Shayla and Joe had an unconventional conventional wedding at the Swedish History Museum on a beautiful day last October. Many many moons ago, Shayla and I worked together back in my Starbucks era. Since then, she has risen up the ranks and moved on two different companies where she is a high-level manager. And I wandered off to create Ashley Gerrity Photography!
One of my favorite things about working with Shayla and Joe was the chance to jump outside of my usual clientele and into a wedding that was just “offbeat” enough to excite me during the most intense autumn wedding season of our company’s existence. These two planned a Halloween wedding, so for their save-the-dates, we took their engagement photos in an old graveyard, where they posed like the twins from The Shining in front of a heart-shaped gravestone. It might not be the bulk of what you see on our website, but Shayla and Joe’s aesthetic made my heart jump with joy.
When I arrive to the canopy to do getting ready portraits with Shayla, I was greeted by a room filled with chaotic energy and tons of gorgeous wild flower bouquets. It was an awesome way to start the day. Shayla didn’t take herself too seriously, so rather than posing her into serene bridal poses to get ready, I let her have a good time. She was laughing, dancing, and joking around as she got into her gorgeous lace gown and had her glamorous film noir look touched up. In his own suite, Joe was simultaneously pulling together his tall, dark, and handsome groom look.
This is the point in most wedding days where we would come together for a proper first look, but as Joe and Shayla dance the beat of their own drum, they just sauntered down to the hotel lobby, met up with each other, and nonchalantly walked out to the vans that would take us to the American Swedish History Museum grounds in FDR Park for their wedding portraits.
We captured all of the wedding party and family portraits overlooking the lake at the boathouse at FDR Park. It was a mildly overcast day, but the vibrant autumn colors of the grounds at FDR Park and Shayla and Joe’s wedding party in their deep black suits and intense dark teal gowns really stood out.
Wedding party portraits at the boathouse perfectly flowed into Shayla and Joe’s own portrait session, which started on the steps of the boathouse and continued throughout the grounds. Joe politely tolerated all of my photo taking, while Shayla absolutely ate up her moment in the spotlight, looking like a total goddess. Shayla and Joe sneaked over to the big round pavilion partially across the lake, while I stayed behind and photographed them from the plateau of the boathouse, before I joined them for some more architectural images at the pavilion. On our wet walk back to the American Swedish History Museum from our portrait session, I couldn’t help but stop over and over again along the way to keep capturing these two.
As we got back to the American Swedish History Museum, we were able to catch up with the absolute stars of today’s show, Taco Bella & Bowie. If you weren’t clear already on why Shayla & Joe might just be the coolest people I photographed in the past year, their dogs’ names should probably give you a hint. Shayla & Joe dressed Taco Bella and Bowie into their wedding outfits so we could capture a few family portraits of the four of them in front of this stunning floral arch that had been made for their ceremony backdrop. Before long, it was time for the dogs to enjoy one last walk around the gardens before heading inside to prepare for their grand wedding debut!
I originally called Shayla and Joe “unconventionally conventional” because of all the little quirks found throughout their wedding day. But regardless of that, their wedding ceremony was absolutely “conventionally” beautiful. With string lights strewn about the courtyard of the American Swedish History Museum, overflowing arches of wildflowers and autumn gourds, and a personalized sign that was just playful enough, these two set the scene for their emotional heartfelt vows that were yet to come.
The only ones more excited to see Shayla than Joe, as she walked down the aisle arm in arm with her mother, were Taco Bella and Bowie. But don’t worry, Shayla was just as excited to see them (and Joe) when she made it to the top of that aisle. While the ceremony was officiated by their dear friend, Shayla & Joe each took turns reciting their own vows – at times tearful, and at other moments, laughing their hearts out together.
As with every other element of their American Swedish History Museum wedding, Shayla & Joe’s reception was thoughtfully designed and full of swagger. With tablescapes erupting with textural florals, colorful vintage glassware, and thrifted china, the reception had an eclectic, bohemian vibe that set a super fun tone for the entire night ahead. Fully embracing their rock star “”Till Death Do Us Party” theme, complete with sign-in vinyl and Shayla’s personalized bomber jacket, Shayla & Joe dove into the reception festivities with authentic joy and a deep commitment to their life together.
This Halloween American Swedish History Museum wedding was created by: Photographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia | Reception Venue: American Swedish History Museum | Florist: Myrtle & Magnolia | Entertainment: No Macarena | Caterer: Jeffery A. Miller Catering | Transportation: Metropolis Passenger Logistics | Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace | Bride’s Shoes: Sam Edelman |
