I Do: Katie + Austin | Radnor Friends Meetinghouse

When Katie contacted me about shooting her and Austin’s wedding, she described the theme as “casual elegance, like a Pennsylvania version of Downton Abbey.” I was instantly smitten.

The name of the private reception site alone was charming — Plumb Nilly — a four-story stone house built in Wayne circa 1736. The estate was renovated by the fellow who overhauled William Penn’s estate, Pennsbury Manor, so exploring the property was an absolute treat. While wandering through the house, I fell pretty hard for the cat-shaped pillow, among other gems.

Katie’s family has a strong attachment to their ceremony location — Radnor Friends Meetinghouse — a historic Quaker meeting house built in 1717 that was used as an outpost for George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

I won’t lie, I was a little nervous that I would stumble upon Snakey, the 7-foot pet boa constrictor that went missing in Delaware County earlier that week. Alas, there were no unexpected snake encounters. Katie and Austin’s ceremony was without a doubt, one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

Listening to the speeches, songs, and readings from their friends and family moved me to tears. And then laughter. And then more tears.

Looking at Katie looking at Austin. Looking at him looking at her. I lost it.

I try to avoid getting choked up at ceremonies, so I don’t get blurry-eyed behind the lens, but this time I couldn’t help it. I tried to hide my constant stream of tears behind my camera body, but I don’t think I was very successful.

It was an hour-long love fest like no other. There’s no way I could completely capture the mood of the ceremony, there aren’t really any words or images that could do that. But I had a blast trying.

While the five-hour day was shorter than my typical coverage, the intimate ceremony made me feel like I grew up with the couple. The reception was also overwhelmingly beautiful — there were deer frolicking on the grounds every time I turned around.

At the end of the day, I felt even more driven and thankful to be able to do what I love — documenting people’s stories. Thank you, Katie and Austin for including me. You two are absolutely lovely ♥