The Venue
Terrain Events at Devon Yard is a unique venue and unlike anything I know of in the Philadelphia region. The venue blends indoor and outdoor spaces and brings together rustic and natural elements with natural and festival lighting. And if the aesthetic suits you, the lush horticultural setting is there for you to use.
My Takeaway
The wedding day had some particular challenges. We lost a lot of time in the morning and I had to figure out areas and ways to make up that time. We did have two things working in our favor...a second photographer and a scouting trip I did prior to the wedding day. While the ladies and I were running behind, the guys were there on time and were able to get all of their pictures done before I arrived. When possible, I like to do these portraits myself but the second photographer allowed us the option and ability to get back on track.
Prior to almost every wedding, I will do a scouting trip where I try to visit all of the locations where we will be taking photos on the day. This allows me to see what is available to us, see where the sun will be and pick the specific areas where I want to do the portraits. On this day, I already knew where I wanted to take the couple for their first look, how I wanted to approach the portraits and then how to efficiently transition to the girls group shot and full wedding party. Also just as important is that I was able to give directions to the wedding party and families on where to be. If you have ever attended a wedding as a member of the party or family, not knowing the plan or where you should be adds a lot of stress that lingers over the day. So this just helps take some of that away and makes the day all that much more enjoyable.
Terrain almost has two venues in one location. Terrain itself has the beautiful indoor space and the unique outdoor space inside their walls and under the festival lights. However, it also offers the horticultural garden center. Its not for everyone (the reason we did not explore it) but if it is...its definitely a unique and fun place to explore.
My Favorite Parts
In chronological order...I loved the candid getting ready moments with the bride getting ready. I think there is just a natural and authentic feel to these photos. Next would be the 1st look/wedding party photos. I was particularly nervous by how much time we lost but was exceptionally happy with the portraits we captured in such short of time.
I was also nervous about the sunset at the venue. Upon arrival the sun was looking to set almost directly behind where the bride and groom were to be standing. But when the ceremony started, it was just off angle enough that it didn't interfere but rather offered a nice bit of sunset glow to the ceremony. A welcomed pleasant surprise on an otherwise stressful morning.
The reception was AWESOME. I love dancing photos and this group cut loose and it was so fun to be part of.
https://www.terrainevents.com/locations/devon
Philadelphia wedding photographer in Devon, PA.