Emily is one of those brides who is such a delight to talk to that you wish there was more planning to do so you could spend more time with her. From the first time we spoke to her about her Philadelphia Cricket Club wedding all the way to our good night air hug, every moment with her was full of excitement and joy. Despite the fact that she was planning during the global pandemic. It just goes to show what having a cheerful heart will do for you!
Getting Ready for the Philadelphia Cricket Club Wedding
When we arrived at the stunning Penn’s View Hotel, a charming place with a great view of the waterfront, Emily was a bundle of pure excitement. She was 10/10 on the joy scale. The day had finally arrived for her Philadelphia Cricket Club wedding and she was here for it!
Her beautiful dress hung on the door to the patio. She had been dress shopping with her family and tried a few on, but nothing was quite right. Her dad happened to see this dress on the mannequin and said he thought she should try it on. The moment she zipped it up, she knew it was the perfect dress for her. We had to agree! To complete the ensemble, her chapel overlay was made by her grandmother using pieces of her mom’s wedding dress. When she was getting dressed, her grandma came in to help her and it was such a beautiful moment. Emily is so close to all her family and they were all so excited for her. It was a day of great joy by all.
Meanwhile, at their apartment, Ben was getting himself all put together. Emily had said he was particularly proud of his spiffy new haircut, but she couldn’t wait to see him in his awesome tux. We have to say, Ben definitely cleaned up real nice. Smartly dressed, impeccably styled, but the scene stealer was his wonderful smile whenever he thought about Emily. When he was finished, the bus had arrived and it was time for him to take his place at the end of the aisle and marry his beloved.
The Ceremony at St. Augustine Church
Sometimes the emotion of a moment rushes in like a tidal wave and you are helpless to it. As Emily waited in the vestibule with her dad for the doors to open, she began to sob. The most beautiful tears as she anticipated this incredible moment and the beginning of her married life. Her dad was tender and held her tight, reminding her that she was an amazing woman and Ben a very lucky man. The doors opened and she beamed through the tears as she made her way to Ben. Ben, meanwhile, was having trouble keeping his tears at bay as his gorgeous Emily came down the aisle to him.
They were wed in a traditional Catholic mass, and as they exchanged vows and rings, we saw the culmination of all their excitement find its fulfillment. They were finally husband and wife, and they shared such an incredible kiss to make it all official.
Portraits at Merchant Exchange Building
Before we could head over to the Philadelphia Cricket Club, we had to stop at another Philadelphia icon; the Merchant Exchange Building. This stunning place is a favorite of ours for some wedding party and couple’s portraits. The wedding party had so much fun together and made our job extra easy to capture the fun-loving group of people surrounding our bride and groom. Then it was Ben and Emily’s turn to shine, and shine they did. Just take a look. Then it was finally party time!
Reception at the Philadelphia Cricket Club
Well, not quite party time. Before fully releasing them to their cocktail hour, Emily and Ben joined us on the course at the Philadelphia Cricket Club for a few greenery portraits to finish their formal pictures for the day. Then, they ran off to the party (and the food!). As we were setting up for the reception and capturing details, we ran into our friend Nils from BVT Live! It’s always so nice to see our industry pals at weddings, and we knew the band was going to be amazing.
Emily and Ben were announced in to thunderous applause and swept everyone away with their first dance. Emily’s sister Rachael made us all laugh with tales of Emily’s misadventures, and Ben’s best man brought words of wisdom from his brother who couldn’t travel to make the wedding. The night wore on into a blur of happiness, laughter, and dancing. It was so beautiful to see weddings happening in more normal ways again.
Hooray to Emily & Ben! We wish you lots of love and happiness, all your days.
