A Sophisticated, Garden-Inspired Wedding at the Manor House at Prophecy Creek in Ambler, Pennsylvania

Austin, Texas-based couple Caitlin Laws (28 and a clinical research assistant) and Hugh Smith (33 and a former US Army staff sergeant) headed north for their spring nuptials, planning an elegant, garden-inspired affair at the Manor House at Prophecy Creek Park in Ambler, Pennsylvania. “Family means the world to me and both sets of my grandparents are in their late 80s or early 90s and wouldn’t have been able to travel far to attend our wedding,” Caitlin says. “So we decided to bring the party to them.” Working with Two Little Birds Planning, the pair infused the day with a hint of classic Southern elegance, choosing a soft palette of ivory, gray, green and blush hues accented with gold touches for a hint of opulent flair. Sebesta Design’s lush floral arrangements were key in bringing Caitlin and Hugh’s vision to life, the fresh bunches of peonies, roses, mock orange blossoms, sweet peas, jasmine vines and more adding an organic, natural feel to the stately historic setting. And details like hand-lettered signage, including watercolor escort cards displayed in moss-filled copper planters, and cascading ribbon chair decorations lent the day a whimsical air. Taking advantage of the serene setting, the cocktail hour and reception were held outdoors, giving guests a peak of the estate’s beautifully manicured lawns, quaint ponds and trickling fountains. Guests dined on mouth-watering fare like coconut shrimp, roast prime rib and chocolate pound cake with raspberry filling, before taking to the dance floor, where DJ Jim Gosser of Synergetic Sound was spinning everything from throwback hits to top 40 favorites. A tip from Caitlin: “If you can afford it, hire a wedding planner, even if it’s just for day-of coordination. Our engagement was stress-free and fun because of her. It was so nice to have Jaclyn give us a list of her top five vendors; we’d pick two or three, Skype meetings were arranged, proposals were drafted, and then we would sign contracts. Jaclyn did all the heavy lifting in the months preceding the wedding, and we got to focus on the exciting things.”