Ashley and Tom’s wedding at The Waterfall Catering and Special Events was the perfect mix of heartfelt moments, vibrant details, and a celebration that truly reflected their families’ love for a great party. Located in Claymont, Delaware, The Waterfall provided the perfect setting for their day.
From emotional first looks to a packed dance floor, every part of their wedding day felt intentional, fun, and completely centered around being present with the people who matter most.
Their Story
Ashley and Tom’s story is one that took a little persistence — they originally met through mutual connections and even crossed paths on Hinge, where Ashley turned Tom down a few times before finally giving him a chance.
Safe to say, it worked out perfectly!
From there, their relationship grew into something effortless and genuine — the kind of connection that feels natural, fun, and deeply rooted in friendship.
Why They Chose The Waterfall
When it came time to choose their wedding venue, Ashley and Tom wanted a space that could comfortably host their large guest list while still feeling elevated, organized, and seamless — and The Waterfall delivered on every level.
With beautiful outdoor ceremony options, elegant indoor reception spaces like the Cascade Room, and multiple locations for cocktail hour, The Waterfall allows for a smooth and natural flow throughout the entire wedding day. It also offers a variety of stunning backdrops for portraits all within one location, which makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping a wedding timeline relaxed and stress-free.
Engagement Session at Fairmount Water Works
A year before their wedding day, we met Ashley and Tom at Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia for their engagement session. With its mix of classic architecture, waterfront views, and soft natural light, it was the perfect setting to capture their playful and genuine connection.
That session gave them the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and simply enjoy being together, which translated effortlessly into their wedding day.
Getting Ready
The morning of the wedding began with Ashley getting ready at her home, surrounded by her bridesmaids and flower girls, while Tom got ready with his groomsmen at The Delta Hotel. The energy throughout the morning was a perfect balance of excitement and calm, filled with laughter, anticipation, and those quiet in-between moments that make the start of a wedding day so meaningful.
First Look & Portraits
Ashley and Tom chose to share a private first look, where they also exchanged personal vows with just the two of them present. It became one of the most intimate parts of the day, giving them space to slow down and be fully present.
Afterward, we captured portraits with their wedding party and family, making the most of the time together ahead of the ceremony.
A Ceremony Full of Personal Touches
The Waterfall offers a lush garden setting and a premier terrace for open-air ceremonies, which is where Ashley & Tom chose to tie the knot. Their ceremony was officiated by Ashley’s brother-in-law, making the experience feel even more personal and meaningful from the very beginning.
One of the most unforgettable moments came as Ashley walked down the aisle with her dad, then surprised her mom by inviting her to join halfway through. It was such a genuine and emotional moment that beautifully reflected how important family is to both of them.
A Celebration Built Around Their People
With over 200 guests in attendance, Ashley and Tom made it clear from the start that their wedding was centered around one thing — being fully present with their people and creating a celebration that felt as meaningful as it was fun.
Cocktail hour was a huge priority, filled with candid “grip & grin” moments, hugs, and genuine interactions, allowing them to truly connect with their guests instead of feeling pulled in too many directions.
The celebration continued in the Cascade Room at The Waterfall, where soft neutrals mixed with pops of pinks and oranges created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that reflected both the season and the couple’s personalities. From heartfelt toasts to meaningful parent dances and a relaxed cake cutting, every part of the reception felt thoughtfully planned while still allowing the night to unfold naturally.
As the night went on, the energy only grew, and the dance floor quickly became the center of it all, bringing together friends and family who truly love to celebrate. Between the music, the atmosphere, and the genuine excitement in the room, their reception at The Waterfall was everything you would want in a wedding — fun, lively, and completely unforgettable.
A night to remember
Ashley and Tom’s wedding at The Waterfall was the perfect reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are not just about the details, but about the people you share them with and the moments you create together throughout the day.
From their engagement session to their wedding day, it was a true pleasure getting to know Ashley & Tom and celebrating their love.
Kind Words from Ashley & Tom
“We booked New Pace Weddings for our engagement photos and wedding day, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. From the first conversation, the team was personable and made us feel completely at ease throughout the entire process. On our wedding day, they kept our bridal party moving efficiently so we could capture all the moments we wanted without feeling rushed. The sneak peeks they shared already have us blown away—their eye for detail and ability to capture genuine emotion is truly impressive. New Pace Weddings made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable, and we’d absolutely recommend them to any couple looking for a photographer who is both talented and a joy to work with.”
Planning a wedding of your own? We’d love to help tell your story. Get in touch with us to learn more about our photography and videography services!
Ashley & Tom's Vendor Team
Venue: The Waterfall
Florist: NE Flower Boutique
Ceremony Violinist: Brian Fitzy
Reception Band: Jay Roy Entertainment
Makeup & Hair: West Jade
Bakery: Master’s Baker
Transportation: Ace Limo
