2020 has put a weird halt to so many people’s original wedding plans, but at the same time, it has given others the freedom to celebrate their love in a unique and personal way. Kaylin & Phil’s Philadelphia City Hall Elopement weekend was a perfect example of the latter.
These two have known each other for years – ever since they were in school together. And when they decided it was time to get married, the size or scope of the celebration mattered very little to them, as long as they wound up married in the end.
Although we went out for their portrait session on Labor Day afternoon, these two chose to celebrate their Philadelphia City Hall elopement all weekend long through small, intimate socially distant dinners with their core friend group. After we captured their elopement portraits around historic Philadelphia, Kaylin & Phil wrapped up the weekend’s festivities with one last dinner at home with their closest friends in their wedding attire.
The best part of all? All of these small gatherings and meals happened BEFORE they were married, so they were able to see their friends for one last (all together) hurrah. Because Philadelphia only offers city hall weddings on Tuesdays & Thursday, these two had their portraits taken beforehand on their wedding “eve.”
Wedding Portraits Before a Philadelphia City Hall Elopement
Their portraits were absolutely as epic and emotional as any traditional wedding would be. While Phil waited patiently for Kaylin’s arrival, he was absolutely vibrating with nervous energy. Just waiting for her was almost enough to bring tears to his eyes, so we were so ready for the free-flowing happy tears when their first look in the Signer’s Garden began. After seeing each other for their portraits, it took us all a moment to regain our breath.
It’s no surprise – Kaylin was absolutely STUNNING in BHLDN’s ethereal Miles gown. So beautiful that she absolutely had to have a few portraits on her own before we wandered the grounds of Old City. We stopped around the Second National Bank, behind Carpenter’s Hall, and wrapped up the old city part of our tour in front of the Merchant Exchange Building.
Dusk Portraits at Cira Green
But things didn’t stop there! We hopped in our cars and drove across the city just in time to watch the city light up at night from the eleventh story overlook at Cira Green. Our time at Cira Green wasn’t long, because the light was fading fast, but it offered Kaylin & Phil a beautifully romantic quiet moment to reflect as they prepared for their Philadelphia City Hall Elopement the next morning.
