Janine and Tom’s Crystal Tea Room wedding in the lull between Christmas and New Year’s Eve was an incredible celebration of their love and heritage.
Getting Ready at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel & Private Residence
Janine was a vision already when we arrived at her Loews Philadelphia Hotel suite to photograph her getting ready to marry the love of her life, Tom. Her bright eyes shone with joy as we got started photographing all the lovely details, including her FabuFloras bouquet and Alex & Eve Occasions invitations.
Janine’s dress from Kleinfeld NYC was an utter revelation. And when she put it on, nobody was able to breathe. She was positively radiant. On the 33rd floor of the hotel, her father waited to see her. Though we couldn’t understand the words he spoke to her, we could see in his face what he was saying.
Meanwhile, miles away in Newtown Square at his parents exquisite new home, Tom was an excited groom ready for the best day of his life. His tuxedo was sharp, and his custom cufflinks and shirt buttons (made by his dad) sparkled with a brilliant purple. There was also a replica of Aragorn’s sword, but we’ll leave that alone.
He dressed quickly and, at the prompting of his mother, got to the church early! He couldn’t wait.
The Ceremony at St Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church
This wedding ceremony couldn’t have been in a prettier church. The ornate decoration inside this beautiful was bright and cheery. The branch arches adorned with orchids made it a wonderland. And when it was time for Janine to walk down the aisle, she put them all to shame. Tom’s jaw hit the ground and we saw him sway. She took his hand and they joined their hearts forever.
One beautiful tradition in an Orthodox Greek weddings is the role of the Koumbari. These are traditionally people close to the bride and groom who sponsor their marriage. They perform critical parts of the ceremony like the crowning and hold a special place of honor throughout the wedding day. Tom’s sister and her fiance Alexi served this role for our couple, and throughout the evening we loved watching them celebrate together.
Both Janine & Tom have such a beautiful respect and connection to their family heritage, so although the service honored Tom’s family’s Greek roots, these two are visiting Portugal on their honeymoon and having their portraits taken again in their wedding attire. Their dedication to honoring both of their cultures as they join together as one is a wonderful testament to the love these two have for one another and their families!
(And we can’t wait to see all the photos from Portugal!)
A Tour of Old City for Portraits
In the remaining light of the day, we whisked Tom and Janine off to the Merchant Exchange Building in Old City for some intimate portraits. The way these two look at each other is enough to set anything in a 10 foot radius on fire. So great and pure is their love for each other. And until we lost all light, we photographed them this way with delight.
The Crystal Tea Room Reception
The Crystal Tea Room is utterly exquisite. Located in the historic Wanamaker Building just across from City Hall, this beautiful ballroom was warm and inviting. It invoked old world glamour and had a huge dance floor. A dance floor that was packed all night long.
In order to celebrate both Janine & Tom’s family heritage, there was a Greek band as well as a DJ spinning amazing Portuguese music to keep the party rolling all night. It was a feast for the eyes and ears all night. Mostly though, we loved seeing Janine and Tom be together and listen to their family as they offered words of love and wisdom for their new lives together.
Janine and Tom, we wouldn’t have rather been anywhere else than with you on your wedding day. We hope you enjoyed every second and that you have a spectacular life together traveling and loving your new life.
