Heather & Chris had a beautiful summer day for their Union League Wedding in Philadelphia ! It wasn’t too hot, the sun was out, and we had a damn good day! I also photographed Heather’s engagement party over the winter and even her surprise for her guest right before the rehearsal dinner meal.
Most of her friends and his family lived out of state, so they had this crazy surprise at their rehearsal dinner the night before. Katie at DFW Event planning and Design booked a surprise Rocky impersonator to surprise the guests at the art museum at the last stop of the Philly bus tour. Heather loves planning excursions and unique things to do so they had scheduled a full tour of the city before the rehearsal dinner. But when they got off the trolly and saw Rocky, they were pretty floored. Tourists were posing and taking pictures with the Rocky sculpture, but we had a real impersonator in the flesh!
Bridal Preps at the Union League
As anyone that knows their way around Philadelphia hotels, most of the rooms and suites aren’t that large. It’s not always fun When you have 10+ people getting ready in a cramped hotel room. Heather had her bridal preps at the Union League, and they have ample room there. It was so comfortable having the girl’s hair/makeup on one side of the room with tons of seating and beautiful, opulent wooden decor surrounding you. Special thanks to Marlee and Katie at DFW Event Design for making sure everything ran smoothly and on time!
First Look at the Union League
When you are in a hotel room on Broad Street, there are not many quiet places. Especially if you want to have a private first look between the bride and groom before the ceremony. I always look for natural light when shooting so that you can see all the elements of the space and tell a more real truthful story. The available light coming from the front windows by the staircase was incredible. There was a beautiful glow of light for their first moments spent together on the Union League wedding day, and there were absolutely a few tears shed.
Bridal portraits and bridal party at Rittenhouse Square
Heather loves Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, so we took the bridal party on the trolly there for about an hour and a half. 90 minutes is the least amount of time I suggest to have relaxed and fun portraits of your bridal party and the bride/groom.
The minute we got off the trolly, a harpist was playing live in the park! I love using elements of the surroundings in the photographs. The gold trim of the harp framed heather and her simple bouquet of peonies from this florist. My favorite part was the photobomb from a group of bikers (old men on street bikes, not motorcycles!).
Ceremony at First Baptist Church of Philadelphia
Chris’s family is Southern Baptist, so they decided to get married at the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia. The ring bearer was so tired that he didn’t even make it to the opening of the ceremony. He was out cold in the church pews. The service was beautiful and ended with their exit as a new couple to all their guests lined up outside holding streamers.
Union League Wedding Reception
This wedding had a beautiful simple, clean and opulent details. The main reception room for their Union League wedding was luxurious and stunning! An event painter was there to capture the first dance with oil on canvas. They had a crazy night with tons of dancing and fun. The evening ended with a sparkler sendoff, and a few photographs with City Hall lit up behind them at night. I wish this wondering couple nothing but the best!
Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Philadelphia
Hair/Makeup: Bella Angel
Reception: The Union League of Philadelphia
Florist: Carl Alan
Videographer: Cinemacake
DJ/Band: The Heartbeats
Invitations: Chick Invitations
Wedding Planner: DFW Event Design – Katie Robinson
Check out The amazing Ballroom at the Ben Guide here!