kaitlyn & chris
Kaitlyn and Chris met in sixth grade gym class outside Philadelphia, found out they shared a birthday, and started dating sophomore year of high school. Twelve years later, we filmed their wedding at Elkins Estate in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
It was our first wedding at the estate, planned by Arielle Fera Events and photographed by Grace & Ardor. Watch their film below, then read on for their story and what to plan for at Elkins Estate.
The film
Their Elkins Estate wedding film
Planning a wedding at Elkins Estate? Check your date with us
Their story
Same gym class, same birthday
Kaitlyn and Chris grew up outside Philadelphia and went to different elementary schools, which all fed into one middle school. On one of the first days of sixth grade gym class, everyone was asked to line up in birthday order without speaking. That’s how they learned they were born on the exact same day.
They stayed friends through middle school and grew close freshman year, when they shared almost every class. They started dating on Halloween of sophomore year, 2014, and have been together ever since, through the University of Michigan and on to new jobs in New York City.
The setting
Inside Elkins Estate
This was our first wedding at Elkins Estate, and the architecture stopped us in our tracks: grand ceilings, paintings overhead, gilded arches and art in nearly every room. Kaitlyn and Chris said their vows on the estate’s stone staircase, framed in white florals, then took their portraits beneath those painted ceilings.
For couples planning here
Planning a wedding at Elkins Estate
A few things to plan for if you’re considering the estate.
- Timing between spaces. Elkins Estate is a large historic mansion, and the day moves through several rooms and levels. Build 15 to 20 minutes into your timeline for each move so guests, vendors and your film team never feel rushed.
- Light and the painted ceilings. The interiors are the reason couples choose the estate. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes for portraits inside, and ask your film team to plan wide shots, since the ceilings rarely fit in a tight frame.
- A quiet spot for private moments. With this many rooms, there is almost always a quiet corner away from guests. Ask your planner to hold one for a first look, letters or a few minutes alone right after the ceremony.
Photographs
Moments from the day
From the estate grounds to the first dance, a few sneak peeks from Erin McGeever of Grace & Ardor.
What we loved
High school sweethearts, and it showed
We could tell from the rehearsal dinner. The night included a 10-minute montage of photos and videos that followed Kaitlyn and Chris from kids to the couple they are now, and watching the room watch it, there was no question this was the real thing. That feeling carried from the night before straight through the reception.
Why we filmed the night before
Rehearsal dinner coverage gave Kaitlyn and Chris five toasts, a portrait session and a recap film of an extra special night, all before the wedding day began. If your weekend starts the night before, it is worth considering.
Creative partners
The Elkins Estate wedding team
- VenueElkins Estate
- Planning & designArielle Fera Events
- PhotographyGrace & Ardor
- FloralsTwisted Willow Flowers
- StationeryThoughtfully Yours Design
- RentalsWhite Glove Rentals
- BandOn It Productions
- BeautyAlisha Nycole
- TransportationFirst Class Rolls-Royce
- VideographyTonemedia
Another film to fall in love with
Alyssa & John · Crossed Keys Estate
Another estate wedding with a garden-party softness, and our second film for the same family.
Watch their filmYour wedding, on film
Let’s tell your story.
If an estate wedding like Kaitlyn and Chris’s is what you’re picturing, we’d love to hear about your day. Tell us about your venue, your people, and the moments you never want to forget.
