awbury arboretum Portico Wedding bride and groom on porch

Portico Wedding Venue Photography, Enchanting Garden Wedding

weddings

Portico Wedding Venue at Awbury Arboretum

Portico is a favorite wedding venue for photography. It is a one-of-a-kind location for a wedding in Philadelphia. Overflowing with the beauty of nature, this persevered arboretum in the Germantown section of Philadelphia is dreamy for weddings. It offers a laid-back feel but has everything you need, including a lovely tented reception area and many different options for an outdoor ceremony space.

For getting ready, the couple chose to rent a historic house near the venue that was big enough for close family to stay in too. What a fun feeling it was seeing everyone getting ready together in one big house! The energy and excitement was palpable.

Wedding rings wedding details shoes and rings bride putting wedding veil on in historic house in Philadelphia bride standing by window in historic house in Philadelphia bride smiling in historic house in Philadelphia bride standing by window and vintage coach in historic house in Philadelphia Groom getting ready at historic house in Philadelphia Groom button coat in historic house in Philadelphia

Bride and Groom First Look

The bride and groom had their first look at the stairwell of the house they were getting ready at. There was a red velvet couch on the landing and sunlight was streaming in through the window. It was a perfect location for this special wedding day moment.

Bride and groom looking into the window light in historic house in Philadelphia

Portico Wedding Venue Photography

After their first look, the couple traveled together to their venue at Awbury Arboretum which was just 10 minutes away. It was the perfect day for outside photos in the lush landscape. There were still flowers in bloom on the grounds and The Francis Cope House was perfect for taking wedding photos. The ground have less of a perfectly manicured look and more of a laid-back wild and free feel. The robust bushes and blossoming flowers line the paths and add a sense of magic to the surroundings. The big, welcoming wrap-around porch is one of my favorite features. It is great for couples’ photos and excellent for hosting cocktail hour.

Portico wedding venue with bride and groom in Francis Cope House Awbury Arboretum wedding venue with bride and groom in Francis Cope House Awbury Arboretum Wedding Photos of bride and groom

How They Met

It is always fun to hear the back story of how a couple met and what led them to be standing here together on their wedding day. When I asked the couple how they met, this was their reply:

“James and I met in 2nd grade, we are actually seated next to each other in our 2nd-grade class picture. With some little crushes on each other through the middle school years we eventually became great friends in high school. We grew apart in college, just catching up here and there, until finally at 27 we reconnected and started dating. James proposed in my parents’ backyard where we had spent many nights in our younger days, with our parents and siblings there for an intimate little celebration, it was so perfect and nostalgic! James and I have known each other for our whole lives and before we started dating we had a great friendship that turned into an amazing relationship and we really wanted to bring all those feels to our wedding day.”

What an inspiring an sweet story. Its special to know each other your whole lives!

They were really able to capture that sweet love and friendship on their wedding day and share it with their guests. They curated an unforgettable day. From their Philadelphia garden venue location to the incredible food, it all came together beautifully.

Bride on the steps of the Francis Cope House house at arboretum in Philadelphia Bride and groom in the woods Philadelphia PA arboretum Bride and groom near picnic tables at Francis Cope House

Wedding Party Photos at Portico

I love the black dresses that the bridesmaids wore. All different styles and so fun, sophisticated, and classy.

Wedding party in Nature at Portico wedding venue philadelphia outside wedding ceremony at Portico at Awbury arboretum in Philadelphia

Outside Ceremony at Awbury Arboretum

What a pretty setup for an outside ceremony right on the lawn of the Francis Cope house facing the woods. The arch was adorned with florals and sheer draping fabrics for a colorful backdrop for the bride and groom to say their vows. These stylish touches really added to the overall feel of the day and the reds and pinks matched the bride’s flowers.

ceremony site at Portico at Awbury arboretum in Philadelphia bride and groom saw their vows in nature at portico wedding ceremony Philadelphia PA bride and groom fist kiss at wedding ceremony awbury arboretum wedding reception details at at Portico venue in Philadelphia

Peachtree Catering at Portico

One of my favorite things about Portico, aside from the lovely garden party feeling, is the food! Did you know that Peachtree Catering is the exclusive caterer for this wedding venue? This ensures that you will have creative, tasty, and high-quality food on your wedding day and is one less decision you have to make. There is always something fresh and innovative on the menu when Peachtree Catering is in charge. And the cocktails they come up with are seasonal and divine. Food can take a party up a notch and that is exactly what Peachtree does. From appetizers to dinner and all the way through dessert you and your guests will have a memorable experience. Sounds like a win to me!

Peachtree wedding catering cocktail hour drinks and food Philadelphia Portico

Alfresco Cocktail Hour

On a beautiful day, there is nothing better than being outside, especially when you are surrounded by trees and nature. When your wedding day is at an arboretum, cocktails outside are just perfect! Having a bar on the lawn and string lights hanging from the porch creates an inviting and festive feel.

outside cocktail hour at Awbury Arboretum Wedding reception tent at Portico Awbury Arboretum

Tented Garden Reception at Portico

The tented reception area at Portico can truly be transformed into your vision. I love the florals, candles, and colors chosen for their dinner party. From the napkin color to the candle votives, the attention to detail really created a romantic atmosphere for their celebration.

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First Dance on the Porch

After dinner guests gathered on the porch for the bride and groom’s first dance and parent dances. It is fun to be outside after the sun goes down, I mean how often do you get to dance under the stars?

bride and groom dancing at Francis Cope house in Philadelphia

Dancefloor Fun

Once dinner was over, the dance floor quickly filled up! It was definitely lively and fun in the Francis Cope house and the guests were ready to celebrate the couple. A good time was had by all.

Wedding dancing photos at Portico Awbury Arboretum guests dancing at Philadelphia wedding

Wedding Dessert Time

These mini milkshakes for the guests were irresistible and the perfect sweet refresher after dancing. They paired well with the fudgy brownies and of course wedding cake! I love the individualized desserts that are perfectly sized to sip and go.

tiny milkshakes at wedding bride and groom cutting flower cake at wedding bride and groom night photo Portico Wedding Venue Photography Awbury Arboretum

Want to See More Portico Wedding Venue Photography?

As a Philadelphia wedding photographer, I have been lucky enough to take photos at Portico many times. Check out these links below for more inspiration from other weddings I have photographed at Awbury Arboretum:

Portico Wedding Philadelphia

Portico Garden Wedding Philadelphia

Awbury Arboretum Wedding Photos Philadelphia Pa