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Michael and Sam’s Bartram’s Garden Wedding

When two souls find each other in the most unexpected places, it’s truly magical. Michael and Sam’s love story is a testament to that. They first crossed paths in line at a comedy show, but it wasn’t until they matched on a dating app that their journey of love truly began. Fast forward to September 2, 2023, and I had the honor of photographing their beautiful wedding at Bartram’s Garden in West Philadelphia.

For Michael and Sam, their wedding was more than just a celebration of their love – it was an ode to their shared passion for nature and community. The historic Bartram’s Garden, with its lush greenery and charming surroundings, provided the perfect backdrop for their special day.

The couple’s attention to detail and personal touch was evident in every aspect of their wedding. Their table centerpieces featured handcrafted ceramic vases holding elegant white roses and greenery, creating a simple yet striking aesthetic. Michael and Sam made these vases themselves! To add a vibrant pop of color to their dark blue suits, Michael and Sam donned matching yellow ties and bowties, which perfectly complemented the garden setting.

The wedding day began with a heartwarming twist – Michael and Sam got ready together. This unique choice set a relaxed and intimate tone for the day, allowing them to share special moments as they prepared to say “I do.”

Under the shade of a tree in the garden, the couple exchanged letters and gifts, each gesture filled with love and anticipation. We then embarked on a delightful portrait session, capturing the candid moments that truly showcased their affection.

The ceremony was a testament to the couple’s strong bonds of friendship. A close friend officiated the wedding, surrounded by all the people who hold a special place in Michael and Sam’s hearts. The historic garden’s charm added a timeless beauty to the occasion, making the day even more magical.

One of the most wonderful aspects of Michael and Sam’s wedding was their decision to forgo many traditional wedding formalities. Their wedding day was a canvas for self-expression, allowing them to embrace their authentic selves as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives.

The reception took place under the comfortable and spacious tent at Bartram’s Garden, offering stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline along the Schuylkill River. As the golden hour approached, we took a golf cart ride around the grounds to capture some breathtaking portraits, bathed in the warm, soft light of the setting sun.

The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, laughter, and tears of joy. Michael and Sam danced the night away with their family and friends, celebrating their love in style. The hora and an impromptu first dance as husbands added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

Michael and Sam’s wedding at Bartram’s Garden was a beautiful testament to the power of love and the joy of celebrating it in a way that truly reflects who you are as a couple. From their serendipitous meeting to their heartfelt vows, every moment of their day was a masterpiece.

As a Philadelphia wedding photographer, it was an honor to capture their unique love story against the backdrop of one of Philadelphia’s most cherished garden venues. If you’re planning your wedding in the Philadelphia area, especially at a place like Bartram’s Garden, remember that your day should be a reflection of your love and your unique journey. Embrace what makes your story special, and let your love shine through.

If you’re seeking a Philadelphia wedding photographer who can capture the essence of your unique love story and wedding day, look no further. Contact me today to discuss how we can create beautiful, lasting memories for your special day. I’d be delighted to be a part of your love story, just as we were for Michael and Sam’s beautiful day at Bartram’s Garden.

Capturing Love and Laughter: Nicole and Alex’s Downtown Club Wedding in Old City Philadelphia

Every wedding is a unique love story, and as a Philadelphia wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of witnessing countless beautiful moments. But there was something truly special about Nicole and Alex’s wedding, which took place in August at the historic Downtown Club by Cescaphe in Old City Philadelphia. This charming couple’s big day was filled with laughter, personal touches, and unforgettable memories. Let me take you on a journey through their wedding day, a sunny summer celebration that perfectly encapsulated their love and joy.

The day began with excitement and anticipation as Nicole and Alex prepared for their wedding at the elegant Hotel Monaco. Alex was surrounded by his groomsmen, while Nicole shared the moments leading up to the ceremony with her bridesmaids. The couple had chosen a summer theme for their attire, with Alex looking dapper in a light linen suit and Nicole stunning in a sleek gown from Lovely Bride Philly. JM&Co worked their magic to ensure Nicole’s hair and makeup were flawless. Nicole’s bridesmaids donned pastel green dresses with unique designs, adding a touch of elegance and individuality to the bridal party’s look. Nicole shared an emotional first look with her dad and brothers before the big reveal with her girls.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the day took place in the historic 18th Century Gardens, where Nicole and Alex shared their first look. The bright, sunny summer day provided the perfect backdrop for this emotional and joyful moment. What made it even more special was Nicole’s surprise: she brought their beloved dog, Penny, to join in the first look. The sight of Penny added an extra layer of love and emotion to this already magical moment. 

After the first look, we moved on to the Merchant’s Exchange building for photos with the couple’s amazing wedding party. Nicole and Alex were surrounded by friends who radiated happiness and love. The historic First National Bank served as a picturesque location for family portraits, capturing the essence of this historic city.

The ceremony took place inside the Downtown Club, a venue located on the top floor of a beautiful building that offers abundant natural light. Nicole and Alex chose a self-uniting ceremony, a unique and touching choice allowed under Pennsylvania law due to Quaker tradition. Their close friend officiated the ceremony, and they exchanged personal vows that had everyone in attendance laughing and shedding happy tears. Nicole’s vows even included a humorous reference to their initial meeting on Bumble, which left the crowd in stitches. Be sure to watch their highlight video to hear it!

The couple’s fun-filled cocktail hour featured entertainment by Red Oyster USA and a remarkable ice sculpture of their dog, Penny. The reception, led by DJ No Macarena, kicked off with Nicole and Alex’s first dance as a married couple. This magical moment was accentuated by a flower petal cannon and cold sparklers, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Heartfelt toasts from both fathers, the best man, Alex’s brother, and Nicole’s maids of honor showcased the immense love and support surrounding this couple.

As the golden hour bathed the city in a warm glow, we stole some precious moments for golden hour photos and a few fun shots in the elevator of the building. Then, it was time to dance the night away after the cake cutting, celebrating this new chapter in Nicole and Alex’s love story.

Nicole and Alex’s Downtown Club wedding was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. As their Philadelphia wedding photographer, it was an honor to capture the beauty and joy of their special day. Their unique ceremony, personal vows, and the presence of their furry friend, Penny, made this celebration truly one of a kind. Love was in the air, and it was evident how much this couple means to their friends and family. It’s weddings like these that remind me of the magic and love that can be found in every corner of this historic city. Cheers to Nicole and Alex, and may their love continue to shine brightly!

Most of all, I’m so grateful for Nicole’s kind review! Knowing I get to create something so meaningful for couples and their families brings me immense joy and satisfaction. <3

“Wow-there truly aren’t words to adequately describe how talented Becca is at her craft. The photos she captured and the videography she produced are truly so beautiful and unique. Her eye for capturing intimate special moments is amazing and we are forever grateful that we found her. The documentary style photo and video is so incredibly special and I have teared up every time I look at photos and shed many happy tears every time I watch any of the video footage. It is the greatest gift to be able to relive the best day of our lives which passed by so quickly (as wedding days do) in the moment and know we forever have these beautiful memories to look back on. We were on the fence about whether or not we wanted videography at first as we were budgeting the wedding and all I can say is, DO IT!!!! You will not only not regret it, but you will be SO GLAD you did it. As I’ve already stated Becca is of course so talented BUT there’s more-she is extremely professional, a great communicator, and an overall lovely person to be around. I couldn’t recommend her any more and have already convinced friends to utilize her for their weddings, so book her while you can!”