It was an honor capturing Lynn & Greg’s Museum of the American Revolution wedding or MOAR as they call it. This super intelligent power couple that works in NYC united their amazing families on this fantastic fall day!

Ceremony & Reception: Museum of the American Revolution
Hotel: Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Planning: DFW Event Design
Lighting: DFW Event Design
Florist & Decor: DFW Event Design
DJ: No Macarena
Hair / Makeup: Bella Angel
Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN
Lounge: White Glove Rentals
Ceremony Music: Elegance Quartet
Donuts: Federal Donuts
Catering: Brulee

The Museum of the American Revolution opened in 2017 on Third Street in Old City Philadelphia, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. At its core is Washington’s original headquarters tent and the Grand Union flag — artifacts that have never been on permanent public display anywhere else. For weddings, the main hall accommodates around 175 guests under soaring ceilings, the outdoor terrace looks directly at the lit First National Bank of the United States, and the grand staircase inside is one of the best places in the city for bridal party portraits.

philly skyline

Kimpton Hotel Monaco preps

They did their bridal preps at the contemporary Hotel Monaco in the city. The hotel is one of the most convenient places to get ready in the city. It is so close to all the hot locations to shoot. Also, there is such a cute little spot for their first look right out front. Or until the park rangers tell you to move ;)

Groom getting ready at the Hotel Monaco Greg getting into his suit at Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Philadelphia, before the wedding. Greg and his groomsmen getting ready at Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia. Close-up of Greg's wedding day details at Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Old City Philadelphia. Greg checking his tie in the mirror at Hotel Monaco before the Museum of the American Revolution wedding. Groom getting ready at the Hotel Monaco before Museum of the American Revolution wedding. Lynn getting her hair done at Kimpton Hotel Monaco before the Museum of the American Revolution wedding. Lynn's wedding gown details at Hotel Monaco, Philadelphia. Lynn laughing with her bridesmaids at Hotel Monaco while getting ready. Lynn applying makeup with her bridal party at Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City. Lynn's bouquet detail at Hotel Monaco, floral design by DFW Event Design. Vertical portrait of Lynn in her wedding gown at Hotel Monaco, Philadelphia. Lynn and her mother sharing a moment at Hotel Monaco before the ceremony. Lynn putting on her shoes at Kimpton Hotel Monaco, wedding day detail photograph.
Tall vertical portrait of Lynn in her bridal gown at Hotel Monaco, soft morning light. Lynn and her bridesmaids portrait at Hotel Monaco before heading to the Museum of the American Revolution. Lynn smiling into the mirror at Hotel Monaco, ready to head to the ceremony. Bride getting ready at the Hotel Monaco before Museum of the American Revolution wedding. Bride and Groom first meet before Museum of American Revolution wedding.

First Bank of the United States and the Merchant Exchange building

Lynn loves history and architecture, so we planned on photographing them on the steps of the First National Bank of the United States. (Note. Due to the giant red brick building across the street can mess with your photos. If it is sunny, sometimes, the reflecting light makes everyone’s skin a bit red. Something nobody tells you!)
After that, we walked over to the Merchant Exchange building. I have to say this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It’s top to bottom white and gray marble and just stunning architecture. Note these locations need a permit but they don’t always check so just beware if you really want to photograph here with your bridal party.

Bridal party portraits in Old City
How can you not pet this gorgeous dog during our photos in Old City!

The Museum of the American Revolution

Museum of the American Revolution weddings are relatively new as the building has only been around a few short years. Yet, it’s in an incredible area in the city and very close to some of the best locations in Old City. Plus, it is very close to Penns Landing if you want to go there for photographs.

Museum of the American Revolution wedding ceremony

The ceremony was set up in the entranceway of the MOAR, and they have these bronzed statues of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s duel that they put up on either side of the altar. I believe they can also have smaller wedding ceremonies available on the rooftop, but don’t hold me to that. DFW Event design did all the amazing floral designs and ceremony setup.

DFW Event Design ceremony florals at the Museum of the American Revolution entranceway. Ceremony setup at the Museum of the American Revolution with Hamilton and Burr bronze statues flanking the altar. Lynn walking down the aisle at the Museum of the American Revolution ceremony. Lynn and Greg exchanging vows at the Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia. Greg's face as Lynn walks toward him during the ceremony at MOAR. Lynn and Greg during their ring exchange at Museum of the American Revolution. DFW Event Design floral arch at the Museum of the American Revolution ceremony. Lynn and Greg's first kiss at the Museum of the American Revolution wedding ceremony.
Guests celebrating Lynn and Greg at the Museum of the American Revolution ceremony.
Vertical portrait of Lynn and Greg at the altar, Museum of the American Revolution.
Lynn and Greg leaving the ceremony at MOAR, guests cheering.
Ceremony detail: bronze Hamilton and Burr duel statues framing the altar at MOAR.
Wide shot of the Museum of the American Revolution ceremony in the main entranceway.
Decor and flowers by DFW Event Design at Museum of American Revolution wedding ceremony.

Museum of the American Revolution wedding reception

The main venue reception room is gorgeous and perfect for about 175 guests. The venue space is bathed with natural light coming in from the windows for a light, airy look in the long summer months for receptions. Your guests can hang out on the balcony and enjoy views of the city and take a break from the dancing. I have been here several times and can’t wait to go back!

Decor and flowers by DFW Event Design at Museum of American Revolution wedding reception.

Museum of the American Revolution cocktail hour

Cocktail space is set up either on the terrace up top or down on the main floor. Your guests can look at exhibits as well as take photographs on the grand staircase. Besides the Art Museum steps, it is one of the best sets of stairs in the city to photograph on and one of the largest besides inside City Hall.

Brulee Catering at Museum of the American Revolution wedding reception. Brulee Catering at the Museum of the American Revolution wedding.

Catering by Brulee

They have the fantastic Brulee Catering providing all the grub. Brulee is one of the best caterers in the city! The staff was terrific to work with, as they are every time I work with them. Reach out to Tori, who runs the catering sales! She’s pretty cool too ;)

Brulee Catering at the Museum of the American Revolution wedding. Brulee Catering at Museum of the American Revolution wedding reception. Terrace cocktail hour at the Museum of the American Revolution, Old City Philadelphia skyline view. Market lights and custom furniture by AFR on the MOAR terrace during cocktail hour. Guests enjoying the outdoor terrace at Museum of the American Revolution cocktail hour.

Museum of the American Revolution terrace

One of the most incredible and unique qualities of The Museum of the American Revolution is the incredible outdoor terrace that overlooks the city. You can see views of the 1st National Bank of the United States lit up. Also, DFW Event planning dressed up the space with incredible market lights and added custom furniture from AFR. It was an absolute stunner of an evening for their guests to enjoy cocktails outdoors in the crisp autumn air. If you are exploring Philadelphia wedding venues, check out my guide to the best Philadelphia wedding venues for more inspiration.

DFW Event Design terrace setup at MOAR with crisp autumn evening atmosphere. View of the First National Bank of the United States from the MOAR cocktail terrace. Guests taking in the city view from the terrace at the Museum of the American Revolution. Flowers by DFW Event Design at American Revolution wedding. Brulee Catering at the Museum of the American Revolution wedding. First dance at the Museum of the American Revolution wedding. Guests dancing at the Museum of the American Revolution wedding reception. Lynn and Greg's first dance at the Museum of the American Revolution. Greg spinning Lynn on the dance floor at the MOAR reception. Guests at cocktail hour on the terrace at Museum of the American Revolution. Lynn throwing her bouquet at the Museum of the American Revolution reception. Lynn and Greg cutting their cake at the Museum of the American Revolution. Guests mingling in the main hall at the Museum of the American Revolution reception. Lynn and Greg portrait during the reception at Museum of the American Revolution, city skyline behind them. DJ No Macarena keeping the reception going at the Museum of the American Revolution. Lynn and Greg with family at the Museum of the American Revolution reception.

The Donut Wall by DFW Event Design

What can I tell you about DFW Event planning other than they are sweet to work with! The donut wall covered with the fantastic Philadelphia Federal Donuts will make drool drip down from your hungry quivering lips. The aroma just walking by the custom-designed donut wall will make your nose explode. Your guests will freak out when they reveal the wall, and they will ravage it.

Federal Donuts at American Revolution wedding. Night portraits of Bride & Groom on the terrace at American Revolution wedding.