Melissa & John- Union Trust Wedding

Melissa and John’s Union Trust Wedding in Philadelphia was nothing short of spectacular. It was a chilly January day. Though it may have been a little cold, it was perfect for a winter wedding. It had snowed just a tiny bit the night before, creating the perfect backdrop for their day.

The day began at the Sheraton Society Hill where the guys and girls were separately getting ready. Everyone was feeling a little nervous and emotional. The girls looked stunning with hair by Jackie Grosso and Makeup by Melissa from Flawless Finish. We took some time shooting the getting ready and all of the amazing details. Once they were ready, I set out with John to the first look location.

Melissa and John decided to have their first look on a cobblestone alley in Old City. This was the perfect spot. It was just off the beaten path to allow them some privacy. Once Melissa and John saw each other for the first time, we took the opportunity for a few photos in Old City.

We then met the bridal party and families in the hotel lobby  for some fun photos before hopping on the trolley. Melissa and John chose to use a trolley from Philadelphia Trolley Works to transport the bridal party and families around the City. Our first stop was Washington Square Park. This was just perfect. The sun was out and the fresh snow was glistening. The girls wore beautiful fur shawls to keep warm. After the park we set out the City Hall. I took Melissa and John to a few fun spots just the two of them. They even bumped into their Crossfit instructor while we were out.

We then headed over to the church. Melissa and John chose the beautiful and historic Old St. Mary’s Church as the setting for their vows. The church was decorated for Christmas and was just spectacular. Melissa and John chose music by Shaw Strings to accompany the ceremony. The service was full of laughter and tears of joy.

We then headed over to Union Trust wedding venue by Finley Catering. This space is just breathtaking. It is the once home of a bank. It now is a newly renovated space with grand architecture and vaulted ceilings. Melissa and John had a few spots for photos. One was the old vault in the basement. After a few photos, Melissa and John joined their guests for an over the top cocktail hour.  As they mingled, I took the chance to photograph their stunning “winter wedding” decor. The tables were adorned with garland and hydrangeas arranged by Charles Devlin Designs.

Guests headed to their seats and the Blue Label Band introduced the bridal party and Melissa and John. The couple enjoyed their first dance. Guests were invited to join them halfway through. Guests then took their seats for some toasts and a delicious dinner. After dinner, the band kicked it up and had everyone dancing. Cake and desserts were served upstairs. The dessert bar was complete with waffles and coffee liquors. It was clear that Melissa and John, along with their planner Beth Koenig from Brass Tacks Events, had truly planned a night to remember.

I cannot thank Melissa and John enough for trusting me to capture their amazing day. I really enjoyed getting to know the two of them and their families. The highlights of their day are below. I am looking forward to seeing their video from WellSpun Weddings.

Morgan and Bob- Knowlton Mansion Wedding

Morgan and Bob’s Knowlton Mansion wedding day was completely perfect. We started at the Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia where the girls were getting ready. We met with the videographers from Lafayette Hill Studios whom we worked with closely the entire day. The Mansion itself is really incredible. When you pull up, you are immediately in awe by the stately Victorian. Inside, you are greeted by stained glass windows and charm around every corner. This getting ready space was a dream to shoot in. The light streaming through the third floor windows really set the stage for beautiful photos. The girls were excited as they arrived having already gotten hair and makeup done. They were greeted by roses and champagne sent over from Bob. He also sent over a gift for Morgan that was very sweet. Morgan spent some time getting dressed into her gorgeous Allure gown. We took some amazing portraits through the Mansion before heading to the Trolly.

A trolley from Philadelphia Trolley Works was waiting for the bridal party to transport them to the church. This was a great idea for transportation. It really made the ride more of an experience. Katie and I hopped on the trolly and joined in the fun. Once at the Queen of Peace Church, I set off to say hello to Bob before the ceremony. He seemed a little nervous but excited to see Morgan. The Queen of Peace Church was beautiful. The large alter and stained glass windows were a perfect backdrop to Morgan and Bob’s vows to each other. The ceremony was traditional, yet personal as the priest told stories of the couple.

After the ceremony, we spent some time on the beautiful altar for family photos. We then all got into the trolley. This was officially the beginning of the party. Katie and I got to know the bridal party on the ride and knew it was going to be a fun night.

Unfortunately, the trolley ride took a bit longer than expected. By the time we got back to the Mansion, the sun had set behind the buildings. We made the most of the light we had left for some photos around the Knowlton Mansion’s amazing grounds. The bridal party was great to work with and really made things go smoothly. After photos, the couple and bridal party joined cocktail hour. Cocktail hour was spent in the newer conservatory at the back of the Mansion. This space was added on to the historic building to serve as an event space and ballroom. The space is really beautiful and fits right into the charm of the original building. Guests enjoyed cocktails alongside a mac and cheese bar. Perfect comfort food for a fall evening.

After cocktail hour, guests were seated in the ballroom. The ballroom was decorated with orchids and tall romantic centerpieces by Offshoots. The room looked very modern and elegant. Entrances got underway. The bridal party really had a great time with this. Some arrived in a cart, as others came in wearing Trump and Clinton masks. Morgan and Bob entered and came right into their first dance. Everyone sat for toasts by the best man, maids of honor, and Morgan’s father. Guests were then treated to a delicious buffet by Conroy Catering. After meals, the crowd was ready to dance. DJ Justin from Synergetic Sound and Lighting had everyone on their feet. Morgan and Bob also took the time to take advantage of the Knowlton Mansion’s little nooks for night photos in the wine cellar. Morgan and Bob were so wonderful to work with. It was truly an honor to capture their special day. 

Sharon & Ryne- Fleisher Art Memorial Wedding

Sharon and Ryne’s Fleisher Art Memorial Wedding was a very sweet and simple affair. I met Sharon and two of her bridesmaids at the Fleisher for the getting ready. They used one of the studio spaces to get ready in. It was great having such a different space to shoot details in. After the girls were ready, we all headed to Washington Square Park where Ryne and the groomsmen were waiting.

I got Ryne set up in the perfect spot for their first look. We then got to spend some time in the park for photos with the bridal party and families. Washington Square Park is the perfect spot in Philadelphia for photos. It offers a nice mix of City and nature. After the park, we sent the bridal party back to Fleisher while we walked to the Second Bank of the United States. I loved that Sharon and Ryne wanted to use this historic spot for photos.

We took an Uber back to Fleisher and prepared for the ceremony. The ceremony took place in the historic Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is the perfect spot for a Fleisher Art Memorial wedding. It is actually an old church attached the the art school and used as a space for rentals and holding artwork. The front of the room still acts as a little chapel. The back acts as a reception space, great for dinner and dancing. The room holds up to 144 guests, but worked well for Sharon and Ryne’s small affair of about 45.

After the ceremony, guests headed to the outdoor children’s garden for cocktail “half hour”. When they returned to the Sanctuary, Sharon and Ryne shared their first dance. Toasts then got underway with words from both fathers and best friends. Dinner was a delicious buffet provided by Diverse Catering. After dinner, everyone got dancing with a playlist on an Iphone hooked up to speakers. I loved the unique nature of the day. It was wonderful to have such a focus on family and friends. I wish Sharon and Ryne all the best.

Emily & Bill- The Racquet Club of Philadelphia wedding

Emily and Bill’s The Racquet Club of Philadelphia wedding was seriously so much fun! I have known Emily since before I moved to Pennsylvania. She went to high school with my husband. They have many mutual friends so we have been to weddings together as guests. Bill and I actually met and sat together at Emily’s maid of honor’s wedding since Emily and my husband were both in the bridal party. It has been great to get to know Emily and Bill better through the wedding planning process. The day started with getting ready in separate rooms of the club. The Racquet Club of Philadelphia is a little bit like a maze. Getting from room to room required an escort by someone who had been there long enough to know where they were going. Every aspect of the details had a significant meaning. The rings had a significant engraving, the bouquet was wrapped with Emily’s grandmother’s handkerchief, her diamond was passed from her grandmother as well. Bill even had earrings made for Emily with the rest of her grandmother’s diamonds. I always love knowing and photographing these little things. All the girls looked incredible. Hair was done by Angela Spano and makeup was done by Jackie Ludovich.

After the getting ready and details, I went to get Bill for the first look. I was then informed that it was pouring. Not just raining, but pouring. We scrambled to find a location inside that had some good light. Thankfully, my assistant Katie and I were able to find a good spot. We had originally planned to do some portraits in Rittenhouse Square. What originally seemed like a letdown I think turned into a great opportunity. The rain forced us to change our plan and get a little more creative inside the space. Every nook and cranny of the Philadelphia Racquet Club offered something unique and different. It was really fun to explore the space and the portraits turned out amazing! The bridal party joined us for some fun photos in the courts. Then it was to the ceremony site for formal portraits before the ceremony.

The ceremony took place in the lobby of the Club. The officiant Beth Publinsky kept things upbeat and entertaining. Emily and Bill’s vows had the place in tears. After the ceremony, we snuck over to Rittenhouse Square since the rain had cleared. We stopped for a quick photo in front of Parc. This is the restaurant where Emily and Bill had their first date. I love that we got to do this. Emily and Bill joined cocktail hour and I went to shoot the reception space. The reception space at the Club is a large ballroom. It is ornately decorated with giant paintings on the wall and a large fireplace. The tables were decorated with vintage china and table numbers with different years, along with photos from each year. These ranged from significant anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. Flowers were done by Wegmans. I never knew that Wegman’s did such incredible floral arrangements.

The night carried on with teary toasts, lots of laughter, and even an interpretive dance. Donuts were served along with cake for dessert. All of the delicious food was provided by Jeffery A. Miller Catering. Everyone, including Grandma, danced the night away with music by the fantastic Bachelor Boys Band. I loved being able to capture such a special day for such amazing people. Emily and Bill truly compliment each other in every way. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to be a part of so many wonderful moments. I wish them all the best.

Phil

Lindsey & Nate- Corinthian Yacht Club Wedding

Lindsey and Nate’s Corinthian Yacht Club wedding fell on one of those weird weather days in September. All morning the rain threatened. It held off through their outdoor ceremony, made family formals a little complicated (I think we moved from outside to inside at least twice), but overall we were able to remain dry. This was my first time at the Corinthian Yacht Club. What a great venue! The Club itself is an older building that has kept it’s historic charm. It is located on the water in Essington with views of the Philly skyline. Lindsey and Nate chose a nautical theme to perfectly accent the Yacht Club, which is also fitting since Lindsey is part of a crew team. Nate’s daughter was a part of the entire day. I usually do not get emotional while I am working, but I definitely cried during Nate’s dance with his little girl, such a beautiful moment. I truly enjoyed meeting their families and bridal parties. One of the groomsmen is actually one of my upcoming grooms! I wish Lindsey and Nate the best and can’t thank them enough for choosing me to capture their wedding day.