Pen Ryn Wedding

I always love shooting at the Four Seasons Philadelphia. The light is beautiful, and each room is so perfectly designed. Sarah had a wonderful view of Logan Circle in her getting-ready room.

Sarah has a phenomenal group of girlfriends, and it’s easy to see why, she’s such a fantastic person herself! Her girls were always with her, holding her dress, and making us all laugh.

Sarah’s bridesmaids made her a scrapbook that they presented to her right before she got dressed. I love their matching bridesmaid robes and their bridesmaid dresses hanging in the background.

I love this picture of the one bridesmaid getting her makeup done while the other take a selfie! I think it’s important to always be looking for the moments, and this image tells two stories in one. (Plus, I wanted to post more pictures of the bridesmaids, since I loved them so!)

The bride’s mother was so elegant and graceful. I love this moment of her preparing her daughter’s veil.

Nichole Tooley did a wonderful job creating Sarah’s look. Her hair was impeccable, and Cindy Singer did a beautiful job on Sarah’s makeup, as well as the makeup for the bridesmaids.

No matter how many times I shoot in a certain location, I’m always trying to find a new way to see the same scenes. I loved finding this reflection in the bride’s getting-ready room!

The last few minutes of the getting-ready process are among my favorite moments of the wedding day. I love documenting the bride surrounded by her family and friends, seconds before being married.

Looking for beautiful light and using it to make beautiful photographs is such a joy. I love the light on the bride, her bridesmaid, and the delicate lacing of her wedding gown.

As the years go by and I watch my clients celebrate anniversary after anniversary, raising their children and moving through life together, I often think back to their wedding images – and my own. It’s so precious to have memories of this day, and the interactions with those you love so dearly.

The groom gifted his bride with a pair of glittery Christian Louboutin shoes for their wedding day. Good gift, indeed!

Just before heading out to Sarah and Michael’s ceremony, I had a few moments to make some portraits of Sarah alone. I love the subtle light on her bouquet to the left of the frame, and her bridesmaid to the right.

Sarah is lovely, sweet, funny, and extraordinarily vivacious. It was a delight to photograph her!

We took a quick detour en route to the ceremony. The bride asked for a few portraits by the fountain in Logan Circle, and I was only too happy to oblige. I love the expressions on everyone’s faces!

I am often asked if I “take bridal party or family pictures.” While I love sharing beautiful details and real moments here on my site, I absolutely do understand the importance of those posed group portraits. Rest assured, I absolutely do shoot them!

I always love to photograph the groom’s ring along with the bride’s ring, if it’s a possibility. I love the stark simplicity of his ring set against the soft prettiness of her headband.

Sarah and Michael’s ceremony at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was so emotional and beautiful. It was conducted by the groom’s brother, which was so very meaningful to the couple. I also loved that they welcomed me on the altar for some of the ceremony so that I could get a good angle – the bride’s mom even told me to get up there at a few points! This is absolutely not a normal thing, so it was such a treat. I don’t usually get to photograph the ceremony from this angle!

The look on the groom’s face is so hilariously priceless here!

I’ve mentioned before how I love looking for multiple scenes in one photograph. I adore this image because there is so much happening here! You have the bridal party cheering, the one bridesmaid helping with the bride’s train, the bride and groom exiting the church, and the ring bearer looking totally uninterested! I think it all comes together to create a great story.

After the church ceremony, the bride and groom hopped on a trolley with their bridal party and families for portraits around Philadelphia. They passed around champagne and had a quick toast as we drove away!

Even though I’d photographed Sarah alone earlier in the day, I wanted to take the time to create a few more portraits of her later in the day. She is so elegant and graceful!

After the moment itself, light is the most important thing to me on a wedding day. I am always looking for lovely light of all types and from all directions, whether it’s man made or natural light.

Philadelphia brides and grooms often want a portrait in front of Philly’s iconic City Hall. We were en route to my favorite spot to take this portrait when I found some beautiful light, and we just had to stop for a few moments!

The groom took a quick second to fix his tie in the trolley window. He had no idea I was on the other side taking this image!

Philadelphia’s City Hall is such an extraordinary building. I still remember seeing it for the first time, and I can completely understand why Philly-area brides and grooms would love a portrait in front of such an iconic location.

Another question I get asked is, “Do you take pictures of the bride and groom smiling right at the camera?” Why yes, I do!

After photographing at Love Park, City Hall, and the Philadelphia Art Museum, it was time to head to Pen Ryn for some sunset portraits!

Pen Ryn is a beautiful location, with countless gorgeous places to photograph!

After a cocktail hour outdoors and in the library, everyone moved into the Pen Ryn ballroom for the wedding reception.

CJ the DJ (seriously, isn’t that a great name?) provided excellent entertainment all night long. One of my favorite moments was when Sarah danced with her dad. The father-daughter dance gets me every time!

After Sarah danced with her dad, it was time for Michael to dance with his mother.

Sarah and Michael chose to cut their wedding cake out in front of the house. The second they cut the cake, a fireworks display began.

The fireworks were beautiful, but my favorite part was the reaction of the bride and groom! I also love the guests crowded in the background!

After the fireworks and cake cutting, everyone moved back inside for some toasts. I love the groom’s reaction!

There is something so awesome about a groom who not only takes the dance floor, but embraces it. Michael is a great dancer, and so very animated!

Sarah and Michael, THANK YOU for involving me in your beautiful Pen Ryn wedding. It was really moving, emotional, and really, really fun. I hope you have a WONDERFUL honeymoon, and I hope to see you around town soon! Welcome to the neighborhood!