Hotel Du Village Wedding :: New Jersey Wedding Photographer

How did you meet?

We met in early 2013 at Penn State University when Alex was a Sophomore and Andrew was a Junior. We met through Lion Ambassadors, an organization that runs events for the Alumni Association. Through the organization, we got to know each other as we made mutual friends and spent time together at events and social gatherings. In the summer of 2014 and both newly single, we discovered our spark at Penn State’s Arts Fest. However, Andrew was off to Philadelphia to start work at Accenture while Alex would be returning to Penn State for her senior year. Even though we didn’t communicate much, Alex would always joke to friends, “It’s okay. I’m going to marry him someday.” Throughout the following year, we saw each other at football tailgates, Lion Ambassador Alumni events, and the Penn State Blue & White Game in 2015. It became obvious that they wanted to spend more time together, which would be possible since Alex was moving back home to the Philly area.

In the early summer of 2015, we talked every day until our first official “date” on June 5th. We met for drinks with friends at Independence Beer Garden, and bonded over “sushiritos” from High Street Kitchen. After that date, we were practically inseparable. We continued to date and fall in love, despite long-distance and challenges as Andrew traveled weekly for work and Alex navigated her first year as a full-time teacher. Eventually, we moved together into our apartment in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia before moving into our first home together in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania with our beloved Golden Retriever, Ames.

In the summer of 2019, we planned a Eurotrip just the two of us. Alex was excited for 10 days of sight-seeing, dining, and traveling, but Andrew had something even bigger in mind. We took off to Europe and made it to our first destination, Amsterdam. Early the following morning, on July 4th, Andrew rushed a very groggy and jet-lagged Alex out of the hotel to “explore the city before the crowds”. We walked hand in hand over to the Magere Brug. Legend says that a kiss between lovers while on this bridge ensures that they will be in love forever.

Andrew stopped Alex for a photo just before popping the question. Alex was shocked and overjoyed, and of course, said YES! We spent the rest of their trip celebrating, and we that we will return to that special place someday.

Hotel du Village is a historic, French Country estate nestled in the Bucks County countryside and just one and a half miles north of New Hope, PA. We both grew up within 20 minutes from New Hope, so it felt very sentimental to bond our lives together there.

We picked this venue for its idyllic atmosphere, historic charm, and beautiful gardens. It was the first venue that we toured, and we fell in love with it immediately. One thing we liked most about it was that Landmark Venues was able to provide a completely inclusive experience from overnight accommodations, a ceremony space, a beautiful ballroom, a lively after party space, and even a catered brunch the following morning. The chef’s cooking was absolutely delectable, and it was clear that there was talent and thought built into each bite. The wedding coordinator, Allison, made sure that every detail of our vision came true!

Our wedding took place at Hotel Du Village in New Hope, Pennsylvania. We both started our days by getting pampered in the gorgeous bridal suite and fabulous groom’s quarters. We had a perfectly executed first look, followed by the ceremony of our dreams! Andrew’s Aunt Linda officiated our wedding and included so many heartfelt details. Our mothers joined us for a special Unity Tree Ceremony. We wrote our own vows, and them read through laughs and tears. Our flowers by Camelia Faire Floral Events were absolutely flawless. We got married in front of a breathtaking flower-donned pergola. Our florist also created a gorgeous chandelier, mantle, and sweetheart table setting. The flowers and open flame candles had the soft and romantic feel that we were going for. Our entertainment, Sid Miller Dance Band, played piano for our ceremony and cocktail hour, but really got the party going for our reception! Some of our favorite details were our baby grand piano with old family wedding photos on top, Stroopwafel escort cards, our guest-book shot ski, and the favors dedicated to our fur baby, Ames. We tried to make sure that our wedding showed the story of our love through these small details. After the reception, we had an after party with karaoke, burger sliders, and so many laughs. All of the hard work from our vendors, family, and friends on these details made the wedding of our dreams a reality!

Alex: The first look! There was so much anticipation leading up to the moment that we saw each other for the first time on our wedding day. I was not expecting to be so emotional, but as soon as I saw him I couldn’t stop the tears and my face hurt from smiling. His reaction to seeing me for the first time as his wife and bride was everything I ever thought it would be! It was such a beautiful moment to mark the start of the rest of our lives together. I am so grateful that Susan and Dan, our videographer, caught the whole moment on camera.

Andrew: My favorite moment of the day was walking into the ballroom and our first dance! It was so great to see all of the excitement and energy from our friends and family, and then to go into the first of many dances with my beautiful wife, one of the few moments that we got to spend just the two of us. It was the best blend of upbeat and fun that then went into a beautiful and intimate moment. I loved every moment of our wedding day, and there are many that I feel like I will never forget, but that one will always stand out!

We plan to “mini-moon” this summer in Montego Bay, Jamaica at the Secrets Wild Orchid Resort. We are looking forward to relaxing and spending some time soaking up the sun. We are hoping to go on our big “honeymoon” next summer once all COVID restrictions are lifted by traveling through the Greek Islands! That is our dream honeymoon spot, but we are feeling lucky to get two wonderful experiences!