Wedding Photography at Philadelphia City Hall: Triana + Ankur

I don’t think Triana and Ankur could keep a straight face for more than 10 minutes if their lives depended on it. And, honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. This was the same Harry Potter/Twihard couple I geeked out with at their engagement session a few months ago at Longwood Gardens.

So there we were at Philadelphia City Hall on an incredibly hot Thursday afternoon waiting for these two to say their ‘I do’s. Ankur had arrived at the crack of dawn and elbowed out some fellow to-be-weds months earlier to reserve this date. City Hall weddings are something special because there is so little stuff involved. It really is all about the couple, the closest of friends and family, and a marriage and I think that’s pretty cool.


We had some time before the ceremony began so we took a quick pass through the hallways to find some key spots for pictures. As my couples can attest, my photographic mantra is more akin to “it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission” so when we saw a door ajar to this incredibly beautiful courtroom, there was no doubt about what to do.


As always, the hallways there are just gorgeous.




We returned to the outer room where several other couples were waiting to get their union on. And we waited, and waited, and waited…



I love a man who comes prepared…



It was our turn to be called into the courtroom. The judge was so friendly and everyone was all smiles. There was such energy in that small room while everyone was standing there, just an arm’s length away from this ceremony.




We adjourned to the heat (91 degrees and soooo humid) and took some pictures of everyone outside of the beautiful architecture of City Hall and then the three of us were on our way.




We stopped by Philly's LOVE Park where people were dipping their toes in the purple fountain to feel just the tiniest bit of respite from the weather. Everyone was dripping with sweat but Triana and Ankur were such troopers.



I adored Triana’s bridal bouquet, a puffy cloud of pale pink peonies.


I am always impressed by my brides and grooms. They take risks, they have fun, they play, and they let me in on what is quintessentially them. I feel like I must be a magnet for the best people in the world because things like this happen:


There wasn’t even a second thought!



Triana and Ankur, thank you so, so much for inviting me to photograph your wedding. It was fantastic!

We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.
~ Dr. Seuss

Engagement Session Photography at Valley Forge National Park: Lindsay + Jordan

So you know that great couple who were high school sweethearts, incredibly friendly, loving, and attractive? The kind that have it so together that they couldn’t even make a WB teen sitcom about them? Yeah, that’s Lindsay and Jordan. They’ve been together 7-8 years (it’s debatable) and have seen each other through long distances and ups and downs. Earlier this year she had a ring waiting for her at the end of a scavenger hunt all around town. Love it!

They’re now in Austin, Texas, planning a fall wedding at Tyler Arboretum from afar. I was able to grab them for a few hours on a trip out here. We had a spectacular engagement session at Valley Forge National Park. Hellooooo, naturals!





How can you not love a couple who can just get goofy with each other?


I totally dig it when my couples can do tricks. They asked if I could get pics of Jordan jumping over Lindsay. Um… YES!







I can’t wait to see (and photograph!) what you two can do at your wedding this October! Lindsay, you’ll be leapfrogging in your gown, right?

You don't have to go looking for love when it's where you come from.
~Werner Erhard

Wedding Photography at Lancaster's Inn at Leola Village: Sarah + Kevin [teaser]

Sarah and Kevin got married at this magical place called the Inn at Leola Village this past weekend. I have so much to show you but you’re just gonna have to wait. Here’s a taste!

Engagement Session Photography at Valley Forge National Park: Kelly + Kevin

I don’t think I have it in me to live too dangerously. Kelly and Kevin’s engagement session at Valley Forge National Park is about as ferocious as things get for me (as long as you’re not counting sky diving and training for a marathon). We battled geese, ticks, traffic, gnats, and a very intense park ranger named Bruce. Never fear; we overcame and have some fantastic images to show for our adventures.

But first let me tell you a little about Kelly and Kevin. They knew each other back in high school. He was a too cool quarterback and a year ahead of her. It wasn’t until a few years ago that they reconnected at a pub and she was eventually smooth talked into something serious. Could you resist those big, green eyes? Didn’t think so. He surprised her with rose petals, a ring, and down on one knee when they were “going to go out for his father’s birthday”.

I can’t wait to photograph their wedding this November at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum. For now, here are some pictures from their engagement session…




A quick change later and we were on our way. Kelly is gorgeous and her laughter is infectious. Her entire being smiles with her and it’s awesome.




And seriously, what a ring, right?!


I promise these two weren’t dragging blankets like Pigpen. The gnats were out to get us. Think of them instead as tiny, little bug fairies. There, isn't that better?



We lucked out with some incredible light from golden hour.




Kelly and Kevin, can’t wait for the wedding! Thanks so much for spending (and surviving!) a wonderful evening with me.

The art of love... is largely the art of persistence.
~Albert Ellis

Beach Wedding Photography in Dewey Beach, Delaware: Brittany + Justin

No, no, not that Brittany and Justin. This Brittany and Justin are a gorgeous couple, completely fun loving and hilarious, had a beautiful wedding in Dewey Beach, Delaware and yours truly had the honor of photographing it! You should remember them from their engagement session a few months ago.

I started with the ladies around the corner from the venue. Brittany wore a stunning Maggie Sottero slim line gown with some of the most incredible back detailing I’ve seen. A dancer, it fit her form like a glove.


The bridesmaids wore beachy turquoise dresses with great accessories.


The bridal party carried flowers in a fiery orange, Brittany with calla lilies and orchids wrapped in raffia.


Meanwhile, the guys made their way over to the venue, Venus on the Half Shell. It’s a fantastic space with a waterfront view and a unique Moroccan and vibrant vibe inside. I can absolutely understand why this had to be the place for them!


Their wedding was held on the beach under a tent as clouds loomed outside.



I love this look that he gives her that says nothing less than complete adoration.


Justin got into a very serious accident mere weeks before the wedding. Incredibly, he pulled through and looked quite charming as a groom up there. You’d never know if it weren’t for his bandaged hand. And yes, Brittany was still able to get the ring on.




I love this shot that my second shooter, Sean, was able to get from the other side of the kiss!



I really dig that we had some great overcast skies as a background for our pictures. The soft light and moody conditions were clutch. We didn’t have a single drop fall on us.






And what did I tell you about this dress? Incredible, no?



The girls were a hoot. I think Christi is the one who totally makes this picture!


Venus on the Half Shell looked great. All of the turquoise and orange accessories blended seamlessly into the funky décor.


Brittany and Justin had their first dance to “Your Guardian Angel” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.



The toasts were funny and heartfelt. It was actually the first time I’ve ever seen a toast read off of an iPhone.



And you know me, if I have a chance to get food shots, I will!


Check out this cake by Sugarbakers.


As I’m sure you can imagine, the night was a riot…





Thank you both so much for inviting me to be a part of your day. Brittany and Justin, you rock!

I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
~ The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, “Your Guardian Angel”

Hair: Bad Hair Day Salon and Spa

Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero

Florist: Flowers by Mayumi

Ceremony: Venus on the Half Shell

Reception: Venus on the Half Shell

Catering: Venus on the Half Shell

DJ: Craig and Company

Wedding Cake: Sugarbakers