Kathryn and Kyle remain one of my all-time favorite couples, and in a moment, you’ll understand why. Their joy-filled wedding at Tyler Arboretum was full of tender emotion, soft details, and a wedding party stacked with soul-friends—the kind that remain in your corner through every season.
As a Philadelphia wedding photographer who has been capturing love stories for over a decade, it’s weddings like these that never fail to touch me deeply.
From their vows, handwritten without pretense but uttered with reverence, to their genuine interactions with family and friends, everything about this day felt intentional.
And shooting their celebration on both digital and film allowed every honest moment to translate into something that already feels like an heirloom.
Why Film Was the Perfect Medium for Kathryn & Kyle
Capturing weddings on film began for me as a passion project—an urge to slow down and create with more intention. Over the years, it’s become a cornerstone of my work. Film has this irreplaceable softness… an organic depth that digital tries to emulate but can never quite replicate.
For Kathryn & Kyle’s July wedding at Tyler Arboretum, I photographed on a mix of Portra 400 and Ilford, all processed beautifully by Goodman Film Lab.
Portra held the creamy skin tones and pastel blue palette of their wedding party effortlessly. Ilford delivered the emotional weight of quiet in-between moments. Black and white portraits full of depth, clasped hands, and heads thrown back in joyous laughter.
“His hand reaching for hers. Her eyes filled with love and certainty. Together walking confidently into the life they will share.”
A Mix-Matched Wedding Party
One of the moments that meant the most to Kathryn & Kyle was celebrating with their wedding party. And honestly? Their people showed up with the kind of energy and joy that made the entire day feel like a hug.
Shades of dusty blue and soft floral patterns created the dreamiest mix-matched palette against the greens of Tyler Arboretum. Photographing this group on film was a dream—Portra captured every movement with painterly softness, from the way the dresses shifted in the breeze to the joyful glances passed between friends.
Tearful First Look Photos And A Heartfelt Vow Reading
Tyler Arboretum is one of the most picturesque Pennsylvania wedding venues, with 650 acres of orchards, blooming trees, and winding garden pathways.
But nothing compares to the quiet corners—the little nooks that offer privacy, calm, and stillness.
Kathryn & Kyle shared a sweet first look surrounded by lush summer greenery next to Lachford Hall. Then we walked a narrow dirt pathway to a tucked-away corner bursting with climbing hydrangeas where they shared their handwritten vows.
As soon as Kathryn reached him, Kyle’s face softened into pure gratitude. Moments like this are why I shoot film—it allows me to see the emotion unfolding, rather than rush past it.
Super 8 Wedding Film at Tyler Arboretum
In addition to film photography, Kathryn & Kyle’s wedding package included Super 8 film, which truly elevated the storytelling of their day.
There’s a kind of magic unique to Super 8: the grainy softness, the gentle flicker, the way motion feels slow, romantic, and nostalgic.
Their Super 8 captured everything from the tear-filled vow reading to the way Kathryn’s dress swirled as she walked, to the laughter and glasses clinking during cocktail hour.
Super 8 preserves authenticity over perfection. The fleeting glances, quiet in-betweens, and sweet imperfections are full of vintage warmth that feels like an old home video. For Kathryn & Kyle, it created a companion piece to their gallery… another heirloom to pass down from their wedding at Tyler Arboretum.
Tyler Arboretum Wedding Guide: What Couples Should Know
Tyler Arboretum Address: 515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063
As a Philly wedding photographer and Main Line photographer, Tyler Arboretum is one of my favorite venues for couples who want nature-forward beauty with timeless charm. If you’re planning an outdoor Pennsylvania wedding here, these are the details to know:
Ceremony Locations
Tyler offers multiple outdoor ceremony spots, but the most popular include:
- The Meadow Lawn — sweeping wildflowers and mature trees
- Historic Barn Area — rustic stone textures for a warm, intimate feel
- Terraced Gardens — Magnolia, Dogwood & Lilac Gardens for lush summer ceremonies
Kathryn & Kyle chose the magnolia garden for its soft, natural backdrop—and it photographed beautifully on film.
Cocktail Hour and Reception Spaces
Guests can enjoy cocktails on Lachford Terrace, then move into the Stone Bank Barn, a warm historic space with:
- Exposed beams
- Soft bistro lighting
- Cozy evening ambiance
Film loves the textures here—stone walls, flickering candlelight, and honey-toned wood create the dreamiest editorial imagery.
Guest Count + Layout
Tyler Arboretum can accommodate:
- Up to 200 guests in the tent
- Up to 140 guests upstairs in the barn
- Onsite parking for around 120 vehicles
Spacious enough for a lively celebration, intimate enough to feel personal.
Getting Ready Locations
The venue offers a charming getting-ready room inside the Ann Painter Suite. The textured walls and natural light are ideal for organic, editorial film photography.
Best Portrait Locations For A Wedding at Tyler Arboretum
Some of my favorite film-friendly portrait spots include:
- The path behind the stone house
- Meadow grasses that frame couples beautifully
- Small garden pockets with florals in bloom
- The shaded tree line near the ceremony lawn
Every corner of Tyler Arboretum feels like it was designed for timeless wedding imagery.
An Unforgettable Dance Floor
Once the sun dipped, the barn filled with Kathryn & Kyle’s favorite people, their favorite songs, and some of the best dance-floor energy I’ve ever captured. Kathryn also emerged in her mom’s wedding dress, reworked into a chic mini for dancing the night away!
I switched to flash film for part of the night, letting the gritty nostalgia of direct flash preserve the joy. There’s something about those reception frames—the blur of movement, the laughter, the sweat-kissed foreheads—that I know will make them smile 50 years from now.
Kathryn & Kyle’s Wedding Vendor Team at Tyler Arboretum
A wedding this heartfelt comes together through an incredible team of creatives. Kathryn & Kyle’s wedding at Tyler Arboretum was brought to life by:
- Venue: Tyler Arboretum Weddings
- Photographer: Samantha Jay Photo
- Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab
- Photo Booth: The Best Philly Photo Booth
- Hair: Hair by Galina
- Catering: JAM Hospitality
- Makeup: Air Hair and Makeup
- Bridal Dress Shop: Kinfolk Bride
- DJ & Entertainment: Stylus DJ Entertainment
Planning A Wedding At Tyler Arboretum?
Kathryn & Kyle’s wedding was everything I love about photographing Pennsylvania weddings—emotion, intention, community, and beauty woven into one unforgettable celebration. And capturing it all on film felt like honoring their love with the care it deserved.
If you’re planning your own wedding at Tyler Arboretum and want imagery that feels organic, timeless, and romantic, I’d be honored to tell your story.
Art isn’t about perfection, it’s about feeling—especially on the most memorable day of your life. Let’s memorialize your most heartfelt moments into a photo time capsule you’ll cherish forever.
Samantha Jay Photo captures intentional, organic heirloom-quality images for couples who value tangible memories. Check out her Philadelphia & Delaware wedding photography portfolio. Now booking 2026 dates—inquire here!
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