Bellevue Hall Wedding in Wilmington

Kristen & Erik’s Romantic Garden Party Celebration at Bellevue Hall in Delaware

Kristen and Erik’s Bellevue Hall wedding in Wilmington, Delaware was the definition of a garden party done right. With Bellevue’s lush grounds as the backdrop, they let the natural beauty of the setting shine and added personal touches that made the day feel completely their own. From a welcome beverage as guests arrived to a choreographed first dance, their celebration was designed to feel effortless, joyful, and fun.

Bellevue Hall Wedding Ceremony in the Gardens

The day began surrounded by their closest friends and siblings, with an intentional decision to keep the wedding party small during the ceremony. Only siblings stood alongside them, a meaningful nod to the important role family plays in their story. Kristen’s brother, balanced a unique role throughout the day – sometimes standing in as a groomsman, other times stepping into the Maid of Honor duties. Erik’s brother, as best man, completed the “brothers” lineup. And officiating the ceremony was Erik’s sister, making it truly a family-centered celebration from start to finish.

Their ceremony planned to take place outdoors with Bellevue Hall’s gardens as the main decoration. However, afternoon summer thunderstorms wouldn’t keep away and their ceremony was relocated under the warmth of their reception tent. Guests arrived and we’re greeted with signature welcome drinks, a choice of: cardamom spiced chai, cucumber mint water, and ginger lemonade, each one refreshing, thoughtful, and served in green glassware that tied seamlessly into the color palette. Kristen’s bridesmaids wore dresses of their choice in shades of green, mixing florals and textures for a look that felt natural and stylish. The groomsmen complemented them in gray suits with green ties. Together with white-and-green florals by Buttercup, the overall palette was cohesive, elegant, and true to the end-of-summer season.

A Spotlight on Kristen’s Savin London Wedding Dress

Kristen’s gown was one of the most unique details of the day. Designed by House of Savin, the Via dress featured hand-painted green flowers – a striking choice that tied perfectly into the garden setting.

The florals on her dress also inspired their wedding invitation suite. One of Kristen’s bridesmaids designed the invitation and hand-drew the floral illustrations, making the paper goods both meaningful and cohesive with the overall design. It was a thoughtful way to carry the beauty of her gown into the very first detail guests received.

Just Married Toasts on the Side Patio

One of the most unique elements came immediately after the recessional: instead of heading straight into family portraits, the wedding party grabbed signature drinks for a celebratory toast inside the mansion. It was the perfect “just married” moment, equal parts candid and unforgettable.

Bellevue Hall Wedding Reception with Central Park the Band

Music by Central Park the Band kept the night lively and full of energy, with the dance floor opening after Kristen and Erik’s choreographed first dance to Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best.” Guests were on their feet celebrating, exactly as the couple had hoped.

Wedding Portraits at Bellevue Hall

Bellevue Hall’s grounds offered endless spaces for portraits, from its manicured gardens to the historic architecture. We took advantage of golden light across the property for Kristen and Erik’s first portraits as newlyweds, capturing both editorial elegance and those in-between candid moments they’ll want to remember years from now.

Why Bellevue Hall is a Top Delaware Wedding Venue

With its expansive gardens, historic charm, and light-filled rooms, Bellevue Hall Weddings are some of the most sought-after Delaware wedding venues. It offers couples the chance to host both ceremony and reception in one location, while still feeling like a true destination. Kristen and Erik’s wedding captured exactly why Bellevue Hall is a favorite for couples who love timeless elegance paired with natural beauty.

A Garden Party Celebration to Remember

Kristen and Erik’s vision was simple: create a day where guests felt welcomed, relaxed, and ready to have fun. From the garden setting to the heartfelt ceremony and lively reception, they achieved exactly that.

If you’re planning a Bellevue Hall wedding or dreaming of your own garden party celebration, I’d love to capture it. My approach blends editorial portraits with candid storytelling so you can relive both the beauty and the joy of the day. Contact me here to start planning your Delaware wedding photography experience.