GRIFFITH PARK ELOPEMENT | RUTHIE & PARA | LOS ANGELES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHEr

It seems that the universe was conspiring from the start to bring Ruthie and Para together. Despite living on different continents, they have had a whirlwind romance. Ruthie is currently living in California and Para in Poland, together they have made it work, overcoming differences in time zones and culture.  As they told me their story it was clear that there were outside factors pulling them together, as if everything aligned to give them more time with one another to fall in love. From their chance meeting, to canceled flights, no vacancies and flooded roads, the beginning of their story could  be right out of a movie!

I met Ruthie and Para a few days before their elopement. As we sat outside a coffee shop on Sunset Boulevard, I could see instantly  how in love they were.  The way the glanced at each other, laughed unabashedly and snuggled up close as they told me about themselves. I loved being near them and the energy they exuded: so hopeful, excited and loving!

Their wedding day was intimate; accompanied by 4 friends, surrounded by a grove of trees in Griffith Park, they pledged their love to one another. The ceremony was filled with sentimental details. Guests shared a drink of Polish vodka and apple cider to honor Para's Polish heritage, and Ruthie shared pecans grown on her grandfather's tree to celebrate her Texas roots. Her grandfather has passed away and the tree is no longer standing, so Ruthie was saving the nuts for a vert special occasion. Sharing in this food and drink was such a beautiful and unique way to honor their heritage and loved ones. It was incredibly moving to be included in such an intimate, thoughtful ceremony and an honor to document the beginning of their journey together.

Styling and Florals by Holiday Celebrate (http://www.holiday-celebrate.com/)

THE METROPOLITAN BUILDING WEDDING | DANIELLE & CHRIS | NEW YORK CITY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

When I met Danielle for the first time we instantly connected; after just one hour on facetime, we knew we were friends. I loved that I got to see some of her walk home as we video chatted through her phone and that I got to see her in her own space! What was so memorable about our conversation is that we talked about really real things. Danielle shared with me that in the past years she and Chris had experienced several big losses that made both of them focus on what was most important in life. She said they realized they wanted to get married soon and wanted it to be a celebration of life and their friends and family. I felt so honored that Danielle was willing to share with me. Their urgency to gather their loved ones and celebrate life really resonated with me. Having been touched by sudden losses in the last year I felt that I was able to share that with her. We sat together miles apart but it felt like we were side by side.

The picture above is my favorite image from Danielle and Chris's wedding. To me it speaks volumes about them as a couple and the intent behind their wedding. There is so much darkness in the world it can sometimes feel that we are surrounded and alone, but in the face of hardship these two came closer together and stood in the light. The connection between them is a quiet, strong love. One that is steady and deep. When confronted with darkness, they choose to see the light, to embrace it and share it. Their willingness to give of themselves and connect with others was evident in their friends and family. The way Danielle's mom hugged Chris and called him her baby, the way Chris's groomsmen spoke about Danielle, and how the bridal party felt like a big family of fun kids who had grown up together showed me just how precious these two are to the ones they love.

Their New City York wedding at The Metropolitan Building was stunning! Danielle looked like a 50's goddess with her beehive hair and perfect red lips! She enlisted the help of her friend Stephen J Remington who turned The Metropolitan Building into a forest-like fairy land with his floral designs! It was such an incredible beautiful day that ended with Danielle and Chris encircled by the people they love most on the dance floor. Thank you both for welcoming me in to be part of your wedding and lives! I am truly honored.

ECHO PARK ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION | SABRINA & MOIRA | LOS ANGELES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Sabrina and Moira are a real-life queer Chilean-American couple living in Los Angeles, CA. They met through mutual friends in Portland, OR in 2005. Moira attempted to get Sabrina’s attention several times, but it wasn’t until 5 years later, when the 2010 earthquake hit central Chile did they make a real connection, bonding over their concern for family in the region during the natural disaster. In Moira’s words, “It took an 8.8 earthquake in Chile to get her to notice me!” They fell in love and have been together ever since. This past New Years Eve, they spontaneously eloped in Hawaii.

 We utilized the serendipitous timing of their elopement and the Out of The Box Challenge to create some images of their imagined wedding celebration. Shooting took place in Echo Park, Los Angeles, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the US, a haven for creatives with an incredibly rich and vibrant Latino history. Details of traditional Chilean textile patterns were used to create the paper design, which was given a fresh twist with unique typography and split fountain letterpress printing. A California nouveau take on traditional Chilean cuisine was employed when assembling the menu. Moira’s own motorcycle was used for the brides' getaway ride.

 Our expression of the theme “moving forward” chronicles the celebration of a lesbian Latina couple in LA. Taking cues from their Chilean heritage as a guide, this reinterpretation of tradition has Hawaii. created a truly modern celebration of their love. 

Written by - Marisa Suárez-Orozco 

EVENT PLANNING & PAPER DESIGN: Holiday Celebrate -  www.holiday-celebrate.com

FILM: Lovelit Films - lovelitfilms@gmail.com

FLORALS: Anne Cousineau - @annefcouisineau

BAKED GOODS AND FOOD STYLING: Leaven Bakery - @leavenbakery

MAKEUP: Valerie Ramirez - valerieramirezmakeup.com

 LETTER PRESS: Bullhorn Editions  - www.bullhorneditions.com

CEREMONY DRESS: Maggie Sottero - www.maggiesottero.com  

DRESS PROVIDED BY: Urban Set Bride - www.urbansetbride.com

RECEPTION OUTFITS: Model’s own elopement outfits

VEIL: Kerry Ann Stokes - www.kerryannstokes.com

FALL DELAWARE WEDDING | LIV & NATE | FENWICK ISLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

The first time I met Liv there was an instant connection. By the end of our Skype session we were giggling together and did an air hug, both clutching our computer screens. I'd made a new friend and I was going to get to photograph her wedding! I had a hunch from the start that Liv would be amazing since she is the best friend of one of my former brides Lauren! Both these ladies are sweet, sincere, and so much fun! 

Liv and Nate are both teachers. They live in beautiful southern Delaware where their wedding took place. Liv is a stunning, little, happy red head and Nate is a quite, tall bearded athlete. They compliment one another in so many ways, like the way Liv fits snuggled up under Nate's arm and how Liv's out going personality perfectly balances Nate's quiet, calm demeanor. Their wedding ceremony was held at Prince George's Chapel in Dagsboro, Delaware, one of the oldest churches in Delaware. It's small and intimate with a stunning vaulted ceiling. Built in the 1700's the aisles are tiny! It made for an adorable walk down the aisle for Liv and her Dad. Seeing them walking down, shoulder to shoulder holding hand was one of my favorite parts of the day! Another highlight was Nate's surprise dance with his mom and groomsmen. Nate and his mom started to slow dance together and then suddenly the music changed and all of Nate's groomsmen jumped on the floor with them. The guys broke it down with a choreographed dance and then each groomsmen grabbed his mom! It was one of the sweetest and fun surprises I have ever seen at a wedding! 

Liv and Nate picked one of their favorite restaurants Catch54 for their reception. It has stunning views of the bay and the most delicious food! I love that their wedding embraced the locality of Fenwick, with fresh seafood, views of the bay and local flowers. I like to think Fenwick was congratulating Liv and Nat with a stunning sunset that kicked of their reception! 

ECO-BOHEMIAN WEDDING | ANGELA & JON | PENNSYLVANIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

I've tried multiple times in vain to express how special Jon and Angela's wedding was. So instead of trying to craft an illustrative write-up of the day I'm going to give snapshots that will help express what made this day so precious and unique. When I think of Jon and Angela's wedding day, I first think of the way my heart felt looking out over the crowd as Angela and her Dad made the journey up the aisle. My heart was bursting with love, so saturated in the delicate beauty of the moment before me. As a looked at their family and friends, the swelling in my chest was familiar: it was the same emotion I felt on my own wedding day when I looked out over my own guests. I paused in the moment as tears filled my eyes, feeling so grateful to all who were present to celebrate this amazing couple. Since Angela and her family are from Australia many of the guests had literally traveled from the other side of the world to support Jon and Angela's marriage! 

In thinking about Jon and Angela's wedding  I think about the months of thoughtful preparation put into this day, the hours poured into raising the chicken to be served at their reception--YES! They hand raised the chicken they served!  I think of the care taken to hand preserve, pickle and jar their favors. The love and skill Angela's sister put into embroidering the jar toppers for each guest to take home. I think about the nurturing Jon and Angela placed into raising some of the vegetables incorporated into the bridal party's bouquets and boutonnieres. 

Something that struck me throughout the months before their wedding was how intentional Jon and Angela were about every aspect of their wedding, from having Jon's grandfather read a poem Angela's grandfather had written, to how their love of gardening was highlighted throughout the entire day. Jon and Angela chose to remove their shoes during their ceremony in order to be more grounded as they became husband and wife. They took each detail to heart and made it their own. 

I can't replay this day without thinking of Angela's sister, Michelle's, speech. Michelle and I had an instant connection from the start of the day and throughout the reception she kept mentioning to me how nervous she was about her speech. I kept reassuring her she would do great, but when the time came she didn't do great, no, she gave the best wedding speech I have ever seen. Instead of a traditional talk she performed a customized rendition of "Ice, Ice, Baby" complete with dance moves. The entire reception was rolling with laughter. Jon and Angela were doubled over in laughter and disbelief! If you ask me, spending your first hours of marriage  sharing side-splitting laughter with your partner and everyone you love is an incredible gift. 

Jon and Ange, thank you for sharing the gift of your friendship with me and for allowing me to capture this precious day. 

Second Shooter: Becka Pillmore 

Dress: Rachel Gilbert

Suit: Vintage Finds 

Wedding Venue: Bryn Athyn Cathedral 

Reception Venue: Applewood Events

Catering: Always Cafe 

Music: Grits and Grouper Soup 

Chalk Art: Cailin Elphick 

Florals: Bri Kern 

Hair: Hair by Natalie Thomas 

Make-up: Eryn Simons 

CHIC FISHTOWN ANNIVERSARY SESSION | ANNA & KYLE | PHILADELPHIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

It's always a special honor when a fellow creatives ask me to take their photos! Anna is talented blogger, a beautiful writer with an eye for photography. When she reached out to me this spring to do an anniversary session with her and Kyle I did a happy dance.

Kyle and Anna moved to Fishtown from Colorado and have shared their first year of marriage there. We wanted to capture the spirit of their neighborhood so we spent a beautiful crisp fall evening wandering through Fishtown. We stopped by La Colombe for Coffee, their favorite restaurant,  Kensington Quarters and finished the evening under the bistro lights of their apartment building! I love that we got to tell more of Anna and Kyle's love story by capturing the places their marriage has grown in.  

Here's to 1 year of marriage may their be 1,000 more! 

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