It was a call I won’t ever forget. Morgan had been holding out hope that the pandemic would lift enough for her to host her Pyramid Club wedding as planned. Alas, no. Two weeks before her wedding in August, the city remained shut down and she tearfully told me they were postponing. Her shaky voice moved me to tears myself. I’d been looking forward to this wedding almost as much as they had ever since their Longwood Gardens engagement session.
In a quick pivot, they still got married in the backyard at Tom’s parent’s house. Her full wedding gown was carefully put away, to wait a year until she could wear it. Well, time is nothing if not relentless, and the day arrived. It was joyous from start to finish, and I’ll never forget it.
Getting Ready at the Logan Hotel
Walking into the suite where Morgan and the ladies were getting ready was like walking in to see an old friend. She gave me a huge hug and excitedly pointed me in the direction of all the details for the day. Her beautiful geometric invitation suite, the fabulous Sam Edelman heels, and of course, the wedding bands she and Tom had worn for a year already, finally had their chance to shine. As the moment drew every closer to when she would finally wear her gorgeous dress, complete with pockets, the air became more electric.
After blowing off a little steam by jumping on the bed with one of the flower girls, who was about to put on her “wedding dress” as she called it, Morgan was ready to get dressed. Her dress slid on like a breeze, and she put in the beautiful pearl earrings she was borrowing from her mother. Mom helped fasten the matching bracelet. The rest of the bridesmaids gathered outside the french doors separating the bedroom and the living area, and Morgan dramatically stepped out to the applause of all. Her chill level began to drop, and I knew it was just the reality of the realness of the day that was finally hitting her. It was time to see Tom for their Pyramid Club wedding.
Meanwhile, Tom and the guys were the most chill ever. They had spent a fun morning together and were now all busy starting to put on their shirts, ties and figure out the boutonnieres. Tom’s pineapple cufflinks are one of my favorite things. Pineapples have a long history with them. You just sort of had to be there. In short order, he was ready to go. Off we all went to the Atrium of the Pyramid Club wedding ceremony.
The Ceremony in the Atrium
In the beautiful Atrium at the Pyramid Club, Tom high-fived and danced his way to the landing where Morgan would shortly meet him. His effortless charm was on full display, and it was once again apparent how dear this couple is to all who know them.
The music changed, and Morgan emerged with her brother, Jeff. It’s not often that a brother gets the chance to walk his baby sister down the aisle twice. Morgan’s face was brighter than the sun. Blinding joy.
They shared a short ceremony, officiated by Tom’s brother-in-law, Jay. Instead of exchanging the rings they were already wearing, they gave each other a ring pop instead! All the flower girls were jealous, and so was I. And that was that! They were pronounced “still married” and walked out hand in hand.
Portraits on top of the Pyramid Club
Morgan and Tom’s portraits are not for the faint of heart. It’s a heart-stopping, utterly breath-taking view from the roof of the BNY Mellon Center. You are literally eye-level with the iconic skyline of Philadelphia. One Liberty Place, the Comcast buildings, City Hall, and the entire sprawl of the city fades off into the distance. We could see the Limerick nuclear towers way off in the distance.
Morgan and Tom were on cloud nine as we captured their portraits with these stunning monoliths as the backdrop. A love like theirs deserves pictures like no other, and it was pure delight to make these amazing pictures. Until I stumbled on a protrusion and nearly had a heart attack despite being nowhere near the edge.
When our brains had all caught up with the reality that we were very very high up, we made our way back inside to less dizzying ground. Using the lovely spiral staircase that led up to the Pyramid Club wedding reception, we captured a few more portraits before releasing Tom and Morgan to their epic party.
The Pyramid Club Wedding Reception
Morgan and Tom stormed into their wedding reception to confetti poppers and huge applause. Their friends and family were beyond excited to celebrate with them after having to wait an entire year longer! They had tons of glowsticks waiting to light up the dance floor, and balloons with lights inside for some bopping around. The kids immediately started blowing them up and getting it going.
They shared their first dance together. Morgan’s dress hadn’t been bustled yet, so there were a few kicks to scooch it out of the way. But it was cute. Then Morgan danced with Jeff. This moment honestly made me tear up. Jeff is such a darling big brother, and to see him smile at his little sister on her wedding day like he did was so sweet.
Tom got to share a special dance with his mom, who soaked it in as he is her only boy. Her three daughters were part of the wedding party and they all watched with sparkling eyes as well.
After some incredible toasts by Jenn and Christie, the matrons of honor, and Jesse, the best man, the dance floor got popping. Literally. Some of those balloons didn’t make it too long! But that didn’t stop anyone from enjoying a great dance playlist, partially curated by none other than Tom himself. This Pyramid Club wedding reception was one for the ages.
When it was time for me to leave, I touched base with Morgan and Tom. Morgan threw her arms around me and told me that we should totally be friends in real life. I said, “let’s get beers!” So, there you go, everyone. Making friends in your 30’s does happen!
Happy happy day to you, Morgan and Tom!
