• Posted by Natalie •
Lori & Jay's late-March wedding was a photographer's dream. Not only are they an incredibly nice and easy-going couple, but they managed to squeeze five different opportunities for bridal portraits into their day! We met up with them at the Hotel Sofitel in center city before heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to get the requisite shot with the Philly skyline from the top of the stairs. Thanks to our non-winter, the cherry blossom trees around the Art Museum were already in full bloom, and they created a pretty spring backdrop for a few more shots on the side steps. After that we met up with their family at Rittenhouse Square for formal portraits.
Their ceremony was just a few blocks away from Rittenhouse at the historic 10th Presbyterian Church, which is gorgeous both inside and out. When Lori first mentioned that there were candelabras lighting the aisle, I was afraid the church would be super dark, but I was thrilled to find a ring of windows around the balcony, which created a beautiful warm light for the whole ceremony. As a bonus, the evening sun created a perfect spotlight on the couple as they exchanged their vows. We really couldn't have choreographed it any better!
The whole wedding was very family-centric, especially the ceremony where Lori's mother took the role of Maid of Honor and Jay's father served as Best Man. The ceremony opened with a song sung by Jay's mother and sister before Lori and her father walked down the aisle. Later in the evening, both fathers had the opportunity to give toasts to the couple. Maybe I'm more of a sap for these things since I'm a new mom, but I thought it was incredibly touching for them to honor their parents with roles normally reserved for best friends.
After the ceremony, we couldn't resist taking advantage of 10th Presbyterian's striking archways for a few shots before our next portrait location in a spot that was quite the opposite. We returned to the graffiti wall in North Philadelphia where we had taken their engagement photos. The wall is constantly being painted and repainted, so we weren't exactly sure what we'd find, but that was part of the fun. There aren't too many couples who choose North Philly for their wedding photos, but we were more than happy to fill the non-traditional request and create some truly urban bridal portraits. I love how easily Lori and Jay can fit into the classical church portraits then transition to edgy in front of the graffiti wall.
Their reception was at Tendenza in Northern Liberties, which fit this couple perfectly. Both elegant and modern, it's one of the coolest new venues in Philly. Plus its location at the corner of the Piazza at Schmidt's created the opportunity for Lori and Jay to sneak out during dinner for a few evening portraits along Liberties Walk.
Lori and Jay, your wedding was beautiful from start to finish, and you two truly deserved it. Thanks so much for sharing all your ideas with us, we had so much fun bringing them to life and being a part of your day!
I love the photo below on the right because Lori's adorable little niece proclaimed, " Look Aunt Lori, we're wearing the same dress!"
I love the mix of modern and classic details at Tendenza. The crystal chandeliers are still breathtaking against the purple uplighting and the clear chiavari chairs pick up all the silver and purple accents in the linens. The white tufted beans with silver tiles on the top half against the brick walls — I could go on and on about the awesome design here!
