Elegant Fall Wedding at Parque Ridley Creek | Matt and Justin

Real Wedding
Written By Danielle Pasternak

Parque Ridley Creek is one of those wedding venues that manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time.

Nestled within Ridley Creek State Park in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, its stone architecture, sprawling gardens, and timeless interiors make it an easy favorite for couples who want elegance with a natural backdrop. In the fall, the property comes alive with crisp air, golden light, and a palette that makes every photograph feel rich and cinematic.

I’ve planned several weddings here over the years, and every single time, the space delivers. From the charming getting-ready suites to the romantic Fountain Garden ceremony space, and the elegant ballroom that transitions seamlessly from dinner to dancing, Parque knows how to set the stage. Matt and Justin’s November celebration? A total masterclass in how to use this venue to its fullest potential.

This day was beautifully captured by Philip Gabriel Photography, whose team didn’t miss a moment—whether it was a sweeping wide shot of the architecture or a quiet in-between glance between the grooms. Huge thanks to Gabe and his crew for letting me share these images so you can fully appreciate just how gorgeous this day was.

Some wedding mornings are full of separate hotel rooms, flurries of texts, and a “see you at the aisle” moment. Matt and Justin? Not about that life. They spent their morning together in Parque’s massive on-site suite, getting ready side-by-side with their favorite people. Honestly, the vibes were relaxed, happy, and exactly how you want to feel before saying “I do.”

Hair and makeup teams from Ariel Katrina Hair and Shimmer and Spice worked their magic while Peachtree Catering rolled in with an array of getting-ready snacks (and if you’ve ever worked with Peachtree, you know the spread is chef’s kiss). By early afternoon, the suite was buzzing: lots of laughter, friends popping in, last details being buttoned, pinned, and secured.

Once everyone was looking their absolute best, Matt and Justin headed out with their VIPs for photos around Parque’s grounds. From the stone archways to the gardens, every corner of this venue is basically begging to be a backdrop. The result? A mix of romantic portraits, big group laughs, and those quiet in-between shots that end up being everyone’s favorites.

Guests began arriving to the ceremony and were greeted with The Duke — a signature cocktail that felt like fall in a glass. It was the perfect warm welcome before heading into the Fountain Garden for the ceremony, officiated by the ever-wonderful Alisa Tongg. The weather? A crisp November afternoon — cool enough to feel like fall, but still comfortable for guests. The altar was decorated with some of the prettiest white florals from Fabufloras, framing Matt and Justin beautifully as they exchanged vows.

Cocktail hour spilled out onto the patio, complete with live music courtesy of Imagine Band and a raw bar. Guests mingled as the sun set and the market lights kicked on — pure magic.

Inside, the ballroom was a whole mood: elegant tablescapes, candlelight everywhere, and Imagine Band ready to keep the dance floor packed. Dinner featured halibut, short rib, and a dreamy squash and mushroom risotto, followed by a silent cake cutting (so the party never lost momentum) and a dessert spread worth writing home about.

Every single detail felt intentional yet effortless — that sweet spot where guests feel taken care of, the couple gets to relax, and the celebration flows like it’s on autopilot (thanks to proper planning and an incredible vendor team coming together behind-the-scenes).

Matt and Justin, working with you over the past two years was such a privilege. You had such a clear vision from the start and a calm confidence in every decision you made. You never lost sight of what mattered most to you — taking INCREDIBLE care of your guests. Seeing your day come to life in every detail, and feeling the joy it created in the room, was something I won’t soon forget.

…The sheer number of moving parts in a wedding can be staggering, and Danielle managed them effortlessly…

Most importantly, though, is Danielle herself, an absolute delightfully wonderful person who's a true master at what she does.

She has an answer to every question (we had hundreds), a solution to every problem (there weren't many, but when there were, you want someone like Danielle to run interference), and a suggestion whenever you need one (and we needed lots). She's relentlessly responsive and anticipates what you need before you realize it.

On the day of, she managed to choreograph the dozens of moving parts like the conductor of a symphony, seamlessly ensuring everything stayed on track and on time. In hindsight, I don't know what we would have done without her — and the result was a picture-perfect day that we'll never forget.

Danielle, if we could give you 1000 stars, we would. A million thanks for every contribution to the best day of our lives.

Danielle Pasternak
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