1. Real Weddings

A Colorful, Vintage-Inspired Wedding at the John James Audubon Center in Audubon, Pennsylvania

Maria Catalano (33 and account executive at The Knot Philadelphia and Delaware) and Michael McGuinness (33 and a Delaware river pilot) planned a brigh

Maria Catalano (33 and account executive at The Knot Philadelphia and Delaware) and Michael McGuinness (33 and a Delaware river pilot) planned a bright, whimsical affair for their September wedding at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The day kicked off with a ceremony in the Audubon’s apple tree canopies. Maria’s sister Alyssa officiated the ceremony, the couple exchanged their own heartfelt vows, and an a capella group provided an upbeat soundtrack for the event. 

Fresh bunches of colorful blooms in mossy vases lined the aisles leading to a striking birch wedding arch draped in panels of airy fabric and vibrant, textured arrangements of roses, lilies and ferns. The Audubon’s old barn hosted cocktail hour, where guests sipped on signature drinks like the Grapefruit Crush, kicked back in elegant vintage lounges and tried their hand at a number of games dotting the expansive lawn. 

The newlyweds and their guests then moved to the venue’s open-air pavilion for a night of dinner and dancing. Colorful streamers draped across the ceiling and arrangements of full pink, purple and peach blooms brought the rustic space to life. Handcrafted farm tables, warm candlelight and mismatched vintage china brought a healthy dose of laid-back charm to the decor and tied the whole look together. Guests enjoyed a fire pit and an ice cream cart loaded with cool treats toward the end of the night, while White Label Wedding DJs kept the dance floor packed until the wee hours. 

A tip for the taking from Maria and Michael: “Our wedding was romantic, whimsical, lighthearted and fun. We kept our guests in mind every step of way, and we were able to share our love story with our loved ones through the details of our day. Our best advice for couples is to stay true to themselves and really just take in every single moment.” —Libby MacCarthy

Maria’s ceremony look: a stunning Lazaro ball gown and a bouquet of pastel blooms. The florists at Buttercup perfectly captured the essence of the gown with a mix of roses, stock, dahlias, eucalyptus and wildflowers, wrapped in a length of white ribbon studded with pearls.
Blue Badgley Mischka Kiara Pumps
Pink Flower Dog Collar
Blush Rose and Dahlia Bridal Bouquet
While most couples look to string quartets or acoustic guitarists to provide the music for their ceremony, Maria and Michael opted for an a capella group. The local college group Villanova Supernovas performed renditions of Elton John’s “Your Song,” Sara Bareilles’s “I Choose You,” and “Forever” by Chris Brown. “It was one of the best decisions we made!” says Maria.
To bring the couple’s playful vision to life, the florists at Buttercup created vibrant arrangements of hydrangea, cabbage rose, hypericum, baby’s breath and wildflowers in mossy cones to hang at the end of each row lining the ceremony aisle. As a focal piece for the event, they designed a birch wedding arch draped in airy white fabric and eye-catching bunches of peonies, dahlias, ranunculus and ferns.
Muted Green and Blush Bouquet with Dahlias
While most couples look to string quartets or acoustic guitarists to provide the music for their ceremony, Maria and Michael opted for an a capella group. The local college group Villanova Supernovas performed renditions of Elton John’s “Your Song,” Sara Bareilles’s “I Choose You,” and “Forever” by Chris Brown. “It was one of the best decisions we made!” says Maria.
To give the ceremony a personal dimension, Maria’s sister Alyssa officiated and designed it entirely around the couple—and their dog, Bailey. “We had special readings by family and exchanged our own handwritten vows,” says Maria.
Moss Initial Decor
After Maria and Michael exchanged vows in the Audubon’s apple orchards, they and their guests headed to the venue’s old barn for cocktail hour. Vintage lounges and strings of bistro lights cast a warm, ambient glow over the space. Guests mixed, mingled and sipped on the couple’s Grapefruit Crush signature cocktail, then headed to the Audubon’s open-air pavilion for the reception.
“We wanted a rustic setting with beautiful foliage but preferred a space with buildings instead of tents, so we would feel good in case of bad weather,” says Maria. The Audubon’s open-air pavilion was the solution, providing a permanent structure with views of the surrounding scenery. Buttercup designed colorful centerpieces to infuse the room with energy and life, the effect of which was heightened with the addition of hundreds of mint, peach and pink ribbons strung from the ceiling.
To ensure a few close moments together, Maria and Michael opted for a sweetheart table instead of sitting with their wedding party during dinner. The rustic farm table was made romantic with a smattering of votive candles displayed in mercury glass holders and arrangements of soft pastel blooms.
Vintage Wedding Decor
Pastel Paper Tassel Banner
Maria transitioned her look throughout the day, starting with the ceremony. “I wanted something beautiful, grand and romantic, which is why I chose the Lazaro Sherbet ball gown,” says Maria. She enhanced it with soft, flowing curls, a fingertip-length blusher veil and understated jewelry.
The pair balanced vibrant centerpieces and festive ribbons with handcrafted wooden farm tables, mismatched vintage china and mercury glass accents.
Pink Floral Centerpiece in Bud Vase
The naked cake, by Jefferey A. Miller Catering, echoed the rustic and whimsical reception with its chic undone look and festive bunting accents.
Naked Cake with Best Day Ever Cake Topper
Dessert didn’t stop at wedding cake. Toward the end of the evening, Maria and Michael surprised their guests with an ice cream cart from Little Baby’s Ice Cream—a perfect choice for the mid-September affair.
Maria wanted her second gown to be sexy and glamorous and knew exactly where to go: Hayley Paige. “The moment I saw her Sasha dress, I knew it had to be mine,” says Maria. “A quick hair change took my look from soft and romantic to sexy and edgy, and my blue Badgley Mischka heels were the perfect complement.”
Hayley Paige Sasha Wedding Dress