TLDR; The Perfect Wedding At Bartram’s Garden
Life-size cardboard cutouts of their cats, a perfectly playful Funfetti wedding cake, and no traditional wedding party? This day was the definition of pure family love.
It felt like the wedding version of that famous line: “We accept the love we think we deserve.” And these two? They fully deserved every ounce of love poured out for them on this blissful day.
An Enchanted Garden Love Story at Bartram’s Garden
Some love stories feel like they were written by the universe itself. Eleanor and Jack’s early September wedding at Bartram’s Garden had the matchless magic of a storybook, plus just enough nostalgia to feel like a scene from Perks of Being a Wallflower.
I love when couples take engagement photos at the same venue they’ll eventually marry in, which is exactly what Eleanor and Jack did last September.
They live just a few blocks away from this dreamy stretch of land on the Schuylkill, so when it came time to pick a venue, nothing felt more right than this historic garden tucked into the heart of Philly.
Philadelphia Garden Wedding at Bartram’s Garden
Bartram’s Garden is one of those rare places where history, nature, and cityscapes all collide. If you’re looking for romantic meadowy backdrops and those iconic Philly skyline views, this venue delivers.
There was a whole series of portraits of Eleanor and Jack running through tall grasses with the city glowing in the background—completely unposed, totally free. It was like Logan Lerman was narrating this moment, saying, “We are infinite.”
Getting Ready For The Day
Eleanor and Jack’s decided to skip the traditional wedding party in favor of just having close family around. The getting ready process felt that much more intimate.
Snapping candid photos during this casual family hangout was so cozy compared to the usual rush of hair and makeup timelines (although I am so here for both vibes!). And when it came to the ceremony? It was less performative, more intentional—a quiet, joyful beginning.
The Perfect Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Space
The outdoor ceremony took place surrounded by wild blooms and loved ones, with no bridal party to distract from what mattered most: these two incredible humans. There was something beautifully grounding about this wedding at Bartram’s Garden.
When a soft rain rolled in just before the reception, no one ran—they laughed, danced, leaned into it. It felt like nature’s song and dance was celebrating alongside them.
Some of my favorite aspects of Bartram’s outdoor ceremony space include:
- Historic garden charm with winding paths and intentional landscaping
- Philly skyline views just around the corner
- Lush floral backdrops from every angle
- Natural textures from stone, wood, and blooms
- An effortless blend of bohemian refinement
September Wedding Florals, Design, and Theme
Eleanor and Jack leaned into nostalgic garden vibes with late-summer florals from @thestemsend that brought all the tenderness of the season into bloom. Think soft peach and blush, buttery creams, pale lilac, and texture galore. Sigh.
Some of my favorite details of their wedding at Bartram’s Garden:
- Eleanor’s retro-y platform heels for her reception look!
- Her high-neck satin reception dress that looked like it could star in a vintage film
- Personal, modern serif fonts on their signage and invitations
- Soft, garden-inspired florals by The Stem’s End
- Life-size cardboard cutouts of their cats (still not over this)
- A floral covered Funfetti cake from Bake Snail that felt totally on brand for them
Wedding Photography in Philadelphia
I first met Eleanor and Jack after they found me on Google (bless the algorithm). We photographed part of their engagement session at home with their cats (yes, cats plural), so when I saw their furry friends show up at the reception via cardboard cutout, I nearly cried. It’s these kinds of personal touches that make a wedding sing.
Their portraits were some of my favorites of the season: running through green gardens, embracing against a proud cityscape, the two of them wrapped in each other and the moment.
It felt infinite.
Bartram’s Garden Wedding Philly Vendor Team
Venue: @bartramsgarden
Event Planner: @opalavenueevents
Photographer: @lindseyfordphoto
Caterer: @jh_weddings
Florist: @thestemsend
Super 8 Videographer: @luvdupfilms
Hair & Makeup: @jazminraebridal
Band: @bachelorboysband
Cake: @bakesnail
Book your Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
I would be over the moon to photograph your love at this magical garden in the heart of Philly. I have a feeling it’s hiding some age-old secrets I haven’t even discovered yet. Let’s unearth them together!
Lindsey Ford is a Pennsylvania and Delaware wedding photographer capturing weddings all over the East Coast, including Philadelphia, PA, and is ready to help document your special moments. If you’re ready to book your Philly area wedding photography, inquire here to reserve your wedding date!
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