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Emily Wren is an award winning wedding and lifestyle photographer serving the Philadelphia area and New England, focused on capturing authentic, light-filled images through a blend of fine art photography and photojournalism.

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With laughter, color, and heart, Madison & Collin’s spring wedding at Parque Ridley Creek was unforgettable. Their May celebration was the kind of wedding that leaves you smiling long after the music fades — filled with laughter, heart, and a joyful ease. These two radiate the kind of love that is both deeply rooted and wildly fun. From the first moments of getting ready with their closest friends to the very last dance, it was impossible not to be swept up in their energy. 

I arrived early to style their details, something I often love to do at Parque. Madison & Collin’s paper goods were extra special because they designed and created them themselves — from illustrated flourish borders framing each card to a playful script font that felt fresh and full of personality. Invitations, menus, ceremony programs, and signage all carried this romantic-yet-fun aesthetic, setting the tone for the colorful celebration to come. Alongside their stationery, I styled cocktail napkins, heirloom English currency, and a silver coin honoring Madison’s father’s British heritage — ready to be taped into her shoe for good luck.

Getting Ready at Parque Ridley Creek: Laughter, Champagne, and Joyful Moment

The morning began in Parque Ridley Creek’s bright, airy bridal suite, where Madison and her bridesmaids lounged in blush pink pajamas, trading hugs, spontaneous dance moves, and bursts of laughter. The energy was infectious — the kind of joyful chaos that makes wedding mornings unforgettable.

As the champagne flowed and music played, Madison radiated happiness even before stepping into her gown. The dress — with its sweeping skirt, delicate sparkle, and perfectly fitted bodice — hung elegantly from the carved wood of the suite’s grand fireplace. Her bridesmaids zipped her in, their faces lighting up to match her own. Meanwhile, Collin and his groomsmen were just outside, sharing jokes and straightening ties in the crisp spring air — a perfect prelude to their colorful spring wedding at Parque Ridley Creek.

First Look and Portraits: A Love Story in Numbers

When Madison stepped out for their first look, framed by the stone steps and greenery of Parque Ridley Creek, Collin’s reaction was priceless — a mix of awe, love, and pure excitement. They embraced, laughed, and wiped away happy tears, savoring the first quiet moments together before the celebrations began.

Their story began at Penn State, where Madison and Collin bonded over a shared love of mathematics — a connection that carried them not just through undergrad, but into their doctorates. It feels fitting that their portraits reflected that same balance of elegance and playfulness. We wandered through the gardens and stone terraces, capturing their radiant smiles and the joyful energy of their wedding party, whose pastel gowns and colorful bouquets brought Jollifier’s floral artistry to life. This was the heart of this colorful spring wedding at Parque Ridley Creek — timeless romance wrapped in vivid blooms and happy laughter.

Ceremony at Parque Ridley Creek: Colorful Spring Blooms and Romantic Stonework

Madison & Collin’s ceremony took place in Parque Ridley Creek’s iconic stone courtyard, transformed into a spring dreamscape by Jollifier Floral Design. Vibrant blooms in shades of coral, blush, and gold climbed the stone archways and spilled over the fountain, creating a lush, garden-inspired backdrop for their vows. Guests were welcomed by the romantic yet refreshingly modern strains of Andrea Levine Artists, whose string quartet blends classical technique with contemporary hits — a perfect soundtrack for a wedding that felt both timeless and joyfully current.

From the tender tears in the front row to the wide grins as they shared their first kiss, the ceremony felt deeply personal — a celebration not just of their love, but of the community surrounding them. With its historic charm, enchanting stonework, and Jollifier’s artful florals, the setting embodied everything magical about this colorful spring wedding at Parque Ridley Creek.

Reception at Parque Ridley Creek: Color, Whimsy, and a Magical Ending

Inside, Jollifier’s artistry continued, with colorful floral runners, glowing candles, and gold accents bringing warmth to the historic wood-paneled reception room. The fireplace behind the head table — a spot that can sometimes feel dark — was brightened and brought to life with vibrant blooms and a glowing custom neon sign, creating a joyful focal point for the room. The color, lighthearted whimsy, and thoughtful details Madison & Collin brought in completely transformed the space, making it feel airy, fun, and uniquely theirs.

One of the most memorable moments came early in the evening, when Madison & Collin shared their first dance to the live, contemporary sounds of Andrea Levine Artists’ string quartet. The blend of classical elegance and modern melody felt perfectly in tune with their day — sophisticated yet joyful.

Heartfelt toasts from Madison’s father and their siblings brought tears to more than a few eyes — mine included. And then, in one of the most magical wedding-day surprises, a rainbow appeared in the evening sky, arcing over the stone terrace as Madison & Collin stepped outside for golden-hour portraits.

The night ended in pure joy — a packed dance floor, laughter spilling from every corner, and Madison & Collin beaming at the center of it all. Their colorful spring wedding at Parque Ridley Creek couldn’t have had a more perfect ending.

A Perfectly Colorful Beginning

Madison & Collin’s colorful spring wedding at Parque Ridley Creek was more than a beautiful day — it was an expression of who they are: vibrant, connected, and joy-filled. From the carefully crafted details to the spontaneous rainbow, it was a celebration that will be remembered not only for how it looked, but for how it felt.

Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a few more perfect mathematical equations along the way.

Vendors

Venue: Parque Ridley Creek

Florist: Jollifier

Hair + Make Up: True Beauty Marks

Caterer: Peachtree Catering

StringsAndrea Levine Artists’

DJRemixologists

Videographer: Stagger Films

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Madison & Collin | A Colorful Spring Wedding at Parque Ridley Creek | Emily Wren Photography

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