We all know that the pandemic has forced people to pivot in all aspects of life. Rachel and Andrew were sadly no exception. They were forced to move their wedding from May 2020, to May 2021 and it was so heartbreaking for us. However, their patience and incredible spirits were rewarded with their gorgeous Union League wedding. Philadelphia showed up big for these two, and there was a special surprise that floored our couple. Just wait for it!
Getting Ready at the Union League
It was a perfect May Day when we arrived to begin capturing Rachel and Andrew’s Union League wedding. Rachel was on the verge of happy tears when we said hello and got started. This day was so packed full of emotion that she just couldn’t help it. All the waiting and replanning, coupled with her job on the front lines of the pandemic (thank you for all you do, Rachel!), flooded her with such relief that the day she’d so longed for had finally arrived.
Her incredible Justin Alexander wedding gown was delicately laid on the bed. It covered the entire thing! There were buttons for days, and we couldn’t wait to see this dress on her! She’d found it by chance when she decided to text the Ashley’s Bridal Boutique she was constantly driving by and they had an appointment for that afternoon. Her dad was able to meet her there, and teared up when he saw her in this dress. That’s when they knew it was the one!
All of Rachel’s details were so well thought out and beautiful. Our favorite was the little gold frog charm. Rachel’s grandmother had a little charm bracelet, and this frog dangled from it at one point. Before she passed away, she gave it to Rachel saying that this was to remind her that she may have to kiss a few frogs until she finds her prince. Andrew was indeed her prince, and it was just about time to get dressed.
Rachel’s bridesmaids each had a Harry Potter themed shirt summoning different forms of alcohol to them. We loved this idea and captured the girls before sending them to get their gowns on. Then, it was time to help Rachel into her dress. It fit like a glove and she was transformed from bride to be, to full on princess bride. We couldn’t wait for Andrew to see her.
Meanwhile, just a couple doors down, Andrew was getting himself put together for his Union League wedding. He and the guys had fun hanging out, snagging a few pregame beverages, and making sure everyone looked sharp. Especially the groom. There was a brimming excitement under his calm exterior, and we knew it would explode when he saw his bride at the altar. Which it did.
The Ceremony at the Church of the Four Chaplains
In the heart of the Navy Yard, Rachel and Andrew met at the altar at the beautiful Church of the Four Chaplains. When the music rose and the door opened, Andrew beamed. This was the moment they’d dreamed for their Union League wedding, and it had finally arrived.
Their ceremony was personal and heartfelt. They shared their traditional vows, choking up a bit as they repeated the words from the officiant. But they made it through, gave each other a beautiful ring, and sealed their marriage union with a wonderful kiss. Holy moly, they’d finally done it!
We hung around the Navy Yard for some wedding party and family portraits before heading over to the Merchant Exchange Building, where a special Union League wedding surprise waited for them.
Union League Wedding Portraits in Old City & a Surprise!
When we arrived at the Merchant’s Exchange Building, we hopped off the bus with the bride and groom to get started on their portraits. It was an epic location for an epic dress. Rachel and Andrew were so completely elated that everything they did was beautiful and we snapped away. We were “interrupted” by calls for us to head back to the bus to leave, and when Rachel walked over she saw a horse drawn carriage with a “Just Married” sign on it. She freaked out in the best way! Her mom and sister told her they’d arranged for the carriage to take them back for their Union League wedding dinner. Her sister/matron of honor and Andrew’s best man hopped in, and the ladies donned darling derby hats and sipped champagne all the way back.
The Union League Wedding Dinner
When they pulled up at the Union League, Philadelphia gave them the best greeting. Horns blaring, people cheering, applause and shouts of “Congratulations!” filled the air. We popped out onto the median in front of the Union League to get the iconic Broad Street shot, and as we walked back to the sidewalk Rachel tearfully said that she felt like a princess. The city had stepped up so big, her family had arranged so much to show their love, and she and Andrew were finally married. After months of hard decisions and working long hours, they’d made it. They were married. And the party is still to come!
