The Willows in Villanova, Pennsylvania was one of my favorite wedding venues I’ve been to in my 6 years of shooting weddings! When Kelsey + Chris reached out to me to shoot their wedding here, I instantly knew it was going to be an absolutely beautiful day. Not only are they some of my favorite humans ever, but Kelsey has the BEST style and I just knew that it was going to be unreal. And, of course, it was.
Kelsey has the same love for black and whites and for film photos that I do- and that was the most exciting part! Having a bride with similar appreciations and vision as you is a recipe for the most beautiful photos ever.
Right before their ceremony started, we got a super quick downpour, guests took shelter and then it stopped. Before everyone could get back to their chairs, light rain started again. Kelsey + Chris said “screw it” and started their ceremony anyway. During their vows, not only did it rain harder than ever- but we got the loudest crack of thunder I ever heard. It was then that they made the last minute decision to move everything inside and finish their ceremony and it was perfect.
The Willows in Villanova was one of a kind. I truly wish I could have explored the grounds while I was there. This was my first time ever in Pennsylvania and I already can’t wait to go back. Villanova itself was the most beautiful, quaint town with so many gorgeous estates and houses. Everywhere you look there’s a beautiful structure and if you’re anything like me, you’re a sucker for architecture, especially old architecture.
The Willows was extremely accommodating, with plenty of room for an indoor ceremony if needed, multiple rooms for cocktail hour, and a huge tent for dinner + dancing. The patio creates additional space for cocktail hour and reception – and there is also a very large bridal room for pre-ceremony needs. They got ready at an incredible airbnb about 10 minutes from the Willows – and it seems to me like you can’t go wrong staying anywhere nearby!
Every single person involved in this wedding was so welcoming and sweet. I absolutely loved all of their friends and family so much, I immediately felt like part of the crew when I arrived. They all made my job even more fun than it already is and just truly made the day perfect.
I am absolutely dying to go back to The Willows, or just Villanova in general – but until I do, here are some of my favorite photos from this perfect day. These are a mixture of digital and film scans, and if you want to see more, head over to my instagram because I will never ever stop posting these!
