Philadelphia Arts Ballroom Wedding | Laura Broney & Drew Merritts

Laura and Drew’s engagement session at Cira Green left us with such an incredible sense of excitement for their Arts Ballroom wedding in late August. That excitement only grew as we got to know this couple more and joined them for the adventure of their wedding day. 

Getting Ready at the Loews Hotel

In one of the Loews hospitality suites, Laura and her ladies were having an amazing time getting dolled up by Daneene Jensen’s team when we arrived. Laura was absolutely adorable in her sequined bride-to-be dress, and she excitedly pointed us in the direction of her details. We knew that she had impeccable taste after her engagement session (holy red jumpsuit, Batman!), but her wedding day look absolutely floored us. Her glittering Jimmy Choos were every girl’s dream. Her dress by Hayley Paige was a study of elegance and chic. The intricate beading all over and the incredible criss cross back made us swoon. Complemented with the perfect accessories, the most beautiful being her smile, Laura was a stunning bride. When everything was on and the final dose of hairspray had been administered, it was time for her first look with her dashing groom.

First Look on Smedley Street

One of the things we love most about the city we call home is all the little neighborhood streets. These streets have the cutest doors, charming window boxes, and a beautiful street level view of the greatest skyline in the world. About halfway down the street, a dashing groom (dare we say a young Hugh Grant doppelgänger), awaited his beautiful bride. Drew was playing his cards close to the vest, but we knew he was so excited to see Laura. As she placed her hand on his shoulder, he turned and had to catch his breath. The smiles that these two shared were full of utter devotion. Everyone deserves to find someone who loves then like Laura and Drew love each other. It is tangible. You can grab hold of it. There is nothing about the other that they don’t adore. We continued photographing these two in all their loving glory until it was time to make a short walk to Rittenhouse Square to join up with the rest of their posse. 

Bridal Party and Family Formals at Rittenhouse Square

One of the challenges with a beautiful summers day in the city, is the amount of people that are in Rittenhouse Square at any given moment. Thankfully, we found a space that was relatively unpopulated and used that for our portraits. In between groupings, the bridal party was such fun. Getting to overhear conversations and laugh along with our couples is such a great part of this job. And these two had some of the best people with them that day. After we wrapped up at Rittenhouse, it was time for their Arts Ballroom wedding ceremony and enjoy the air conditioning and party. However, as we made our way over, there was a catch. As we were preparing for their Arts Ballroom wedding, Locust Street was hosting a block party. Never ones to shy away from a good time, our spontaneous bride and groom agreed to get into the bouncy castle!! But as we got close, the entrance for the bouncy castle was far too small for our adventurous friends. So we settled for a picture in front with the Hulk and Iron Man looming over.

Their Arts Ballroom wedding Ceremony and Reception

The Arts Ballroom is a gorgeous venue and we adore shooting there. The feeling of timelessness and grandeur from all the beautiful trim and the gorgeous staircase from which the bride descends lingers with you. Laura’s sense of chic style extended far beyond her own personal look for the wedding day, and into the florals and calligraphed signs that welcomed the guests and informed them of the menu for the evening. 

When the ceremony began, the show was nearly stolen by Drew’s niece and nephew as they both threw flowers everywhere and laughed their way down the aisle. But when Laura made her way down the stairs and her father presented her with her bouquet and his arm, the spotlight focus shifted. She beamed and smiled and laughed. Drew could barely contain himself. They laughed their way through their ceremony officiated by their close friend. When the vows were exchanged along with some beautiful wedding bands, they were announced husband and wife and the party began.

Throughout the night, we were struck by how amazing these two are. They had a spectacular choreographed first dance. Every toast highlighted some new facet of their love and devotion for each other and those that are important to them. Laura’s grandma Millie had just turned 90, so they celebrated her with some cake and special grandmother granddaughter dance. We learned about the true level of Drew’s smoothness when we heard how he asked Laura out using the words to her favorite song, “Call Me Maybe?”. Once the dance floor got going, we had our heads on a swivel and captured all the joy and fun. 

All the best to you, Laura and Drew (and Molly too!) We hope that your life together is full, rich, and absolutely wonderful!