At Pen Ryn Estate in Bucks County, Rivka and Lydia celebrated their love surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Delaware River. Their wedding was a perfect blend of elegance, joy, and deep connection, making it an unforgettable experience not only for them but for everyone in attendance. As a Philadelphia-based photographer, capturing this queer wedding was a true honor, allowing me to document their love in a setting that beautifully complemented their vibrant personalities.
Rivka and Lydia’s relationship is rooted in friendship and shared experiences. From quiet Sunday mornings to spontaneous trips to Disney, they have built a life full of laughter, love, and quality time together. Their wedding day was a reflection of this bond, with every detail meticulously planned to showcase their unique style and the deep love they share.
The day began at the Courtyard by Marriott in Bensalem, where both brides prepared together in a suite filled with laughter, anticipation, and the comforting presence of their closest friends and family. The couple’s style—romantic, comfortable, and with a touch of cottagecore—was evident in every aspect of their attire and décor.
Penn Ryn Estate’s River’s Edge was the ideal setting for this celebration. The estate’s historic charm, coupled with the breathtaking views of the Delaware River, provided a picturesque backdrop for both the ceremony and the reception. The venue’s outdoor spaces allowed for a variety of beautiful photo opportunities, from the elegant altar setup to the serene riverside shots that captured the natural beauty of the surroundings.
For queer couples in the Philadelphia area looking for an inclusive and stunning wedding venue, Penn Ryn Estate offers a perfect blend of history, elegance, and inclusivity. It’s a space where love in all its forms is celebrated, making it an excellent choice for couples like Rivka and Lydia.
The wedding day was filled with vibrant colors and lively moments that perfectly matched Rivka and Lydia’s personalities. The florals, provided by Ambler Flower Shop, featured rich, autumnal tones that added warmth and depth to the ceremony and reception spaces. These colors contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery and the calm blue of the Delaware River, creating a visually stunning setting for the day’s events.
One of the most memorable moments was the couple’s first look, a private and emotional exchange that set the tone for the rest of the day. As they saw each other for the first time, their expressions of pure joy and love were a reminder of why these intimate moments are so cherished in wedding photography.
Throughout the day, I focused on capturing the genuine emotions and connections between Rivka, Lydia, and their loved ones. From the tears of joy during the ceremony to the laughter during the reception, every moment was a testament to the love that surrounded this couple. The golden hour provided the perfect lighting for some truly magical portraits by the river, where the warm light highlighted the couple’s happiness and the beauty of the day.
For the reception, the lively energy continued with music provided by East Coast Event Group, which kept everyone on the dance floor celebrating late into the evening. The day concluded with a romantic sparkler exit, a perfect ending to a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
A collection of wedding stationery and accessories is laid out on a pink background. The items include save-the-date cards, an RSVP card, and an invitation, all decorated with floral designs. There are also a heart-shaped ring holder, a decorative plate with rings, a bottle of perfume, and an emerald green envelope. Additional details include a string of pearls, flowers, and a blue butterfly ornament, creating an elegant and thematic setup.
The image shows a small collection of wedding-related items arranged on a light pink surface. Central to the composition is a smooth black stone decorated with a painted image of two penguins standing close together, topped with a small red heart. Surrounding the stone are a glass jar with glitter and a label, a partial view of a wedding invitation card with floral design, a portion of a wedding program, and a white flower petal.
The image displays a wedding invitation suite with various decorative elements. Central to the arrangement are two printed cards, one featuring three photographs of a couple and details of their celebration, the other invites guests to the wedding of Rivka Milrod and Lydia Adams. The suite includes a green envelope sealed with a wax stamp, a perfume box, a small vial with glitter, a painted stone, a strand of pearls, flowers, and a pink dish holding rings. The items are arranged on a pastel pink background.
A Dolce & Gabbana "Light Blue Summer Vibes" fragrance bottle is displayed with decorative elements, including a green envelope sealed with a golden wax stamp, a blue butterfly, and floral-themed invitations. The items are arranged on a pastel pink surface, accompanied by a pearl necklace and flower petals.
This image features a wedding invitation suite displayed on a light pink background. The suite includes a floral-decorated invitation card indicating the wedding of two individuals, a colored photograph of a couple, and a pink decorative plate holding two gold rings. A pearl necklace, a white rose, and a few white petals are also arranged around the items for a decorative effect.
A wedding invitation featuring photos of a couple in various outdoor settings is displayed. The invitation includes a website URL for more details, surrounded by decorative elements such as a blue butterfly, a string of pearls, and a flower petal. A secondary card with floral designs and wedding information is partially visible beneath the main invitation.
The image features a wedding-themed arrangement on a pink background. There is a floral wedding invitation, a white heart-shaped box with floral details, a small pink plate with two gold rings, and a green envelope sealed with a wax stamp. Additionally, a card with the phrase "The Fairy Tale Begins Here..." is present, along with pearl-like beads, white flowers, and flower petals.
Two women dressed in white, possibly brides, are standing outdoors beside a large tree and overlooking a body of water. They are holding vibrant flower bouquets and appear excited, with one of them pointing towards a sailboat on the water in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, and the setting has a cheerful and lively atmosphere.
The image depicts a decorated table with a beige tablecloth set for a meal. On the table, there is a small framed handwritten sign with colorful text and drawings, alongside a wooden table number sign labeled "ten." The background shows chairs and light from large windows. Greenery decorates the table, adding to the elegant arrangement.
A wedding reception table is set with a framed, hand-drawn picture featuring a rainbow, a heart, and a smiley face, accompanied by the message "Love is love and love is nice." A wooden block with the word "eight" indicates the table number. The table is decorated with a light-colored tablecloth, a greenery sprig, and a salt shaker, and is set with white plates and glassware.
A round banquet table is elegantly set with a beige patterned tablecloth and decorated with small glass vases containing assorted fresh flowers and greenery. A framed handwritten note and a dark wooden table number stand marked "three" are also placed on the table, alongside salt and pepper shakers, water glasses, and dinnerware. Gold-colored chairs surround the table, and the setting appears to be arranged for a formal event or gathering.
A wedding reception table is elegantly set with a cream-colored tablecloth and gold chairs. Each place is arranged with a plate, cutlery, and a glass of water. A small floral arrangement and greenery decorate the center of the table. A framed hand-written note with decorative hearts and a dark wooden table number sign displaying "one" are also present.
A dining setup featuring a glass-top table adorned with green foliage and flanked by two white chairs. The table displays neatly arranged place settings with glasses, utensils, and plates of food. The foreground is decorated with abundant floral arrangements showcasing a variety of colorful flowers. In the background, additional floral arrangements and a white draped outdoor seating area are visible.
An outdoor event setup with rows of white chairs facing an illuminated tent covered with sheer drapes. String lights are hanging from the ceiling of the tent, creating a festive atmosphere. The background shows blurred motion of people and lighting, indicating an evening or nighttime event. Trees can be seen in the perimeter of the outdoor space.
Rivka and Lydia’s wedding at Pen Ryn Estate was not just a celebration of their love, but also a testament to the power of community, inclusivity, and joy. For queer couples in the Philadelphia area looking for a photographer who understands and celebrates your unique love story, I am here to help you capture every beautiful moment. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or a grand celebration, my goal is to create images that reflect the authenticity and vibrancy of your love.
If you’re ready to start planning your wedding photography, whether in Philadelphia or a destination of your choice, let’s connect and create something beautiful together.
Venue: Pen Ryn Estate – River’s Edge | Officiant: Jamie Murley | Make-up & Hair Stylist: Your Bridal Stylist – Kristen Kramer-Shimanek | Partner A’s Dress: The Bridal Boutique, Milford Delaware | Partner B’s Dress: The Bridal Boutique, Milford Delaware | DJ/Band/Music: East Coast Event Group | Florist: Ambler Flower Shop | Cake: Isgro Pastries