By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
We are off to enjoy the John James Audubon Center wedding in Pennslyvania in the US today. Sarah and Bender were married on the 18th October 2019 in beautiful gardens against a macrame arch with vintage rugs beneath their feet. It looked so picturesque and romantic, but it was also incredibly meaningful.
They then celebrated in the gorgeous barns, which were decked in twinkling lights, rich red flowers and greenery hoops. Wow. Don’t miss the stunning attire, personal gifts and the statement cake too.
Kerry McIntyre Photography, thank you ever so much for sharing these totally beautiful captures with us.




How we met is one of my most favorite stories! Bender and I swiped right on Tinder and never looked back. I guess it wasn’t totally blind since we both went to the same high school. Bender was two years older than me and definitely doesn’t remember me but I remember him. It also just so happens that our fathers worked together and knew each other at one point, very crazy! It was meant to be I think! Bender proposed as we walked out of the elevator to one of our favorite rooftop bars, all of our family and friends were waiting for us there along with a photographer to catch the moment. It was definitely one of the most surprising moments of my life, and I’m not easily surprised.
My inspiration was boho chic with a little bit of edge. I knew I wanted to stay classic with black bridesmaid dresses with pops of burgundy and greens. I am lucky enough to have gained a beautiful stepdaughter, we made sure to include her in the ceremony by doing a candle lighting with the three of us. She even got to say I now pronounce you husband and wife!
During the ceremony, I knew I wanted a boho background, that included an arch with a woven macrame and a vintage rug. There were dream catchers blowing in the trees surrounding us. For the reception, there were lots of gold lanterns with candles and twinkle lights. Vintage bottles filled with flowers. My favorite statement was my black cake with fresh flowers down the center!








There were lots of greens along with pinks and burgundies. Bridal bouquets accented with burgundy ribbons.
Music was a special part for me, I handpicked most of all the songs played at the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. I wanted to step outside of the box and pick songs that weren’t typical wedding songs. For example, I walked down the aisle to my favorite Ed Sheeran song the “Give me love” instrumental.
I knew a fall wedding meant a long-sleeved wedding dress which was very important to me. I chose a long-sleeved gown from Pnina Tornai, it was a combination of everything I imagined. Laced sleeves with beautifully placed lace going down the center of the dress. It was form-fitting in all the right places but had an amazing tulle overlay skirt that made it just whimsical enough.









































One of the most special moments of our whole wedding had to be our ceremony. I knew from the start that I wanted to focus on having our wedding be all about the love. We had a very close family friend marry us which made it even more special. We had poems read by some of our favorite people and special songs chosen. People still tell me how much they loved our ceremony and that makes me so happy!
Wedding planning is definitely stressful no matter what. But the one thing I will stress is to have a budget stick to it and do what you want to do. It’s your and your future husbands day no one else’s don’t let family drama get in the way.

Photographer
Kerry McIntyre Photography
Bridesmaid Dresses
Bella Bridesmaids
Shoes
Bella Belle Shoes
Tuxedo and Mens Attire
Indochino
Dress Designer
Pnina Tornai
Makeup Artist
Ashley Bohl
Caterer
Jeffrey A. Miller Catering
Ring Designer
Marks Jewelers
Event Venue
John James Audubon Center
Oh so gorgeous, I do love an autumn wedding.
Sarah and Bender thank you so much for sharing your special John James Audubon Center wedding. What a treat it’s been.
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