Anne and Chris’ Springtime wedding was celebrated at the dreamy Appleford Estate located just outside of Philadelphia.  Once, and quite recently, a private residence, Appleford is a 300 year old elegant fieldstone manor which is ideally situated on twenty-four lush acres of waterfalls, streams, blooming trees, boxwood gardens and orchard allees.  Originally part of a land grant from William Penn, the estate is no longer privately-owned but is lovingly maintained by the Villanova Township as an arboretum and bird sanctuary.  It was no surprise when Anne and Chris fell in love with the beautiful property!   As you will too as you enjoy these photos from Rachel McGinn.

As much as we love playing with color, texture, and detail, we also strongly believe in stripping ornamentation down to create a modern silhouette.  Borrowing from Spring, beautiful garden flowers in butter, lemon, cream, and yellow were displayed simply in modern glass vessels.  Glass is an honest medium; concealing nothing but reflecting everything. 

Raw dark wood chairs with cream cushions placed against subtle old gold linens helped maintain the non-fussy demeanor of the decor. 

An existing arbor of age-old wisteria vines provided the perfect place card setting.  A “sunburst” motif custom-designed for the event was used on save the dates, invitations, place cards, menus, table numbers, signage, programs, favor packaging, welcome letters and even – dupioni silk bar runners.   After the wedding we made European-sized pillow shams for the client to enjoy in their home.

A collection of garden flowers danced down the length of the rectangular tables – ranunculus, roses, peonies, hyacinth and lisianthus with variegated hosta leaves.

Peachtree & Ward designed an al fresco dining experience that included a wild salmon tartare, golden beet terrine with micro greens, filet au poivre with carmelized onions and grilled ramp, organic roasted vegetables, roast halibut with lemon confit and pommes puree with horseradish and marscapone cheese.  We placed elegant antique tables on the tented terrace for the cake and wine stations, as well as on the lawn for detailed displays of spiked lemonade, pineapple mint gelato and apple butter favor jars.

As dusk arrived and the atmosphere dimmed, the mood of the party changed and became more intimiate.  Seductive, even.  Oh Spring – no matter how late it arrives – it is cause for enthusiastic celebration on so many levels.   What could be more beautiful than a couple in love and starting their new live together as the world around them bursts into life in vivid color?