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Old-World Philadelphia Inspiration Shoot

Old-World Philadelphia Inspiration Shoot

I’m going to warn you right now — you’re probably going to want to carve out a few minutes to take in all the details of this Old World inspiration shoot dreamed up by Jennie of Love ‘n Fresh Flowers and captured by Maria Mack Photography. An all-star team of vendors came together to bring Jennie’s vision to life, including our very own Blue Label members Maggpie Vintage Rentals and Tree of Life Films (yes, keep an eye out for a behind-the-scenes video at the end!).

bohemian ceremony altar

From the floral designer, Jennie of Love ‘n Fresh Flowers: When I was introduced to the Woodlands estate, I was smitten by its story: it was home to William Hamilton, a colonial Philadelphian who could afford to indulge his passions in architecture and botany on his large estate. In the 1780s, he voyaged across the Atlantic to study English gardens. When he returned home, he transformed his home into an imposing riverside villa to rival any he had seen. He became known throughout the colonies for his horticulture expertise, working with Jefferson to design the grounds of Monticello and also to cultivate the rare seeds brought back by Lewis and Clark. It is without a doubt that William was an intense and eccentric man. His imposing character inspired much of this shoot. The Woodlands mansion and barn survive largely unaltered today, a National Historic Landmark perfect in its deteriorated, yet elegant, state. During collaboration, I shared this romantic (and largely fictional) storyline with the team of vendors to inspire the vibe:


orange flower bud vaseslace wedding dresses

green white invitations

old world fashionlace wedding dresses

old world newlyweds

old world parasolsold world ascots

bohemian wedding ceremonies

lace wedding dresseslace wedding dresses

old world pennsylvania mansion

paper wrapped candlespurple bridesmaids dresses

pink green gold centerpieces

orange place settingsorange green menus

William returns home from his long European explorations just after the war to marry the innocence and quiet girl, Gwendoline, he fell in love with at age twelve. Their simple but heartfelt wedding day is interwoven with reminders of what they held dear during their time apart – he with his plants and she with her hand-worked lace. The mansion has fallen into disrepair during his long absence, creating the perfect romantic setting for these intimate spring nuptials.


glass hanging decor

green pink bouquetsbridal hair ideas

bohemian newlywed couples

flower jewelrybridal hair ideas

green white invitations

green gold wedding tablespink wedding flowers

hanging string globes

See Also
Fusedinlove Indianwedding

green place cardsapothecary table numbers

hanging wreath decor

white wedding flowersantique cake table

pink flowers on cake

purple flower decorpurple flower necklaces

View all images from this shoot in the gallery

Shoot Location: Philadelphia, PA / Wedding Flowers, Floral Jewelry and Event Styling: Love ‘n Fresh Flowers / Wedding Photographer: Maria Mack Photography / Wedding Venue: Woodlands / Model and Prop Styling: Belovely Events / Vintage Props and Furniture: Maggpie Vintage Rentals / Desserts: Joshua’s Catering / Bride’s Dresses and Belt: Watters / Groom’s Jacket: Ralph Lauren / Hair and Makeup: JustBBeautiful / Stationery Design: Nicola Black Design / Letterpress Printing: Cleanwash Letterpress / Videographer: Tree of Life Films

Tree of Life Films, Maggpie Vintage Rentals, Maria Mack Photography and Love ‘n Fresh Flowers are members of our recommended resource guide Blue Label

View Comments (20)
  • Hi! Where are the shoes from the 4th-leftside image from? They’re amazing!

  • Hi Amanda!

    We actually got them from DSW. This shoot took place back in April, so they may not still carry them – but DSW is always great for fun bright shoes!

  • I love the decor ideas! I’ve just started scouring the op shops and have seen some of the vintage port glasses which I might get a pop succulents in them like in the pics.

  • Thank you so much, Ruffled, for the feature!! Our team of vendors had such an amazing time creating this inspiration shoot and we’re so happy to share it with Ruffled readers!! XOXO

  • Amazing work to Jennie and her team! I am so inspired by this who vision. I am especially happy to see locally grown flowers taking center stage in the styling. Congratulations everyone!

  • Can you tell me where that short lace dress is from? It’s gorgeous!

  • Absolutely stunning shoot there, groom styling is unique but very ‘in’.

  • I love this board. Could you please direct me to where the short dress with the light pink underlay can be purchased? The Watters link above isn’t working.

  • Would you please tell me how the flower ring was made? I know they used real flowers but I would love to make them using paper flowers as the mothers on both sides want to keep them forever. I have an idea of how to do it but I rarely create things. Did you use a ring blank and, if so, how did you attach them? I would really appreciate any help you could forward. This wedding shoot was absolutely gorgeous. The dress, the floral, the setting, was stunning. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  • So pretty and inspiring! I can’t find that beautiful wedding dress with lace and a little bow. Do you know what that model is called?

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