Fall Wedding at The Inn at Grace Winery

One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to photograph friends on the most special day of their lives! Not only did I get to know Alee and Mike while photographing their Longwood Gardens engagement session, but my sister was one of Alee’s bridesmaids. These two have quite a unique story—they “met” for the first time when they were mere weeks old! Their moms were best friends who had babies—Mike, Alee, and Alee’s twin brother, Ryan—13 days apart. After growing up together, Alee and Mike fell in love in a twist of fate. They tied the knot on a gorgeous October day at The Inn at Grace Winery, and I had the privilege of capturing it.

Alee and Mike’s friends and loved ones came from far and wide to celebrate their nuptials. Accordingly, spending quality time with their guests and their 20-person wedding party was a top priority for the couple. So, I helped them build a photography-friendly wedding timeline that allowed them to spend the maximum time with their guests. I encouraged them to do a first look and to budget time for portraits before their ceremony. They trusted me, and the day unfolded as planned: we finished taking all formal photos before the couple exchanged their vows! They spent the remainder of the day soaking in every moment as I hung back snapping documentary-style candids.

Heartfelt Wedding Day Moments

This wedding at The Inn at Grace Winery was anything but cookie-cutter, involving thoughtful planning that wove the couple’s story throughout every moment and detail. Alee lost her mom several years ago, so honoring her was paramount. An unoccupied chair in the front row reserved a place for her at the couple’s ceremony. In addition, Alee wore her mom’s wedding veil and one of her rings on her right hand. One of the day’s most special moments was during our portrait session when a ladybug—Alee’s symbol for her mom—landed on Alee’s dress. It was a sweet reminder that her mom was there with her on her special day.

Alee’s dad also had a hand in adding a personal touch to the day. He handmade the burnt wood centerpieces at the couple’s reception, featuring personalized branding with their initials and wedding date. But my favorite moment of the reception was the couple’s first dance to a slowed-down version of Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.” It was the perfect choice to honor the couple’s story as the soundtrack to their first kiss. Then, toward the song’s end, Goody Blue Shoes brought up the tempo and volume as the couple invited all their guests to join them on the dance floor. It was epic!

From the onset of their planning journey, Alee and Mike envisioned a fall winery wedding. The Inn at Grace Winery in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania was the perfect venue to bring that vision to life! As a working vineyard and winery, the property possesses a rustic charm that is nevertheless elevated by the historic manor house and lovingly refurbished event spaces. The outdoor ceremony space is one of the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen! The tiered amphitheater style with a central staircase makes for a showstopping and dramatic processional. I also love that guests can stay onsite at this venue, allowing for a full wedding weekend with a welcome party and farewell brunch.

I’m so grateful that Alee and Mike entrusted their wedding day gallery to me. From their engagement session to their I Do’s, I cherished joining them to capture this chapter of their story! The Inn at Grace Winery made the prettiest autumnal backdrop, and I look forward to photographing more weddings there. Whether you’re planning your wedding close to home or in a far-flung destination, I would love to connect with you! Let’s discuss your plans and design your custom-tailored Haley Day Photography collection.

Bride getting ready at The Inn at Grace Winery, with turquoise wedding invitations Bride reading a letter from her husband before their first look at The Inn at Grace Winery Groom getting ready at The Inn at Grace Winery, wearing a black suit with white rose boutonniere Bride and groom doing a first look on their wedding day
First look on the grounds of Grace Winery Bridal portraits at The Inn at Grace Winery Bride and groom pictures in the vineyard at The Inn at Grace Winery, surrounded by fall leaves
Haley Day - East Coast and Destination Wedding Photographer Bride and bridesmaids pictures, with the bridesmaids in green satin gowns, and the bride holding an all white rose and baby breath bridal bouquet Bridesmaids holding baby breath bouquets for a Pennsylvania wedding Fall wedding pictures at The Inn at Grace Winery Bride and groom pictures at The Inn at Grace Winery, with fall foliage and all white flower bouquet Fall wedding day pictures at The Inn at Grace Winery
Bride laughing after a ladybug landed on her wedding dress during the bride and groom portraits
Bride holding an all white rose bouquet for her fall wedding in Pennsylvania The Inn at Grace Winery - Glen Mills, PA Wedding Venue White floral arrangement filled with lilies, roses, and gypsophila on top of a wine barrel Outdoor wedding ceremony at The Inn at Grace Winery
Bride and groom walking up the steps at The Inn at Grace Winery after their wedding ceremony Wedding cake decorated with a gold floral hoop and silk ribbon, for a cozy indoor wedding reception in Pennsylvania Custom burnt wood centerpiece for a rustic wedding Wedding reception at The Inn at Grace Winery, with eucalyptus, babies breath and all white flowers Farm to table food for a wedding reception in Pennsylvania, with an all green and white palette Haley Day - East Coast and Destination Wedding Photographer Bride and groom kissing at their sweetheart table, surrounded by family and friends at a wedding reception in Pennsylvania Father daughter first dance Wedding reception at The Inn at Grace Winery Bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception Haley Day - East Coast and Destination Wedding Photographer