Curtis Center Atrium Wedding | Chelsea Goldscrafe & Michael

We are so lucky to have some really awesome, lovable couples make their way in front of our cameras over the years, but Chelsea & Michael will definitely stand out in our memories. Not only was their Curtis Center Atrium wedding absolutely gorgeous, but every moment of their fun-filled wedding day held a little bit of their personality. From the world’s best getting ready gifts to a stop off for portraits at their neighborhood bar, Chelsea & Michael made sure that their wedding day was all about the celebration and less about the tradition. It was our pleasure to be along for the ride.

When we first arrived at a small Airbnb tucked in old city to get ready with Chelsea, we walked into a celebratory hullabaloo of bridesmaids getting ready, sipping champagne, and laughing their hearts out. Chelsea began to lay out all of her beautiful details in a row for us to photograph. From the custom invitation suite that with a minimalist nod to the city of (brotherly) love to her elegant, understated jewelry details, Chelsea’s look was sheer elegance with a touch of modern sentiment. And do these girls have an eye for style. Her gift from Michael, custom Nike airs, we’re styled perfectly on a glass and metal bookshelf.

When it was finally time to get Chelsea dressed for her first look with Michael, before their Curtis Center Atrium wedding, everyone’s focus turned to Chelsea. While her mother and sister were busy helping her into her dress her shoes and her jewelry, the rest of the girls got ready and one of the other bedrooms. After a few minutes of portraits with Chelsea in the awesome loft they had rented, it was time for us to head out to Washington Square Park for portraits.

Meanwhile, at the apartment that he shares with Chelsea, Michael was busy getting ready himself. Not to be out done by Chelsea’s elegance, Michael had a perfectly tailored suit and help from his father in tying his bowtie just right. Not only had Michael gifted Chelsea stunning pair of custom sneakers, but he had gone so far as to get each of his groomsmen a matching set. With shoes like these, we knew everyone be rocking it on the dance floor.

Before everyone got on the way for first look and portraits, all the guys headed up to Chelsea and Michael’s rooftop deck where we were able to get amazing groomsmen portraits with the entire skyscape of Philadelphia in the background. The guys pause for a moment toasting to a beautiful day before heading to the park for Chelsea and Michael’s first look.

A Philadelphia First Look in Washington Square

On a quiet corner of Washington Square, Chelsea and Michael saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. Although they both exuded confidence and calm before coming together, everyone could see the change in their personalities once they were arm in arm. Their easy-going demeanor, full of laughter and smiles, made this portrait time so enjoyable. Once they were together these two didn’t have to pose – they looked so effortlessly beautiful and enviably happy every moment of their day.

After a few minutes alone, these two were truly surrounded by their large party (17!) of friends and family. Photographing with the entire group was just like multiplying the energy that Chelsea and Michael had times a zillion. Then while we finished up with their portrait session in the Square, heading over to the fountain and lavishing in the early October sunlight. The rest of their wedding party sneaked over to PJ Clarke’s where we planned to capture some Vanity Fair-esque portrait work in the oyster room. Then it was time for everyone to head to their Curtis Center Atrium wedding celebration.

A Curtis Center Atrium wedding ceremony & reception

When we arrived at the Curtis Center Atrium for Chelsea and Michael’s wedding ceremony and reception, we started by taking a few portraits in front of the beautiful Tiffany murals in the foyer. As a guest began to arrive and funnel into the cocktail hour, Chelsea & Michael sneaked away for some quiet time in the bridal suite. One of the more unique aspects of their wedding day was to plan a cocktail hour first followed by wedding ceremony and reception. This gave guests the chance to enjoy some of the amazing food and drink that would be featured at the Curtis Center Atrium wedding, before settling into the reception seats for Chelsea and Michael’s wedding ceremony.

The ceremony was personal and short, officiated by a friend of the family. But no matter how quick and intimate the ceremony was, nothing should take away from the grandeur of Chelsea and her father walking down the elaborately decorated staircases to Michael. If you want a truly show-stopping entrance, whether it be to your ceremony or reception, a Curtis Center Atrium wedding gives you the chance to walk down these steps for an incredibly grand entrance. After the vows were shared, the rings were exchanged, and these two leaned in for an incredibly passionate kiss, guests cheered them on as Chelsea and Michael transitioned seamlessly into their first dance.

Immediately afterwards Chelsea dance with her father and Michael with his mother as all eyes remained on the dance floor. And from that moment in the evening, the dance floor was almost always hopping with energy and movement. But nothing was as energetic as when Michael got on stage with the band, took the microphone, and sang “Shut up and dance with me” while Chelsea enthusiastically cheered him on from the crowd.

Chelsea and Michael, thank you for the honor of being with you for your Curtis Center Atrium wedding. We couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves any more than we did and we know that the two of you have a bright and happy future ahead of you.