blessings & toasts and the truly lit dance floor, it was impossible not to fall in love alongside Nadia & David. But alas, as the night wound down, it was time to say goodbye. . . but not until these two had an awesome sparkler exit directly into a vintage Rolls Royce! I know that it’s important make an entrance, but we think it is just as fun to make a statement exit!
Nadia & David, your River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate was out of this world and we know that you have a lifetime of happiness ahead of you.
This River’s Edge at Pen Ryn Estate was made possible by:
Getting Ready: Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia-Bensalem | Reception Venue: Pen Ryn Estate | Florist: Camellia Faire | Entertainment: DJ PremonitionBlue Line Quartet | Stationery: Minted | Cake: Isgro | Transportation: David Thomas Trailways | Videography: Well Spun | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Dress Boutique: Blanc de Blanc Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Wedding Rings: William Schwartz Distinctive Jewelry | Hair & Make up: Elegance Artistry |
