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Glen Foerd | Delaware River
August 2025

Documentary-style photography, thoughtful details, and a Nancy Meyers-inspired wedding day

Some wedding days feel like a movie — effortless, joyful, and layered with meaningful moments from start to finish. This summer wedding at Glen Foerd was exactly that. Set along the Delaware River, the day blended heartfelt tradition, playful surprises, and elegant design into a celebration that felt deeply personal and undeniably Philadelphia.

Courtney & Patrick

The day began in the second floor bridal suite exactly how every wedding day should — relaxed, joyful, and full of personality. Before anyone even stepped into formal attire, an impromptu Taylor Swift–themed dance party broke out, setting the tone for a day that never took itself too seriously. From there, the day took off with a first look shared with both the bride’s and groom’s mothers, followed by a reveal with the bridesmaids. These early moments were intimate, tender, and full of anticipation. These are the kind of in-between memories that inspire me. The paper goods and invite suite were equally thoughtful, designed to channel the couple’s love for Philadelphia. Created by Kristen Vanleer of Dahlia Design House, the details featured refined typography and city-inspired elements that set the aesthetic tone for the entire day.

A Joyful, Unscripted Start

After getting ready, the couple shared their first look on the grounds of Glen Foerd, surrounded by lush greenery, historic architecture, and summer light. Built in the mid-1800s, Glen Foerd is a National Historic Landmark known for its grand mansion, manicured lawns, and sweeping river views — a dream setting for couples who love history with a refined, lived-in feel. Portraits unfolded naturally as we explored the property — along tree-lined paths, near the mansion’s stately façade. The result was a portrait session that felt relaxed, romantic, and timeless, perfectly aligned with a Nancy Meyers-inspired wedding aesthetic.

First Look & Portraits Around Glen Foerd Mansion

The ceremony took place along the Delaware River, with Glen Foerd’s iconic, serene waterfront. The vows were some of the sweetest of the season — emotional, personal, and punctuated by plenty of happy tears.
This was one of my favorite parts of the day to photograph. Glen Foerd’s ceremony layout makes it SO easy to document both the couple and the guest experience, allowing for genuine reaction shots alongside the unfolding story at the altar. Capturing parents wiping tears, friends smiling through emotion, and the couple fully present with one another is where documentary wedding photography truly shines.

A Riverfront Ceremony Full of Happy Tears

As the sun dipped lower, cocktail hour unfolded in that perfect golden hour summer light, giving us the chance to capture fun, candid portraits of guests enjoying the river breeze and warm evening glow.Cocktail hours with this much energy always give me a second wind — the kind that pushes me straight into the second half of the day feeling recharged, inspired, and ready to document everything still to come.

The reception reveal took place under Glen Foerd’s tent, and it was nothing short of magical. Designed by Danielle Kupersmith of DEE Events, the space struck the perfect balance between refined and playful. Linens with soft patterns and texture by Stradley Davidson (Cumberland Moss) grounded the design with organic texture, which complemented the lush greenery and cascading vines on the ceiling of the tent. Overhead, a disco ball hung, reflecting its light onto a beige and white checkered dance floor that instantly became the heart of the celebration. The couple made their entrance to Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince, setting an energetic tone for the night ahead, before guests were surprised by a flash mob organized by the bride’s two sisters to Dance the Night from Barbie. Live music by Bachelor Boys Band kept the dance floor packed, while a beautifully crafted cake by New June Bakery added the sweetest finishing touch to the evening. From heartfelt toasts to nonstop dancing, the reception felt homey and stylish, reflecting the effortless, Nancy Meyers-inspired vision for their day.