Stonegate Manor wedding days have a way of feeling like you stepped into a storybook without trying too hard, and Kelli and Griffin’s day was exactly that. It was elegant but relaxed, full of little pockets of magic around the property, and it had that “we’re having fun, not performing” energy from start to finish.
They loved the venue for the vintage feel and the variety of outdoor spaces, and it really delivered. Guests had room to spread out, yard games as an option, and enough indoor-outdoor flow that the whole night stayed lively without everyone feeling crammed together.
Getting Ready At The Manor
Kelli got ready right at Stonegate Manor, which is always a win because it keeps the day moving without a bunch of travel time. Their contact person was Sarah, and the plan was simple: keep it calm, get the good stuff, then roll straight into portraits and ceremony vibes without rushing.
Griffin and his crew were also on-site early, and the main bonding topic was video games, which honestly makes for an easygoing group. Nothing forced, no awkward small talk, just people who already know how to hang.
First Look Or Ceremony Reveal
Kelli and Griffin were still deciding whether to do a first look, and with this timeline, it is a solid option if you want more breathing room for portraits and less pressure after the ceremony. Stonegate also makes this decision easier because everything is right there. You can do a tucked-away first look somewhere quiet on the property, get a chunk of photos done, and then actually enjoy cocktail hour with your people.
If you love the idea of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, that’s also totally valid. The big difference is where the “time crunch” lands. First look usually spreads the day out. Ceremony reveal usually stacks portraits into the post-ceremony window.
A Ceremony That Felt Like A Little Fairy Tale
Their ceremony space was a big reason they chose Stonegate, and it makes sense the second you see it. It has those fairy-tale vibes that feel romantic without being overly formal, especially with their colors, sage green and dusty pink with gold accents.
They also planned an unplugged ceremony, which is such a power move. People stay present, reactions feel bigger, and you do not end up with a sea of phones in the aisle when the best moments happen.
And the weather? It played nice right when it mattered. The rain stopped for the ceremony, which is the kind of timing you cannot buy, but you absolutely celebrate when it happens.
Portraits With That Bridgerton-Meets-Fantasy Energy
Kelli and Griffin wanted a lot of direction for photos, which is perfect when you want your portraits to feel confident, flattering, and still natural. We can guide you into great light, give you prompts that feel like you, and keep things moving so you never feel stuck.
They also wanted photos at the manor house on the property, which fits their inspiration so well. Kelli mentioned being a big fantasy reader and pulling vision from that world plus a little Bridgerton influence, and Stonegate is basically built for that vibe.
Also, the “anaconda photo” with the bridesmaids is iconic. Traditions like that are the best because they’re personal, a little ridiculous, and they instantly bring out real laughter.
Reception Highlights And A First Dance That Was Better Than They Thought
Their reception timeline was clean and simple in the best way: entrances, first dance, parent dances, dinner, then speeches. Kelli and Griffin were both anxious about that first dance leading up to the day, but the funny part is that it almost always looks better than it feels in the moment. Sure enough, when they watched it back, they realized it was way smoother than their brains told them it was.
One of the sweetest parts of the day was how family-focused it felt, especially in a year that included some heavy losses. Having their cousin officiate and their aunt as a reader made the ceremony feel personal and grounding, and it gave the day a lot of meaning without turning it into something overly serious.
Also, there was a little cat moment. Hearing a cat meow during the day made it feel like their cats were somehow there too, which is one of those tiny “only on a wedding day” details that sticks with you.
Quick Planning Tip: If You Want A Smooth Wedding Day, Hire The Coordinator
Kelli’s advice after the wedding was simple and honestly spot-on: get a coordinator. It removes a ridiculous amount of mental load, especially when weather changes plans or timeline details start stacking up. When you have vendors you trust and a coordinator steering the ship, you get to actually be present instead of managing logistics in your head all day.
If you are debating a first look for timeline reasons, that’s another place a coordinator and a good photography timeline helps a ton. You can build the day around what matters most, then make the schedule support it.
Kelli and Griffin’s Wedding Day Vendors
Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Venue: Stonegate Manor // Planning: RSVP Events // Catering: CK Catering // Florals: Stella Event Design // Hair + Makeup: Alder Hair Studio // Desserts: Dreamscape Desserts // Dress: Simply Yours Bridal // Suit: SuitSupply // Officiant: Jennie Goss
Getting Married? Check out our work and contact us!
See More Like This:
You must be logged in to post a comment.