Do you know how some people have been together for so long that everyone around them forgets a time before they were a couple? That’s the best way to think of Juli and Frank. These two have spent years of their lives together – so long, in fact, that most of their friends and family just assumed they were not the marrying type. But as Juli was getting ready to prepare for her Ballroom at the Ben wedding, the truth is she had a very clear vision of exactly what she wanted her wedding to be. It was fun, full of laughter, and very, very purple. So despite it taking much longer to get to the altar than may be “typical,” Juli & Frank’s wedding celebration was just as sweet & intentional as any.
Getting ready at the Loews Philadelphia, Juli’s personality was on full display. She may deeply value family and loyalty and so many other things that made her an amazing lifelong friend to all of the women there with her, but she’s nothing if not playful! Juli was laughing the whole way through her hair/makeup process, joking with us as she got into her gorgeous princess dress, and flaunting her fabulously sequined purple and silver platform heels like they were the latest Louboutin release. Juli LOVES purple almost as much as she loves Frank and her details reflected that. Before we knew it, the time had come to get into the party bus and get this Ballroom at the Ben wedding day underway!
Likewise, Frank was getting ready with his father in one of the rooms just a few floors below Juli at the Loews. Whereas Juli’s room was bustling with activity, Frank’s was much calmer and quieter, the guys hanging around having a few beers and just waiting for things to kick off. Frank was here for the photos for Juli, but honestly, if he had his way, he probably would have just gotten ready in about five minutes in his own quiet space. It’s funny how opposites really do attract sometimes. Once Frank was all polished up, he and the boys made their way over to Old St Joe’s, where we were able to get some fun portraits of the guys in the church courtyard before the ceremony began.
Old St Joe’s is pretty well known as far as Philadelphia churches go. Being the oldest Catholic Church in Philadelphia does give it some clout, even if it is found in a fairly unassuming complex right in Old City. Frank & Juli were always incredibly kind and friendly with us, but there was an extra light in their eyes when they saw each other for the first time that day. From this point on, their smiles felt more genuine and their steps a little lighter. After a traditional wedding mass, we paused for a few minutes of portraits with these two, their friends, and their family before making one more stop in Old City for portraits before heading over to their Ballroom at the Ben wedding reception.
Maybe some people get tired of all of the gorgeous, historic, stone architecture in Old City, but we don’t. Between all of the old financial buildings and cobblestone of Old City Philadelphia, we think it’s nearly impossible to find a more beautiful place to capture a bride & groom. Juli & Frank opted to stop along at the Merchant Exchange Building and the First Bank of the United States for their couples portraits. Her flowing princess dress with long lace sleeves absolutely stole the show, even from the gorgeous facades of these timeless buildings! And of course, the pop of purple from Juli’s bouquet was just the right burst of color in this otherwise white landscape.
Before we knew it, it was time to head over to their Ballroom at the Ben wedding reception. But we had timed out the day just right to allow us plenty of time for more wedding party portraits and a few last couples photos on the renowned balcony just across from the ballroom on the mezzanine.
As their Ballroom at the Ben wedding reception opened up, guests were welcomed into a purple paradise with amazing food, vibrant purple uplighting, and warm light everywhere. One of the things that stood out about Juli & Frank’s relationship was just how thoroughly their families had adopted each other. In the absence of Juli’s late father to walk her down the aisle, Frank’s father lovingly took on that role, walking her down the aisle with as much reverence as if she were his own daughter. This theme of deep familial love was continued on throughout the reception, as Frank’s father spoke during their toasts, Juli & Frank posed with extended family members, and everyone danced the night away as one big happy crew.
This Ballroom at the Ben wedding was brought to you by:
Photographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: Loews Hotel | Reception Venue: Ballroom at the Ben | Florist: Pennys Flowers | Entertainment: Heartbeats Band | Caterer: Finley Catering | Cake: The Master’s Baker | Transportation: David Thomas Trailways | Dress Boutique: Le Bella Donna | Bride’s Shoes: Etsy | Wedding Rings: Blue Nile Hair & Makeup: Le Papillon |
