A Weekend Destination Wedding Planning: Philly to Olde Homestead
As we look back on the beautiful celebrations we have documented this past year, there is one particular shift we have noticed among our Philadelphia-based couples. Many are choosing to trade the tight city streets and the familiar grit of Broad Street for the wide-open vistas and refined tranquility of the Lehigh Valley.
Happy Anniversary to the couples who decided that their WEDDING deserved more room to breathe. Taking that drive north from the city toward the Poconos doesn’t just change the scenery; it changes the entire tempo of the celebration. We have seen firsthand how the energy shifts when the skyline is replaced by the Blue Mountains and the sound of traffic is replaced by the quiet rustle of 250 acres of rolling countryside.
At Birds Of A Feather Photography, we believe that your WEDDING day is more than a single event, it is the beginning of a family legacy. Choosing a location like Olde Homestead Golf Club allows that legacy to be framed by nature, history, and a sense of sophisticated ease that is often hard to find in the heart of the city.
The Allure of the North: From City Grit to Country Grace
For many Philly couples, the initial draw to the Lehigh Valley is a practical one. It is no secret that hosting a gala in downtown Philadelphia comes with a certain set of logistical hurdles, valet parking, noise ordinances, and the premium pricing of “City Hall” views. By moving the celebration just an hour and a half north, couples often find that their budget stretches significantly further, allowing for the kind of “extra” touches that make a weekend truly memorable.
However, the value isn’t just in the numbers. It is in the experience.
When you choose a wedding photographer in Allentown, PA, you aren’t just hiring a vendor; you are partnering with someone who understands the unique light and landscape of this region. We have spent 15 years navigating the foothills of the Poconos, and we can tell you that the sunset over a 250-year-old barn hits differently than a sunset over a skyscraper.
A Weekend, Not Just a Day
One of the most compelling reasons our Philadelphia couples are heading toward New Tripoli is the ability to create a full weekend experience. In the city, guests often arrive, celebrate, and depart within a few hours. At a destination like Olde Homestead, the pace slows down.
Your guests can stay in the charming local inns, enjoy a round of golf on the award-winning course, or explore the local wineries like Folino Estate. It transforms your WEDDING from a Saturday night dinner into a three-day retreat. This expansive approach allows for more candid moments, more deep conversations, and more opportunities for us to capture the genuine connection between you and your loved ones.
Olde Homestead: Where History Meets Sophistication
Olde Homestead Golf Club is not your typical “rustic” venue. While it boasts a historic 125-year-old Bank Barn and a charming Potato Barn, the atmosphere is deeply rooted in sophistication. It is a place where you can wear a couture gown and still feel perfectly at home against the backdrop of soaring beams and stone walls.
The property offers multiple ceremony and reception sites that cater to a variety of aesthetics:
- The Bank Barn: This is the heart of the estate’s history. With its original beams and majestic scale, it provides a sense of gravity and timelessness that city lofts often lack.
- The Carriage House: For the couple who wants a blend of modern grace and rustic warmth, the newly renovated Carriage House offers sweeping views and cozy fireplaces. It is a perfect alternative to the industrial chic of SteelStacks if you are looking for something softer and more natural.
- The Waterfront Ceremony Site: Imagine saying your vows with the Blue Mountains in the distance and a serene lake at your feet. The light here during the “golden hour” is a dream for any Lehigh Valley wedding photographer.
The Art of Professional Presence
With 15 years of experience as a family-led team, we have learned that the best photographs are born out of a calm environment. A WEDDING day can be a whirlwind, especially when you are coordinating travel for city guests and managing a large bridal party.
Our role as your photography and videography team is to be the steady hand in the room. We don’t just show up to take pictures; we show up to protect your peace. We understand the nuances of a family-led business because we are one. When you work with us, you are working with Tassia and a team that views your wedding as a work of art, not just another date on the calendar.
We focus on the legacy. We look for the quiet tear in your father’s eye, the way your hands interlock during the speeches, and the spontaneous joy that erupts on the dance floor. These are the moments that will live on your walls for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olde Homestead accessible for guests traveling from Philadelphia?
Absolutely. It is roughly a 75-to-90-minute drive from Center City. Most couples find that providing a shuttle service from a local hotel in Allentown or the Lehigh Valley makes the transition seamless and safe for their guests.
What happens if it rains at an outdoor venue like Olde Homestead?
One of the reasons we love Olde Homestead is its versatility. The Bank Barn and the Carriage House provide stunning indoor alternatives that don’t feel like a “Plan B.” As experienced photographers in the region, we are experts at finding the best light and locations, regardless of the weather.
Do we need to hire a separate videographer?
At Birds Of A Feather Photography, we offer a comprehensive suite of services including photography, cinematography, and social media content creation. Having a unified team ensures a cohesive aesthetic and a streamlined experience on your WEDDING day. You won’t have two different teams competing for the same shot; instead, you’ll have a family working in harmony.
How does the cost compare to a Philadelphia venue?
While every WEDDING is unique, couples typically find that their “all-in” cost at a Lehigh Valley venue like Olde Homestead allows for a higher level of customization and a more inclusive package compared to similar-tier venues in Philadelphia or North Jersey.
Why This Region Captures the Heart
There is a specific kind of romance found in the transition between the urban and the rural. When you invite your guests to travel “a little north,” you are inviting them into a different world. It is a world where the air is clearer, the stars are brighter, and the focus remains squarely on the union of two people.
Whether you are dreaming of a summer WEDDING among the wildflowers or a winter celebration by a roaring fireplace in the Carriage House, the Lehigh Valley offers a canvas that is both vast and intimate. It is our joy to help you navigate this landscape and to document the beginning of your forever with the care and artistry it deserves.
The Birds Of A Feather Perspective
Choosing your WEDDING photographer is a decision that impacts how you will remember this day for the rest of your life. At Birds Of A Feather Photography, we bring 15 years of seasoned experience to every celebration. As a family-led team, we don’t just see a client; we see a legacy in the making. Our approach is defined by a calm, steady presence and a deep commitment to the art of storytelling. We specialize in capturing the sophisticated, the rustic, and the deeply personal, ensuring that your photos and films are as timeless as the love they portray. We are proud to be a trusted voice in the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, and the greater Philadelphia area, providing a seamless experience that encompasses photo, video, and modern content creation.
If you are newly engaged in the Lehigh Valley and are looking for vendors that you can trust- we would be honored to work with you! Our family team can only take on a limited number of weddings each year and we would love for yours to be one of them. Please reach out to me, Tassia- at Hello@birdsofafeatherphotography.com or visit our website at www.birdsofafeatherphotography.com.
