Whimsical Outdoor Wedding At Tyler Arboretum

The Magnolia trees were in full bloom during Jess and Frank’s spring wedding!  We would say the romance was definitely in the air for these two as they celebrated their blossoming love.  The natural setting of Tyler Arboretum made every whimsical detail come to life.  From the bride’s lovely BHLDN gown to the lush florals designed by Lips Tulips.  Hope Helmuth Photography perfectly captured every enchanting moment and romantic element from this day, and more loveliness and behind-the-scenes details await below!


From the Photographer, Hope Helmuth: “Jess and Frank were married April 28th, in front of blooming magnolia trees, on a lush spring day. Tyler Arboretum was bursting with color and romance as these two high school sweethearts said their I do’s.

All of the floral arrangements proved to be cheerful and whimsical.  Jess even wore a fresh flower hairpiece designed by Lips Tulips. The adoring couple perfectly paired pastel colors with Jess’s blush and lace BHLDN dress.

Back to back, Jess and Frank had a very special moment before walking down the aisle.  The two did a first ‘hand touch’ which proved to be very emotional and heartfelt before their ceremony.

Jess and her bridesmaids were radiating as they made their way down the aisle.  The two stood beneath a handcrafted wooden arbor built by Frank’s father for the special occasion.  The two read their thoughtful vows as the afternoon cooled. Cocktail hour was held outside and the fun continued in a historic barn.

The reception space was filled with sweet details that reflected Jess and Frank’s personalities. The night was magic, and the playlist was killer.  These two poured their hearts into their special day.”

Whimsical Outdoor Wedding At Tyler Arboretum Hope Helmuth Photography Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Whimsical Outdoor Wedding At Tyler Arboretum Hope Helmuth Photography Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

How They Met

“We have known each other since we were too young to remember and started dating freshman year of high school. (Frank)”

Whimsical Outdoor Wedding At Tyler Arboretum Hope Helmuth Photography Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

The Proposal

“Frank’s proposal was literally perfect. I was leaving work on a Friday and found flowers and a letter on the passenger seat. In the note, Frank told me to hurry home and pack my bags because he booked a flight to the Florida Keys for a relaxing weekend since I’d been extra busy at work. He said he’d meet me at home when he was off work and that we’d have to leave right away for the airport. So I drove home, somehow not suspicious as to why we were going to the Keys- but happy crying for how lucky I felt to be dating this guy who is still romantic after dating all these years. When I got to our apartment, it finally hit me. There was a vase of flowers in the entryway and an envelope that read ‘open immediately,’ with a note telling me there’s a surprise in my glovebox that will make our trip more special. I bolted out the door, found an empty engagement ring box in my car, passed the rose petals covering the floor to find Frank upstairs, suited up in our loft. And yes, after he proposed, we did actually go to the Keys for the weekend to celebrate.”

Whimsical Outdoor Wedding At Tyler Arboretum Hope Helmuth Photography Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Whimsical Outdoor Wedding At Tyler Arboretum Hope Helmuth Photography Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Best Moment

“Seeing my beautiful bride for the first time that day walking down the lawn at Tyler with the blooming trees and lush gardens behind her. We debated whether or not to see each other before the ceremony and decided and were glad we didn’t. It really made the moment that much more special. (Frank)”

Whimsical Outdoor Wedding At Tyler Arboretum Hope Helmuth Photography Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Wedding Planning Experience

“I really loved planning our wedding. We had a two-year engagement, which gave us a ton of time to find our ideal venue and vendors. There was a good amount of DIY projects that went into our wedding day, which got to be stressful at times. Luckily I had some help- my father in law is an incredibly talented carpenter and made our arbor and signs for the ceremony. Frank was also a great help in the planning process.  (Jess)”

Tyler Arboretum

“Our venue was Tyler Arboretum in Media. It was the perfect venue for us as it captured our love for nature while being very practical. We really loved the ceremony options, especially the fair weather option that we were lucky enough to use under magnolia trees in full bloom. The reception space is in a restored barn which really fit the overall aesthetic we wanted. (Frank)”

Wedding Inspiration

“Frank and I didn’t have a specific theme that we were after for the wedding. We just wanted to get married outdoors, somewhere beautiful surrounded by friends and family. I’ve always been drawn to lush greenery and soft florals though and wanted to incorporate both in our ceremony and reception. Honestly, I didn’t even plan for my gown to match the surroundings so perfectly- I purchased it at a BHLDN trunk show long before we booked Tyler. (Jess)”

Wedding Planning Advice

“Don’t stress yourself out too much! Use a planner of some sort. Take your time to find your vendors. Make room for the opinions of your loved ones because they are just as excited to be a part of your big day. Take conflicting opinions with a grain of salt and make sure you and your fiancé agree on the things you’re not willing to compromise. (Jess)”

Wedding Vendors

“We are so thankful for the vendors we worked with. My hair and makeup team got to Grace Winery early and kept things simple and natural for my bridesmaids and I. Hope’s photography is simply stunning as you can see. She was such a pleasure to work with, and I don’t typically enjoy having my picture taken. I really can’t speak highly enough of her. We were over the moon at our ceremony and reception at Tyler.  Our event coordinator, Emily was incredible and communicated with us in a timely manner from day one. JAM catering is worth every penny spent, from the cocktail hour to plated entrees- everything was beautifully done.  Our DJ, Kim kept a great playlist going that really catered to our taste in music and kept everyone dancing at the reception. (Jess)”


Vendors | Photographer: Hope Helmuth Photography | Venue: Tyler Arboretum | Catering: Jeffrey Miller | Florist: Lips and Tulips |  Bride’s Dress: BHLDN | Hair & Makeup: Capelli & Trucco | DJ: No Macarena