RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S WEDDING: ALLISON & SHAUN

Allison & Shaun’s wedding at The River House at Odette’s was very DIY and warm. The venue is a large estate but, they wanted to keep the feel intimate, filled with candles and natural light. We kept it warm on an overcast day by using a mixture of white balance temps and balancing flash with available light.

Natural light was best in the outdoor images of putting together favors, while the flash gave the crispness and vibrancy of the indoor images. We got creative with fun techniques such as double exposures in-camera, freezing motion with slow shutter speeds, and showing action by panning the subjects vertically during their vows to help convey emotions.

RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S WEDDING

Imagine a small, intimate wedding planned to perfection. Soft candlelight and friends and family mingling happily while enjoying delectable hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. An intimate ceremony in Odette’s charming grounds followed by a sumptuous dinner. River House is an intimate location for an upscale wedding. This venue was previously an old mill building transformed into a rustic country wedding venue.

There is plenty of patio space for guest seating as well, and a private patio just off the bridal suite upstairs. River House has 12 x 12 wood barn doors to close off the bridal suite for more privacy. There is also a loft overlooking the ceremony area with a wood floor and sliding glass doors. When opened, they make it feel more like an outside ceremony space since it is directly overlooking the river.

MEET THE COUPLE: ALLISON & SHAUN

Shaun and Allison met online, and a spark was instant. They met on a website that estimates personality compatibility and later started dating. The experience was a dream come true for him, but it nearly turned into a nightmare- or did it? You learn something new every day, even when getting lost in nature. Shaun dramatically proposed to Allison after getting lost on a hike in the woods. Shaun decided that it would be extra special if he proposed at home and didn’t tell her until she saw the ring in his hands!

GETTING THE PARTY STARTED AT THE RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S

This was one of the easiest weddings we have ever shot, and this is partly because Allison & Shaun have a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and joy. So, they had no doubt garnered an outpouring of generosity from friends and family alike to help them host their incredible event at The River House at Odette’s.

When we arrived at the River House at Odette’s we were greeted with a warm smile, explained how things would be run, and promptly taken care of. This was one of the first signs that this would be a successful day for Allison & Shaun. The venue itself works like a well-oiled machine. It is the host to many other weddings in which this event crew knows exactly what is going on and efficient at making sure all gets done and runs smoothly.

We had access to any part of the venue that we needed to capture our shots. The staff were there to help with anything we needed and were pleasant throughout the whole group. The weather had cooperated all day, even giving us some puffy clouds in the sky for sunset shots. For Allison & Shaun, this day was everything they wanted it to be; it was an emotional roller coaster filled with laughter, tears of joy, and lots of memories.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY AT THE RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S

The River House at Odette’s on the Lawns held Allison & Shaun’s elegant ceremony in an unbelievable natural setting of trees, flowers, and lawn decor ideal for guests to enjoy during the event. White dendrobium orchids, white hydrangeas, silver dollar eucalyptus, dusty miller, rosemary sprigs, heather tips and sprigs, willow clusters, and small white boxwood cones decorated the lawn throughout the ceremony area.

Guests seated in impeccably decorated chairs handcrafted with lamps made from reclaimed wood and glass vase tops. The decor leading up to the terrace was stunning. From the large lanterns hung from trees to candles in glass votives placed around the path. The wedding was perfect, and everything went smoothly. The bride’s dress fit her like a glove, and her smile made us all want to love. Shaun looked very handsome in his tuxedo and had the tearful look on his face when Allison walked down the aisle with her dad. You could hear a pin drop as Allison walked down the aisle in that beautiful white dress, smiling with anticipation.

The officiator began to speak about how people meet and fall in love. They then turned back to face everybody, smiled broadly, and kissed each other passionately as the entire room erupted in applause.

THE WEDDING RECEPTION AT THE RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S

Allison and Shaun’s wedding reception was a magical combination of elements that worked well together to provide a most memorable day, in the minds of all their guests. The hall decorations were lavish and elegant with touches of light everywhere you looked, stirring your imagination away from mundane thoughts. The band was fabulous! They played several songs by famous artists as well as their hits. Nothing can beat soul food – especially in the company of good friends! What more could anyone ask for?

The wedding cake was a favorite in the reception hall and is still talked about today. Each layer had a different flavor and delicious center that blended well with all the other tastes.

DECORATIONS AND DETAILS AT THE RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S

A wedding without a centerpiece is hardly a wedding, right? A vintage-like ambiance established at Odette’s River House with the venue’s beautiful brick structure and detailed castle-like building. Indeed, the decorative details inside gave this reception a charming, yet modern feel. The River House provided the lovely glass domes and vases to hold the arrangements, while Allison & Shaun added the spectacular flowers.

Tables decorated with burgundy, red, and deep green roses surrounded by whitewashed Chiavari chairs covered in a beautiful black/white embroidered damask fabric. Linens throughout the venue were of the same pattern as the chairs, in black and white. A simple fresh flower arrangement on each table featured a mix of burgundy, red and deep green roses.

VENDORS AT THE RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S WEDDING

A stunning venue, talented vendors, and a delicious menu contributed to Allison & Shaun’s incredibly stylish nuptials. A fantastic wedding venue, an elegant yet funky reception space, whimsical floral arrangements, tasty hors d’oeuvres, a fun photo booth, great entertainment, and the sweetest introduction…that’s the style of Allison & Shaun’s wedding. Truly, it was just what they dreamed of, and their vendors provided everything they needed. Nevertheless, it was a remarkable day made even more memorable by the talented wedding vendors who planned, styled, and coordinated Allison & Shaun’s celebration.

LIST OF VENDORS AT THE RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S WEDDING

Accommodations: Girls: River House at Odette’s, @riverhouseatodettes

Rings: Allison: Bernie Robbins Hearts on Fire collection; Shaun: Hitched

Makeup: Dominique Speca, @domo_speca or @houseofvenusbeauty

Accommodations: Boys: Lambertville House, @Lambertvillehouse

Cake Designer: River House at Odettes & Camille Faire

Floral Designer: Camille Faire: @camelliafairestudio
Wedding Dress: Martina Liana, fit & flare vintage
Wedding Dress Store: Philly Bride, @Philly_bride

Hair: Alexis Burkhardt, @manebridalphl

Caterer: River House at Odettes

Invitations: VOHandMade, @vo_handmade

Tuxedo: Generation Tux

Officiant: Reverend Kent Foster

Band/DJ: DJ Joe Palladino, @phillyvideodjs

WINDING UP AT THE CEREMONY

Allison & Shaun’s wedding ended on a high note. It all began with the sun porch filled with guests who had gathered to celebrate Allison & Shaun’s ‘lights to be’ themed wedding. A steady shower of twinkling glow sticks surrounded Allison and Shaun as they walked hand-in-hand under them into the crowded lobby. The joyous couple had already said their goodbyes, now it was time for the inside of their hearts to say hello.

The very best things in life are the seemingly simplest, like the happiness you feel when you’re dancing at your wedding to a song that has only played between you two; or when your best friend surprises you with a gift and a heartfelt message written on it. For instance, these are the moments that make up Allison & Shaun’s lives together and, were captured by J&J Studios.

BOOK A WEDDING PHOTOSHOOT WITH J&J STUDIOS AT THE RIVER HOUSE AT ODETTE’S

J&J Studios has been shooting weddings and family photos in Philadelphia. Our mission is to capture life’s special moments cherished for generations to come. When selecting a wedding photographer, you want a true professional who will capture all of your wedding day details and emotions, in a photojournalistic style. In order to achieve this goal, we shoot with a combination of digital photography and film photography. Indeed, this is an excellent way to get the best of both photography worlds.

We offer several all-inclusive wedding packages, with no hidden costs. Therefore, allowing us to help keep your focus on other details of the big day. Such as preparation and putting your finishing touches on the many details associated with your special day. Call J&J Studios today for more information on Wedding Photos and full-service packages.