After a brutal summer, full of heat waves that melted Philadelphians for days, the weather gods smiled down on Emily and Eric for their beautiful wedding day at Manufacturer’s Golf Club. Our team was so excited to capture this perfect day for them.
Getting Ready at the Manufacturer’s Golf Club
The whole place was a flurry of activity when we arrived to begin covering Emily and Eric’s wedding day. Eric and his groomsmen, including his two brothers serving as the best men, were all together in one of the Manufacturer’s Golf Club boardrooms. The mood was calm, an undertone of anticipation, but never breaking the surface. A very independent man, Eric got himself ready… sometimes a little too quickly and had to be made to do buttons and ties over again. But soon, he got the hang of it, and we took all the pictures before setting up for the first look.
Meanwhile, Emily and her superb group of ladies, including her mother Julie and Eric’s mom Mary Ann, were having a lovely morning. Everyone’s hair and makeup looked incredible. Emily’s wedding dress hung in the bridal suite of the Manufacturer’s Golf Club, a perfect vision of lightweight summer lace. Her late father’s wedding ring was attached to her bouquet, inviting him to walk with her that day, and all days. Her grandmother’s pearl ring was her something old, and she’d even had a sixpence glued to the bottom of her shoe.
Another fiercely independent person, Emily got dressed nearly alone. Her mom and matron of honor helped with a single zipper and fastening of shoes. Then it was time.
First Look & Portraits
Emily and Eric came together in one of the lone shady spots surrounding the Manufacturer’s Golf Club that sunny summer day. Ever the stoic, Eric’s face betrayed little of how he felt, but the embrace he took Emily into, said it all. He was so glad to be marrying the love of his life that day. Emily gushed about the day, how awesome her dress was – complete with pockets! – and how handsome he looked.
We wandered a bit of the grounds of the Manufacturer’s Golf Club before wedding party joined us for some fun. A bit ahead of schedule – our favorite way to be – we got everyone back inside to freshen up before the main event.
The Ceremony & Reception at Manufacturer’s Golf Club
The outdoor ceremony was short and sweet, officiated by Eric’s uncle/godfather. He spoke of how the two met at Buffalo, with a mutual passion for swimming. How they fell in love, and Emily became part of the family. A theme that would be echoed throughout the evening. They exchanged their rings and vows, and, with a perfect background, shared their first married kiss. Then, it was party time. And oh boy, did they party.
The reception at Manufacturer’s Golf Club opened with the wedding party entering with aplomb, and a lot of chugged beverages. Emily and Eric stormed in as husband and wife and opened the dance floor with their first dance. Emily then shared a beautiful dance with her mother, where they invited Eric to join them. The lyrics to the song reassured Emily’s mother that Eric was the right man, he is good and kind, and she doesn’t have to worry about her little girl. Then, Eric took his mother’s hand and danced with her. Her firstborn and first to get married. It was all across her face that this moment was a hallmark in her life.
Eric’s father, Paul, gave a wonderful toast, peppered with all sorts of jokes, including a few playful jabs at Eric’s “opinions”. Opinions like the idea of a reverse vacation. Where, instead of going somewhere you really want to go and enjoying a week of bliss, you go somewhere absolutely awful and have a horrible time. That way, when you return home, everyday life feels like a vacation by comparison.
When Paul had given up the microphone, the matron of honor, Taylor, spoke her piece in return for the great speech Emily had given recently as her maid of honor just a few months before. Her toast was sweet and sensitive, and commended Emily as an amazing person. Eric’s brothers then shared for a few moments. One short and sweet, the other a comedic genius. When all the speeches were finished, dinner was served and then the band kicked off the night.
The Manufacturer’s Golf Club was transformed into a kick ass dance party. Despite a few beverage casualties, all the guests were having an amazing time. None more so than the guests of honor. Emily tore up the dance floor, and Eric was enjoying chatting with all the people there.
It felt like an instant had passed and our time was up. It was truly a lovely day for Emily & Eric at Manufacturer’s Golf Club.
