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Weddings

Summer Wedding at Pearl Buck Estate

Recently AKP had the honor of capturing Nicole and Chris’ wedding day and it was pure bliss. It was a mixture of all of the best kinds of emotions. Excitement, laughter, and a little bit of nervousness flooded everyone as we got ready for one of the most special days of Nicole and Chris’ life. It was a day filled with so much love and joy and a good old-fashioned limbo contest that ended the utmost perfect day. Their Summer wedding at Pearl Buck Estate was an absolute dream and one that we are so excited to be sharing.

Pearl Buck Estate

The Pearl Buck Estate is a 250-year-old national historic landmark located in Bucks county. The estate is made up of 67 acres of prize-winning gardens, lush landscaping, the estate pavilion, and of course The Pearl S. Buck House. This estate provides the ultimate peaceful wedding getaway for both you and your wedding guests. It is a wedding photographer’s dream since there are many perfect photo opportunities throughout the grounds of the Pearl S. Buck Estate. Here you can find multiple indoor and outdoor rental spaces such as a garden, terrace, barn, indoor ballroom, or the estate pavilion.

Not only that, but you also have many amazing amenities such as comprehensive event planning, a caterer list to fit all budgets, ceremony chairs along with setup and breakdown and so much more! To see more amenities you can have when you book your wedding at the Pearl S. Buck Estate, click here!

Summer Wedding at Pearl Buck Estate

Nicole and Chris’ wedding day started off with both of them getting ready at separate locations. Nicole got ready at the Courtyard Marriott. Chris got ready at the Joseph Ambler Inn. This beautiful venue first opened its doors in 1983. It was transitioned from a small bed and breakfast to a 52-room luxury hotel that’s spread through 5 historic buildings. It’s an amazing space and definitely a great location if you’re looking to book your wedding there *cough cough*.

While I was with Nicole and her bridesmaids while they got ready, AKP’s second photographer was with Chris and his groomsmen. From there while the guys were finishing getting ready, the girls and I hopped in their party van to head to their venue! The beautiful photos that you see of all of the details and of Nicole and her bridesmaids in their matching robes were taken at the Pearl Buck Estate. We will usually take some getting-ready portraits at the venue if we feel like there isn’t enough time to take photos at your getting-ready location and/or if your getting-ready location doesn’t have the best lighting. Lighting is the key to any photo! So we try our very best to find the best lighting for you to look your absolute best.

First Look

Shortly after it was time for Nicole’s first looks. It’s important to communicate with your wedding photographer whether or not you are having a first look and with who. Having a first look can definitely impact your wedding timeline and how long other portraits may take. So make sure you speak with your wedding photographer prior to the wedding day, because a last-minute decision can throw off the entire wedding day!

Nicole decided to have a first look with her bridesmaids first. Shortly after she headed outside for a first look with her dad. First looks don’t have to be just with your partner, but they can be with anyone that you care about. This can be a friend, wedding party, parent/guardian, or partner. Now, whether or not you want a first look on your wedding day is a whole different story. If you’re wondering if a first look is for you or not, check out this blog here where we deep dive a little bit further.

While we were enjoying all of the festivities, AKP’s second photographer was along with Chris and his groomsmen on their way to Pearl Buck Estate. It was time for Nicole and Chris to have their first look. It’s completely natural for you and/or your partner to cry during this time. It’s incredibly emotional! So always be prepared with some tissues and waterproof makeup, just in case.

Wedding Portraits

Pearl Buck Estate has many beautiful locations for wedding portraits. They put in a lot of effort and time into their landscaping and design so of course we had to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. The day was also so amazing, with the sun shining so being able to be outside for their portraits was just what we needed.

Tip: One of the best tips that we can give when it comes time for your wedding portraits is to trust your wedding photographer. Although easier said than done, your wedding photographer WANTS you to look and feel amazing. Trusting their creative vision throughout this process is key to absolutely loving the final product of your wedding photos.

Ceremony & Reception

Next, it was time for the ceremony which faced the beautiful wildflower garden located on the property. Although it was mid-day and the sun was a bit harsh, the photos turned out beautifully which is all that we can ask for. Typically harsh sun is harder to photograph in. It can lead to shadows and squinting your eyes but in this case, it was just perfect. After a brief 30-minute ceremony, Chris and Nicole tied the knot. It was emotional and the moment we all had been waiting for – woohoo!

After the ceremony and cocktail hour, the reception space was ready for us. An outdoor tent was set up on the property and Nicole and Chris made their grand exit. We enjoyed some emotional and touching first dances, and cake cutting before breaking out on the dance floor. We also have to mention that halfway through dinner we did steal Nicole and Chris for some golden hour portraits. Sorry, it’s a must! Before heading out for the night to run home and edit some sneaks, we obvi had to catch the limbo line. We love it when our couples can let loose on the dance floor, have fun and be their true authentic selves. That’s what it’s all about!

Cheers to Nicole and Chris on a fabulous wedding day! Wishing you nothing but happiness in your future!

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