The serene countryside atmosphere of Springton Manor Farm was the perfect match to Dominique Savidge and Ryan McKenna’s calm and composed wedding vision. As they dreamed of ways to augment the natural beauty of this lush estate, farm-to-table food and brilliant hues of navy, peach and blue integrated into their creative wedding ideas.
See how personalized décor and a carefully designed custom menu treated 180 guests to an unforgettable experience on September 29, 2017.
Bringing a Sophisticated Wedding Dream to Life
Capturing Serene Wedding Photos
With a golf cart to escort the bridal party around Springton Manor Farm’s gorgeous 300 acres, the bridal party had no problem getting to all their favorite wedding photo locations. We were so glad Dominique and Ryan chose to arrive well before guests to enjoy some private time in the picture-perfect bridal suite and groom’s room as well as throughout the stunning property.
From Dominique savoring peaceful moments among antique furniture to Ryan bonding with his groomsmen, Love Me Do Photography captured each special moment with ease.
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A Warm Welcome to a Historic Property
At 4:30pm, a bus service by Krapf’s Coaches dropped guests off to this charming property filled with rustic wedding décor. A wooden collage frame of photos and a welcome table with postcards for guests to write on welcomed each attendee. As guests picked up a colorful pen to write a personal note for Dominique and Ryan, they knew this wedding would be a special one.
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A Pristine and Personalized Ceremony
Of all the idyllic ceremony spaces Springton Manor Farm offers, the century-old Linden tree is one of the most popular. The overarching canopy branches create a cozy feel in this vast space full of natural beauty. They also provided wonderful shade for guests as well as the Elysium Quartet. Add in the wooden crate with wands and newspaper programs inside and guests were whisked back in time. Because they perfectly augment a rustic theme and naturally beautiful settings, wooden displays are one of our favorite wedding décor ideas.
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As flower girls walked down the aisle, the McKennas’ beautiful color scheme also began to shine through. On baskets, crowns and bouquets used during the ceremony, dusty rose ribbons and silk hand-dyed dark blue ribbons as well as delicate baby’s breath added subtle beauty to the scene.
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From the first reading to the ring exchange, this ceremony flowed seamlessly. And with Dominique’s uncle serving as the officiant, every moment was personal and touching—giving the McKennas and their guests life-long memories. But at 5:30pm, it was time to celebrate in a new location. As Dominique and Ryan’s parents formed a receiving line at the end of the aisle, it was time for guests to walk over to the front yard while the couple headed off for more photos.
Fun Surprises at a Charming Cocktail Hour
Family photos with touches of greenery on high top tables gave guests a glimpse into Dominique and Ryan’s lives during cocktail hour. The couple’s signature drink also gave them a sample of the McKennas’ unique taste. Because they are a fun way to showcase couples’ personalities, signature cocktails are one of our favorite wedding food trends. And having tasted the apple cider mimosa served at this wedding, the McKennas’ guests were glad Dominique and Ryan chose to embrace this fun wedding trend.
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Guests were also in for a real treat when they stepped up to the mac n’ cheese station. Tender shell macaroni with creamy cheese sauce served with bacon, grilled chicken and asparagus tips was a savory surprise for guests. In addition, our friendly staff offered a great variety of passed hors d’oeuvres—many of which were gluten-free. As they had a try at cornhole or gathered for bridal party introductions from the music room, guests enjoyed the following fine small bites:
- Pear and brie tartlet
- Maryland lump crab cake: chili crème fraiche
- Grilled flat iron steak skewer: burgundy Dijon vinaigrette
- Lemon honey goat cheese: crispy beat chip
- Shrimp skewers: char grilled with olive oil and garlic
- Crispy pork belly squares: grilled red onion, sweet potato puree on brioche
- Sesame crusted Ahi tuna: roasted beet cubes, ginger soy drizzle
An Idyllic Reception Space
At 6:30pm, we invited guests to the reception tent decked out with soft white uplighting and market lighting. Here, farm tables and 72-inch round guest tables draped in Belfast ivory linen were beautifully decorated with artistic centerpieces. A mix of different glass conservatories and lanterns with touches of flowers and loose blooms as well as pillar candles or tea lights composed a sophisticated collection of centerpieces. Small wooden blocks for table signage and champagne flutes polished off the elegant table sets.
The market lighting and delicate touches of greenery and leaves established a wonderful ambiance for guests to turn their attention to introductions, traditional dances and the blessing. With those complete, it was time to serve the crispy wedge circle salad with Baker Street roles before the speeches began.
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A Scrumptious Plated Dinner
At 7:40pm, we served guests their choice of entrée accompanied by duck fat roasted potatoes and roasted butternut squash—two of our favorite fall sides. We love these mouthwatering gluten-free main courses the McKennas chose to offer their guests:
- Pesto and brie stuffed chicken breast: whole grain mustard cream sauce
- Grilled shoulder bistro steak: roasted garlic port butter
- Seasonal vegetable risotto: grilled leeks, porcini broth
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With chicken fingers with honey glazed carrots and applesauce for the kids, everyone was pleased with their main course and ready to get the party started.
A Dynamic Party Scene
After the father/daughter dance and mother/son dance, we opened the dance floor and fire pits to provide guests with endless entertainment. John Alexander from Eclipse DJ Entertainers kept the energy high while guests eagerly hit the dance floor. But that’s not to say they did not have other enticing options! Other sweet attractions included:
- S’mores station: by fire pits
- Ice cream cart: serving ice cream sandwiches by Weckerly’s
- Cake: Master’s Baker helped the McKennas design a six-inch gluten-free cake with navy tulle pom poms for Dominique to enjoy and a regular cake topped with a happily ever after sign for guests.
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With a bouquet toss and garter toss around 9 pm and coffee station open, the party carried on under extensive dynamic lighting—one of our favorite wedding ideas. As the memories stacked up, there was only one surprise left for guests before shuttles arrived to pick them up: we swapped the gift table to display s’mores stick favors on the front porch.
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If you would like our creative team to help you realize your wedding dreams as well, contact our experienced Philadelphia catering team online or give us a call at 610.725.9420.
