Eagles Fans Will Love the Details in This Rustic Brandywine Manor House Wedding

Photographs by Sharyn Frenkel Photography

Though hiring a wedding planner can be life-saving, it’s not for everyone. We’re always impressed when a couple pulls of a personalized, beautifully-coordinated celebration sans the help of a professional, which is exactly what happened in this rustic Brandywine Manor House wedding. If you love rustic wedding decor details—and the Philadelphia Eagles—you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these photos by Sharyn Frenkel Photography.

Summer jobs are often ripe with opportunities for summer love, but, every so often, they also produce a relationship with a little more staying power. Such was the case for Heather Lynn McAroy and William (Billy) Harris Kornfeld, who have Sesame Place, a small children’s amusement park in Langhorne, to thank for their union. Although they had worked in the same department together for over a year, it wasn’t until Heather was promoted to a team lead position — and Billy was responsible for training her — that they really got to know one another.

After a long shift at the park, it was common for a big group of team members to head out for a bite to eat. One night in 2011, Heather wasn’t working, but she made plans to meet up with Billy and the rest of their co-workers regardless. Billy suggested a diner closer to her parent’s home, and what initially started off as a group endeavor wound up being just the two of them. “We spent hours sharing stories, a chocolate lava cake and our first kiss,” says Heather.

Five years later, the pair was celebrating their five-year dating anniversary with a romantic candle-lit dinner in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Heather was convinced Billy would propose that night, but Billy thought that’d be too obvious — so he waited until the next morning and asked for for a stroll along the beach.

“Billy couldn’t get the words out fast enough before I said yes,” laughs Heather. “The running joke still to this day is, Did you use my full name when you asked me to marry you? Billy’s response is always, The only thing I think I said was ‘Heather’ before you said yes!”

In lieu of hiring a wedding planner, Heather and her mother were heavily involved in bringing the couple’s mid-summer wedding at Brandywine Manor House to life. The rustic affair began with programs designed to look like newspapers at the ceremony, and everyone was delighted when Billy’s grandparents strolled down the aisle as honorary ring bearer and flower girl. Come cocktail hour, Billy’s love of the Eagles was evident in both his signature cocktail — a Jack-and-Coke “Philly Special” served in football-themed mason jars — and the edible football that “crashed” into the couple’s wedding cake.

Come reception, Heather’s father, Joe, serenaded his daughter with an especially touching rendition of “Daddy’s Little Girl,” and guests dined buffet-style on a feast of filet mignon, stuffed chicken breast, roasted asparagus, and twice-baked potatoes. The newlyweds shared a first dance to “Mean to Me” by Brett Eldredge, and later surprised guests with a “Fly Eagles Fly” performance by the Fralinger String Band — and the Philly Fry Food truck for a late-night snack.

Heather and Bill honeymooned locally in Hershey, and currently call Warminster home, where she is an elementary school teacher and he is a radio producer.

THE DETAILS

Photography: Sharyn Frenkel Photography | Venue: Brandywine Manor House | Florals: Joanne Vorhees | Catering: Williamson Caterers | Bride’s Gown: Casablanca Bridal from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo | Bridesmaid Dresses: Allure from Arielle Bridal | Hair: Kelly Galdi | Makeup Artist: Rebecca Ryan Studio & Med Spa | Groom’s Attire: Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo | DJ: Richard Curtis for First Class Entertainment and The Fralinger String Band | Cake: Brooklyn Girl Bakery | Transportation: Duvall Bus Service | Videography: Jack Haston | Invitations: Minted

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