Magenta Wedding at the Historic Cairnwood Estate in Pennsylvania
CATEGORIES
December 4, 2023
Words by
Photos courtesy of
In a picturesque corner of Pennsylvania, the historic Cairnwood Estate played host to a styled wedding shoot that exuded opulence and vibrancy. Organized by Styled Shoots Across America as part of their annual Shoot Crawl event, the editorial featured bold pops of magenta, fuchsia, and blush, setting the stage for a celebration that embraced the unexpected. Photography by Jo, led by the talented Jo Mahaney, captured the essence of this unique event, bringing to life the rich history and ornate details of the venue.
The inspiration for the theme and style of the shoot stemmed directly from the venue itself. Jo Mahaney explains, “The room itself inspired the color scheme for the shoot. We called it the ‘pink room,’ and wove in an assortment of pinks, mauves, and magenta.” The historic Cairnwood Estate, with its ornate crown molding, gold wall embellishments, and features reminiscent of the 1800s, served as the perfect backdrop for the luxurious affair.
The ceremony spot was a visual spectacle, set in front of a massive mantel adorned with vivid florals climbing to the ceiling and cascading down to the floor below the model couple. Metallic pink painted greenery added intrigue to the fresh floral arrangements, while a massive, gold-trimmed mirror reflected the crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room. It was a breathtaking scene that transported onlookers to a bygone era of grandeur.
The reception tablescape continued the theme with playful butterfly place cards and magenta napkins. The menu, adorned with tassels, wax seals, and gold leaf embellishments, brought the look together seamlessly. The table florals echoed the grandiosity of the ceremony setting but with a more modest height, featuring metallic painted greenery to enhance the pops of pink in the arrangements. The result was a tablescape that blended elegance with whimsy, creating a truly memorable setting.
The collaborative effort of the vendor team behind the scenes was essential in bringing this editorial to life. Jo Mahaney reflects on the experience, stating, “As a workshop-style event, I didn’t get exposed to the behind-the-scenes that it took to make this shoot come together. However, the result was a well-coordinated, ornate editorial with bursts of color and energy!” The seamless coordination among vendors ensured that every element, from the vivid linens to the unexpected butterfly details, contributed to the overall magic of the shoot.
Amidst the ornate details and bursts of color, Jo Mahaney shares her favorite part of the shoot: “Our models were really fun to work with and full of life. I really enjoyed the unexpected butterfly elements within the tablescape and pops of bright colors. It’s not often that couples choose vivids within their color palette, so this was an exciting change of pace for me.” The vivacity of the models and the bold color choices added a layer of excitement and uniqueness to the editorial, making it stand out in the world of wedding inspiration.
The magenta-themed wedding editorial at the Cairnwood Estate in Pennsylvania, captured by Photography by Jo, showcases the beauty that unfolds when creativity meets history. From the grand ceremony setting to the whimsical reception details, every element came together harmoniously to create a celebration that embraced bold choices and timeless elegance. This styled shoot is not just a visual feast for the eyes but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of a talented team that brought a unique vision to life at this elegant venue.
Vendors: Photographer: Photography by Jo; Host: Styled Shoots Across America; Concept & Planning: Heather Benge; Venue: Cairnwood; Hair & Makeup: Sunkissed and Madeup; Floral Design: Intrigue Designs with K. Hazel Designs; Stationery: Elephant Limbo; Cake: Duchess of Desserts; Event Rentals: Party Rental Ltd; Gowns: Styled Gowns; Men’s Wear: The Modern Groom; Specialty Decor: Rosier Event Rentals; Shoes: Sachlirene; Earrings: Elizabeth Bower; Ring Box: Lovely Ring Boxes; Models: Ashleigh Brooke & Pierce Williams