A Home Away From Home

Stephanie and Samuel
September 4, 2009
Cairnwood
Bryn Athyn, PA
Web Site

It seems as though I have been spending a lot of time in Bryn Athyn lately. The other day, I joked on my Facebook page that I was considering opening a P.O. Box in that town.

To be honest, I would not mind living in Bryn Athyn. The town is lined with historic buildings, trees as far as the eye can see, and the best part of all... Not too much traffic.

Stephanie and Samuel's day began with a beautiful outdoor ceremony, set in the luxurious gardens of the Cairnwood Estate. As you can see in their photo gallery, the soundtrack for their ceremony (and cocktail hour) was provided by a harpist.

After their guests had an opportunity to stroll around the mansion, enjoying cocktails and hors d'œuvres, everyone gathered in the Great Hall to enjoy Stephanie and Samuel's first dance as husband and wife.

Despite having the guests in several different rooms for dinner, it was not difficult at all to get a "party ready" crowd into the Conservatory for two hours of dancing.

Everyone really enjoyed the music, especially some songs that I haven't heard in a LONG time. For example, check out the video below. I think the last time I heard that song, it was in a Swiffer commercial.

Congratulations, Stephanie and Samuel!



Click here to see some photos from their reception!

Agenda

6:30-6:55 PM Ceremony

6:55-7:55 PM Cocktail Hour

7:55 PM Grand Entrance
"I Gotta Feelin'" by Black Eyed Peas

8:00 PM First Dance
"Sideways" by Citizen Cope

8:05 PM Blessing & Toasts

8:10 PM-9:45 PM Dinner

9:45 PM Cake Cutting
"(How Sweet It Is) To Be Loved By You" by James Taylor

9:50 PM Bride & Father Dance
"You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" by Stevie Wonder

9:55 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

10:00 PM-12:00 AM Open Dancing

11:55 PM Final Song of the Night
"Hit The Road, Jack" by Ray Charles

Montgomery County DJs - Steve CrocePermalink

More photos from Jessica & Lloyd's wedding

Did you read about Jessica and Lloyd's wedding at Cairnwood? (link)

I just found some photos taken by Cliff Mautner that he posted on his blog! (link)

They are awesome! Check them out now!Permalink

Hey... Remember stevecroce.com?

Jessica & Lloyd
June 12, 2009
Cairnwood
Bryn Athyn, PA
Web Site

Wow. I haven't had a single blog update since January! What can I say other than "I'm sorry" and "I'm amazed that Blogger hasn't closed this place down, due to abandonment.".

So... Without further ado, let's get down to business!

Hosting your wedding ceremony and/or reception at Cairnwood is like having your event in a wealthy family member's home. This home is built like an French palace!

The reception began with guests arriving and being escorted to the tented terrace. The talented artists at Eventions provided a great visual experience in the form of specialty lighting on the canvas above. As the sun went down, it looked almost as if their guests were dining under the stars. Amazing.

Friends and family were also treated to the performance of live music in the form of a string quartet and live vocalist. It was a very classy addition to the affair. I just wish I could remember the name of the group.

Jessica and Lloyd had also secured one of the most awe-inspiring photographers I have ever known, Cliff Mautner. Cliff continuously encounters the highest expectations and surpasses them with ease. I would encourage you to check out his work on his blog.

I had an outstanding time being a part of this wedding celebration! Considering the layout, it's always a very unique experience at Cairnwood. The real challenge is having the ability to move guests from one part of the mansion to the next, without making them feel "herded". In the end, my experience at this difficult venue proved to be a great asset in entertaining this wild crew. What a great party!

Congratulations, Jessica and Lloyd!



Agenda

6:00-6:55 PM Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM Grand Entrance
Bridal Party: "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson
Bride & Groom: "Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge feat. Run-DMC

7:05 PM First Dance
"This Year's Love" by David Grey

7:10 PM Blessing & Toasts

7:25-8:55 PM Dinner

8:55 PM Cake Cutting
"How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor

9:00 PM Bride & Father Dance
"I Loved Her First" by Heartland

9:05 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"The Way You Look Tonight" by Michael Buble

9:10 PM-12:00 AM Open Dancing

9:45 PM Bouquet Toss
"You Sexy Thing" by Hot Chocolate

9:50 PM Garter Removal
"Bad Things" by Jace Everett

9:55 PM Garter Union
"Don't Cha (Ralphi's Hot Freak Remix)" by Pussycat Dolls

Permalink

Welcoming Friends And Family "Home"

Jenn & Chris
May 24, 2008
Cairnwood
Bryn Athyn, PA
Web Site

Designed by the renowned architectural firm of Carrére and Hastings to be a home for the industrialist John Pitcairn and his young family, Cairnwood evokes the grandeur of the Gilded Age with its intimacy, beauty and elegance. While it maintains the atmosphere of a private home, it is available for events such as weddings, corporate entertaining, fund raising and social events of all kinds.

Because Cairnwood is a mansion, with its grand staircase, balconies and gardens, it becomes "yours" for the duration of the event. It feels as if you are welcoming guests to your very own home: one that’s spacious and warm and can hold all those you love on such a momentous occasion.

Jenn and Chris' friends and family made their way throughout the manor, enjoying a fine dining experience in several rooms (and under a tent covering the veranda) throughout the building, followed by dancing in the Library.

Several guests also took advantage of a special area prepared for them by the bride and groom, a cigar bar with a selection of top shelf bourbons and Ashton cigars. It was an instant transport back in time to an era enjoyed by the family who commissioned the building of Cairnwood. Personally, I thought it was a pretty ingenious touch of creativity.

The Great Hall hosted the bride and groom's first dance and a decadent display of desserts and assortment of coffees.

At the end, guests left the event feeling completely satiated and brimming over with memories of a lavish and fun affair!

Congratulations, Jenn & Chris!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

7:00-7:55 PM Cocktails

7:55 PM Grand Entrance
"Rock And Roll, Part II" by Gary Glitter

8:00 PM First Dance
"Bless The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts

8:05 PM Bride & Father Dance
"The Way You Look Tonight" arranged by Alan Silvestri

8:10 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

8:15 PM Blessing & Toasts

8:30-9:30 PM Dinner

9:30 PM Cake Cutting
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You" by James Taylor

9:35 PM-12:00 AM Open Dancing

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Jenn & Chris' comments about their wedding entertainment: "Steve was fantastic! He had everything set up early so he could come down to the church to introduce himself and ask if he could help us with anything. He had all the introductions and toasts in order (there were 5!). He had a really unique way of getting people out on the dance floor and kept them there the whole night. He was a HUGE help at the end of night, helping us pack up some leftover items. We also love the event blog he has and were thrilled to see some pictures he posted on it while we were on our honeymoon! A BIG rave for Steve!!"Permalink