Emily and Connor’s Philander Chase Knox Estate wedding is proof that your venue doesn’t have to confine you to a traditional wedding day. They turned this elegant Philadelphia wedding venue into a real life disco complete with mirror balls and a bumping dance floor. Emily took a hands-on approach to the unique event design, and everything came together for an unforgettable night.

Philander Chase Knox Estate

Philander Chase Knox Estate is an amazing Philadelphia-area wedding venue with plenty of built-in conveniences. Most reception events take place under the permanent tent on the estate. The venue provides chairs and a lot of basics, so you don’t have to stress as much about rentals. 

The edge of the woods makes a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony. Everything is deep green and lush for summer weddings like Emily and Connor’s. It has a classic summertime feeling. At the right time in October, though, the fall foliage would be beautiful, too. 

The Philander Chase Knox Estate is extra special because it’s part of the Valley Forge National Historical Park. The National Park Service leases it for events through Robert Ryan Catering and Design. Part of the estate may have stood during Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. It experienced major renovations at the end of the nineteenth century, and it still has a lot of historic charm. 

Even though the house is beautiful, the grounds are probably the best part of Philander Chase Knox Estate. Trees dot the sprawling hills. Quirky details like vintage doors and an old greenhouse make cool backdrops for portraits. The wide open spaces make golden hour portraits glowy and gorgeous.

As a historic estate in a park, this venue provides ample space for large weddings. It can easily host up to 200 guests. You can expect packages to range between $16,000 and $21,000 for a 100-guest event.

As a Philadelphia-area wedding venue, this estate is relatively convenient. It’s easy to find, located about 40 minutes from Center City. If you want or your guests want to stay close to the venue for the wedding weekend, there are plenty of hotels in the area. Outdoorsy guests will enjoy the chance to hike the park, too.

Amazing Disco Wedding Details

Emily is a graphic designer, and she had a vision for her wedding at Philander Chase Knox Estate. She worked hard to create a colorful disco dream. All the signage and decor fit into a sunset palette in shades of pale pink and orange. Emily even made the big seating chart herself! I love the way she incorporated cascades of coordinating florals and disco balls to carry the theme throughout the venue.

For florals, Emily and Connor went big, and the blooms elevated the atmosphere. They went so well with the illustrations on the signage. The florist also did a great job of working within the color scheme Emily chose for the decor. 

At the reception, each table was like a work of art. Bold orange menus popped against pink napkins and rattan place mats. Little arrangements of snapdragons and other bright flowers brought an element of whimsy to the space. 

Emily and Connor’s Colorful Disco Dream Wedding

As well designed as this wedding was, it was the emotion and energy that made Emily and Connor’s wedding unforgettable. Connor was overwhelmed at their first look and when he saw Emily walking down the aisle. 

Philander Chase Knox Estate is such an elegant venue, but they didn’t let them get sidetracked from their goal of an amazing party. The ceremony was short and sweet. Then, because they wanted their reception to be a real life disco, they put all the events before dinner. That way people could head right from their meal to the dance floor. 

Their moms surprised them with a choreographed dance to an ABBA hit. Everyone loved it, and it got the dance floor going. Hardly anyone left the dance floor that night. Emily’s outfit change was made for dancing, too.

To end the night, we did some fun direct flash portraits in their launch with the big disco balls. These add nice variety to their wedding portraits. It also captures the energy they worked so hard to create for their celebration.

Are you interested in having me photograph your wedding? I’m a New Jersey wedding venue, and I’ll create colorful, funky photos that reflect the energy of your wedding day. Inquire with me here!