The Rodale Institute is a charming working farm tucked away in the rolling countryside of Kutztown, PA just outside of the Lehigh Valley. Known as organic pioneers since 1947, the Rodale farm is a beautiful destination for wedding events and is centrally located between New York City and Philadelphia. Inspired by the Rodale Mission, “Through organic leadership we improve the health and well-being of people and the planet.” Christina Campbell of Nina Lily Photography brought together a group of Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia professionals interested in sustainability within the wedding industry. 

Established in 1974, Rodale’s Demonstration Gardens proved to be the perfect setting for this inspirational collaboration. Using the geodome greenhouses as a key design element, Nina Lily Photography styled and photographed the 1970s inspired organic geo-boho micro-wedding to blend into the established gardens. Rust tones, blues, mixed metals with a copper focus and garden greens served as the inspirational palette for the shoot which took place during the solar eclipse of August 2017.

Aqua Juel created a lovely stationery suite to set the tone of the shoot, complete with a bohemian macrame band. Fox & Finch vintage rentals created a dreamy ceremony vignette featuring their wicker screen backdrop and peacock chairs which paired with the organic florals created by Katie of the Rustic Bunch. In keeping with the nod to sustainable weddings, the Rustic Bunch used elements grown and foraged on their farm and the ceremony background was filled in by native plant rentals from Edge of the Woods Nursery. Geometric shapes echoed the dome throughout the sweetheart tablescape sourced by Nina Lily and continued with a gold leaf flecked cake from Made by Lino.

The Bride wore Barbara Kavchok’s Loretta gown beautifully; Barbara Kavchok sets themselves apart by using domestically-sourced natural materials and closed-loop production. The Groom and groomsman donned blue corduroy blazers from Nordstroms Rack. The bridesmaids attire emphasized the retro bohemian theme wearing Joanna August and Bari Jay from Bella Bridesmaids Philadelphia. Brittany from True Beauty Marks created an organic hair and makeup look emphasizing the nostalgic theme. All of the models wore jewelry designs by local artist, L2 Creations. Custom wedding bands were created especially for the shoot and the necklaces worn were a nod to the partial solar eclipse that enhanced the moody nostalgia of the light. 

All of these contributions combined to create a unique take on the nostalgic farm wedding. We hope to encourage both local and destination couples to embrace this beautiful area for all of their sustainable wedding needs!

VENUE: Rodale Institute @rodaleinstitute | CONCEPT, STYLING & PHOTOGRAPHY: Nina Lily Photography @ninalilyphoto | FLORALS: The Rustic Bunch @therusticbunch | PLANT RENTAL: #edgeofthewoodsnativeplantnursery | RENTALS: Fox & Finch Vintage Rentals @foxandfinchvintagerentals | WEDDING GOWN: Barbara Kavchok Couture @barbarakavchokbridal | BRIDESMAIDS: Bella Bridesmaids @bellabridesmaids @barijayfashions @joannaaugust | HMUA: True Beauty Marks, Brittany @truebeautymarks | JEWELRY: L2 Creations @l2_creations | CAKE: Made By Lino @madebylino | STATIONARY: Aqua Juel Design @aquajuel

Photography, Concept & Styling | Nina Lily Photography

Venue | Rodale Institute

Bridal Gown | Barbara Kavchok Couture

Bridesmaid Fashion | Bella Bridesmaids , Bari Jay, Joanna August

HMUA | True Beauty Marks

Florals | The Rustic Bunch

Plant Rentals | Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery

Rentals | Fox & Finch Vintage Rentals

Jewelry | L2 Creations

Cake | Made By Lino

Stationary | Aqua Juel Designs