Caitlynn and Nick are an amusing, stylish couple who had a beautiful fall Knowlton Mansion wedding in Philadelphia, PA. Conroy Catering does an excellent job, as I will explain in more detail below. I had a great time getting to know them during their engagement session in Smithville Park in Eastampton, NJ. I love doing these sessions. They change the comfort level on the wedding day in a real way.
About Knowlton Mansion
Knowlton Mansion sits on six private acres in the Fox Chase section of Northeast Philadelphia, just twenty minutes from Center City. The Italianate mansion was built in 1879 by industrialist William L. Elkins as a country retreat, and it’s now one of Conroy Catering’s signature estate venues. The grounds have a working carriage house, formal gardens, mature trees that drop straight into peak fall color in mid-October, and a fully restored wine cellar tucked under the main house that is hands down one of my favorite hidden portrait spots in the city. Capacity tops out around 200 for a seated reception. Outdoor ceremony on the back lawn, cocktail hour on the patio, dinner in the ballroom.
Caterer: Conroy Catering
Ceremony & Reception: Knowlton Mansion
Florist: A Garden Party
DJ: Steve & Co.
Videographer: Stomping Bread Productions
Bride’s Dress: Essense of Australia
Camera/Film: Contax 645, Fuji Acros 100, Kodak Portra 400, and some digital
Caitlynn’s Bridal Preps
Nick had all his groom preps at his brother’s house not too far from Knowlton Mansion. The guys were fun and laid back. My style is very documentary during morning groom preps. They are usually having some drinks and moving around quite a bit, and I want the camera invisible. After a bit of dabbing with his nephew, it was time to head over to Caitlynn’s parents’ house for her preps.
To my pleasant surprise, two dogs joined the eight bridesmaids, one flower girl, and one junior bridesmaid. One fun tidbit: her dog kept coming over and sitting on the dress while she was getting her jewelry on and adjusting her veil. What we did not know was that the dog had lipstick on his paw, which then got all over the bottom of the dress. The wedding boy scout that I am, I reached into my camera bag and pulled out a Tide stick. Problem solved.
First Look and Portraits at Knowlton Mansion
I set Nick up on the walkway behind the mansion so Caitlynn could sneak up behind him and they could see each other for the first time on the wedding day. After a few tears and some quiet moments together, we brought out the bridal party to photograph. A few great things about shooting a Knowlton Mansion wedding: there is tons of space for large groups, an abundance of shaded natural light, and beautiful landscape and architecture to photograph against. Also, not to mention a few horses to photobomb your portraits.
We scheduled plenty of time, so there was no rush before the ceremony started. Together we explored the grounds, let the bridal party hang inside and grab drinks, and grabbed the family for some natural light formals outside. If it is raining on your wedding day here, you can always capture your formal photographs inside right by the reception area.
Knowlton Mansion Wedding Ceremony
They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony, and even had scarves for all the guests. The temperature does drop quickly here when the sun starts to set. The sun always seems to land in the perfect direction for ceremonies on this lawn. The light adds to the relaxed natural setting for their outdoor ceremonies. One of my favorite parts of their service was, of course, when Nick dropped the ring during the vows. Thank god there are no storm drains at the altar. One wedding ceremony tip: live music or a DJ playing music off to the side adds a beautiful ambiance.
Yes, Nick dropped the ring during the ceremony.
Knowlton Mansion Wedding Reception
They are a fun crew, so I was prepared for an exciting reception once the music kicked in. One thing I see at the Knowlton Mansion reception space is that the floral designer will cover the four middle columns surrounding the dance floor with flowers or artistic brush that go up toward the ceiling. You should ask your planner or florist about this service.
The real hidden gem at the mansion is the wine cellar. I try to sneak off with the couple for a few minutes to create some natural romantic portraits. I cut my hand on some broken glass during Caitlynn and Nick’s session in there, and it was still worth it.
Best wishes to this great couple. I had a fantastic time with them and their families.
Considering Knowlton Mansion for Your Wedding?
Knowlton Mansion is one of my go-to recommendations when couples want an estate feel without leaving Philadelphia. For more options in the same range, see my 12 Best Philadelphia Wedding Venues guide.