Downtown Club Cescaphe Wedding photos- unique wedding venue

Oh my goodness. Tara and Ryan’s Downtown Club wedding was off. the. hook! We had an absolutely incredible time photographing these two in the heart of historic Philadelphia.

We started at the ever wonderful Hotel Monaco. We love this hotel for its rich colors, excellent decor and the graphics on the walls. There is never a shortage of beauty there. And inside the suite, there were ten bustling bridesmaids and one very excited bride. When we walked in the door, we were greeted by the sight of matching 50’s styled pajamas and some vintage 90’s boyband bumping on the stereo. Tara’s jewelry, wedding dress and all her details were exquisite, just like Tara herself. Her beautiful rose gold rings and the rose gold beveling on Ryan’s wedding band were amazing. After some fun with her sisters and bridesmaids, she slipped into her dress to get ready to go to the church to see her love and marry him.

Meanwhile, downstairs by a few floors, the guys were all getting dressed for the wedding. Ryan is such a lovable and goofy guy. There were constant jokes and laughs, some even made us chuckle. Ryan’s rose gold monogrammed cufflinks were a bright spot and the groomsman gifts he got were awesome. Custom wood boxes with cigars, bottle opener and a bottle of whiskey. The essentials for a good party. After everyone was dressed and ready, we dashed off to the church.

Old St. Joseph’s is the church where Tara’s grandparents got married, and the priest who married them also did her sister’s wedding. He came up from the South to be part of the celebration. It was a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Tara’s family. Their wedding was heartfelt and sincere, and their first kiss as husband and wife rocked!

After some lovely portrait time where we blocked traffic here and there, we got to the Downtown Club. The room was amazing. Every event we’ve ever been to there has been incredible. It’s always elegant and bright. This was no different. Kelsey at Cescaphe did a fabulous job making sure everything ran on schedule. We have to give her a shout out cause she really made our night even better.

Tara and Ryan’s first dance was amazing. They twirled and whirled, making Tara’s Monique Lhullier dress flare out beautifully, they danced close together, relishing the first moments of their marriage. Tara danced with her dad as well, after he made a wonderful and loving speech. Finally, Ryan danced with his mom. When the chorus crescendoed, something shifted in him and he broke down in tears. The hug he shared with his mom was so tender and affectionate, there was not a dry eye to be found.

These two know how to party! Tara surprised Ryan with a band instead of a DJ, and the dance floor was outrageous. We hope that those kinds of parties happen many more times in their lives, cause they had a blast. And so did we!

Tara and Ryan, we were so privileged to spend your wedding day with you. We had such a good time capturing the day you said “I Do” to the one you love best in the world. We wish you many years of love, laughter and amazing dancing together!

xo, Ashley + Rachel