Cairnwood Estate is a stunning Philadelphia wedding venue. The 1895 mansion and gardens maintain their historic charm along with subtle updates that make it comfortable for modern wedding celebrations. Ellie and Eli’s Cairnwood Estate wedding featured chic details, including lush florals. Their film photos tell the tender, joyful story of a wedding that felt meant to be.
A Cairnwood Estate Wedding
A Cairnwood Estate wedding is synonymous with Gilded Age glamor. The mansion is gorgeous. Greece, Classical Roman architecture, and the Italian Renaissance inspired its architectural details. Turrets tower in the corners of the building with balconies and arches make you feel like you’re walking up to a castle.
The gardens look like scenery from a period drama. Topiaries and fluffy hydrangeas line pristine walkways. Water features create peaceful focal points. There’s something beautiful to see any time of year. In the spring, flowers splash color against the creamy mansion walls.
Inside is just as incredible. The domed ceiling is jaw dropping, but I especially love the little details. Intricate patterns carved into wood and stone around the fireplaces are unlike anything you see in more recent architecture. The wallpaper is so much fun, too!
A Cairnwood Estate wedding costs around $26,000 for 100 guests during peak season. Capacity is never an issue here. This wedding venue can host up to 250 guests.
There are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re considering a Cairnwood Estate wedding.
- Event season is April through December. Access to some spaces may be limited depending on the season.
- You’re limited to the caterers on Cairnwood Estate’s preferred vendors list.
- The venue’s website lists accessible parking and ADA amenities. You may want to contact the venue for more details.
- Cairnwood Estate has amenities (tents, A/C, heating, etc.) to make this venue comfortable year round.
Cairnwood Estate is located in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. It’s 35 minutes north of Center City Philadelphia and two hours south of Brooklyn. Ellie and Eli traveled from New York for their Cairnwood Estate wedding. With a city as big as Philadelphia, it’s easy to find accommodations and entertainment if you’re traveling in from out of town.
Stunning Florals and Wedding Decor
Cairnwood Estate is such a beautiful wedding venue. Ellie and Eli definitely took it to the next level with their florals and decor. They worked with A Floral Designs to transform the venue into something magical.
The floral garland lining the staircase was my favorite part of the decor for this Cairnwood Estate wedding. Blue, pink, red, and gold flowers intertwined with lush greenery. The level of detail turned Ellie and Eli’s reception entrance into a fairytale moment.
Other decor choices added to the evening’s chic romance. Colorful floral arrangements sat on the reception tables with candles in glass holders. A clear event tent let in natural light until dusk fell. At that point, strings of lights and chandeliers added to the glow of candlelight. The whole space felt so intimate and inviting even with 150+ guests in attendance.
A Wedding that was Meant to Be
As gorgeous as the decor was at this Cairnwood Estate wedding, Ellie and Eli’s love stole the show. The two obviously love each other so much. Their affectionate gestures and comfort with each other set the stage for some beautiful photos.
Eli and Ellie are the types of marriers people say are meant to be. They actually met on Ellie’s first day of college when Eli was running the rugby table at an activities fair. Eli told her best friend that if she started dating Ellie, she would marry her. She was right!
When I look at these wedding photos, I can imagine Eli and Ellie telling their story to younger generations years from now. These photos will look cool on Instagram, sure. But it’s more important that they reflect the truth of this moment for Eli and Ellie. This gallery really reflects this chapter in their love story.
Creative Film Wedding Photography for Ellie and Eli
Before every wedding I photograph, I ask the marriers what matters to them most in their wedding photography. Leading up to their Cairnwood Estate wedding, Eli and Ellie said that they wanted to prioritize “capturing joy and looking artful and interesting.” I used film photography and creative lighting to do exactly that.
Film photography is my first love. Unlike a lot of photographers who learn photography on digital, I learned how to photograph on 35mm film cameras. I spent so much time in the dark room in high school. When I wasn’t there, I was flipping through vintage photos in thrift shops and yard sales. (Ask me about my wall of antique wedding photos when we talk!)
Learning photography on film really influenced my style and technical ability. I understand my camera inside out, and I’m very adaptable to different lighting conditions. That came in handy at Cairnwood Estate.
With film wedding photography, I get to include my clients in an archive of love stories stretching back to the advent of photography. I’m connecting generations with images of love. You can feel that in Ellie and Eli’s film wedding photos.
A Moment of Stillness in an Energetic Evening
Eli and Ellie told me that the thing they were most excited for about their Cairnwood Estate wedding was “being present and joyful with family and friends.” They absolutely achieved that! Both Eli and Ellie joined their guests on the crowded dance floor for a big portion of the reception. They had so much fun celebrating and engaging with everyone around them.
As the sun sank, we snuck away for some portraits. The clouds meant we didn’t have a glowy golden hour. Instead the evening had a kind of moody romance. It suited that quiet time with Ellie and Eli wandering around hand in hand. Those photos are a lovely moment of stillness in the story of an energetic day.
Would you like me to photograph your wedding? I’m a Philadelphia wedding photographer who specializes in film photography. Let’s preserve your memories with photos that are unapologetically you! Inquire with me today.
Vendor Team
Photography: Theo Nash Photography
Planner/Coordinator: Phuliffects Events
Ceremony Venue: North and Southampton Reformed Church
Reception Venue: Cairnwood Estate
Entertainment: DJ Lady FX and Marlene Bell
Florist: Ayana Harris at A Floral Designs
Cake: Bredenbeck’s Bakery
Hair and Makeup: Mia Farah Beautique
Eli’s Wedding Attire: The Tailory
Ellie’s Wedding Attire: Sarah Seven
