First off, this bride has an awesome name. Stella! I mean come on, it’s so awesome to say out loud! Secondly this is one of the most respectful, kind and sincere couples that I have ever worked with. Stella is in the hospitality business and you can clearly tell how she treats others around her with such respect and appreciation. Tim is an international finance guy that speaks Mandarin and is also so down to earth and fun to work with. They were such a pleasure to work with for their Ritz Carlton Philadelphia wedding!
Ceremony & Reception: Ritz Carlton – Philadelphia
Florist: Carl Alan
Hair & Markup: Bella Angel
DJ: DJ Joe – CTO
Bride’s Dress: Galia Lahav
Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blanik
Camera: Contax 645, Canon Mark IV
Film: Ilford HP5, Kodak Portra 400, Ilford 3200
Ritz Carlton Philadelphia Wedding bridal preps
Stella just oozed style and class in her stunning Galia Lahav dress from Israel. The straps draped on her shoulders, looking sophisticated and graceful. The bridesmaids were in Badgley Mischka dresses from Saks Fith Avenue. The amazing Bella Angel was there to make their hair and makeup perfect as usual.
First look Ritz Carlton Philadlephia Wedding
The good ol first look. It used to be shunned by brides as an old wives’ tale but now it is truly in vogue. Simply by having a wedding with reception and ceremony at same location such as the Ritz Carlton, having a first look will give you more relaxation on your day, more fun and more time to spend with your loved ones. Let’s not also forget quite a few more photographs that are natural and unrushed. I scoped out this little enclave right behind the Ritz Carlton that was private, the light was amazing and I loved the symmetry of the trees in the background.
City Hall Shoot
Stella and Tim, like most couples, didn’t want to travel all over the city to capture their photos. Instead we just crossed the street and photographed at the newly awesome Dilworth plaza and in and around City Hall. It is truly one of my favorite places in the city to photograph. So much history and tradition there. As well as coverage for days that are too hot, too rainy, or too sunny! It just happened to be like 60 degrees on this February wedding day!
Random Photobomb!
Ritz Carlton Philadelphia Wedding ceremony
Stella is from Ghana in Africa and brought over quite a bit of her family including her family priest. This guy was like a standup comedian. He was funny and made the bridal party stand for an hour. They had slotted an hour for the ceremony and he stretched it out to that full hour. If you listened closely you could hear the bridesmaids’ toes and calves crying out for help. But those cries soon ended with a kiss and a quick dash down the aisle to get some cocktails.
Ritz Carlton Philadelphia Wedding Reception
The staff for this Philadelphia Ritz Carlton Wedding was phenomenal and beyond accommodating and helpful. After some crazy dancing, toasts, and great food we went out for a few photographs at night in front of City Hall (which is my favorite to capture)! They received a ridiculously beautiful fine art linen wedding album and am so happy for the two of them! Best wishes….
Some of my favorites: Katarina & Kyle!!!
