As a girl who makes more weekly trips to Starbucks than I care to admit, this next coffee-themed wedding caught both my eye, and my latte loving heart. Set at the most picturesque Pennsylvania manor, the couple crafted a wedding paying homage to their English and Irish heritages, while celebrating their mutual love for all things coffee. wildflowers by design crafted the florals that stunned while Jeremy Hess Photographers captured each and every detail you can’t dare miss. Grab a refill of your favorite java and join me in the full gallery right here!
From the Bride… Our journey began with a proposal that included photos, happy tears and a family heirloom art deco style diamond and sapphire ring. Chris asked me to be his wife while relaxing on our favorite bench in Seward Park, Seattle Washington in the shadows of Mt. Rainier. Being that Chris and I were both call Pennsylvania home a wedding back on the East Coast was only fitting. Though it made for some interesting planning via Skype, email and Google Docs no detail was overlooked. We could not have pulled our amazing day off if it weren’t for our wonderful families and incredible vendors. Riverdale Manor was chosen sight unseen as both our ceremony and reception venue and we could not have been happier. We stalked the weather in the weeks leading up to our day, the hurricane’s abated and we were blessed with a truly magnificent day. The grounds were breathtaking and we exchanged our vows to the soothing sounds of the Conestoga River behind us. The staff at Riverdale Manor was absolute perfection and helped my wedding dreams come to fruition. Our classically elegant, fall, coffee themed wedding was flawlessness.To pull off our fete we had quite bit of help that included a local farmer graciously donating an acre of land for us to plant heirloom white, brown and green pumpkins. Our families scoured antique markets and yard sales to collect antique white milk glass for the reception centerpieces. While all of this work was being done over on the East Coast I, in Seattle, was meeting with dress designer, Sally Crew and the gals at La Belle Elaine’s to design and custom make a sash which included lace from my mom’s wedding gown.
Our wedding day started with the bridesmaids and the mothers of the bride and groom adorning personalized ready shirts that I made and the champagne started flowing. The make-up artist arrived as did the photographer; the dress was donned and unveiled to the bridal party for the first time and then it was off to Riverdale. A basket of antique handkerchiefs greeted our guests as they arrived to catch all their “happy tears” along with a Program sign that I designed. I walked down the aisle which was lined with pictures of our grandparents and parents on their respective wedding days carrying a bouquet of flowers that included rosemary for remembrance and thistle in honor of the Grooms heritage. I was preceded by our flower girls who carried baskets filled with white pumpkins and gray tulle. Signature wedding drinks of Pimms Cup #1 for Chris’ English side and an Irish Kiss for my heritage were served at the bar decorated with the countries flags, shamrocks and thistle. The hour Cocktail Hour Games had a techy spin to them included guests scanning QR codes which then directed them to our wedding website.
Coffee sleeve escort cards in large wooden boxes packed with coffee beans helped guests to their seats where the flower girls found homemade coloring books and certain guests found a special note congratulating them for “winning” the 2 pairs of white pumpkin salt and paper shakers. The rest of guests were treated to travel coffee mug favors. The sweetheart table décor included Mr. & Mrs. chair signs that I made along with Mr. and Mrs. wine glass charms. Wooden cat cake toppers were on hand to represent the two furry family members who were left back in Seattle. An absolutely amazing DJ who in addition to spinning a phenomenal mix of songs got out and brake danced with the guests long into the night. Finally guests were escorted to the front of the manner house and handed massive to send us off. As the guests made their way to the hotel in the shuttle Welcome Bags that included local goodies as well as a picture of the bride and groom with each guests from days gone by greeted them as a final thank you. It was a truly magical day and I hope all the guests enjoyed all the personal touches as much as I did.
Wedding Photography: Jeremy Hess Photographers / Wedding Venue: Riverdale Manor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania / Wedding Planning+ Design: Riverdale Manor + Tara White / Floral Design: wildflowers by design / Wedding Cinematography: Big City Video / Wedding Cake: Linda’s Cakery / Wedding Cake Toppers: Pokeberry Patch Handmade / Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / DJ: DJ Freez / Wedding Dress: Sally Crew via La Belle Elaine’s / Bride’s Shoes: Endless / Hair: Fever Salon + Visage a’ Visage / Makeup: Make-up by Chelsea / Bridal Party Gifts: Jill Griffin Jewelry