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!
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.
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:
- Earrings: @ederajewelry
- Stationary: @lauraelizabethpatrick
- Shoes: @katewhitcombshoes @bellabelleshoes
- Rings: @andriabarbonejewelry
- Styling Mats: @aprilandmikeraymond
- 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.
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:
- Workshop Host: AMV Retreats @amv_retreats
- Wedding Planning, Styling + Design: AMV Weddings @amv_weddings
- Educators: @sophiekayephotography @jaymojaymes @mariahbucuphotography
- Florist: @blomstfloraldesign
- Furniture/Tabletop Rentals: @whitegloverentals
- Cakes: @twoteaspoonsnj
- Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
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.
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:
- Photography: @laureneblissphoto
- Venue: Elkin’s Estate @elkinsestate
- Workshop Host: AMV Retreats @amv_retreats
- Wedding Planning, Styling + Design: AMV Weddings @amv_weddings
- Educators: @sophiekayephotography @jaymojaymes @mariahbucuphotography
- BTS Photo: @mekinasaylor @johnnyvacar
- BTS Video: @kennethcooperfilms
- Models: @lindseyhoeg @bmohler @ashleykratz
- Hair/Makeup: @bymadelineeleanor
- Headpiece: @megantheresecouture
- Dresses: @lfaybridal @bertabridal @berta
- Groom’s Attire: @buccocouture
- Shoes: @katewhitcombshoes @bellabelleshoes
- Rings: @andriabarbonejewelry
- Ring Boxes: @thestylingreserve
- Earrings: @ederajewelry
- Veil: @lfaybridal @belairebridal
- Florist: @blomstfloraldesign
- Furniture/Tabletop Rentals: @whitegloverentals
- Cakes: @twoteaspoonsnj
- Stationary: @lauraelizabethpatrick
- Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
- Styling Mats: @aprilandmikeraymond
