Andrea and JT came to us through one of Ashley’s oldest friends, Emily. She and Andrea had danced together in the ballet and were firm friends, and so we knew that their White Chimneys wedding would be amazing and full of great people. We didn’t know then, but we were more right than we knew.
Getting Ready at White Chimneys
John is one of the chef’s at Roots Cafe in West Chester, and he was catering his own wedding! Well, sort of. He had spent the week prepping, and had brought along some great people to help him on the big day itself. Though he definitely had some trouble stepping out of his chef role, once he settled into the role of “groom”, everything was good.
JT got ready in the main barn – close to the kitchen just in case – and we loved his light gray suit. On a hot summer day, it is a great kindness to let the men wear light colors. It allowed the colors of the boutonniere to pop even brighter too! That seemed to be a theme throughout their White Chimneys wedding day. Color pops everywhere!
Meanwhile, in the bridal suite, Andrea was getting her hair and makeup done. Surrounded by her family and friends, she was a little keyed up before the big moment. Her days of dancing in the ballet had somewhat prepared her for the jitters she felt, but when it’s the person you love best in the world, the butterflies can still tickle.
Her absolutely incredible dress from Olia Zavozina and bought from OZ Bridal Philly hung just right from the grandfather clock. The veil was specially made by the designer to match the lace on her dress! The owner of the shop happened to be there as well, and she made sure that everything was perfect!
When it was time for Andrea to get dressed, nerves were definitely up. This wasn’t a dress rehearsal, it was the real deal. Her mom helped get her zipped up, and boom! Instant bride. She looked amazing! Before heading outside for a first look with dad and some family pictures, Andrea’s mom gave her a special gift. They sat together as she opened it, and tears began to spill. Dabbing quickly so as not to ruin the makeup, Andrea regained her composure and was ready for the festivities of her White Chimneys wedding.
The Wedding Ceremony All About Tomatoes
Andrea and JT’s wedding ceremony at White Chimneys will linger with us for a while for one reason in particular: tomatoes.
But before we jump into that, we have to take a minute to describe the moment the gates opened and Andrea appeared. John literally had his breath stolen. It caught in his chest for a moment, and tried to escape through his eyes. They swam with loving tears, but didn’t spill over – which he was very proud of. Andrea practically floated down the aisle to him, and they met with smiles of purest joy.
As they held hands, their officiant began to talk about tomatoes. She had asked Andrea & JT to grow a tomato plant, as well as each of their parents. She proceeded to give a brief education on tomatoes. Asking if Andrea and John knew if it was a fruit or vegetable. Andrea said fruit, John vegetable. Turns out, they were both right. There were a few more tomato fun facts, and then she turned back to the lovely couple standing before her. She exhorted them to love each other when they are both right in different ways. When they are right at different times. And when they are right about the same thing together. She told them that tomatoes make a wonderful sauce, but it takes time and love and thoughtfulness to make a delicious tomato sauce. They could make it together, or invite others to help them so they can grow in love even when things are hard.
It was a beautifully unique ceremony. Though it held plenty of traditions. Andrea and JT exchanged traditional vows and stunning wedding rings. Then, they were united. After a fantastic kiss, they made their way back from their ceremony around the corner. What they found there was awesome!
Portraits & Reception at White Chimneys
Hiding behind a hedge was Oreo, the shot pony! Clad in a special saddle, Oreo held shots of red and white wine for our couple, their family, and eventually all at the reception! This sweet miniature pony made for some really cute pictures!
We captured traditional family groups before we finally had some time with our newlyweds! The property at White Chimneys is so beautiful and it’s so easy to find great locations for portraits. We’ll just let them speak for themselves.
When the reception opened, Andrea and JT charged in to thunderous applause. The barn was utter stunning, thanks in part to the amazing florals by Kate McNamara from Topiary 219. The colors and twinkle lights made everything feel so amazing. They shared their first dance, and when they took a seat, Andrea’s dad came to the microphone.
During his speech, there were tender moments, like when he spoke about wrapping her up in her baby blanket and gave her his heart the day she was born. But what we remember most is what he had to share about her childhood. Apparently, Andrea really liked boys growing up. She had a pair of sneakers that they would write on. In kindergarten or first grade, she wrote “I love Bobby” on her shoes. A few weeks later, Bobby was crossed out, and Tommy had taken his place. Then Josh. Then Jeff. By the end of the school year, the length of her shoe was covered in names. Then, he pulled out a small gift. A hospital baby blanket. Inside, though, was a pair of custom Chuck Taylors that said “I love JT” all up and down the sides. It brought down the house.
He asked her for a dance, and they twirled and laughed around the dance floor. JT took his turn with his mom, and then it was off to the races for the party! The dance floor moved outside onto the patio, and there was a man hand rolling cigars for guests, corn hole to play, and a fire pit to enjoy. What a spectacular evening for Andrea & JT at White Chimneys!
