Brides & Weddings Magazine
Story and photos by John Malloy Photography
If you’ve ever imagined a fairy tale wedding with a beautiful princess and a handsome prince, then you can envision exactly what we saw on the day of Danielle and Jacob’s wedding. In her stunning Hayley Paige gown, Danielle was the picture of loveliness, and Jacob looked as if he came right off the page of your favorite fairy tale romance. The whole day was incredible. The weather was perfect…warm and sunshiney for an October day. One of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met, Danielle and Jacob were so kind and appreciative.
They first met at college. Danielle was studying for a test and thought she looked a mess, but when Jacob saw her, he thought she was gorgeous…especially her freckles. Later that same day, he happened to see her again. This time he wouldn’t let her pass him by. He stopped her and they talked for hours. He couldn’t believe how down to earth she was and thought she was so funny. Danielle thought he was really good looking and was baffled by why he would want to talk to her. After a few minutes of conversation, they already felt like they’d known each other for years. The next day he took her out in his 1990 Jeep Wrangler, and she was hooked! They had such a good time together, and after that, saw each other almost every day.
It didn’t take long for them to realize their relationship was something to last a lifetime. It was Christmas, and Danielle and Jacob were celebrating with her family. She loves Christmas and family is so important to her. Knowing this, Jacob proposed to her in front of her whole family on Christmas night. It was such a special moment for both of them, and for everyone else there. What a wonderful Christmas memory they will always have!
Jacob is Danielle’s other half, her best friend. From the day they met, they connected so effortlessly. He challenges her and keeps her on her toes. Jacob constantly makes Danielle laugh and they love being silly with each other. He is even more precious to her because he meshes so well with her whole family. They all love him (almost as much as she does). Their sweet puppy, Lola, and Danielle are always his first priority. She says that Jacob was made for her.
Danielle’s natural beauty captivates Jacob. He also loves her sense of humor, and how she’s always right. ???? Her many facial expressions and beautiful smile are enchanting to him. He also loves how she rolls her eyes at his terrible jokes, but still laughs at them. It’s so easy to be with each other and they understand each other so well that marriage will be one more way to cement their lifelong commitment to each other.
Danielle and Jacob chose Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens for their wedding because they love the rustic elegance of the venue. The barns are so open and bright, they knew it was perfect for them at first sight. With the beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, this venue meets all the needs and desires for a couple wanting the perfect place for themselves and their guests to have an unforgettable wedding experience.
Danielle and Jacob had decided to wait until the ceremony to see each other. The only “first look” she had was with her father. When her dad saw her, the moment was sweet and full of happiness. The closeness of this family is so evident and you can see the adoration in Danielle’s father’s eyes in the photos that I captured.
After the tender first look between Dad and Danielle, we took some group photos, then headed for the most important part of the day. The bridal party looked amazing as they waited for the main attraction. The bridesmaids were lovely in their Jenny Yoo cinnamon rose gowns, and the groomsmen looked quite handsome in their dapper blue suits from The Black Tux. Thanks to the amazing talent of their florist, Megan, the flowers blended each of the colors together perfectly.
One thing I love about Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens is the huge barn doors in the Tobacco Barn (where most of their ceremonies are held). When those sliding doors open and the bride comes through with all of the natural light flowing in behind her, the vision is almost angelic. Danielle truly looked like a princess, and Jacob was overcome with emotion as he watched his bride slowly walk toward him to promise him forever. The ceremony was both beautiful and simply elegant, just like the bride.
It didn’t take long for the guests to begin enjoying themselves after the ceremony. The outside grounds were well equipped with a myriad of fun things to do. The couple’s friends and family helped themselves to hors d’oeuvre’s, used the photo booth, and played yard games. A special feature to one of their games was the custom made corn hole game given to them by Danielle’s cousin, Chris. Guests were able to sign the boards, giving Danielle and Jacob a fun memory for years to come. The reception was incredibly fun, featuring “The South Philadelphia String Band”, which Jacob is a mummer for. They were so spirited and lively…the photos below of this are awesome.
The entire day was extraordinary and the photos are so beautiful. Everything went as smoothly as possible, and I am so grateful to have been part of capturing the memories for this fabulous couple.
