Hold on to your hats for this wedding; it is jaw-dropping! Dorothy and Zach’s sweetness and elegance stole our hearts the second we met with them. Their engagement session sealed the deal. And their Sheraton Society Hill wedding was icing on the cake!
Getting Ready in Havertown
There is always something very sweet about a bride getting ready at her parent’s house. There are personal touches everywhere. The story of the girl who grew into the incredible woman about to don her wedding dress and marry the man of her dreams. Life has happened in these rooms. Love has been grown here.
It was in this spirit that we began photographing all of Dorothy’s incredible details. The luxe stationery of the invitation was the perfect place to show off the wedding rings. Her ivory and white wedding dress was one of the most creative we’ve seen. The rosettes and gathered skirt were eye catching and absolutely stunning. The only complement to a dress like that is a pair of Louboutins! We love seeing those red bottoms!
As she was getting ready, Dorothy couldn’t stop smiling. And with a smile like hers, we weren’t complaining at all! She lights up the room with her cheerfulness. She was definitely walking on the clouds that day, and nothing was going to bring her down.
As she finished getting dressed, fastening jewelry, and putting on those killer shoes, she gracefully glided down the stairs. At the bottom was her father. When they saw each other, no tears, just smiles. Pure joy. Then we had to get the ladies to the church on time!
Getting Ready at St. Bernadette Church
It was a perfectly cool late autumn morning when the gentlemen arrived at the church. Zach cut a dashing figure in his black and white tux. He was already in high spirits having spent the morning with his 15 groomsmen, getting ready and having fun. He couldn’t wait for his bride to arrive, and it was mere moments away.
Ceremony at St. Bernadette Church
We aren’t sure we’ve ever seen a bride smile as much as Dorothy did as she walked down the aisle to Zach. It was almost like staring at the sun. Her excitement radiated from her brightly, exuberantly. When she got to Zach, we saw two halves of the same whole come together. They made their vows and exchanged their rings. They joyfully kissed to seal their union, and, surprise! Bagpipes! Dorothy had procured a bagpipers to play them out. We may have jumped a little when they started up.
Bridal Party & Couple’s Portraits at Washington Square
Washington Square Park is one of our favorite spots in the city for portraits, and when we got there with Dorothy and Zach and their entourage, we kind of took over the park. The scene was perfect though for some fun bridal party photos before giving Dorothy and Zach some time alone together. Sort of.
We wandered through the park, letting these two lovebirds do the work for us. Everything they did was beautiful. Every embrace, every kiss, every little look between these two was photo-worthy. And we shot away to our hearts content. When the park was all but exhausted, we took a little traipse to a nearby side street before photographing them on our favorite staircase. Not to brag, but we think the results speak for themselves. Then it was time for a rowdy party at the Sheraton Society Hill.
The Sheraton Society Hill Reception
The Sheraton Society Hill is a popular destination, and for good reason. Their ballroom is spacious and lovely. We were able to sneak in before guests with the bride and groom and capture them among all the beautiful decor. We especially loved the mix of round tables with rectangular ones. It added a sense of diversity and drama without being overly obvious.
After we were finished fawning over the ballroom, it was time for introductions and dances and toasts and so much more. Dorothy and Zach absolutely killed their first dance. Every time she twirled, her dress flew all around. It was like watching a little girl in her first twirly dress, but a thousand times dreamier. But there was a sense of wonderment that took us back to being young and dreaming of this moment ourselves. After they were finished wowing the crowd with their moves, they shared parent dances and toasts. These two are dearly loved and we heard a lot about how they make everyone around them better.
Just as we were getting ready to leave, Dorothy’s second surprise for Zach arrived. Mummers! Philadelphia’s favorite sequined entertainers played and invited Zach to join them. He more than willingly obliged and serenaded his new bride along with them. We were so sad to leave.
Dorothy and Zach, congratulations! We hope you both keep surprising each other and have many years of fun and adventure and love together!
