Whats in Glen Mills, PA ?
Quaint Cottages, Rolling hills, and the iconic Terrain At Styers, of course.
When Lindsay first contacted me about their East Coast wedding, I had just moved from Hawaii to Alaska. I had never been to Pennsylvania, or anywhere close to that side of the country for that matter. Big Island, Hawaii was where I met the Kraft family, while photographing Lindsay's sister, Caitlin's tropical jungle wedding. The family was so easy to love, and made me feel like I had known them my entire life within minutes. I was thrilled at the idea of reconnecting with them and getting to celebrate yet another unity, but this time with High Fashion + Editorial flare.
Glen Mills, PA is home to historic architecture, Rolling hillsides and the iconic garden venue and restaurant Terrain at Styers. The tucked away venue offers and artisan style shop and quality food served with intention and a fine dining experience. Beyond that, the property boasts beautiful displays by the season, with rows of blooms + walls filled with decorations. The Terrain Events staff create art with their floral department, bringing to life a real fairytale-like romance to the altar.
Pre-Wedding Portraits for the last day of engagement.
Newlin Grist Mill Park, PA
Just 11 minutes away from Terrain, is Newlin Grist Park - a well maintained historic public park nestled in the heart of Glen Mills. This park offers multiple hiking trails, river access, historic buildings and wells and waterfalls.
I met Tanner and Lindsay on a bright sunny october morning, and had them frolicing through the park, gucci heels in hand and giggles filling the quiet autumn air. We had them dancing by the river as bystanders fished upstream and walked their dogs by, everyone pausing to smile and congratulate the happy couple - that's the vibe of this small town. The staff even came by and offering interesting facts about the area and let us know there weer classes and tours happening all day, which was a nice refreshment from my usual experience of being harassed by park employees (iykyk).
If you are planning your engagement photos around the Glen Mills area, definitely check out this cute little area and explore the grounds, you will easily get tons of charm and variety in your photos.
Getting Ready..
The jitters, moments becoming memories, last minute vows and running around to catch up to the timeline - the pre-wedding chaos is often overlooked, but offers the most authentic peek into real emotions happening at your wedding.
It is no secret that most weddings don't go exactly according to plan, and usually that is due to getting ready taking longer than expected.
In this case, the boys are drastically under-prepared for their group photos. If you and your wedding party are wearing a tie or bow -tie and not opting for clip ons, I HIGHLY suggest spending time the night before as a group practicing how to tie them. Otherwise you may be sweating it, asking me how we are on time, and having to hear me respond "Mostly bad..but its okay!"
Nonetheless, I am a professional, and I can work well under pressure and time constraints, not only getting the shots, but also bussing the videographer to the venue (breaking a few minor speeding laws) arriving to the venue at the exact same time as the bride.
10.02,2025
We had 15 minutes to shoot the dress details and final touches before the First Look and family photos - the second we put the car in park, it was go-time.
Terrain at Styers has a rustic Bridal cottage on the grounds for a little pre + post wedding privacy. These are the last moments you share with your closest friends and family, before your life changes forever. This is the time to take a breathe, allow a tear, and take in the sight of yourself in this moment. in your gown. embraced by the love of everyone in the room. The moment before your future husband finally sees you for the first time in your wedding gown, as his soon to be wife.
Here Comes the Bride.
Que the violinists, Everyone put your phones down, and get in your places...
Terrain Events had everything just right, from the floral arch covered in roses, to the lanterns and floral set ups you may soon see featured on URBN / Anthropologie Weddings! I felt like i was on set for a Bridgerton wedding.
Then You see the happiest pitbull - best man - you ever did see, Sir, Watson. Followed by a nervous Tanner in his fitted blue suit, his father and grandmother beaming at him as he walks forward. Watson wanting nothing more than to play and roll around on the grass in his little doggie suit.
Lindsay looked absolutely stunning as she stepped out of the Reception Hall and into the asle. The light perfectly glowing around her as each person turns to smile and take in the moment. The ceremony as all about their journey together, promises made to last a lifetime. By the end of their vows, not a single eye was dry, especially mine as I sobbed through my lens. The love between these two was so strong, you were left hanging on every word choked out through tears. The warm honey light swallowing them in its glow, under the canopy of roses and old growth trees, the most romantic scene unfolding with absolute perfection and heart all wrapped together in one moment.
When Lindsay and Tanner became one.
Espresso Martinis', 20 Layer Cake
+ A legendary dance party.
With Autumn in full swing at Terrain At Styers, the garden decorations were seasonably decorated with pumpkins and bright oranges paired with the classic rustic style the venue is known for. With only a short window of time to get formals to release the couple to actually enjoy their cocktail hour, the variety in backdrop options made getting my shots quick and easy. Lindsay and Tanner were so easy to direct and capture the joy between them, and the relief that with the hard part over, the evening ahead will be one of the best in their lives!
The wedding coordinator and the staff as a whole were incredibly helpful and communicated everything so flawlessly. as a vendor who is not local to the area, I felt very comfortable and supported working alongside them to make this day happen smoothly as possible.
From helping hold the train for portraits, to helping me store my camera bags, and ensuring every vendor had time to eat and drink - was refreshing and made all the difference in being able to execute my job to the best of my ability.
I am a firm believer that you are a reflection of the company you keep, and I have no doubt that this couple is so deeply supported and loved. That they hold their relationships close, and always strive to be better, together.
Congratulations, Lindsay and Tanner, on your new forever, and thank you for trusting me to capture it.
xo- Jazz
