The Willow: A Photographer’s Paradise for Picture-Perfect Weddings!
Alright, future Brides and Grooms -- gather 'round! Let's talk about one of my favorite venues to capture those "WOW" moments -- The Willow in Johnstown, PA!! As a Wedding Photographer who has seen it all -- trust me when I say this place is pure gold for your Big Day!
So grab your fiancé(e) and your favorite pair of dancing shoes, because we are about to dive into why The Willow is the best venue for your Picture-Perfect Wedding!
REASON #1: that bridal suite!
Now, let's talk about Bridal Suites -- or as I like to call the Bridal Suite at The Willow -- The Holy Grail of Bridal Suites! The Bridal Suite at the Willow is truly one of the best areas that I have been able to photograph my Brides getting ready in!! Is it Spacious? Check! Perfectly decorated? Absolutely! Bathed in natural sunlight? You betcha!
The Bridal Suite that The Willow offers to their Brides-to-Be is truly a dream come true!! -- not only for the Brides -- but definitely for myself too!! In June I was at The Willow for 4 out of 5 weekends and I have SO MANY amazing photos from this area of the Venue! The Bridal Suite at The Willow is a perfectly thought out oasis for all Brides and their Best Gal Pals!
In the Bridal Suite there is an area where all of the women can comfortably get their hair and make-up done equipped with lots of mirrors and changing rooms where everyone can have exactly what they need to get ready for the Bid Day!
You ask -- Can it get any better than this -- you've mentioned a lot already??!! -- and the answer is YES!! Also available to the Wedding Day Crew -- is a small kitchenette!! ((to make sure that you load up on those snacks!!)) -- which I cannot stress enough how important snacks are for those long Wedding Days!! Oh! and a private bathroom is upstairs in the Bridal Suite too!! There is also a table area to gather together and have a small breakfast or even get the party started with some mimosas!! Basically EVERY amenity and more that you would need to enjoy the morning of one of the biggest days of your life!!
Last thing about the Bridal Suite that I cannot forget to mention is that green couch -- insert heart eyes -- which is a prime piece of furniture that produces stunning photos! I mean take a look for yourself!!
REASON #2: IF YOU HAVE A BIG FAMILY AND LOADS OF FRIENDS!
Do you have a big Guest List? -- No problem! The Willow can comfortably host up to 350 of your closest friends and family!! -- Yep, you heard that right!
Probably one of my favorite things about The Willow is that it is extremely spacious! Schedule a tour and take a look for yourself! When I first drove up to the Venue I was awestruck with the size and room for activities that can happen here!! -- any Step-Brothers fans out there?! ha!
In June Amanda and I photographed 2 Weddings at The Willow where they had a guest list of 300+ people!! -- and let me tell you there was NOT a single moment of that evening that I felt like people were on top on one another!! The Willow has plenty of room so that you do not feel like a sardine the entire evening!! --- which is a huge bonus for those larger gatherings so everyone can comfortably move around and get their groove on!
So go ahead, invite everyone -- your college roommate, your second cousin twice removed, and even that co-worker who makes you laugh every day!! There's room for everyone to celebrate your Love Story with!! -- and there is PLENTY of room to spare too!
REASON #3: Location
First things first -- location, location, location! The Willow is not only convenient (located right off of Rt 219!) BUT it is also situated on 75 acres of beautiful farmland and rolling Pennsylvania hills!! -- repeat 75 acres people!! It is the best of both worlds! Close to everything and easy to get to -- but also gives you that feeling that you are in a remote location and off the beaten path!
Most importantly for me -- The Willow also has several locations that are perfect for those Instagram-worthy photos! Whether it's the lush greenery, charming little nooks, or the breathtaking views -- in my opinion -- you will have a hard time choosing your favorite backdrop!!
And let’s be real -- that is a top priority for me and all my EJP couples!! Having places to take pictures at is extremely important when I look at a venue so that I can deliver the best quality photos for you!
REASON #4: 10+ years of wedding experience
Now, onto the people who make the magic happen -- the owners and staff!!
Professionalism with a capital P! EVERYONE that I have talked to or who I have witnessed help my Brides and Grooms have seriously gone above and beyond for all of the couples!! -- I believe that everyone working here is trying to make sure your day is as smooth and seamless as possible!
With people that have been in the Wedding Business for over 10+ years -- I couldn't think of anyone else that I would want on my side for one of the Biggest Days of my Life! The owners and staff here are truly the unsung heroes who keep everything running like a well-oiled machine! In June alone I was at The Willow 4 out of 5 Saturdays and I can attest that the days would not have ran as smoothly if it wasn't for this venue and the people behind the scenes here! Not to mention that the venue itself is a photographer’s paradise -- It’s new, it’s clean, and every inch is perfectly manicured!! -- Seriously, I’ve never seen a blade of grass out of place at this venue! The attention to detail at The Willow is next level -- making every photo perfection!
REASON #5: The Food!
And let’s not forget the food -- I am getting hungry sitting here typing just thinking about the food at The Willow!! The lucky thing for you when booking The Willow is that you also get Flair of Country food!!
Every time I get those Questionnaires back from my Brides and Grooms about the Caterers for the Big Day -- a smile always goes on my face when I know that dinner will be from Flair of Country!! Fresh, made on site, and delicious!! Those are the top 3 words that come to mind when I think about the food!! For a person that can eat like myself -- quality food is one of the most critical elements of any wedding (right up there with your vows and the first kiss!!) From appetizers to the main course -- I promise you that you can not go wrong with anything that is on the Menu here!
BONUS REASON!
Here is another bonus reason why I love The Willow!! The Willow is strategically located in close proximity to hotels, making it super convenient and safe for your out-of-town guests!! No need to worry about long drives after the celebration -- everyone can relax and enjoy the party knowing that comfortable accommodations are just a stone's throw away.!
So, if you're on the hunt for a Wedding Venue that ticks all the boxes for stunning photos, spacious accommodations, top-notch service, and convenience for your guests! The Willow is your spot!
As a Wedding Photographer -- who basically camped out here for the entire month of June -- it is venues like The Willow that make my job feel less like work and more like pure joy!!! I can’t wait to capture more special moments here!
Amanda and I are eagerly anticipating the weddings that we already have booked this year AND next year here at The Willow!!
To all of my Past, Present, and Future Brides and Grooms -- We hope that your lives are filled with Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After!
Edward Jacob
