When we first met Michelle and Benjamin, Ashley was actually on the West Coast for a business trip and so Rachel ended up having the original consult. The benefit to working together for so long is that Rachel and Ashley know each other so well, they can extol the virtues of the other perfectly. It resulted in Michelle and Ben booking us for their wedding and we are SO glad they did!
A Little Backstory
Michelle and Ben saw each other at law school and knew of each other, but never really talked. After they had both graduated, they got jobs in the same courthouse where their relationship really began. Ben confessed that he’d had a crush on Michelle since he saw her and they started dating. The stars quickly aligned, and they knew they’d found the one.
Getting Ready at the Loews Hotel
We got to the Loews Hotel and split up. Ashley went to find Michelle and Rachel to Benjamin. It was such a fun time when we found our bride and groom, and soon we were ready to get everything underway.
Michelle and her ladies had already been having lots of fun together. Their mismatched blush and champagne dresses hung neatly in a row and really popped in the black and white decor of the Loews Hotel. All of Michelle’s details were exquisite and we enjoyed photographing them as we waited for the big moment: the dress! After being helped in, the final touches were applied and it was time to head to Washington Square for their first look!
Meanwhile, several floors down, the good times were rolling for Ben and the guys. Tuxes were easily put on, no drama whatsoever, and Ben had revealed his amazing groomsman gift: monogrammed barrels for aging their own liquor or beer. What a gift!! Rachel’s husband just recently started doing this so it made her heart happy to see the guys get to enjoy themselves.
Ben was totally poised, ready for action. So we delayed no further and went to the square.
The First Look at Washington Square
Rachel positioned Benjamin in Washington Square to wait for Michelle. While we were there waiting, a pillow fight raged in the center of the square. Several folks came by and offered pillows for the groom to join in, but he acquiesced. He was waiting for his bride and nothing was going to distract him.
Michelle arrived and snuck up on him. When she tapped his shoulder, he was stunned. She proudly showed off her incredible dress, and they shared a heartfelt moment together. We knew they were basking in the simple joy of being together on their wedding day. There’s nothing quite like that feeling. After a few portraits, we took a short walk to the courtyard of their apartment building, and were blown away by how beautiful it was. Philadelphia has SO many hidden gems like this. It’s one of the reasons we love this city more than any in the world.
While eating up the beautiful scenery of the courtyard, Michelle and Ben enjoyed the view of each other. But we had to get back to the square for bridal party pictures, so we reluctantly left the courtyard and made our way back. Afterwards, it was time for the ceremony and reception at the fabulous Ballroom at the Ben!
The Ceremony and Reception at the Ballroom at the Ben
In a ceremony that featured highlights of happy tears as Michelle made her vows to Ben, laughter as the judge shared stories from their daily life, specifically that Ben likes to take 5 hour naps on Sundays, and a rousing cheer when the newlyweds kissed and made their way back down the aisle as man and wife.
Finley Catering had prepared quite a spread for cocktail hour and everyone immediately rushed off to enjoy it. During this time, we captured the transformation of the ceremony space into the gorgeous reception room.
Then it was time to get the party started. The bridal party entered, each one having more fun than the last, culminating in the arrival of the new McCoy’s. After a lovely first dance, there were toasts offered for the newlyweds. After lots of laughs and excellent food, the dance floor opened up, and it was on! The room didn’t stop dancing the entire time, and we enjoyed hearing some great old songs make a resurgence. It’s Raining Men, anyone?
It was with these memories freshly emblazoned in our minds that we took our leave of this incredible couple.
Michelle and Benjamin, we hope that you are enjoying married life. We hope that Sunday afternoon naps have gotten more amazing, and that you two are experiencing incredible joy in your new life together!
