MEGHAN AND RYAN: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Meghan and Ryan got married on Saturday!   What a glorious day for them- perfect weather, a beautiful bride, two wonderful families and a great party.   The day started for the girls at Salon Jolie.  They were a pretty bunch to begin with.   But, they were all stunning when they arrived at The Elkins Estate.   The boys arrived and were tucked away before the bride got there, as these two waited to see each other until Meghan walked down the aisle.   Zack, from Saget''s Formalwear was there and ready to dress the men of the wedding party- they were dazzling.  

And, I loved the soft lavender color of the bridesmaid dresses.  I can't forget to mention the little ones- two flower girls and two ring bearers.   They did a great job and they all looked adorable.

The energy in the room while the girls got ready was so positive and loving!  Both moms, all the girls and, occasionally, Megan's dad popped in to check with me.  Meghan was cool and calm- mostly!   She was nervous for the photographer to touch her dress- so cute!   But, Josh Lynn was full of jokes and SO easy to work with.   He made her laugh at herself.   And, Tom, from TLJ Studios got all on tape!   Meghan was "directing" the photography and videography the whole time we were preparing in the suite!  I know Tom got some great film!!

  The flowers, from Penny's in Glenside, were a lovely combination of lavender roses and lots of garden-y white flowers.   Meghan wanted streamers on her bouquet- good thing I had the right color ribbon in my emergency bag to make them!   Every bouquet had a brooch on the ribbon.   It was a beautiful touch.   Meghan's maid of honor, Devon, was the BEST!   It is so obvious that these two girls share a great friendship.  Devon was adorable and sweet and I just loved her.   But, all of the bridesmaids were great.   We had one mishap- one girl thought she forgot her shoes.  There was a mad search for them in several cars, before they were finally tracked down.   Who wants a barefoot bridesmaid?  I had a back up from another girl, but- crisis averted.    

    I wish I had photos of the bride and her dad in the Rolls Royce- a job that took on a life of its own in the planning process.  Meghan wanted an antique Rolls that was NOT white!   And, I FOUND ONE!!  Well, when I get the professional shots from the AMAZING and FUNNY photographer, Josh Lynn, I will show you.  So, check back in a day or two for a second post- THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS.  The guests and wedding party were escorted to and from church and the hotels by my good friends at Sterling Limousines.   And, I loved the way the crew from TLJ Studios worked together with the photographer to document every moment.   The church was beautiful and the service was very special.   The minister and the choir director are good friends of the bride's dad and they really made it extra special.  Afterward, lavender rice in adorable cones- made by the bride, were given to all the guests.   It smelled heavenly!

Instead of a ring pillow, the ring bearers each carried an old family bible with a ring tied to it.  What a touching tribute to two loving families of great faith.   This was but one of the many personal touches that Meghan incorporated into her day.   

 

The room was gloriously aglow with the expertise of Eventions and the beautiful centerpieces by Penny's Flowers.   Ivory damask linens draped all the tables and gold rimmed glassware finished off the elegant look.   The brilliant talent of Provence Catering served a delicious and flawless meal.   Pam and her staff are impeccable with service and quality.   There was an abundance of wonderful food- and chicken nuggets for the groom at cocktail hour.   An unusual and personal request!   But, no request is too unusual for Provence.   Dessert was a scrumptious and beautiful wedding cake from Lochel's Bakery and a crepe and cordial station at the bottom of the grand staircase.   

One of my favorite touches was the escort card table.  The guests table seating was draped over wine bottles, the favors, with a lavender ribbon.   The labels on the wine bottles were personalized with "Meghan and Ryan" on them.   It was a stunning accent to the great hall as guests arrived at the estate.              

The dance floor was crowded all night with the illustrious DJ, Rich from Cutting Edge Entertainment!   Rich kept the guests on the floor and he kept the party going without a hitch.  The couple took dance lessons for their first dance- a Foxtrot.   I love how the little ones found a spot on the floor to watch- in the background of the left side of this photo.  How cute!   

It was a perfect day for Meghan and Ryan!  And, now they are off to Bora Bora for two weeks of recuperating before they make their new home in Washington, DC.   Thanks for letting me be a part of your big day and congratulations on your marriage!!