On a sublimely sunny day in March, we had the pleasure of capturing the love and marriage between Joe & Len. We had the uniquely awesome experience of beginning with both Joe & Len as they helped each other get ready. An afternoon spent together exploring all their favorite Philly spots culminated with a charming Cescaphe Down Town Club wedding overlooking the city.
Getting Ready Together at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
The two grooms spent their wedding morning preparing together at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. It’s not every wedding that we get to photograph our couple getting ready with one another. The sweet moments between Joe & Len had us wishing more couples spent time together on the morning of their wedding. Observing both of them help the other to add and perfect all of their details showed how much they cared for one another with each glimpse and grin. They each dawned their respective ties, jackets, and pocket squares. Once dressed and almost prepped for the day, a few friends and family joined the grooms in their room. Simply classic white flowers with a contrasting pop of blue so deep it matched with both of the grooms’ choices of ensembles. Beautiful Blooms supplied the beautiful boutonnieres and corsages that Joe & Len each gave out to their loved ones. With all parties ready, we headed out to explore the city of Philadelphia before making our way to Cescaphe’s Down Town Club.
Photos Around Philly
Our first stop of the mini-tour included the famous Art Museum of Philadelphia & all of its alluring architecture. We love making use of the wide open space on the Rocky Stairs, boasting amazing views of the art museum in the background. Joe, Len, and their closest crew gathered for a few formals before we snuck away with the grooms.
Hidden away in the hedges and paths surrounding the museum, Joe and Len shared some intimate moments in front of our lenses. With a few kisses and cuddles, the love shared between these two grooms was indisputable. We hopped on the signature Cescaphe trolley to South Broad Street for those epic City Hall shots our couples love. Just down the street, the grand steps of the Union League were the perfect place for Joe & Len to sit down and share a moment before officially becoming united. It was finally time to make our way to the Cescaphe Down Town Club wedding!
Short & Sweet Ceremony
Guests arrived to the Down Town Club sky high ceremony greeted by gorgeous cityscape views and Cescaphe’s welcoming champagne table. Now seated, they watched as Len, flanked by his parents, made his way to the altar. With groom number one in position, anticipation grew. The large, carved doors opened to Joe, his mom, and his dad, all moving toward Len. In a short but sweet ceremony, Joe & Len exchanged their vows, placed rings on one another’s finger, and shared a kiss. They handed each other a single stem red rose, and recessed up the aisle and into forever.
Cescaphe Down Town Club Wedding Reception
At any Cescaphe venue, you’ll find that cocktail ‘hour’ really lasts about 90 minutes. An extended cocktail hour allows guests to enjoy the vast array of offerings from their signature ice sculpture raw bar, pasta stations, and massive boards of charcuterie. We also love that it provides the couples with the opportunity to spend more than a few measly minutes mingling. We got to work capturing details big and small from DTC’s terrific tablescapes to Beautiful Bloom’s blossoming centerpieces.
To open the reception, the newlywed grooms burst through those massive doors to all of their guests cheering and clapping in celebration. The exuberance pinnacled as shining sparklers shot off behind Joe & Len. On the center of the dance floor with all eyes on them, the newlyweds lovingly embraced and swayed around the floor. Judging by the amount of speeches, toasts, and loving words shared, it is safe to say that these grooms are well-loved by many. They sweetly swung their moms in dances that ended with genuine hugs and smiles before showing off some real moves.
The Legacy Band got the crowd moving and shaking while Len readied a surprise for his groom. Even on a day as big as their wedding, he made sure Joe got to celebrate his 40th birthday with a cake. With the birthday candles blown out, it was time to cut the wedding cake. In addition, Cescaphe’s signature flambé station and dessert bar boasted countless confections for guests to enjoy. Joe & Len danced the rest of the night away with their guests!
These amazing vendors also helped make Len & Joe’s Cescaphe Down Town Club wedding an unforgettable one:
Photographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: Marriott Downtown Philadelphia | Reception Venue: Down Town Club | Florist: Beautiful Blooms | Band: Legacy Band | Caterer: Cescaphe | Transportation: Cescaphe Trolley | Photobooth: Twinkle Photobooth
