Moira & Ian’s marvelous Ballroom at the Ben wedding was another in a truly epic AGP family of friends. We met Moira at Katie & Brandon’s wedding in 2017, and we couldn’t wait to spend the day celebrating their love and capturing another epic St. Joe’s alumni dance floor!
Getting Ready for the Ballroom at the Ben Wedding
When we arrived in the bridal suite at the Hotel Monaco before Moira & Ian’s marvelous Ballroom at the Ben wedding, we weren’t first greeted by bridesmaids or parents, but by Moira’s dog of honor, Piper. She gave everyone lots of kisses, danced with the girls, and posed perfectly for some puppy portraits with her best friend. They even had a special cocktail named after Piper at the reception!
The second thing we noticed upon arrival was how clean the room was (if you’ve been a bride or bridesmaid, you know how crazy that sounds)! HUGE thanks to Moira for taking time out of her day to make our job a tiny bit easier! Rachel captured some of Moira’s gorgeous details like her Liv for Designs stationary, simple and sweet Magnificent Floral Events bridal bouquet, and cool custom handbag with “Mrs. Klinger” printed on the pearlescent white surface. Meanwhile in the other room we were capturing Moira, Piper, and her bridesmaids as they giggled and danced, drank champagne, and prepped for the day ahead. Nobody had seen Moira’s sophisticated Anne Barge gown besides her and her mother, so we got her dressed and did a dramatic bridesmaid reveal that dropped jaws. Her Matron of Honor, Katie, had given Moira her veil to wear. When it went on, the result was stunning! Soon after, Moira’s father came in for a first look and we will never forget the way he said “oh my goodness Moira” and let out a few tears while telling her how beautiful she is and how proud he is of her.
First Look before the Ballroom at the Ben Wedding
It was then time for the true first look between Moira and her groom so we headed off to the Merchant Exchange building where Ian was tucked away into a corner awaiting his bride. She walked up to him, tapped him on the shoulder, and he slowly turned to admire his soon to be wife. While emotions ran high, we snuggled them together for a few couples portraits with Piper and then the rest of the family. The bridal party turned a corner and cheered from afar when they saw the two posing for their epic portraits.
Wedding Ceremony at St Augustine Church
Ian and a few of his friends from school went to mass together often during their school days, and the Father who guided them in their younger years performed his wedding ceremony. To makes things even more meaningful, during the beautiful ceremony at St. Augustine’s Church in Old City, one of the groomsmen sang Ave Maria during the presentation of the gifts.
After Moira and Ian said their “I Do’s” we took off on the trolley to Broad Street for some quick signature portraits in front of the Famous Philadelphia City Hall. Once everyone was on the bus, Moira’s dad started up the party lights and speaker he drove all the way to their shore house in Avalon to grab. The party had officially begun for the wedding party and there was no stopping them anytime soon.
The Marvelous Ballroom at the Ben Wedding Reception
The Ballroom at the Ben provides an amazing balcony perfect for cocktail hour- and the perfect view for Moira and Ian’s first dance below on the dance floor. They were -literally- the only two in the room as they glided across the floor while their loved ones watched from above. Family and friends were introduced from the tunneling stairs and made quite the entrance. There were no shortages of speeches and toasts from Moira’s dad, the Fathers, the maids of honor “the Katies”, and the best man. Stories of their beginning, their love, and their quirks, including Ian’s obsession with his lawn, had the guests laughing and tearing at the same time. It is safe to say these two are loved by many, and it was incredibly obvious why.
After a few songs by the amazing Jack Faulkner Orchestra, Ian and Moira cut their cake and headed out for some epic night shots on the balcony. We love getting to utilize the city’s legendary lights at night! When we got back, there was a special visitor shaking up the dance floor. He was red and furry, and a hawk! The mascot from St. Joe’s joined Ian and Moira for the fight song at their wedding and even posed for some pics with their classmates from school, how cool is that??
Moira and Ian, congratulations on your marriage and thank you for graciously letting us capture you’re charming day. Again, we have to say an extra thank you for the super clean hotel room and super sweet pup Piper!
