Photo: Tara Beth Photography
Though Erin and Katie first met as freshmen in college — and even lived across the hall from one another as juniors — it wasn’t until two years after they graduated that the two began to fall in love. The pair dated for two years, when Erin got the idea to propose to Katie during a trip to Italy in July of 2009. “We were living halfway across the country from one another,” says Erin. “I visited Katie before our trip, and decided I couldn’t wait until we got to Italy, so I spontaneously popped the question!” Katie said yes, but the women waited until it was legal for them to marry in Pennsylvania before they set a date.
Katie and Erin wanted to give their guests a taste of where they live, so they searched for a Pennsylvania venue that would fit their relaxed, intimate vision. They chose the General Warren Inne and, on May 7, 2016, 32 guests joined them for a mid-afternoon ceremony followed by a celebration on the property’s grounds. With soft watercolor hues, pastel flowers, and sprigs of lavender sprinkled throughout the event, the couple’s wedding was the embodiment of spring. Take a look at these brides’ beautiful garden wedding, photographed by Tara Beth Photography, below.
Katie is Irish-American and Erin was born on St. Patrick’s Day, so naturally the two brides incorporated Irish touches into their celebration, including these Claddagh rings.
Erin wore a structured lace wedding dress by Truly Zac Posen, with a trumpet silhouette and corset-like boning details. “It fit like it was made just for me, and it fit my style and personality without a single alteration,” she says. A pair of pumps with an Impressionist floral print and a colorful bouquet of white, purple, and peach roses, ranunculus, and peonies (with sprigs of lavender, of course!) completed her ensemble.
Katie complemented her in a custom-made jacket with a black and navy checked pattern, which she paired with black tuxedo pants and a grosgrain bowtie.
How sweet was the couple’s first look in the property’s manicured garden?
We love how these two brides incorporated texture and personality into their wedding day looks. Says Katie, “We quickly realized that wedding planning can be a full time job itself. We were happy to have the assistance of Patrick, the venue’s proprietor, and his staff during our months of planning.”
The ceremony took place in front of an old stone springhouse covered in ivy. Programs featured a botanic floral print in soft pastel shades.
The end of the white aisle was flanked with arrangements of white hydrangeas and peach roses. The brides walked down the aisle with their parents, then exchanged traditional vows. Each of their brothers served as best men in navy suits, while the women in their wedding party wore navy dresses of their own choosing.
Inside the historic property, bronze geometric vessels held white flowers, and each place setting was completed with a sprig of lavender. Each guest’s seat was marked with a personalized menu, along with a thank you note from the brides.
After sampling shrimp cocktail, lobster rolls, tenderloin sliders, and chickpea falafel during cocktail hour, guests chose between chicken paillard, filet mignon, New Zealand rack of lamb, and Atlantic wild salmon for their entrée.
Photo: Tara Beth Photography
For dessert, the brides sliced into a three-tiered cake with lavender and white frosting, decorated with fresh hydrangeas and lavender sprigs.
As guests departed, they grabbed bottles of local honey, finished with a sticker that read “Meant to Bee.” Those who weren’t done partying joined Erin and Katie (in full wedding attire!) as they had drinks at their favorite local pub.
Says Erin, “Keep your wedding simple, and focus on spending time with your guests. Really show them how much you appreciate and love them, and make sure they have a great time. Little things will go wrong, but the details matter so much less than the memories you make that night!”
Venue, Catering & Cake: General Warren Inne || Erin’s Wedding Dress: Truly Zac Posen || Katie’s Suit: Commonwealth Proper || Hair & Makeup: Michelle’s Beautique || Katie’s Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Florist: Cottage Flowers || Invitations & Paper Goods: Paper Source || Photographer: Tara Beth Photography
Feeling inspired by this beautiful wedding? Then we bet you’ll love watching another couple’s Pennsylvania celebration in the video below.