Every once in a while, a photographer receives a choice assignment in a super venue.
In June 2014 I was invited to participate as the Photographer for a family member whose wedding was being held in an elite and beautiful venue, the Buhl Mansion in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Sharon is located about an hour north of Pittsburgh and only a few miles east of Youngstown, Ohio. The countryside was beautiful and the venue was spectacular.
The Buhl Mansion was built in 1881 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, castle-like.
Our wedding was held 133 years after the mansion was built. The bridal party stayed in the B & B and the wedding itself was conducted on the back lawn garden, just past the green house.
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The fairy tale like enchantment captures your heart as you first see the castle from the street.
Turn onto the castle’s private drive.
Drive through the portico …
Stop for a moment to take a romantic photograph of the two of you on the wrought iron love seat.
Then drive through the castle-like arches into the back where you will feel like you have driven onto the property of an ancient castle.
The exterior of this noted historical building is a great example of a “turn of the century” wealthy abode complete with artistic statues at every corner.
If you are a guest at the B & B you will be directed to your own private reserved parking space.
Enter this historical building through the original door designed to Mr. Buhl’s specifications and experience the ornate interior complete with a long Oak staircase leading to the second floor.
One of the main downstairs rooms, originally used as a family receiving room, now serves as the reception desk for the B & B. It’s quite lovely complete with its own magnificent chandelier.
The main hallway is adorned with fine antique statues, a large vase, antique piano, and carpets.
Enter the formal living quarters from the hall and experience high ceiling rooms filled with magical sculptures, window sitting benches, and familiar works of art.
Once in the main sitting room you will have a full view of the formal living room and the outside windows offer a splendid view of the huge front yard.
Just behind you is the library, a special place to sit, talk, play games or just relax and read.
The library is lush and comfortable and guarded by two knights of the round table, although rectangle in this case.
On cold northern Pennsylvania nights, light a fire and relax with some hot chocolate,
… or play chess on the Jade chess set.
Breakfast time in the mansion is peaceful. Enjoy an intimate breakfast in the sun room with friends and family.
The beautiful formal dining room if filled with antique china but is mainly used for display.
Upstairs each of the rooms are different. They are all beautifully filled with antiques, unique beds, carpets, chairs and other fine furniture.
On the balcony there is plenty of open space to gather, to sit and chat.
The large stain glass window passes plenty of radiant light during the day while the antique lights warmly illuminate your intimate evening conversations.
The highest ceiling is hand painted with angelic images illuminated with a large, exquisite chandelier.
The evening lights bring this historical mansion alive with the warm glow of life as people come and go while the sun sets behind the garden.
Enjoy a night-cap in the evening glow of this fairy tale mansion and sleep in the history of the Pennsylvania steel magnet, Frank Buhl.
Click here to visit the official Buhl Mansion web site should you like to visit.
I’ll get back to publishing wildlife pictures and stories.
