A short while ago we had the chance to chat with photographer, Justin Tearney after he explored and photographed the whimsically stunning forest landscape known as Fox Hill Farm. This rustic yet beautifully antique-esque property sits upon 50 sprawling acres, nestled among the rolling hills of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Newlyweds, Heather and Scott, purposefully chose these special grounds as a representation of themselves beginning their lives together, and further etched their love in stone through memories created by Tearney’s photographs.
Upon arrival, the farm owners and their dog welcomed everyone with open arms, a rare moment found at weddings, offering themselves as a valuable resource throughout the day for guests. Katharine, the owner and primary wedding floral designer, accompanied Tearney and the wedding party throughout the gardens for an exclusive tour, creating the ideal canvas to take photos. According to Tearney, the grounds brought with it an abundance of natural light throughout the day and into the evening, allowing him to capture much of his images on film, giving an overall feeling of timelessness and charm.
Words + Images by Justin Tearney
Words + Photography by Justin Tearney
What are some highlights of your experiences at the venue?
When we arrived at the farm, we were greeted by the owners and their dog which made us feel really welcomed and set a very positive tone for the day. We love when we have direct access to the owners of the venue for questions we have and getting to know the property. All aspects of the day run so much more smoothly when the owners/coordinators are helpful and accommodating. At Fox Hill Farm, Katharine and the team go extordinarily above and beyond for their vendors which ultimately benefits the couples choosing the venue!
Truly for us, the main highlight was our couple and their families but Fox Hill Farm was the perfect backdrop for their unique design elements and creative style to shine. Heather and Scott, with the help of their families, styled their entire day and made all of their decorations themselves. It was the perfect canvas for their creativity.
What made the venue a great backdrop and setting for photos?
For the portrait session with Heather and Scott, Katharine allowed us full access to the grounds which gave us un-ending possibilities for our artistic expression.
Specifically, the gardens and open pastures paired with the amazing sunset provided us with a gorgeous canvas with amazing photos.
During the really sunny parts of the day, there is also plenty of open shade which is extremely important to have for larger group photos.
Favorite existing design elements of the venue?
In Pennsylvania, we have shot at plenty a farm venues. At any farm venue, the star of the grounds is usually the barn. We can say without a doubt that the barn at Fox Hill Farm was the most unique and stylish one we have shot at. As a natural light photographer shooting mainly on film, it was the only barn I've ever shot at where I had enough natural light inside to shoot all of the details and tablescapes on film. There are huge bay doors that open entirely to allow lots of beautiful light to flood in, not to mention how much sunlight shines between each of the rafters as well.
Any inside tips?
As a photographer, we would highly recommend natural light, film photography for this venue. The timeless style of the barn, scenery and all of the spaces to shoot in natural light, perfectly suit that approach.
We would HIGHLY recommend Katharine's floral designs. They are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and she grows much (if not all) of what she uses on-site. She's an amazing floral designer and stylist.
Fox Hill Farm is nothing short of elegant, sophisticated, and alluring. It's striking scenery and attention to craftsmanship, evokes everything a modern-day farmhouse should represent. One laced in natural, floral vines, while details of aged tools, wood-stained barrels, and decades-old apple trees provided the perfect country-style party. Tearney masterfully captured the essence of this backdrop through his keen eye for unexpected elements that make this venue one-of-a-kind.
Credits
Venue and Florals: Fox Hill Farm | Photographery: Justin Tearney | Film Lab: Photovision Prints | Caterer: Peculiar Culinary Company | Dessert: Allie's Cupcakery and Cafe and Scott's Dad, Robert Metzger | Dress: Casablanca from Three Graces Bridal | Groom attire: Mix of J Crew, Express with a vintage jacket & 1970's Saint Laurent tie
