Nicole and Vinny’s Springtime Ballroom at Ellis Preserve wedding was nothing short of enchanting. Despite the unpredictable weather forecast, the day unfolded beautifully, thanks to Nicole’s meticulous planning and preparations. Fortunately, the rain cleared up just in time for their traditional church wedding ceremony, where a special guest awaited the newlyweds. Back at Ellis Preserve, the portraits & party could not have been more perfect!
Getting Ready for the Springtime Ballroom at Ellis Preserve Wedding
When Michelle saw our studiomate, Sara of Elegance Artistry, in the hotel lobby, Sara noted Nicole’s excited spirit despite the worrisome weather forecast, she was over the moon with anticipation.. And she was absolutely right! We arrived at the beautiful bridal suite to a room full of smiles and laughter amongst Nicole & her bridesmaids as they readied for the Springtime Ballroom at Ellis Preserve wedding day. After popping some bubbly, Nicole’s mother and maid of honor helped her into a classic lace ballgown from Blush Bridal. She then read a card from her groom that brought tears to her eyes before another touching moment with her stepfather and brothers first look. Finally, our bride revealed her final wedding look to her bridesmaids before suiting up for the rain and heading to West Chester for a St. Agnus wedding ceremony.
Meanwhile, Vinny and his dad spent the morning cracking jokes, keeping the mood light and fun. Vinny couldn’t stop praising Nicole for her precise planning and the meticulous arrangements she made for his wedding day essentials. Vinny’s mom, ever prepared, brought a rain bonnet to protect her elegant hairstyle, courtesy of the talented Elegance Artistry team. Once Vinny & his groomsmen were dressed and ready for the Springtime Ballroom at Ellis Preserve wedding day, they traveled to West Chester for the ceremony, making a pitstop at Slow Hand for a few drinks and snacks. Miraculously, the weather cleared up just in time for Vinny & the groomsmen to walk to St. Agnus for the ceremony.
St. Agnus Wedding Ceremony in West Chester
Ahead of walking down the aisle, Vinny & his groomsmen gathered for a pre-ceremony pep-talk as Nicole made her way into the church. Her stepfather couldn’t contain his emotions as he walked Nicole down the St. Agnus aisle. Vinny’s mother stood next to him at the altar to watch her soon-to-be daughter-in-law approach her awaiting son. In a traditional church wedding ceremony, the bride and groom listened to prayers and readings from family & friends ahead of exchanging their vows and wedding rings. After finally sealing their love & marriage with a kiss, they headed up the aisle, pausing halfway for that signature dip moment. Outside the church, a bubbly exit & furry friend awaited the newlyweds!
Friends & Family Portraits
Before heading back to the ballroom for the wedding celebrations, we had to capture a few family formal portraits in the glowing ambiance of St. Agnus. The stunning grounds at Ellis Preserve made the perfect backdrop to their spring wedding portraits with stone wall cottages, lots of greenery, and springtime flowers beginning to bloom. The bridesmaids, huddled together as they each took turns for their solo shots with the bride, adding a touch of warmth to the chilly outdoor air. Vinny & his groomsmen were all about the jumping photo, and got more energetic with each take. We captured the guys looking calm and cool on the grand staircase that leads to the ballroom before bringing the wedding party together for a few celebratory shots.
Ballroom at Ellis Preserve Springtime Wedding Portraits
Couples’ portraits at Ellis Preserve were a bit cold, but Nicole was a champ, even in her strapless gown. She snuggled up with Vinny, and their laughter and playful banter made for some beautiful shots amidst the spring flowers. We even had a few moments to pose in the amazingly adorned ballroom with just the bride and groom. After sharing a toast with their signature cocktails, it was finally time to get the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve wedding celebrations started!
Ballroom at Ellis Preserve Wedding Reception
Nicole’s creative touch was evident in the reception signage she crafted, including a welcome sign, seating chart, bar and signature drink signs, and even a spin-the-wheel cocktail game. Of course, they also had to include their precious pup, Cooper, in the celebrations with custom cocktail stirrers and napkins featuring his face. The reception inside the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve was a sight to behold. The extravagant Spring florals, glowing candles, and tablescapes created a dreamy ambiance. Each guest had a laser-cut place card, on-theme menu cards, and a view of the stunningly iced wedding cake.
The introductions at the reception were full of high energy. Both sets of parents entered the ballroom with enthusiasm, followed by entertaining entrances from the groomsmen and bridesmaids. Nicole and Vinny were introduced for the first time as husband and wife, sharing a dip and a kiss through a sea of sparklers and cheers.
Nicole’s flowing ball gown twirled as Vinny spun her around the dance floor during their first dance, her laughter and big smile lighting up the room. The stepfather of the bride delivered a welcome speech that began humorously with a scroll but quickly turned into a touching toast to his daughter and her new life partner. Speeches from the best men and maid of honor followed, each adding their heartfelt wishes to the celebration.
Then parent dances, cake cutting, and an energetic dance floor kept the party going. DJ Taz Sellers from Silver Sound Entertainment had everyone on their feet, including one guest who excitedly performed the worm. Nicole and Vinny singing “Love Story” by Taylor Swift to each other was a sweet and memorable moment, perfectly capturing their love and joy.
Nicole and Vinny’s springtime ballroom wedding at Ellis Preserve was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Their meticulous planning and joyful spirit made it a truly special event, leaving everyone with hearts full of happiness and smiles that will last a lifetime.
Cheers to the team of Philadelphia area wedding vendors that helped make Nicole & Vinny’s Springtime Ballroom at Ellis Preserve wedding a perfect day!
Photographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: Hilton Garden Inn Newtown Square | Ceremony: Saint Agnes Parish | Reception Venue: Ballroom at Ellis Preserve | Florist: NE Flower Boutique | Entertainment: Silver Sound Entertainment – DJ Taz Sellers | Stationery: Minted Canva | Catering: Finley Catering | Cake: The Master’s Baker | Transportation: Philadelphia Trolley Works | Videography: Duca Studio | Dress Boutique: Blush Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair & Make up: Elegance Artistry |
