Carlianne & Justin’s New Year’s Eve W Hotel Philadelphia Wedding was elegant and 65 degrees! We captured their engagement session in December the year before, and it was 30 degrees with snow on the ground. So the +35 degrees difference was tremendous!
Also, Kristin from Bel Momento wedding planning was a big part of making this day smooth and perfect. I had first worked with her about 14 years ago, and it was like picking up seeing an old friend on their wedding day. She really was a huge help, and I can’t thank her and her team enough. Please check out her site and book her to help you with your wedding day! Bel Momento
Bridal Preps – Bucks County Bride
Both Carlianne & Justin got ready at their parent’s houses in Bucks County. I got to Carliann’es parent’s house after the fantastic Blush Salon made everyone into absolute perfection. The girls looked great in their custom monogrammed pajamas. The father/daughter reveal was so pretty in front of their Christmas tree. The bridesmaids went absolutely nuts too, when they saw Carlianne up suited up in her custom dress from The Ivory Concept.
St. Anastasia wedding Ceremony – Newtown Square, PA
It has been a long time coming for Carlianne and her father to walk up those brick church steps, through the doors, and down the aisle. She has waiting to see Justin giving her his special smirk. The church decor of holiday trees and red flowers was perfect for their winter holiday and ring in the new year. After the kiss and a few fist pumps, it was off to the Kirkwood Preserve.
Kirkwood Preserve bridal party photographs
The Kirkwood Preserver is a wonderfully unique location. It has horse trails and a small hill that overlooks the beautiful farm and rural lands for miles and miles. Unfortunately, we had very little time to shoot here due to daylight savings, but we worked it. We popped some champagne and then photographed Carlianne & Justin looking out into the beautiful landscape of Bucks County.
Dilworth Plaza at City Hall bridal photographs
If you love City Hall and historic Philly landmarks, then The W Hotel in Philadelphia will be your spot. We literally walked across the empty Broad Street. It is incredibly unique to have no cars on Broad Street if you frequent Philly. It felt as if we were in a movie, and even without the cars, you could feel the energy of the city walking down one of its most famous roads.
We walked and photographed at Dillworth plaza. A laser light show played on city hall behind all the photographs framing them and their bridal party. Also, we just happened to go on the ice rink without anyone else. They said they felt like rock stars for those few minutes; it was just them. Finally, it was time to go back to the W and start the party but not before one last stop.
W Hotel Philadelphia wedding photos on the rooftop
We had allotted plenty of time so that Carlianne & Justin could enjoy cocktail hour with their loved ones. So we snuck up on the rooftop at the W Hotel in Philadelphia for some nighttime views! And wow, what views of the city! Twinkling white, red, and green lights engulf the city’s silhouette. Also, it was about 65 degrees out and beyond comfortable up!
W Hotel Philadelphia Wedding Reception
The W hotel Philidalphia weddings are pure modern elegance! The hotel had a small NYE party at the front lounge. When passing it, there was incredible with a super chill vibe. The room is exquisite with darker backgrounds, really making all the chandeliers and lights pop. Nicole was there to help with the reception and was an absolute pleasure to work with. I’ve known her as a member of NACE Philly. She’s always on the ball with anything the couple needs and the other staff there.
EBE Amsterdam rocked the party until sparks literally flew at midnight, and Carlianne & Justin shared their first kiss as a married couple in 2022!
What a way to end 2021, our busiest year on record, with a fun couple, a killer bridal party, and an incredible new venue with the best staff!
Check out some of our latest Philly weddings here
Venue: W Hotel Philadelphia
Florist: Beautiful Blooms
Hair Stylist: Blush Salon
Makeup Artist: Blush Salon
Dress: Alena Leena from The Ivory Concept
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids
Music: Ebe Amsterdam
Planner: Bel Momento