While Christine and Dan’s wedding didn’t go as they’d originally planned with a giant blow out at Ballroom at the Ben, their beautiful ceremony at St Dorothy’s Church followed by an intimate backyard reception was just as amazing and special. This great couple tied the knot and Christine became Daniel’s step-mom all in one awesome afternoon.
Getting Ready for St Dorothy’s Ceremony
When we arrived at the home of Christine’s mother, their was an air of palpable excitement. The ladies were all just so glad the day had finally come, and that the plan was unchanged. Christine was sitting in the makeup chair getting finishing touches on her hair. Her custom made wine glass was clutched in her hand, and as the spray was finished, she welled up. It had been such a crazy whirlwind of a year of planning and replanning, the emotion of the day was creeping up on her. A few sips from that trusty glass and a couple well-timed jokes from her friends helped pull her through.
As lunch was served, we went up to capture the details of the day. Christine’s beautiful dress and gorgeous full length veil were stunning and it felt so good to photograph a wedding dress again! In a loving tribute to her late father, Christine had his wedding ring with her details to be captured before it was pinned in her wedding dress. His initials next to her wedding rings was so special.
Once these were all captured, it was time for her to finally don the gown (a full month + after the original date) and head to the church. Helped by her mom and sister, everything was soon buttoned and the veil put in place. Christine put on the finishing touches herself before opening the gifts from her two best guys: Dan and Daniel.
The cards made her tear up again, and the beautiful bracelets they both got her were lovely. She put the one from Dan on, and was ready to go.
Meanwhile, just a few miles away at the house they share, Dan was getting ready and helping little Daniel do the same. Daniel’s little suit jacket hung next to his dad’s and he patiently stood there as all the buttons and zips were done. The promise of a present seemed to be a steadying force. Dan meanwhile, had opened his gift earlier so no one would catch him crying. He underestimated Christine and as Daniel read his letter, we caught a tear or two from Dad.
Then he donned his gray suit, perfectly positioned the cufflinks, fastened the beautiful watch band on his iWatch – the gift from earlier – and was ready to head to St Dorothy’s Church for their wedding ceremony.
The Ceremony at St Dorothy’s Church
Funny enough, St Dorothy’s Church has a unique tie to our studio. Rachel Pray grew up just a few blocks from this beautiful church, and all the kids in her neighborhood belonged to this parish. But, she had never seen the inside until Christine and Dan’s wedding. St Dorothy’s Church was all set for their ceremony. Pews were blocked off to allow for social distancing, and attendees clustered in the groups of people they came with.
Dan walked in behind Father Tom Gillin, who is Christine’s uncle, and waited patiently for his bride. And when she appeared, those tears he tried desperately to hide, swam into his eyes again. Christine melted as well. It had been SO long. They were finally here.
The rest of their ceremony was beautiful and personal. They exchanged their rings, given them by Daniel, and when they shared their first kiss as a married couple, a cheer went up from those gathered. They’d done it!
After family formals at St Dorothy’s Church, it was time to race downtown for some portraits at some of our favorite Philly landmarks.
Portraits in Downtown Philadelphia
The party bus followed us into the city where we stopped in front of City Hall for the ever iconic Broad Street shot. Made even more epic by Christine’s gorgeous veil. Then we popped a little further down into Old City to the Merchant’s Exchange Building. We had some fun with bridal party, and then captured Dan and Christine’s love for one another in some gorgeous portraits.
Then the bus made its way to a football field in Springfield. Named for Dan’s late father, the bridal party held an impromptu scrimmage before we finally vamoosed to the reception.
The Intimate Backyard Reception
Behind the house Dan grew up in, was a lovely tented reception. The rustic wooden tables were beautifully decorated with candles and stunning florals. And the sweetheart table was all set for the new Mr and Mrs.
When the DJ began announcements, it became clear that little Daniel had been saving all his energy for this moment. When he was announced in, he worked that dance floor. Break dancing, ripping off his jacket, and all sorts of crowd working. He definitely set the stage for his Dad and Step-mom to be announced. They came skipping in together and went straight into their first dance. They finished with a flourish – Dan dipping Christine and then lifting her for a great big kiss.
Dan’s brother gave a toast that had everyone roaring, and then the groom shared a dance with his mom. Cake was cut after a fabulous meal, and a few folks even got on their dancing shoes.
It was delightfully low-key and awesome for everyone, especially Dan and Christine who were just SO excited to finally be married.
