Danielle & Mark’s love story transcends the wedding day and the trials they faced leading up to their marriage. It is grounded in devotion, mutual respect, and true love. This late-November wedding at the Farm Bakery and Events is full of emotion that glows through the late-fall Pennsylvania landscape. Take a look through their beautiful love story.
Where/The Venue: The Farm
The Farm began hosting events in Spring of 2017 and the operation has grown immensely since then. Located in Upper Bucks County, the Farm is the home of 54-Acres owned and operated by Chris and Becca Lynde. With multiple barn spaces, a stable area and two wedding suites, the Farm is a very special venue for weddings. The Farm is home to the Seed Barn, which dates back to the 1820’s and boasts a sprawling deck overlooking the ceremony site. The stable area is located beneath the deck and the lower level of the Seed Barn is the Groom’s Suite. The Harvest Barn is a modern farmhouse that holds the commercial kitchen, bathrooms, smaller event space and the bridal suite. There’s even a Farm-to-Table bakery on-site! Read on and please enjoy Danielle & Mark’s gorgeous rustic farm wedding photos!
About Danielle & Mark
Everyone loves a great love story, don’t we? When two people meet, there’s ease and the rest is history. It happens, friends. It really does. Here’s how I know… Danielle & Mark happened to attend the same university. From one comment by Mark on one social media post by Danielle, the rest was history.
the Love Story
“Mark and I met in Physical Therapy school at Arcadia University. We didn’t really talk or interact for the first year of the program. During a break between semesters, I went with a friend to Texas and made a post with a caption about not liking country music. Mark commented on it and we have not stopped talking since. We got engaged on the day following our 5 year dating anniversary. He knows that I’m not a big fan of surprises so I was part of most of the process except knowing exactly when. He teased me once that it would have happened that day if I had my nails done.
“For our anniversary, we were planning to go back to campus where we met and just walk around and visit some of our favorite places and restaurants. While we were walking around campus in front of the castle, he proposed and had my best friend hide to take some pictures. It was special as it was low-key and at a sentimental location and then to have my best friend there who also just got engaged was fun to be able to celebrate all of these big life events together!” – Danielle
the Wedding Day
Getting Ready
Family and friends joined Danielle & Mark as they got ready for their wedding day. The vibe was genuinely easygoing and fun. Both Danielle & Mark’s experiences felt unforced which can be a rarity on wedding days!
“The fact that all our vendors work together all the time was the best thing ever. Anna knew how the photo timeline should run with the venue’s timeline, and she had great communication about that so I could relay that to the other vendors to make things run smoothly. She communicated day-of with the other vendors to make sure everything was running on time and coordinated the guys and girls to be sure we were all ready for the next step in the day. The vendor team had everything down to a science that I did not even need to think or worry about anything besides just being present in the day.” – Danielle
Danielle and her beloved group of women and young ladies got ready together. Each took turns with getting their hair done and having their makeup done. Danielle wore special jewels and a long, gorgeous sparkly veil to mark their special day. Danielle was a radiant and rustic bride – truly stunning inside and out. Laughter and wide smiles ensued as matching pajamas replaced dresses, dresses were buttoned up, and time was spent enjoying the moments before the ceremony.
Mark wore a boutonniere with a white rose and orange and red flowers. The color palette was just the perfect mix for their winter wedding. Coupled with his brown tweed suit and beautiful new watch with wood accents, he looked dashing. Mark played pool with loved ones, goofed off, and had a relaxing time getting ready. He looked full of joy as he put on his wedding shoes and stood smiling for my camera.
About Danielle & Mark – Before the Wedding
Most weddings don’t happen without a few glitches, perhaps a couple mistakes and day-of challenges. For Danielle & Mark, the tough aspects of planning and coordinating a winter wedding in November were not the most difficult. It was the grief, high emotions and stress that came from losing both of Mark’s parents shortly before their wedding.
“The hardest thing for us in the planning process was the 6 months leading up to our wedding. 6 months before our wedding, we lost Mark’s mom. We had been trying to plan a small ceremony in our backyard before that happened but unfortunately she declined faster than we initially anticipated. This was very hard on Mark as he was back and forth from our house to work to his parent’s house to help his dad take care of his mom during those last few weeks.
“Her loss was at the lull of wedding planning as everything had been booked and there wasn’t much for us to do for the wedding at the time. A few months after the loss of his mom, we were starting to talk about how we wanted to include her and remember her in our day. Then unexpectedly, about 2 and a half months before our wedding, we lost Mark’s dad. This was a hurdle none of us saw coming.
“With the suddenness of this loss and the timing, I was receiving emails from all of our vendors that same week about needing to make final decisions or set up final planning calls and meetings to go over last minute details. It was at that time that I sort of regretted not hiring a wedding planner, but our vendor team was so amazing that it didn’t end up mattering. I was so thankful for the vendor team that we had as they were flexible and understanding and supported us taking the time we needed to get decisions made in light of everything we were dealing with.
Anna and our day-of coordinator helped come up with different ideas about how we could include them and honor his parents based on what they had seen from previous weddings and they gave Mark suggestions to pick from for what he felt was right. As if all of that wasn’t enough, a month before the wedding my dad went in for a heart procedure which emotionally after everything, was a lot for us to handle.
“Then, 2 weeks before the wedding, there was a large forest fire on Blue Mountain, about 1 mile from our house. For a day or so, we weren’t sure what was going to happen as the fire was still spreading so I had everything for the wedding in my car at all times just in case. We also had someone at the house for those first few days with our dog to be ready to pack him up if needed. All of our pre-wedding stress had nothing to do with the actual wedding or planning process itself!” – Danielle
First Look & Portraits
“For me, the moment I remember best is the first look. I remember standing in the field, full of nervous energy, waiting for Danielle to come join me. When she tapped me on the shoulder and I got to turn around and see my beautiful soon-to-be wife in her wedding dress for the first time, that’s a moment I will never forget. In that moment, everything we had been through over the last year faded away and it was just the two of us – it was perfect.” – Mark
Danielle & Mark’s first look was a very special moment. Seeing two people come together on their special day, choosing one another, after everything they’d experienced together and apart, was beautiful to capture through my lens. The winter light felt perfect and Danielle’s bouquet of winter colors popped against the open field.
“I think one of my favorites was from our couples photos before the ceremony in front of the pampas grass just us looking at each other in an embrace. I’m sure we were laughing or joking about something–just being us.” – Danielle
Friends & Family Portraits
Natural greens, burnt oranges, dark reds and earthy browns – the colors of warmth in winter – marked Danielle & Mark’s wedding day. Friends and family gathered together to celebrate and support the happy couple. Winter weddings are unique, I think, because the scenery can be challenging and nature’s colors a bit neutral. Danielle & Mark’s smiles were everything and made it all easy. The joy of their loved ones radiates through every capture even on a winter day.
“We talked to a few different photographers, really looking for someone that we clicked with and felt comfortable with because neither Mark or I are big fans of being the center of attention or in front of a camera. The first time we talked with Anna we knew right away that she was the photographer we wanted to work with. She felt like someone that we could be friends with, made us feel comfortable in being a bit awkward in front of the camera.
“We knew that we made the right decision during our engagement photo shoot. I’m not sure Anna knew this but the day of our engagement photos was the day after we found out Mark’s mom was going on hospice care. Despite this and us not being at our best, Anna was able to pull us out of our shells and get some amazing photos. It was when we got those photos back that I was so happy we picked Anna and will always turn to her for any photo needs!” – Danielle
Ceremony
“I want to give Anna the credit she deserves. When it was time for me to place my Mom’s flowers, my Dad’s jacket, and their picture on the chairs, Anna allowed me to have the space I needed. She did not micromanage the moment to get a photo – she knew that moment needed to be natural and allowed me to do what felt right to me (and she still got some great shots of that moment by the way).” – Mark
The Farm’s space is one of my favorites . No matter the season, the white chairs and wooden arbor offer an intimate setting making every wedding feel special. Words escape me in explaining the magnitude of the moment Mark placed flowers on his mother’s chair and his dad’s jacket for his father. Mark is brave and it was an honor to witness and photograph him.
The details of the ceremony were lovely. Flowers in vases and decorating the arbor, grasses in vases coupled with candles. Guests could take a blanket to stay warm during the outdoor ceremony; after all, it is a late November wedding.
Cocktail Hour
“We were so excited to view all our photos. We fell in love with all the previews that she sent so we knew the rest would be amazing! Great to see all the details captured so beautifully as time, effort, and planning went into all of it. It was so nice to see photos from the ceremony and during the reception of our family and friends’ reactions and them just having fun together – things that we didn’t necessarily see at the time.” – Danielle
I loved how easy Danielle and Mark’s cocktail hour felt. Small bites and plates of cut vegetables and charcuterie options were plenty during cocktail hour. The presentation of food allowed guests to come and go as they wanted between inside and outside spaces. There was more than enough food and small bites, including soft pretzels. Guests played yard games, explored farm equipment, like the John Deere tractor, and most importantly, spent time visiting.
Golden Hour
Winter light is something magical and it’s especially magical at The Farm. There’s something extra about a winter wedding because the scenery isn’t the main focus nor where the color comes from. Instead it’s the people that make every photo memorable and filled with love.
Danielle & Mark soaked up every ounce of winter sun on their wedding day in a wide field. Mark twirled Danielle, both laughing and smiling during their long embrace. They danced, shared hugs, and held hands as they walked together and celebrated being a just-married couple. Danielle & Mark have a bond that is one of strength, perseverance and joy – and these qualities can be felt as you peruse their photo gallery.
Reception
Some receptions are filled with dancing and for others, only some guests wind up using the dance floor. Danielle & Mark’s reception was one where every guest danced even if they were sitting down. The happiness of the day was palpable, truly, and it felt as though everyone could settle into the joy of celebrating. Children played on the dance floor, shoes flew off, and guests held one another close as they swayed underneath twinkling lights in the reception barn.
There was no cake smashing between Danielle & Mark, only sharing of their cake as they gently exchanged forks. The desserts were many and the options covered multiple tables. Guests seemed thrilled at the many choices for sweets!
The reception allowed for connection and ease, aspects that I know both Danielle & Mark were intentional about. Danielle & Mark left the reception amidst a flurry of bubbles which yielded photos that I love from their day. Their day was filled with a million magnificent moments that will live on through photos and in each person’s memory.
“I felt that a really special moment for us was having our DJ, Chris, announce and play “Brown-Eyed Girl” to honor Mark’s parents as this was their song. I think this was the only moment during the day that I actually cried.” – Danielle
the Send Off
“There were so many special moments that I remember so well. I think one of my favorite moments was our last dance, just getting to have a few minutes at the end to really soak it all in and be together as a couple before it was all over was definitely worth it.” – Danielle
Danielle & Mark, thank you so much for trusting me with your wedding day through all the whirlwind of emotions. It was such a joy to celebrate with you and help you bring all of your plans together! Congratulations on the beautiful life you’re building together — and on your newest addition of Cassie 💕 😉
Vendor Credit
| Venue | The Farm Bakery and Events |
| Catering | 2 Little Piggys |
| Coordinating / Planning | Courtney – via the Farm |
| Photography | Anna Claire Photos, LLC. |
| Videography | N/A |
| DJ / Band | Marx Entertainment |
| Hair | Vanesa Oliver Beauty (Amanda) |
| Makeup | Vanesa Oliver Beauty (Brianna) |
| Florist | Allium Floral Design |
| Dress | Jon’s Bridal by Suzanne |
| Suit | Studio Suits |
Want to see more delicious wedding goodness?
Head on over to the blog to see more of Maya & Max’s Very Philly Franklin Institute Wedding!
Ready to start planning your own dreamy wedding?
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, all you have to do is call… or text, or email, whatever is easiest for you. I can’t wait to hear about your plans!!
