Jessica + Nicholaus | Married - Greater Philadelphia Wedding Photography & Videography Team

Jessica and Nicholaus were our last wedding of the 2015 wedding season, and they sent us out on a high note! Both university rowing coaches, they share a passion for athletics as well as for each other.

The day started with Nick and his groomsmen getting ready in the apartment he and Jessica shared, and between the jokes and getting dressed, Nick found a couple minutes to reflect. You could see how he was greatly looking forward to getting to the altar to marry his longtime love. He put on his monogrammed cufflinks and his tie, and soon it was time to head out. He locked the door to his apartment for the last time as an unmarried man, and climbed into an Uber, ready for his bride.

Jessica, in the meantime, was enjoying a packed morning, full of hair, makeup and beautiful things. Her gown was hung with care, her pearls and sparkling shoes were an excellent and elegant choice to complement her dress and classic makeup. As the finishing touches were put on, her veil in, and earrings affixed, she looked every inch the picture of an elegant bride. She and her ladies in waiting hopped into the limo and rode to the church, just a few blocks away.

The Cathedral Basilica of St.’s Peter and Paul is an incredible church. The large brownstone columns are a staple of the Philadelphia cityscape. The inside is comprised of beautifully carved marble and the windows are of the finest stained glass. In the presence of such historic beauty, Nick and Jessica came together and pledged their lives to one another. They exchanged rings to symbolize their eternal love, and sealed it with a kiss. Sadly, the church runs a tight schedule, and it is not allowed to take formal photos at the altar. So we, instead, immediately journeyed onward to take couple’s and bridal party portraits at the Art Museum and various other locations around the city.

The gazebos behind the Art Museum created some unique opportunities for photographs of both the newlyweds and their bridal party. It was also a beautiful place to get some bridal portraits of Jessica with her veil blowing in the breeze. Broad Street was awash in colorful lights and the headlights of cars gave us a romantic twinkle as we took the iconic City Hall photograph. Then it was off to the reception at the illustrious PAFA.

PAFA has been a place we have long desired to photograph in, and it was every bit as amazing as we imagined. The art on display was stunning and the happy couple had taken great pains to decorate their reception so that it wouldn’t compete with the art, but complement it. The mercury glass votive holders provided height and shine, the soft white floral centerpieces were a great texture and the navy table cloths were the right amount of darkness. It all came together to pull you into a romantic and elegant reception that took us far into the night.