Old World Elegance Meets Mediterranean Charm | Lancaster Wedding Inspiration

When you hear Lancaster, most minds picture acres of farm lands and sharing the road with the local horse and buggy. And while that’s certainly true- in parts- people are pleasantly surprised to learn that Lancaster is filled with so much more. In the “heart” of Lancaster you’ll find a bustling downtown filled with shops, restaurants, breweries and entertainment.

Here is also where you’ll find a blend of old world elegance with european flair throughout the city’s architect. Including the Trust Performing Arts Center which lends it hand in Lancaster city’s rich cultural heritage. Not too far down the road sits the Conestoga House, a vast estate once owned by Charles Hershey. The estate underwent a revamp bringing out that mediterranean charm it’s become known for today. Featuring Italian marble floors and an authentic orangery.

Four couples looking outside of the traditional barn venue setting, this black-tie editorial not only gives us a new look at Lancaster wedding inspiration but also invites us to experience the elegance and refinement that Lancaster has to offer. Putting this city on the map as a diverse wedding destination spot here in Pennsylvania.

Nadine from Lancaster Flower Co wanted the florals to be very textural yet romantic. Choosing florals with subtle, soft tones and limelight hydrangeas for a fuller, feminine feel, complemented by peonies. Bespoke floral earrings were also made for the bride.

The wedding industry is primarily female-centric, and the focus of weddings is typically centered on the bride, which places the groom as an accessory. This editorial was designed to shift the spotlight onto the groom, deviating from the traditional bride-centric approach.

Detachable sleeves from Petite Mariee Boutique offered versatility and completed the overall bridal design. When attached, they added classic romance, while removed, they created a modern strapless style, allowing the bride to switch effortlessly and stay comfortable.

TIPS TO PULL OFF THIS LOOK

While a refined fine art aesthetic was the focus of the shoot, we wanted a down-to-earth authenticity to be interwoven throughout. Pulling off a look that combines refined style with a relaxed and carefree spirit can be achieved with a few thoughtful tips:

Balance is Timeless: Maintain a sense of balance in your ensemble. As Coco Chanel said, “look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” As tempting as it is to pull out all the stops on the big day, keep your attire and accessories relatively simple. This allows the statement piece to shine without overwhelming the overall look. Timelessness often comes through simplicity so be conscious of what you want your attire to say about you in forty years.

Opt for Removable Accessories: To seamlessly transition between fine art portraits and a relaxed atmosphere or moments with more movement such as dancing, consider accessories that can be easily removed or adjusted. For example, we featured removable sleeves, a detachable bow, and statement floral earrings and shoe clips that were made to be switched out for more basic earrings at a certain point. This way, you can enjoy the more formal and refined look for portraits and then effortlessly switch to a more relaxed style for the celebration, giving you the best of both worlds.

Select a Playful Dress: When choosing a gown, prioritize selecting one that allows you to move and be playful. Look for dresses with lightweight and flexible materials that won’t restrict your movement as opposed to stiff and fitted dresses. A gown with a flowing skirt that isn’t too constricting can give you the freedom to dance and have fun while still looking elegant.

– Emily, Fern and Fountain Photography