A Colorful May Wedding at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve

Brenna and Francis’s late May wedding wasn’t rushed or overstated. Their wedding weekend was simply full in the best way. From rehearsal dinner coverage the night before to a Catholic ceremony rooted in family history, their weekend of celebration unfolded with beautiful intention. The highlight was their reception at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, Finley Catering’s newest venue in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

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Black and white portrait of the bride and groom walking together outside The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, with the venue sign visible in the background as the bride lifts her wedding gown and the groom looks back toward her.

Wedding Weekend Overview

Detail	Information
Wedding Date	May 31, 2025
Guest Count	233
Ceremony	Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel at Malvern Preparatory School
Reception	The Ivy at Ellis Preserve
Color Palette	Colorful florals + mismatched blush pink bridesmaid dresses
Style	Garden-party energy in a white, industrial ballroom

Bride standing in the foreground holding a colorful bouquet while bridesmaids stand behind her beneath blooming white dogwood trees, all wearing pink and blush dresses outside The Ivy at Ellis Preserve.

Groom kissing the bride on the cheek while she smiles toward the camera during golden hour portraits outside The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, with backlit trees and natural lens flare.

Rehearsal Dinner Photography at Autograph Brasserie

Detail	Information
Location	Autograph Brasserie
Address	503 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA
Coverage	2 hours
Notable Detail	Live wedding painter

Rehearsal dinner coverage has become an increasingly meaningful part of how I document wedding weekends, and Brenna and Fran’s evening at Autograph Brasserie was a perfect example of why.

Exterior of Autograph Brasserie in Wayne, Pennsylvania photographed during Brenna and Fran’s wedding rehearsal dinner, featuring the restaurant’s entrance, wood doors, and blue ceramic planters.

Guests clinking wine glasses over a table with colorful spring florals during Brenna and Fran’s rehearsal dinner at Autograph Brasserie, capturing an intimate pre-wedding celebration moment.

The atmosphere felt relaxed and celebratory as anticipation settled in and family connection took center stage. One of the most memorable details of the night was their live wedding painter, Callie Co Portraits, quietly capturing moments as they unfolded. It added an artistic layer to the evening and reflected the couple’s appreciation for memory-making beyond the wedding day itself. Guests loved this thoughtful touch!

Wedding live painter from Callie Co Portraits painting a watercolor portrait at Autograph Brasserie during Brenna and Fran’s rehearsal dinner, surrounded by art supplies and warm interior lighting.

Group of wedding guests posing together inside Autograph Brasserie during Brenna and Fran’s rehearsal dinner, wearing colorful spring dresses and holding drinks in a warmly lit restaurant space.

Documenting this portion of your wedding weekend allows your story to begin before the aisle — preserving the emotional rhythm of the days surrounding your vows.

Brenna and Fran smiling together while holding their live watercolor portrait created during their rehearsal dinner at Autograph Brasserie, surrounded by guests and warm ambient light.

Getting Ready at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve

Getting Ready	Location Details
Bride	The Ivy at Ellis Preserve
Groom	Family residence

The wedding morning began on-site at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, where Brenna and her bridesmaids prepared together, surrounded by soft light and white architectural details.

Bride standing in pajamas adjusting her strapless wedding dress displayed among blush bridesmaid dresses during getting ready at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve

The bridesmaids wore shades of blush and pink, intentionally mixed with different patterns and textures that produced a layered, garden-inspired look. Against The Ivy’s bright walls and clean lines, the color palette felt elevated but still playful — a reflection of Brenna herself.

Country Blooms designed a summer wedding color palette that softened the venue’s industrial ballroom feel and set the tone for the rest of the day. These colorful bouquets leaned fully into Brenna and Fran’s bright, happy vision!

A Catholic Ceremony at Malvern Preparatory School

Wedding Ceremony	Details
Venue	Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel
Address	418 S Warren Ave, Malvern, PA
Ceremony Time	3:00 PM
Significance	Groom’s alma mater

Brenna and Fran were married at Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel at Malvern Preparatory School, a location deeply connected to Fran’s family and personal history.

The bride and groom share their first kiss in the church aisle following the ceremony, surrounded by guests standing and applauding from the pews.

Ceremonies held in places that already carry meaning often feel different. There’s a sense of continuity and a quiet reverence that can’t be recreated. I could genuinely feel how their vows were anchored in tradition, family, and shared history.

Black and white photo of the bride in a strapless gown and veil holding a bouquet, smiling at an older man in a tux near an open doorway.

Mother of the bride in a blue patterned dress and pearl necklace sits in a wooden church pew, smiling through tears while watching the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, guests were greeted with iced coffees from Twin Valley Cold Brews before transitioning to the reception. It was yet another thoughtful gesture from the couple that kept guests comfortable and cared for during the celebration.

Bridesmaids and the bride stand together outdoors holding colorful spring bouquets, framed by white columns and greenery at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve.

Bridesmaid in a blush halter dress smiles while holding two iced coffees during cocktail hour outside The Ivy at Ellis Preserve.

Coming from a photographer who has witnessed hundreds of Philadelphia area weddings, this is one of those special details that lingers long after the day ends!

Portraits at The Ivy: White Architecture & Colorful Contrast

After the ceremony, everyone returned to The Ivy at Ellis Preserve for portraits and cocktail hour. The couple was drawn to the venue’s white architectural elements and outdoor areas, intentionally avoiding darker backdrops in favor of light, brightness, and softness.

Black and white portrait of the bride and groom walking away together across a grassy field outside The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, with the bride looking back over her shoulder and smiling.

Bride standing behind the groom with her arm around him, laughing during portraits outside The Ivy at Ellis Preserve under white flowering dogwood branches, with a blue garden bench visible in the background.

They specifically noted “we are NOT black and white people!” on the planning intake questionnaire I send to all my couples. I think their color forward vision proves that!

The late May light paired beautifully with this summer palette.

Indoor Reception at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve

Wedding Reception	Details
Venue	The Ivy at Ellis Preserve
Catering	Finley Catering
Coordination	Taylor Emily Events
Entertainment	Monte Carlo Band (EBE Talent)

Cocktail hour flowed seamlessly into the reception thanks to Taylor Emily Events, whose month-of coordination kept the day moving with ease. Guests transitioned naturally through the space, enjoying conversation, music, and the energy of being together.

Elevated view of The Ivy at Ellis Preserve ballroom showing long reception tables, round guest tables, floral centerpieces, chandeliers, and exposed beams.

Inside the ballroom, The Ivy’s industrial structure was softened with florals, candlelight, and a full dance floor. The Monte Carlo Band brought energy and momentum to the evening, carrying the celebration from first dances through open dancing and the cake cutting.

(Side note: I do an actual happy dance when I see the Master’s Baker on your vendor list!)

Guests seated at a long reception table during dinner at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, with tall floral centerpieces, glowing candles, and servers moving through the room.

Bride and groom smiling while cutting a multi-tier white wedding cake adorned with colorful florals at their reception inside The Ivy at Ellis Preserve.

So many personalized details went into the making of this McArdle’s wedding day. Some of my favorite special touches include:

custom cocktail napkins
personalized toothpicks
monogrammed matchboxes
individual bud vases for each guest
reception photobooth
late night ice cream sundae bar

Floral escort card display featuring dozens of small glass vases filled with pastel flowers arranged on gold shelving, with a printed sign above reading “Our Best Buds,” at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve.

A Bride Who Set the Tone

Beyond the timeline and the design, what made this wedding especially memorable was Brenna herself. She was warm, kind, and genuinely joyful. I just adored her! Her infectious energy shaped the entire weekend and put everyone at ease.

Bride smiling while holding hands with her mother in a blue dress during getting ready at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve

Bride and bridesmaids seated inside a party bus holding bouquets and wearing pink dresses, with the bride seated in the foreground laughing while holding her skirt.

Fran met her with the same grounded presence, creating a day that felt balanced, personal, and deeply reflective of who they are as a couple.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand through a bubble exit outside Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel, surrounded by wedding party and guests holding colorful floral bouquets.

Why a May Wedding at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve Works So Well

This celebration was a beautiful example of why May is one of the best months to get married at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve. The combination of natural light, fresh greenery, floral availability, and comfortable weather allowed every part of this day to unfold with ease.

Bridesmaids in blush pink and floral dresses arrive outside the ceremony space, holding colorful bouquets while one bridesmaid raises her arms playfully in the background.

For couples planning a spring or early summer wedding in Pennsylvania, The Ivy offers flexibility, flow, and a setting that adapts beautifully to a wide range of styles.

Brenna & Fran’s Wedding Vendor Team

Venue & Catering: The Ivy at Ellis Preserve by Finley Catering
Photography: Samantha Jay Photo
Month-Of Coordination: Taylor Emily Events
Ceremony: Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel at Malvern Preparatory School
Florals: Country Blooms
Live Wedding Painter: Callie Co Portraits
Band: Monte Carlo Band (EBE Talent)
Hair: Gabby Nagy
Makeup: Make Me Up by Eva
Dress Shop: DayDream Bridal
Dress Designer: Trish Peng
Cake: The Master’s Baker
Videography: JR Videography
Photobooth: The Best Philly Photobooth
Invitations: Small Print Studio

If you’re planning your own wedding at The Ivy and want imagery that feels organic, timeless, and romantic, I’d be honored to tell your story.

Wedding party laughing and singing together on a shuttle bus while holding bouquets and drinks, traveling from the ceremony to The Ivy at Ellis Preserve reception.

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.

Reserve Your Wedding Date

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!