an intimate rustic paxton estate wedding

You may remember Colleen + Johnny from their dairy farm engagement session (featured here). On June 17th, I had the honor of capturing their intimate rustic wedding at the Paxton Estate in Greencastle, Pennsylvania. The Paxton Estate is a private location currently owned by Jon, the same gentleman that owns the dairy farm, where Colleen + Johnny spent many of their early dating days, and I shot their engagement photos.

It’s a beautiful property built in the late 1700’s.  Jon helped out at this property his entire life and was elated to have the opportunity to purchase it when the time came.  The house has since been updated but still has beautiful original components like the maids quarters and old kitchen layout complete with the cast iron stove!  This property would make a gorgeously cozy bed and breakfast!

Colleen + Johnny’s ceremony took place at a clearing in the woods behind the home on the property. It was a beautiful location surrounded by the towering trees. I love that they used simple decor and allowed the natural beauty to speak for itself. One of my favorite elements from their ceremony was the Cord of Three Strands, symbolizing one man, one woman and God in the marriage. During the ceremony, Colleen + Johnny braided three strands of rope together attached to a decorative sign that they will be able to hang in their new home.

After saying “I Do”, Colleen + Johnny recessed up the aisle as guests blew bubbles in celebration. I just love how these shots turned out with the new Mr. and Mrs. surrounded by a sea of bubbles. What a fun shot to hang on their wall and remember the day!

The entire day was full of details that hold special meaning to Colleen + Johnny, including their reception venue. They spend several days a week there between small group and Johnny’s recreational hockey league which made it the perfect spot to celebrate their new marriage. Guests dined on a delicious homemade buffet followed by a mouthwatering selection of cupcakes. Colleen + Johnny  also had a sweetheart cake, which they adorably shoved in each other’s faces after cutting. The cupcakes were vanilla raspberry, seven layer coconut and chocolate peanut butter and guests couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were!

Colleen, Johnny + their guests spent the rest of the day dancing and celebrating. They even had a soul train where guests lined up across from each other creating an aisle in the middle. The person at the end of each line would meet in the middle and dance down the aisle together. All of their guests, young and old, had a blast. After toasts from Johnny’s best friend, Colleen’s sister, and surprise toast from Johnny’s brother the reception ended with guests dancing till the very end.

Colleen + Johnny, I had such a blast capturing your wedding. It was a beautiful day filled with love and laughter. I’m so glad I was there to witness the beautiful stories that your loved ones shared about you both.  It was an honor to be able to photograph the start of your forever!

-xo-

Jamie