An event like a wedding is an exciting time in any couples life. It is a time for them to move forward in their journey together and decide how they wish to mark the event. There are a host of questions they must ask themselves as they begin their planning – how many people do we want to invite? What is our budget? What type of venue will best meet our needs and represent our tastes? These are only a few of many facets they need to consider before they can solidify their plans. On the subject of venues, this couple has chosen a vintage wedding establishment in the heart of Pennsylvania called the Washington Crossing Inn. This provided the setting for the following photographs that captured the Christina + Sam’s Wedding at Washington Crossing Inn and made it a memorable event for all that were fortunate enough to attend.

Before we go further on the venue, let’s take a look at some of the other aspects of the big event. Of course it all starts with the preparation of the Bride and Groom. They naturally want to look their best, and of course for the Bride she instantly becomes the center of attention. With the help of a make-up stylist she readies herself to make herself presentation flawless. This bride has chosen a beautiful gown for her special day as displayed below. The wedding gown is a showpiece and a star all on its own. The intricacy of this bride’s gown is lovely. The veil is displayed in all its splendor as she begins to approach her arrival to the area where the ceremony will take place.

The Groom is also taking his turn to ready himself before he presents himself to his lovely bride-to-be. For him, a stunning dinner jacket and accent tie and the help of his best man help him to turn himself into a striking example of a man ready to join his partner as they get ready to commit themselves to a life-time union and forge towards a life of memories together.

After both the Bride and Groom have finished dressing, it was time to move on to the ceremony area and their wedding venue which begins to capture the Christina + Sam’s Wedding at Washington Crossing Inn photographs.

The Washington Crossing Inn’s traditional colonial-style structure, featuring a faithfully preserved 1817 home. It provides an elegant backdrop for  most celebrated occasions worth celebrating. The venue is ideal as well for business lunches or dinner with family and friends, afternoon and evening dining at Washington Crossing Inn offers a relaxing atmosphere, scenic views, and a seasonal menu created by their Executive Chef. The Chef uses the freshest ingredients available to create intense, flavorful continental cuisine with an American flair. The warm glow of the venues numerous fireplaces, classic yet cozy atmosphere, and lush outdoor Secret Garden and patio areas can offer the perfect setting for everything from the exchange of vows to hosting an unforgettable reception under the stars.

A bit of history of this venue. In 1777, the McConkey Family sold the Ferry Inn property to Benjamin Taylor III. It included 304 acres, all of what is known today as Washington Crossing. His son, Bernard, managed the ferry service, ran successful and established a fishery, while it thought that another son, Mahlon, ran the Ferry Inn. Bernard Taylor built the oldest part of the present day Washington Crossing Inn in 1817. The two story stone homestead consisted of a dining room and kitchen on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second. The kitchen’s large open hearth still exists today and serves as the focal point of the Inn’s restaurant, the Hearth Room. Taylor is thought to have constructed the remaining original section in 1840. Taylor ran the ferry until 1823. The first covered bridge was built in 1834, connecting what was called Taylorsville to the village of Titusville in New Jersey. The Taylor home and farm remained in the Taylor family for 100 years. In 1919, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania created a park along the Delaware to commemorate the famous crossing by General George Washington and his troops in 1776. At this time, the name of the picturesque village was changed from Taylorsville to Washington Crossing. In the 1930s, the Haven family, who had been operating the Old Ferry Inn in the village, purchased the Taylor Family home. They renovated the home, constructed the colonial style addition that is now the present day lobby and ballroom. The original 1817 home was preserved as the inn’s public dining spaces: the Hearth Room and Covered Bridge Room. In 2009, brothers Dr. Eli Mordechai and Mr. Jerry Moradi purchased the inn to continue the tradition of the preserving the landmark of Bucks County hospitality.

The Groom, resplendent in his handsome ensemble happily proceeds to meet his Bride-to-be. The setting of the outdoor patio area was chosen to host the ceremony. The lush lawn and the wedding awning provide the setting for the ceremony to take place.

Below the Bride quietly approaches her husband-to-be. He will be very pleasantly surprised when he turns around to see how lovely she is as they get closer to be joined in the union of matrimony.

The Bride and Groom have both honored their mothers and made them a part of the ceremony. This is a lovely gesture and the inclusion of both mothers is a testament to the relationship they have built with their children.

This is an intimate moment between the Bride and Groom that the photographer captured. It shows the deepness of the relationship that has developed between the two of them and the life they are prepared to create together for themselves.

The grounds of the Washington Crossing Inn contains a number of interesting monuments that conjures up the historical background of the venue. All of it adds to the ambiance of grounds and the beauty of the property that makes it an ideal setting for such a momentous event.

Below are a number of photographs capturing the ceremony of this loving couple. The simple setting is complimented by the beautiful grounds and the natural lighting provided by the sun-lite sky, with the vivid blue of the sky and the floating white of the clouds. An outdoor wedding is a wonderful event, gathering close friends and family in the beauty of nature. However it is not without its risks, as it of course is dependent on the cooperation of Mother Nature. But this couple was very fortunate as you can see with their day and the bright environment that is being created.

This appears to be a simple but elegant ceremony. A very small bridal party – a Best Man and a Maid of Honor only, with the couple’s parents escorting them forward to the Officiant. There are some chosen individuals to provide readings that most likely have been chosen by the couple and hold special meaning to both of them. Additionally, the couple have prepared their own vows to deliver to each other. These are chosen words that help each of them to share their feelings and express their emotions as they undertake this tender moment. The photographs capture the emotions of the moment and the commitment they are making to one another.

Now that the ceremony has concluded, vows have been exchanged, and they have been joined together as man and wife, what better way to end things by sealing things with a kiss!

After the preparation for the wedding day is done, the ceremony has completed, it’s time for family and friends to enter the final stage of the ceremony experience – the reception! It’s time to celebrate the marriage of these two individuals by enjoying some food, drinks, and of course, dancing. Below is a beautiful wedding cake that the couple will share at some point in the evening and the colors and floral decorations on it make it very inviting for all to view in these photographs in the Christina + Sam’s Wedding at Washington Crossing Inn shoot.

There are many people to capture at a wedding reception – so many friends and family. It’s nice to see all of the happy faces and the array of wardrobe of both men and women attending.

It’s always the mark of the real beginning of the reception with the entrance of the new Bride and Groom! It signals to everyone that it’s time to mark this festive occasion with some celebrating and some merriment and memory making.

The first dances of the Bride and Groom, as well as the dance of the Groom and his Mother, and the Father of the Bride are reflective moments during the reception when each can look back to the past that brought them to this point in each of their lives and what will be the starting point for an expanded family who will add to a new family history being built.

Speeches and toasts are always part of a reception. It can take many forms – the Best Man ribbing his good friend the Groom, or the Maid of Honor humorously recounting good times with the Bride, or parents or relatives sharing their memories of there loved ones that adds an emotional touch to the moment.

At this reception it was a nice touch for the Bride and Groom to include an acknowledgment of the Best Man’s birthday – a celebration in a celebration!

What reception would be complete without a good DJ and lots of dancing! This reception is no exception, and the following showcases the fun the party attendees indulged in by showing off their moves on the dance floor.

The wedding cake cutting tradition symbolizes the couple’s first act together as a married couple and their commitment to sharing responsibilities. It’s a time-honored practice, often observed at the reception, where the couple cuts a slice of cake together, often feeding each other a bite. This act signifies their willingness to provide for and nurture each other in their new life together. 

The picture below is funny and appropriate as it helps to signal the end of a long day of celebration and joy of a new couple starting their new adventure together in life and the Christina + Sam’s Wedding at Washington Crossing Inn photo shoot comes to an end – and a beginning.