Alex and Joe’s beautifully detailed Loews Philadelphia Millennium Ballroom wedding was an oasis in the late throes of autumn. Everything was thought out and delightfully personal, from the jewelry Alex chose to wear, to the laser cut names for the guests of honor, to the Philly pretzels as a late night snack, this wedding was meant to be an expression of this wonderful couple.
Getting Ready at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel
One of the first things we noticed when we arrived at for Alex’s Loews Millennium Ballroom wedding was her incredibly coordinated bouquet and wedding ensemble. Her pink cameo and Badgley Mischka heels paired perfectly with her bouquet from Carl Alan Florist. We were smitten by her delicately laced Randy Fenoli gown that she’d found at Posh Bridal Shop. The subtle blush under layers tied everything into a neat bridal package, and when Alex was ready to slip into it, she brought out the secret weapon: an illusion top that sparkled with gems.
She laughed and fought back tears – can’t ruin the makeup! – as she opened the little notebook Joe had give her. It contained a note and his vows to her. She couldn’t wait to get to the church so she could marry her incredible man.
In a suite just a few floors away, Joe was getting ready as well. The guys all looked sharp in their wine vests and navy suits, but non sharper than he. Trying to ignore the heckling from the guys, Joe opened the vows notebook from Alex and read her love letter to him. It came with a super unique gift – cufflinks made from one of the seats from Veteran’s Stadium, a bygone Philadelphia landmark. The royal blue pop completed his wedding day look. And it was time. Head em up, move em out. Get this man to the church!
The Wedding Ceremony at the Church of the Gesu
Inside the church, Joe stood waiting. Then, there she was. With her father, she swept down the aisle. Their traditional Catholic ceremony brought them together in matrimony. The exchange of peace meant lots of hugs as the newlyweds got to greet family before sharing the Eucharist. Once everyone had partaken, it was time for a triumphant kiss and grand exit as a married couple.
We stayed back at the church for family formals and a couple formal bridal party images before heading to Cira Green and City Hall for some more fun pictures!
Portraits at Cira Green, City Hall, and on Broad Street
Our first stop was one of our favorite places for pictures, Cira Green. The rooftop park between the Cira buildings on Chestnut and Walnut. It was a smidge windy, but everyone was flying high and so the cold had no effect! The bridal party portraits were fun and flirty, and even included a visitor, the cutest little bulldog.
Then, we went back downtown to City Hall where we left the bridal party on the party bus, provided by Cescaphe Trolley, and whisked Alex and Joe off for some portraits.
City Hall was surprisingly green still, so we had a great time bringing color into their portraits. And for their part, Alex and Joe couldn’t have been more dear together. Their kisses were punctuated with deep looks into each other’s eyes and lots of laughs. True happiness. A quick stop on Broad Street capped their session and it was time to get to the Loews Philadelphia Millennium Ballroom for their reception!
The Loews Philadelphia Hotel Millennium Ballroom Reception
During the cocktail hour, we snuck up to the 33rd floor for some sunset portraits with Alex and Joe. The view out those windows is hard to beat.
While everyone was lining up, we were busy capturing all the exquisite details of their wedding reception decor. The marble Love statue on their sweetheart table was beautiful and unique. The marble theme continued into the guests place cards with a gorgeous gold foil stripe. For the guests of honor, there were laser cut names to mark their seats specially. Everything was beautiful. Then it was time for their introductions into the Millennium Ballroom!
We were a little surprised to see a Cowboys jersey (boo) on one of the groomsmen, but Zach Ertz (aka one of the bridesmaids) knocked him out, so everything was right with the world. The rest of the entrances were high energy to get everyone ready for the moment Alex and Joe would enter their Loews Millennium Ballroom wedding reception!
They jumped right into their first dance and cut their cake early so that once dinner and toasts were finished, everyone could enjoy the party all night long. Which is exactly what they did! Alex even got up and joined DJ Joe from DJ Eclipse. She’s got game.
What a fun night! Thank you Alex and Joe for letting us be a part of your wedding day!
