Arts Ballroom Wedding Photos | Elegant Philly Wedding

The week before Christmas Eve is a busy time for everyone. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, or Festivus! But we got to take a few hours to slow down and remember what is really important: love. Yep. Finding that one person who makes your soul sing and holding on to them for the rest of your life. Maureen and Justin’s wedding day was a beautiful reminder of what matters most.

Getting Ready at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel

When we arrived at the Loews Philadelphia, we couldn’t wait to get started! Maureen and Justin were our final wedding of the 2016 season and it was shaping up to be a wonderful finale. Maureen was radiant and all smiles when we walked into her suite. Her stunning dress and shoes (oh those shoes!) were out and ready for us to photograph. And after a quick call, the rings were all in one place to photograph together. For the ceremony, Justin would be given his grandfather’s wedding band in the exchange. This beautiful heirloom was engraved with his wedding date, 6/28/47. It was a lovely tribute to a man who had loved his family well and passed on before getting to see this day.

After hair and makeup was finished, there was a gift exchange. Justin pulled out all the stops. In a bouquet of roses, there was a golden one. Inside it was a second wedding band for his bride. Of course, there was nothing but smiles.

Meanwhile, Justin had received a gorgeous watch box. The ebony wood and glass lid, monogrammed with his initials, was a timeless gift that would serve him for years to come. Oh, and inside was a pretty incredible watch… that was just a smidgeon too big. He vowed to wear it another time.

Ceremony at St. John the Evangelist

You know you love someone when you are Jewish and you and your family agree to a Catholic mass for the ceremony. That is true dedication. It really highlighted how devoted to each other Justin and Maureen are. When they’d been pronounced man and wife, you could see the thrill on their faces. They happily recessed to take their photos in the deserted Rittenhouse Square.

Couples Portraits at Rittenhouse Square and Elfreth’s Alley

It was quite cold. Rittenhouse was totally deserted. But best of all, there was a thin crust of snow garnishing everything. The perfect setting for our lovebirds to snuggle close together and enjoy a few moments of peace. There was a lot of laughs and kisses, plenty of cozying up, and, in the fading light, a glow of love over these two.

We then made our way over to Elfreth’s Alley – the oldest street in the city. After a few quick shots there, we raced over to the Arts Ballroom for the reception.

The Reception at Arts Ballroom

A true hidden gem, the Arts Ballroom features a beautiful light blue ballroom with an elegant staircase for some fabulous bridal party introductions. We loved the open and airy feel. It was perfect for when the dance floor heated up!

After being announced in and their first dance, the toasts were offered. Including one by Maureen’s uncle that honored her mother. Her father had passed away and her mother had shouldered the burden of being a single mother with great dignity and grace. It was a beautiful tribute.

Then the party really got rolling. The band fired up and the dance floor was jumping all night long. Made our job so much fun and very easy. Then it was over! Our last wedding of the season. We packed our gear and said goodnight.