Sam and Joey’s wedding at the Philadelphia Racquet Club was beyond their wildest dreams. After being completely ghosted by the photographer they’d hired for their intimate wedding in LA last year, they were understandably nervous until we were on the scene. Side bar: who does that?!
Once our team had arrived, however, they relaxed. And the day went on without a hitch!
Getting Ready at the Philadelphia Racquet Club
Sam & Joey were each in a suite at the Philadelphia Racquet Club, getting ready for the big day! It was absolutely perfect weather, and we were all excited to get over to Rittenhouse Square for the first look and pictures.
Sam was so lovely, and all her details shimmered as we set them up for their moment in the spotlight. Her dress was elegant and begging to be put on. Hair and makeup had done a phenomenal job, and we were itching to get her into her dress. So we wasted no time.
Joey, meanwhile, was looking dashing as he put the finishing touches on his wedding day ensemble. His buddies made sure that he didn’t take himself too seriously though, as they joked around and had a good time. Grabbing the letter from Sam, he made his way to the first look.
First Look at the Merchant Exchange Building & Portraits
Sam and Joey had each written a letter to one another, and they read them as they stood waiting for their first look. Sam was unable to finish reading hers as tears welled and spilled from her eyes. So, Joey read it aloud to her. There was a moment when we all were worried that the makeup artist’s work would need redone. It was a beautiful moment for these two on their wedding day.
From there, we had a blast capturing more portraits of these two sweet souls and their friends. But especially their lovely dog, Rosie! She nearly ran away with the show, and no one would have been mad! We toured Old City and found some new fun nooks and crannies along the way! Then it was back to the Racquet Club for the wedding!
Ketubah Signing & Ceremony at the Philadelphia Racquet Club
When we got back to the Philadelphia Racquet Club, we made our way to the room where Sam and Joey’s gorgeous Ketubah was waiting to be signed. For any who may be unfamiliar with Jewish wedding traditions, the Ketubah is essentially a marriage contract. It’s openly displayed in Jewish homes and so it is often made to be beautiful so it can be displayed as art as well as a sign of their love for one another.
The Rabbi presided over the signing and their witnesses made it official. It was time for the public ceremony!
Under a beautiful chuppah, Sam and Joey came together in this symbol of the home they were creating. It is meant to have open sides, so that they may invite all to enter in. They exchanged vows, were blessed and prayed over, drank sacramental wine, and gave one another beautiful rings to wear forever. They sealed their love with a kiss, and Joey stomped the glass into a million pieces.
Reception at the Philadelphia Racquet Club
Sam and Joey stormed into their reception to great applause. They wasted no time in opening the dance floor with their first dance and the special parent dances. Because of the layout of the Philadelphia Racquet Club, it was best to enjoy dinner and toasts all together in the ballroom as it’s separated from the main hall where the dance floor is. They’d thought of this though. Cleverly, after the toasts and dinner, they invited everyone out for the Hora. That got the dance floor moving and it didn’t stop the whole night!
They snuck in a little donut cheers in lieu of a cake cutting and spent the rest of the night laughing wildly and dancing their hearts out. Congrats, Sam & Joey!
