We’ve been doing the wedding photography thing for a long time, but Rachel experienced a first for Liz and Ayman’s wedding at the Huntingdon Valley Country Club. She arrived two hours early! Obviously, better two hours early than the other way around, but she might make it a habit. The prep time to fully center herself leant itself to some great creativity!
But it’s not about us, it’s about these two lovely people and the joy they experienced for their wedding.
Getting Ready for the Wedding
When it was time to start capturing Liz and Ayman’s day, we were blown away by the incredible details all over the Huntingdon Valley Country Club. Liz’s Tiffany & Co rings were exquisite, and perfectly complemented by Ayman’s band from Cartier. She even had a dainty blue anklet as her something blue. The crystals in her earrings and necklace sparkled and shimmered. Even the Minted invitation suite was intricate and featured a statement wax seal.
Upstairs, her dress was waiting for her to put it on. Delicate lace and glimmering sequins over the palest pink under layer gave her an ephemeral feel. And the trend of off the shoulder sleeves is so elegant! Liz was utterly stunning.
Meanwhile, Ayman had been a little ahead of schedule. He was fully dressed, but we had to capture his distinct cufflinks and watch, as well as how dashing he looked in his suit. We split up to capture some wedding party pictures ahead of the ceremony, to maximize our time during cocktail hour, and then it was time for these two to make it official!
The Ceremony at Huntingdon Valley Country Club
Out front, under a copper and floral arch, Ayman waited for Liz. This moment was marked with a distinct air of joy tinged with sorrow. Tragically, just a few weeks earlier, Liz’s father passed away. His presence was sorely missed, though everyone knew he was smiling on the day from above. Liz walked down the aisle with her mother, doing her best to hold back the bittersweet tears. She made it the whole way through their beautiful and tender ceremony. She spoke her vows clearly in a strong voice, and put the ring on Ayman’s finger with steady hands. After their first married kiss, as they made their way back down the aisle, she could keep it in no longer, and the tears began. It was a short burst, and let the pressure off. For the rest of the night, her spirits were high.
Portraits & Reception at Huntingdon Valley Country Club
With the sunlight fading fast, we found the prettiest light around and got straight to work photographing these two lovely humans. Sometimes we have to remind people not to continuously look back at us during their portraits, but not with these two. They barely took their eyes off one another. And despite the rising cloud of mosquitoes, they enjoyed a few quiet moments together before heading in for their reception.
Inside the reception room, the scene was set for a beautiful night, partly thanks to Musa Weddings and their beautiful signage. There was even a neon sign with their married surname. Liz and Ayman were announced in for the first time as husband and wife to rousing applause. They shared a tender first dance before sitting down to dinner. During which, Liz’s cousin and Ayman’s brother offered toasts. While the dance floor wasn’t the busiest we’ve seen, any time a song with a Latin rhythm came on, Liz’s family took full advantage.
As the reception was winding down, guests were asked to head out front for a sparkler send off. As the ballroom cleared, Liz and Ayman shared one more dance together. Just the two of them in the empty ballroom. It was a special moment reserved only for them.
Out front of the Huntingdon Valley Country Club, guests were ready with their sparklers. They cheered as Liz and Ayman walked out hand in hand, ready for the next chapter of life together. Congrats to the Elidrissis!
