The wonderful wedding of Michelle and Mark as featured on Style Me Pretty.
We always tout Radnor Hunt for its beautiful landscapes, simple yet elegant ballrooms and charming interior. When they decided to hold their ceremony and reception at Radnor Hunt, Michelle and Marc envisioned the ballrooms, and back lawn as an antique oasis in Malvern, PA. With the help of Borrowed and Blue Vintage Rentals, they were able to bring the venue back to its former glory with vintage books, mirrors, trunks and typewriters throughout the ballrooms, interior rooms and the ceremony site. Each and every detail, down to a typed letter from the bride and groom in front of the place card chalkboard, was meticulously executed, no easy feat. But they pulled it off, and added this wedding to our favorites list as the antique chic wedding.
Each guest table featured a centerpiece with a small collection of books, a vintage mirror table number, a small bud vase, odds, ends and of course a scrabble letter holder spelling out a “love-ly” statement. No two tables were alike, encouraging guests to step out of their chairs during the reception and visit other tables to see what their statement of love was or which books they had stacked at their table.
As guests made their way from the parking lot, they first came across a “wet your whistle” station, featuring an antique free standing cabinet filled with mason jars, on top of which stood two octagonal beverage dispensers, one with ice water and one with lemonade.
The couple chose to say their vows on site under the great tree on the back lawn of Radnor Hunt. As the bridal party, and finally the bride made their way down the aisle, ominous clouds and rolling thunder crashed the party. Thankfully their ceremony was quick enough for them to say “I do” and as he kissed the bride the droplets began to fall. The bride and groom scurried down the aisle, behind them all the guests, and everyone rushed inside to beat the light and sound show Mother Nature had cooked up just for their special day. Howling winds and sheets of rain didn’t stop the cocktail hour from getting under way as guests took up a drink and enjoyed the passed and stationary hors d’oeuvres as they made their way around the small ballroom.
Passed hors d’oeuvres included our signature mini Caesar salads in parmesan tuile baskets with homemade pumpernickel croutons, and miniature salmon and dill cakes topped with crème fraiche. Herb shrimp with lemon aioli, beef canapés with horseradish sauce on ficelle round and mini burger sliders were also very popular with guests. Assorted artisanal cheeses on marble slabs were placed on top of the piano for a unique stationary hors d’oeuvre display.
The couple’s attention to detail extended to their signature drink, half & half which was staged along the porch in front of a wall of winning ribbons. Once the rain passed, guests made their way outside onto the deck and lower porch. Served in mason jars, the signature drink was a huge hit among guests.
After guests made their way into the main ballroom, and toasts had been made, the first course was served. Everyone enjoyed a tossed garden salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
As with all seated dinners offering a choice of entrée, guests made their choices prior to the evening. Classic chicken marsala and sliced beef sirloin with gorgonzola and bourbon sauce were accompanied by broccoli tossed with olive oil and parmesan cheese and potatoes au gratin. Vegetarians enjoyed cheese tortellini with wild mushrooms and herbed cheese sauce.
Dessert included an assorted cookie bar in classic clear glass cookie jars as well as wedding cake with different flavored tiers by Mary Ellen. All in all it was a wonderful wedding put together with help from many different groups. A big thanks to Borrowed and Blue Vintage Rentals, the staff at Radnor Hunt, the staff of J. Scott Catering and the ladies at Love Me Do Photography. And of course the lovely couple Michelle and Marc.
Also, be sure to check out the couples featured blog on Style Me Pretty, the popular wedding website.
