Nestled in Philadelphia, just a few blocks north of Market Street in Old City, there is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches around: Christ Church. Directly next door is the Neighborhood House, and this is where Youqi and Yuqing united in love and marriage.
First Look & Portraits at the Merchant Exchange Building
In a unique twist, Yuqing and Youqi began their day fully dressed for the first look at the Merchant Exchange Building. The idea was to take portraits of them and wedding party photos and have lots of time to relax before the ceremony. We love the Merchant Exchange Building and it was a befitting location for two architects wedding day to begin. After a beautiful portrait session in the midday sun, the bridesmaids and groomsmen arrived for a fun group photo session before we all walked back over to Christ Church.
Getting Re-Ready for the Christ Church Wedding
The bride and groom went their separate ways and got un-ready so they could spend a little time relaxing before the ceremony. We took this time to gather up all their beautiful accessories and lay them out to photograph in as many ways as possible. With shoes from Alexander Wang, rings from Cartier and Tiffany & Co, and flowers from Robertson’s Floral Design, every detail was elegantly beautiful and carefully considered. The groom’s matching feather bowtie and boutonniere from Brackish was a unique touch to the groom’s look that we appreciated. Once we exhausted the detail photos we turned our attention to the architecture of Christ Church which is an important historic venue nestled in the heart of Old City, Philadelphia.
As ceremony time approached, in a cute room lined with antique bookcases, Yuqing was helped into her stunning wedding dress by her mother and soon to be mother-in-law. One of her bridesmaids helped her put in the veil and Yuqing added her necklace and earrings to complete her bridal look. At the other side of the Neighborhood House building, Youqi was buttoning up his shirt, popping his jacket back on and finishing his look off with his Brackish bow tie and boutonniere. All of which was done beside a beautiful big window from which Youqi could see the church he and Yuqing were about to get married in.
The Christ Church Ceremony
Inside Christ Church the guests sat admiring the gorgeous colonial architecture and abundant window light that makes this church so special. As the doors opened and Yuqing entered the church, escorted by her father, Youqi looked on with a twinkle in his eye. He was so happy this moment had finally come. The priest delivered a beautiful ceremony with readings from important people in the bride and groom’s lives. As they recessed back up the aisle as husband and wife their friends and family on both sides of the aisle cheered on the newlyweds.
The Reception at the Neighborhood House
Before cocktail hour began, Yuqing tossed her bouquet to a group of ladies gathered behind her. We don’t often see an outdoor bouquet toss in the late afternoon sun but now we hope we get to see many more. Following cocktail hour, the guests moved in to the ballroom at the Neighborhood House and Youqi and Yuqing entered to begin the reception. Yuqing had switched to a stunning evening gown which flowed beautifully as her and her new husband danced their first dance as husband and wife. After their dance were touching toasts from some of their nearest and dearest followed by a beautiful buffet served by Feastivities. Next it was time to cut the cake, wonderfully marbled by Bredenbecks Bakery. We had a great time photographing the cake with the LED backdrop behind it made for some interesting photographs.
Yuqing and Youqi, thank you so much for letting us photograph your special day. We had a wonderful time and we wish you both a long and happy future.
