This Pastel Pink And Blue Barbecue Wedding Will Make You Smile

Donuts, corn hole, and romance! What could be better?


Photographs by Celia Ragonese

Bryn Mawr couple Kendra Wood and Stephen Shillingford have always had a relationship that revolved around food and fun. They met when they were both working at the same restaurant, so it’s no surprise that their engagement happened over dinner, and their wedding featured a whimsical and rustic barbecue party at Graeme Park. Check out their fête (complete with donut cake) for yourself in these photos by Celia Ragonese.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kendra and Stephen worked at Gullifty’s bar and restaurant in Bryn Mawr for a few months, seeing one another in passing at work, before they finally met. Back then, he was a cook and she was a bartender and server. When Kendra went out to a nearby bar for her birthday, Stephen happened to also be out with his friends that night. The two groups started hanging out, and Kendra and Stephen struck up a conversation. Kendra thought Stephen was tall and attractive, and that he had a magnetic personality. Stephen loved Kendra’s blue eyes and sharp sense of humor. They became friends that night and started dating soon after. Their first date was at Tango in Bryn Mawr, where they sat outside on the patio and shared appetizers and beers.

After dating for six years, Stephen planned a proposal for Kendra in exactly their style: an intimate home-cooked dinner, complete with drink pairings. After the dinner he had whipped up, he finally worked up his courage to pop the question. “The best thing in my life occurred when she said yes,” he says.

The two married one year and six months later on May 27, 2017 in an outdoor ceremony at Graeme Park in Horsham, PA on a bright and sunny day. The beautiful weather was a pleasant surprise for the couple, since the forecast had called for rain. It was the perfect environment to show off the springy pastel pink and bright blue colors of the bridal party. The guests loved the rustic, barbecue vibe complete with sliders for appetizers and yard games like cornhole.

One of Kendra’s bridesmaids had painted the seating chart and bar menu for the reception, where guests sipped on Paloma (hers) and Lemongrass Ginger Bourbon (his) cocktails. They happily watched the couple dance to Beyonce’s “Love On Top” for their first song. Stephen and Kendra’s dad—who is a chef just like the groom—worked on the wedding menu together. They wanted the reception to be elegant but mostly lots of fun. They opted for food they loved to eat: delicious tacos and barbecue, and a Federal Donuts tower for a cake. Their friends and family nibbled on churro, vanilla lavender, triple chocolate, and burnt caramel donuts—and took some home as favors, too. After the celebration, the couple traveled to Aruba before returning to Bryn Mawr, where Stephen is the Executive Chef at Broad Street Ministry and Kendra is an accountant.

VENDORS
Photography: Celia Ragonese Wedding Photography | Reception Venue: Graeme Park | Event Coordinator: Nancy of Swig Events | Catering: Craig Paulus and Ron Wood | Florist: Flowers by Jena Paige| Cake: Federal Donuts | Bride’s Gown: Angelina Faccenda from Sabrina Ann Bridal in Ardmore | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Groom’s Tux: Indochino | Makeup Artist: Devin from Prenup by Salon Fiber | Hair Dresser: Amber from Prenup by Salon Fiber | Transportation: Sterling Limousine & Transportation Services| Entertainment: DJ Romeo of Schaffer Sound | Invitations: Minted

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