JP and Rachel’s wedding at the Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania was nothing short of magical. The lush greenery and historic stone walls provided a romantic and timeless backdrop, perfectly complementing Rachel’s soft, blush-colored gown. As they stood hand-in-hand, surrounded by nature’s beauty, their love radiated, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere for their special day.
We traveled from Denver to capture JP and Rachel’s stunning wedding at the University of Pennsylvania. As destination wedding photographers, we’re often lucky enough to work in beautiful, historic locations. For example, the 100-year-old carriage house that hosted their reception. The Morris Arboretum provided the perfect backdrop for their romantic garden celebration.
Sharing the Details
JP and Rachel’s attention to detail shone through every element of their wedding. Let’s start with the elegant invitations that set the tone for their special day. They met in college at the Colorado School of Mines. We did their engagement pics on campus and in downtown Golden. Click here to see their Engagement Session!
Their rings, a beautiful blend of timeless elegance and modern design, reflected their unique style and deep connection. Personalized vow booklets and thoughtful touches like their embossed monogrammed stationery and love knot symbol added an extra layer of meaning to their celebration.
Rachel’s wedding day details were the epitome of elegance and charm. Her blush gown, adorned with delicate lace, hung beautifully against a backdrop of lush ivy. It was waiting for the moment she would step into it. Her sparkling shoes and custom accessories, including a dazzling ring set and pearl-accented hairpiece, added a touch of glamor to her bridal look.
JP and his groomsmen looked sharp under the wooden arches at Morris Arboretum. They wore crisp white shirts with suspenders and navy ties. JP’s black suit and blush bow tie added a classic touch. The leather shoes and custom details, like JP’s wooden watch, completed their modern look. Together, they made a stylish and cohesive wedding party.
Rachel and her bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Morris Arboretum. The bridesmaids’ deep navy dresses created a striking contrast against their soft, pastel bouquets. Meanwhile Rachel’s blush gown perfectly tied the color palette together. Their laughter and joy were contagious, making for beautiful, candid moments that highlighted the close bond they share.
A Beautiful Bride in Blush
Rachel was the picture of bridal beauty on her wedding day, radiating elegance and grace. Her blush gown flowed effortlessly as she twirled, showing off its delicate lace bodice and layers of tulle. The intricate beaded headband complemented her soft curls. Rachel’s bouquet, filled with pastel blooms, added the perfect touch of romance to her stunning look.
Her joyful smile throughout the day was truly unforgettable.
The First Look | Morris Arboretum Wedding
JP and Rachel’s first look was a beautifully emotional moment, filled with anticipation and joy. As Rachel approached, JP’s face lit up with pure excitement and love, unable to hide his happiness. When they finally saw each other, the emotion was overwhelming, with tears of joy and heartfelt embraces shared. It was a tender and intimate moment, set against the natural beauty of the Morris Arboretum.
JP and Rachel shared some of their most intimate wedding day moments beneath the ancient trees of the Morris Arboretum. The towering branches created a magical, almost otherworldly setting that perfectly framed their quiet embraces and loving glances. The natural beauty surrounding them only enhanced the romance of these tender moments. It felt as if they were the only two people in the world.
JP and Rachel’s portraits against the rustic stone walls at the Morris Arboretum beautifully capture their elegance and poise. JP looked sharp in his tailored suit with a blush bow tie, perfectly complementing Rachel’s pastel bouquet. The soft details of the blooms, paired with Rachel’s graceful stance, added an ethereal charm to this intimate setting.
A Beautiful Outdoor Ceremony
The ceremony at the Morris Arboretum began with heartwarming moments as JP and Rachel’s loved ones made their way down the aisle. JP escorted their grandmothers, setting a sentimental tone, while the bridesmaids, in their elegant navy dresses, followed with grace. Rachel’s entrance was a beautiful and emotional moment, as she beamed with happiness, walking arm in arm with her father. The joy on her face as she approached JP, and the proud smile from her father as he gave her away, made for an unforgettable moment under the lush greenery.
JP and Rachel’s ceremony was filled with love and meaningful moments beneath a beautifully adorned floral arch. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they exchanged heartfelt vows, each word full of emotion and sincerity. The symbolic act of tying the knot further demonstrated the strength of their commitment to each other, as they held hands, making promises for their future.
JP and Rachel sealed their vows with a kiss under the floral arch at Morris Arboretum. The moment felt magical, surrounded by lush greenery and soft blooms. Their joy and love radiated, marking the start of their life together. This kiss was the perfect end to their outdoor ceremony.
Photos with Family and the Wedding Party
JP and Rachel were surrounded by their closest family and friends, making their celebration even more special. Group photos with their bridal party and loved ones captured the joyful, playful spirit of the day. A highlight was the couple kissing while their bridal party cheered excitedly in the background.
JP and Rachel looked radiant standing beneath the floral arch that framed their love so perfectly. The lush greenery and delicate pink and white blooms created a dreamy atmosphere, complementing Rachel’s blush gown and JP’s sharp suit. As they gazed into each other’s eyes, it was clear that this moment marked the beginning of their beautiful journey together, surrounded by the enchanting natural beauty of the Morris Arboretum.
The energy and fun of JP and Rachel’s wedding day continued in these lively moments with their bridal party. JP’s groomsmen playfully tossed him into the air, capturing the joyful and carefree spirit of the celebration. Meanwhile, Rachel and her bridesmaids looked stunning, their navy dresses perfectly complementing the soft floral arrangements they held.
Rachel’s bridal look was breathtaking, with her lace bodice and flowing blush gown creating a timeless and romantic feel. Her bouquet, filled with soft pink peonies, delicate lavender, and lush greenery, perfectly complemented the natural beauty of the Morris Arboretum. Standing beneath the floral arch, she looked radiant, embodying the elegance and charm of the day.
Rachel shared special moments with each of her bridesmaids under the enchanting floral arch. Their navy dresses created a stunning contrast to Rachel’s blush gown, and the bouquets of soft pink and white flowers tied the look together beautifully.
A Carriage House Reception | Morris Arboretum Wedding
The reception at the historic Morris Arboretum carriage house provided a charming and intimate setting for JP and Rachel’s celebration. The stone architecture and lush greenery surrounding the building created a fairytale-like atmosphere, perfectly complementing the beauty of their day. As the sun set, the soft golden light illuminated the venue, adding to the magic of the evening.
The reception space was beautifully decorated with soft pink napkins and delicate floral arrangements, giving the venue an elegant and romantic feel. The centerpieces, featuring pastel blooms and lush greenery, were set in glass vases atop wooden slabs, adding a rustic touch to the sophisticated decor. A stunning floral wall provided a gorgeous backdrop, complementing the light and airy atmosphere of the tent, where guests gathered to celebrate JP and Rachel’s special day. The combination of natural elements and soft colors created a serene and inviting environment for the evening’s festivities.
JP and Rachel’s dessert table was a playful and delicious addition to their reception. Their cakes reflected their personalities, with a traditional chocolate cake adorned with soft pink roses and a fun Captain America-themed cake showing off their love for all things Marvel. Alongside the cakes, an assortment of cupcakes and a colorful donut wall added an extra touch of whimsy and sweetness to the celebration. The creative mix of desserts, topped with fun details like their personalized cake topper, made this display a hit with guests of all ages.
The First Dance
JP and Rachel’s first dance was a tender and memorable moment, filled with grace and love. Rachel looked radiant in her reception dress, a fun and flirty short tulle number that allowed her to move effortlessly as they swayed together under the soft glow of string lights. Their connection was undeniable as they held each other close, lost in the music and the joy of the moment. Surrounded by family and friends, their first dance perfectly captured the essence of their celebration—romantic, intimate, and full of happiness.
JP and Rachel’s cake-cutting moment was full of joy and laughter, perfectly reflecting their playful personalities. From their stunning rings displayed over the donut wall to JP proudly holding his Captain America cake, every detail was unique to them. Cutting into their beautiful cakes, they fed each other sweet bites and shared a loving kiss, creating a fun and memorable part of their reception. This moment encapsulated their love, humor, and excitement as they celebrated their union with friends and family.
A Night of Music and Memories
The evening continued with more joyful celebrations, heartfelt moments, and lively entertainment. JP and Rachel were surrounded by loved ones, sharing laughter and memories throughout the night. From sweet embraces under the floral backdrop to energetic dancing, the reception was filled with happiness. The live band added to the vibrant atmosphere, keeping guests on their feet and creating a festive ambiance for everyone to enjoy. The love and excitement of the day carried well into the night, making it a wedding to remember.
JP and his groomsmen ended the night with a burst of energy and excitement, capturing this fun, spontaneous moment with a group jump. Their infectious joy and camaraderie were clear as they leaped into the air, perfectly embodying the lighthearted spirit of the celebration. This lively shot is the perfect representation of the fun and unforgettable memories shared on JP and Rachel’s big day.
JP and Rachel’s final send-off was a magical ending to their perfect day. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple walked hand-in-hand through a joyful crowd, lit by the excitement and love of those celebrating with them. As they paused for a sweet kiss at the end of the aisle, the night felt complete, marking the beginning of their new adventure together. This farewell was filled with smiles, well-wishes, and the warmth of their loved ones, making it a beautiful conclusion to a day they’ll cherish forever.
xo, Jannelle and Jonathan
