• Posted by Matt •

TJ and Jenna tied the knot a few weeks ago in a September wedding at the Mendenhall Inn in Chadds Ford, PA, just outside Philadelphia. Natalie has been friends with these two since college and she was actually invited as a guest, so our good friend Douglas Bovitt stepped in to work with me for this one. We took their engagement photos last fall, so I had the chance to get to know them a bit better, but I was looking forward to seeing how all of Jenna's DIY projects would come together for their big day.

The girls got ready at Currie Hair, Skin & Nails in Kennett Square, PA before heading back to the Mendenhall to get dressed, while TJ and the guys got ready at his house.

Then came the first cool addition to their day —a unique First Look that almost didn't happen. TJ was resistant to the idea of First Look photos, but, with some gentle urging from his bride-to-be, he relented just a few days before the wedding. We were thrilled because that meant the whole bridal party would be there for portraits at Nemours Mansion & Gardens, which grants very limited access for photos. Since Jenna works at Nemours Hospital she was able to get permission for portraits of the bride and her bridesmaids, but the addition of the whole bridal party made things so much better. The mansion overlooks a massive garden area with a fountain, a stone entrance-way and a large stone staircase down to a second level garden area.

We set TJ up in front of the giant fountain and his bride-to-be descended the stone staircase for a picture-perfect first look to start things off! I swear we could have spent the whole day there taking pictures, but since we had to return the bride & groom for their ceremony, an hour later we were headed back to the Mendenhall Inn.

They had a warm and sunny outdoor ceremony in the Inn's courtyard. Jenna's handiwork started things off as TJ's trio of nephews carried flags announcing the arrival of the bride.  They were followed by Jenna's nieces in dresses with fall-colored tu-tus that Jenna also made. The guests were all handed little bride & groom bottles of bubbles, so after they exchanged vows, TJ & Jenna exited the courtyard through cheers and bubbles. After family portraits, we found a set of old train tracks right next to the courtyard. Jenna was excited to use them as a backdrop for more portraits, and we were more than happy to oblige her. I really enjoyed having Douglas's fresh perspective throughout the day, and he really created some beautiful portraits for Jenna & TJ.

Back inside the Mendenhall, a few more of Jenna's DIY projects greeted guests. She created a frame filled with wine corks to hold all the place cards, which went along with their wedding favor of homemade wine. This newlyweds set the tone for the evening by entering the reception to the song Apache by the Sugar Hill Gang, and the whole bridal party joined in once they reached the dance floor.

TJ and Jenna, thank you so much for making us a part of your day! The Mendenhall Inn was a great venue, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to take your portraits at the Nemours Mansion. We are so happy for you guys and proud to say we were a part it all!