RACHEL & TYLER | STYLISH BACKYARD WEDDING | PHILADELPHIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Tyler and Rachel have a deep, steady love. As high-school sweethearts, they have grown up together, leading to a true understanding of one another and powerful connection that is beautiful to witness. These two have a strong community of friends--I'm happy to count myself among them--and family whom they have poured their hearts into. The meaningful connections with the individuals surrounding them on their wedding day were tangible. Prior to their ceremony at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Tyler and Rachel sat surrounded by friends and family who performed incredible live music as guests arrived. The love and sanctity of that space is something I will never forget. As tears streamed down my face, I was swept up in the beautiful music, the tenderness shared between Tyler and Rachel and the outpouring of love from everyone in the space. It's these moments that remind us what life is all about, sharing our lives with others, loving them and building meaningful connections. Thank you for reminding me of that Tyler and Rachel! 

Ceremony: Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Reception: Groom's Parents' Backyard
Dress: Theia
Shoes: Nine West
DJ: Kaellum McQueen
Catering: Karen Spire Catering

KATIE AND ANDREW | PHILADELPHIA CRICKET CLUB | PHILADELPHIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

You know you have met a special couple when after their engagement session they invite you to get frozen yogurt and you contemplate canceling your dinner plans to spend another hour with them! I felt the same way on Katie and Andrew's wedding day, it was such a joy to be around them. It felt so natural as if they were old friends of mine. 

Katie and Andrew are two of the kindest most fun souls I haver ever met. The way they interact with one another is beautiful, with sweetness and silliness. It is clear they are very intentional about their relationships. It shown through on their wedding day, not only in their love for one another but the love they share with friends and family. The joy and celebration their guest held for their marriage was tangible. The day at Philadelphia Cricket Club was magic filled with laughs, tears and killer dance moves! 

Katie and Andrew, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to capture your love for one another, for friends and family and for life, it's infectious and a delight to bear witness to. 

Second shot by the fabulous Adrienne Matz Photography

Ritika & Raj | Colorful Mural Engagement Shoot | Virginia Wedding Photographer

" If I were to paint a picture of true love I 'd use the brightest colors" 

What better way to capture the infectious and joyful love of Ritika and Raj than a setting just as bright and colorful! The Crystal Wynwood Mural is a street mural celebrating the Crystal City neighborhood's energy, activity, and creativity. It is a collaborative piece developed by artists from the Washington, DC area.

The vibrance of this mural seems to affect the space around it. It is charged, energetic and joyful. Ritika, Raj and I had an amazing time playing in the tunnel that is home to the mural. We shared the space with a few passersby but largely had the area to ourselves to experiment and play. I am so grateful to these two for spending a sunny Saturday adventuring around DC with me, being exploring, laughing and making beautiful images! 

RITIKA & RAJ | FUN BALL PIT ENGAGEMENT SHOOT | NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM ENGAGEMENT | WASHINGTON, DC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Oh my word how I adore these two! Ritika and Raj are a silly, sweet, fun, thoughtful couple. Their love story started at George Washington University in Washington, DC (Go Colonials!). As college sweethearts they have watched one another grow and seen the ups and downs of the transition from college days to adult life, which for these two go-getters includes a full-time job as an analyst and medical school. Since Ritika and Raj's love story unfolded in DC, it was only natural that their engagement session take place there as well! 

This summer the National Building Museum put on a one-of-a-kind exhibit. They brought the beach to the city, creating a 10,000 square foot "ocean" of plastic balls in the center of the building! Ritika, Raj and I excitedly waited in line and when we got to the "beach" we jumped right in! The first plunge was surprising. Our landings were soft as we floated atop hundreds of clear plastic balls! As we slowly made our way through the sea of plastic and people we couldn't help but laugh. Our movements were comically awkward and slow. Ritika and Raj were hilarious and adorable! Though we were surrounded by people, it was as if they were the only two in the room. It was such a joy to watch them play with one another. I loved how sweetly they helped one another through the "ocean," how eagerly they jumped (literally) into the shoot and how easily they laughed out loud. The National Building Museum's beach is open until September 6th, if you have the chance, do yourself a favor and take a dip! 

Be sure to check out the colorful second half of Ritika and Raj's engagement session on the blog later today! 

AIDAN & JOSH | POOLSIDE SUMMER ENGAGEMENT SESSION | PHILADELPHIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

You know there is something special about a couple when you say "How about I bring inner tubes and we take some shots in your pool?" and they respond with a resounding, " Sounds great!" Throughout the session we were racing the sun and fighting a storm rolling, but these two  stayed positive and were up for anything!

It had been awhile since I'd actually played in a pool, hopping in with inner tubes and a camera I was taken back to the wonder that water held for me as a little kid. It was such a delight to be submerged, creating beautiful image with Aidan and Josh, two people so in love! The pool allowed for both, their playful and romantic sides to shine through! 

Be sure to keep an eye out this coming week for the second part of their session along the Pennypack Creek!

CAITLIN & KEVIN | WILLIAM PENN INN | PHILADELPHIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Caitlin and Kevin's wedding day was full - full of family, love, sweet moments and killer dance moves. You know it's going to be an exciting day when the groom has 7 siblings. Kevin and Caitlin are so deeply in love and it is clear that they not only love one another but love each other's families as well. It was beautiful to witness these two families come together and celebrate Kevin and Caitlin's union.  

Lovely Vendor Team

2nd photographer: www.samanthajayphoto.com

 William Penn Inn: www.williampenninn.com

East Coast Event Group: www.eastcoasteventgroup.co/

Weckerly's Ice Cream: weckerlys.squarespace.com/

LOVEhaus designs: www.facebook.com/LOVEhausLifestyling?fref=nf

KATIE & ANDREW | HAVERFORD COLLEGE | PHILADELPHIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Katie and Andrew are college sweethearts so when they suggested we hold their engagement session at their alma mater, Haverford College, it felt like the absolute perfect fit! These two are are so natural and sweet with one another, quick to snuggle up and quicker to laugh. It was such a joy  to walk with them around Haverford's beautiful campus hearing hilarious stories about their college life together! I got to see the dorm they lived in senior year and the fields the walked every day to class. Being with Katie and Andrew was so comfortable and fun, they are such genuine souls, with big hearts and stellar dance moves. I cannot wait to be a part of their wedding day! 

During  our time together Katie and Andrew talked about how after living apart from one another for several years any time they are with one another feels like a gift. They don't take a minute for granted. When they are together they are snuggling, dancing and truly listening to one another. Even though they are now both in Philadelphia their mindset of not taking one another's presence for granted remains. This is one of the gifts a long distance relationships leaves a couple with,  an immense appreciation and joy from being close to your beloved. It's a sweet little gift that does not fade easily, and something I hope Andrew and Katie will feel forever.

ADRAEA AND TASHA | GRAEME PARK | PHILADELPHIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER