Jesse and Heidi had an incredibly unique wedding held on the banks of the Little Conestoga Creek at The Mill at Manor Falls. The main building is massive old mill that has been completely renovated, with large rooms upstairs for the groomsmen and bridal party to get ready in and relax, and a dining and dancing space on the lower level. It is a unique location with an old stone bridge and a large water fall that rushes over a dam. The ceremony was held on the ruins of a barn on a grass field. The whole property has a very old world feel, almost a fantasy setting. The weather was spectacular, especially for South East Pennsylvania at the end of October. It was a perfect fall day. Jesse and Heidi had a beautiful first look down by the creek, then took pictures with the bridal party. The ceremony included their dog Charlie, and the tradition of hand fasting, literally tying the knot. It was a unique ceremony featuring poetry and readings by a friend. The couple wrote their own vows. A cocktail hour was held on the patio of the mill building, and the reception started soon after inside. They had food served by Himalayan Curry and Grill and Callaloo Trinidadian Kitchen, two of the best restaurants in Lancaster. The couple had one of the best first dances I’ve seen, and their friends were a good match because they were able to do a very fun steal dance. In a fun twist, the couple each had paintings commissioned for each other as a gift and the surprise presentation was a lot of fun. The couple took some incredible romantic pictures by the waterfall at dusk. I was able to make good use of the drone to get a good look of the property. The gimbal was very useful for this wedding to follow the dancing, walking, and interesting photoshoots.
Handfasting is an ancient tradition in which a couple’s hands are tied together during a wedding ceremony, symbolizing their commitment to each other. It is often associated with pagan and pre-Christian cultures and is sometimes incorporated into modern weddings. The term “handfasting” is derived from the Old English word “handfæstung,” which means “a pledge by the joining of hands.” The practice has also been known to be used in celtic and scottish traditional weddings.
It can also represent the joining of the couple’s families and communities, as well as the union of their physical and spiritual selves. In many traditions, the couple’s hands are bound with ribbon or cord, which is sometimes adorned with symbols or colors that hold special meaning. The practice is often accompanied by spoken vows or other rituals that further solidify the commitment being made.
A fall wedding can be beautiful for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is the natural beauty of the fall season. The leaves on the trees change colors, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The crisp, cool air and warm sunshine make for perfect weather for a wedding. Fall also offers a variety of rich and warm color palettes for decor, such as deep reds, oranges, yellows and golds, that can be incorporated into floral arrangements, bridal party attire, and other decorations. Additionally, the fall season is associated with harvest time, which can be reflected in the wedding decor, menu, and theme. Overall, the fall season provides a natural beauty and a cozy atmosphere that makes it a perfect time for a wedding.
An outdoor wedding can be beautiful for several reasons. One of the main reasons is the natural setting that an outdoor wedding provides. Being surrounded by nature can create a serene and peaceful atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for a wedding ceremony. Additionally, outdoor weddings offer a wide range of picturesque and unique locations such as gardens, beaches, parks, and more, that can serve as a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and reception.
Outdoor weddings also often have a relaxed and casual feel, as opposed to indoor weddings, which can be more formal. The natural light that comes with an outdoor wedding also allows for beautiful and natural-looking wedding photography. Furthermore, an outdoor wedding can also allow for more flexibility in terms of layout and decor, allowing couples to truly create the wedding of their dreams. Overall, the beauty of nature combined with the freedom and flexibility offered by an outdoor wedding can make it a truly beautiful and unforgettable experience.