Michelle + James | Married | Lacroix at Rittenhouse Hotel - Greater Philadelphia Wedding Photography & Videography Team

It was a very strange sight for the second weekend of April, snow! And a lot of it at points. That’s right, here in the northeast we got hit with a late winter squall and guess what? Yep – someone was intending to get married that day. The show must go on, and, for Michelle and James, it did. Not only did it go on, it was a beautiful affair full of love and tears of joy.

When we arrived at Lacroix in the Rittenhouse Hotel, we discovered a beautiful room with incredible lush green velvet chairs. It was as though we were in a forest. Flowers lined the window which overlooked Rittenhouse Square and warm candles gently flickered in the dim light. The bride and groom had paid great attention to detail, and their lovely invitation suite was there for us to capture. They had commissioned laser cut out names for each of their guests in lieu of place cards. All the natural details gave this wedding a very earthy and homegrown feel, even with the all the elegance of the hotel.

Michelle was a vision in her white jumper with an amazing cape that fell gracefully from her shoulders. Her perfectly curly hair was playful and her jewelry glittered in the candlelight. James was so handsome in his suit and it was adorable to watch him nervously wait for his bride to tap his shoulder for their first look.

We set it up outside, away from the rainy snow and watched happily as two people, crazy in love, beheld each other for the first time that day. As Michelle walked up behind James, she paused. Her hands fanned her face in an attempt to keep her tears at bay. When she had composed herself, she gently placed her hand on James’s shoulder and when he turned to look at her, they both lit up. Her eyes glistened, his smile was warm and loving, and their embrace was tender and beautiful.

After their portrait session, Michelle changed into a beautiful rose-toned cocktail dress to spend an hour with James and all of their guests over fabulous cocktails and hors d’oevres, before sneaking off with her mother and sister to change back into her jumpsuit for her wedding to James.

The ceremony itself was so emotional and honest. Michelle and James wrote incredibly personal vows and tears were shed by all, including several of the readers and the guests. Even more than the happy tears, we were absolutely overwhelmed with the sheer joy and connection radiating off of James and Michelle. She had an infectious joyful laugh and James just glowed with respect and adoration for his bride.

Michelle and James, we wish you both all the very best that life has to offer as you set forth on the adventure of marriage together!

xo, Ashley