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August 1, 2023
Elkins Estate outdoor wedding ceremony with floral arch backdrop | By luxury PA Wedding Photographer Lauren E. Bliss Photography
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Fairytale Elkins Estate Wedding Inspiration Photos

Just a quick glance at this post is enough to tell that this dreamy Elkins Estate wedding shoot is straight out of a fairytale. So many Taylor Swift songs are running through my head as I stare at this gallery. I equally feel like having a Love Story moment on the (insanely gorgeous velvet covered) staircase circa 2008’s Fearless era OR playing Today Was A Fairytale on repeat while I document this stunning photography workshop. If you’re planning your Elkins Estate wedding, keep scrolling for the ultimate fairytale wedding inspiration!

Elkins Estate Wedding inspiration photos by luxury PA Wedding Photographer Lauren E. Bliss Photography

AMV Retreats Photography Workshop Outline

In June, I had the opportunity to participate in AMV Retreats’ Elkins Estate wedding photography workshop just outside of Philadelphia. I was joined by about 30 other PA and Philadelphia wedding photographers, as well as several others who had traveled a ways to be there. 

Elkins Estate Wedding ceremony with floral arch backdrop | By luxury PA Wedding Photographer Lauren E. Bliss Photography

The day began with an introduction and helpful guidance from our amazing NYC-based photography workshop educators: Sophie Kaye (@sophiekayephotography), Jaymo Jaymes (@jaymojaymes), and Mariah Bucu (@mariahbucuphotography).

They split us into three groups of photographers and assigned each group an educator for the duration of the workshop. We cycled through seven categories of photos: Ceremony Details, Flatlay, Reception Details, Couples Photos in Ceremony Outfit, Capsule Model in First Outfit, Couples Photos in Second Outfit, and Capsule Model in Second Outfit.

I started in the music room with detail shots of the rings, invitation suite, accessories, and small vintage trinkets. 

Featured Vendors Listed Below:

  1. Earrings: @ederajewelry
  2. Stationary: @lauraelizabethpatrick
  3. Shoes: @katewhitcombshoes @bellabelleshoes
  4. Rings: @andriabarbonejewelry
  5. Styling Mats: @aprilandmikeraymond
  6. Ring Boxes: @thestylingreserve

Elkins Estate Wedding Ceremony and Reception Inspiration

From there, I moved into the reception area to capture more details of the elegant banquet tables. Walking into the room was like stepping back in time to the turn of the 20th century. Everything looked so perfect that I was lowkey afraid to touch anything.

Elkins Estate Wedding reception banquet tables in the Music Room | Photos by luxury PA Wedding Photographer Lauren E. Bliss Photography

Isn’t this banquet table decor breathtaking?! They selected tall glass hurricanes, white china, gold flatware, crystal glasses, and ivory lace linens, which paired effortlessly with the pinky pastel color palette of the floral arrangements. The overall design showcased the late Baroque and Rococo influences that defined the Gilded Age.

Featured vendors listed below: 

  1. Workshop Host: AMV Retreats @amv_retreats
  2. Wedding Planning, Styling + Design: AMV Weddings @amv_weddings
  3. Educators: @sophiekayephotography @jaymojaymes @mariahbucuphotography
  4. Florist: @blomstfloraldesign
  5. Furniture/Tabletop Rentals: @whitegloverentals
  6. Cakes: @twoteaspoonsnj
  7. Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Elkins Estate Wedding reception banquet tables in the Music Room | Photos by luxury PA Wedding Photographer Lauren E. Bliss Photography

Elkins Estate Floor Plan and Interior Details

The Elkins Estate floor plan consists of the Elstowe Manor, an open-concept ballroom, and the jaw-dropping Music Room, which is positively dripping in gold leaf detail and crystal accents. 

The Music Room shares more than a few similarities with the famous Versailles Palace Hall of Mirrors in France. It’s not surprising that the interior was designed by esteemed French interior designers Allard et Fils in 1898. 

Fun fact: I just found out the venue also offers second floor accommodations for guests attending weddings at the venue!

I’ll be photographing an Elkins Estate wedding next year, and now I feel like I need to reserve a guest room the night before…

Elkins Estate Grounds & Gardens

Elkins Estate is situated on 42 acres with more photo ops than you could imagine. The circle driveway entrance is the perfect backdrop for a vintage car photo op or limousine entrance.

Elkins Estate Wedding venue outside of Philadelphia PA

The ornate stone staircase located at the back of the property is the primary outdoor wedding ceremony backdrop. I’m obsessed with how Blomst Floral Design (@blomstfloraldesign) arranged this cascading floral archway on the landing. 

From the perfectly manicured grounds and lush gardens to the vintage architectural details and historic charm, this massive estate located just outside of Philly offers the ultimate indoor-outdoor experience for your wedding day.

We spent hours wandering the expansive manor and grounds, capturing couples photos, details, and portraits. I have to say, each room was equally as (and sometimes more) impressive than the last. Our host, AMV Retreats, could not have selected a more perfect venue for this workshop and did an amazing job curating vendors, decor, and details.

Planning Your Elkins Estate Wedding 

If you’re someone who appreciates timeless elegance and historic charm, Elkins Estate is the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebration! As part of the Landmark Hospitality Group family of venues, this venue delivers on luxury, attention to detail, and the promise of an unforgettable experience. 

I would be honored to capture your cherished memories and candid moments at Elkins Estate. To inquire about my availability, packages, and rates, please reach out on my inquiry page so I can share all the juicy details. For a peek into my full wedding photography experience, check out this post

Full vendor list below:

  1. Photography: @laureneblissphoto
  2. Venue: Elkin’s Estate @elkinsestate
  3. Workshop Host: AMV Retreats @amv_retreats
  4. Wedding Planning, Styling + Design: AMV Weddings @amv_weddings
  5. Educators: @sophiekayephotography @jaymojaymes @mariahbucuphotography
  6. BTS Photo: @mekinasaylor @johnnyvacar
  7. BTS Video: @kennethcooperfilms
  8. Models: @lindseyhoeg @bmohler @ashleykratz
  9. Hair/Makeup: @bymadelineeleanor
  10. Headpiece: @megantheresecouture
  11. Dresses: @lfaybridal @bertabridal @berta
  12. Groom’s Attire: @buccocouture
  13. Shoes: @katewhitcombshoes @bellabelleshoes
  14. Rings: @andriabarbonejewelry
  15. Ring Boxes: @thestylingreserve
  16. Earrings: @ederajewelry
  17. Veil: @lfaybridal @belairebridal
  18. Florist: @blomstfloraldesign
  19. Furniture/Tabletop Rentals: @whitegloverentals
  20. Cakes: @twoteaspoonsnj
  21. Stationary: @lauraelizabethpatrick
  22. Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
  23. Styling Mats: @aprilandmikeraymond
Meet    artist
the

If there’s one thing we have in common, it’s our unwavering commitment to the details -

- the lush cascading bouquet, the elegant wax seal on your invitations, and the seemingly small moments that become dear reminders of your big day. But, most importantly, it’s how we thrive on connection.

I believe the best wedding photography experience happens when we’re connected. That means trusting your photographer, a level of faith I treat earnestly.   

You deserve a custom experience as breathtaking as your final gallery, and that’s what I’ll deliver.

and I can’t wait to capture it.
of a lifetime,
celebration
Your wedding day is the

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