From the first day that we talked with Paige & Matt, these two were such genuinely loving and considerate people. We really do get to encounter some of the kindest, most interesting couples along this journey. As we started to dig into the plans for their Vie Cescaphe wedding, we knew that it was going to be a gloriously beautiful celebration, but the real reason why this day was so magnificent boils down to who they are, as individuals and as a couple. And we were honored, not only to photograph the day, but also to be able to film their memories. As always, we love to be able to start these posts with the highlight film of their Vie Cescaphe wedding celebration!
Understated elegance was the name of the game. As we started to photograph Paige’s simple, yet luxurious details, we had the perfect insight into what to expect from the day. Starting the day off at in one of the grand suites at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, we were surrounded by a calm, yet exuberant wedding party, Paige’s glamorous and focused mother, and her emotional father, who spent the bulk of the morning on the verge of happy tears. The wedding party (including the lovely flower girl) was cozy in their personalized sweatshirts, cheers-ing to the bride-to-be. Paige was absolutely breathtaking as her mother zipped her into her floral-appliquéd wedding gown and the glimmering jewelry that she paired with it added the perfect amount of sparkle without overwhelming her look.
Matt, on the other hand, was a ball of nerves! As he stepped into his perfectly polished shoes and crisply tied his bow tie, we could feel his anticipation building. But as much as he was exuding excitement, he was ever the suave, perfectly gentlemanly groom we knew he would be. He buttoned up the last button on his custom-lined tailored jacket and started to the elevators.
The mezzanine level of the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown is a quiet, private spot for a couple to first look, even while the rest of their friends & family begin gathering in the lobby. Although we’ve had the chance to use this space once before on a rainy day, Paige & Matt’s first look was planned to be at the hotel so that we’d all be able to travel to the first look together.
As Matt waited for Paige’s approach, we watched all of that nervous energy bubble up to the surface. His shoulders lifted. He squeezed his hands just a little. His anticipatory smile pinched just a little more at the side. He heard the elevator doors and knew Paige was approaching before her footsteps were even nearby – you could see it in his expression.
When Paige finally made her way to him, tapping him gently on the shoulder, Matt closed his eyes and left out a deep sigh before turning to see his beautiful bride. She beamed at him and they embraced enthusiastically.
Wedding Portraits around Philadelphia’s City Hall
Despite having a church wedding, Paige & Matt opted for a first look and portrait session before their church wedding. Not only did they want to allow their wedding party to really enjoy all of the *crazy, amazing* food at their Vie Cescaphe wedding’s cocktail hour, but it allowed us to stop off around Philadelphia’s City Hall for some truly amazing architecture.
City Hall is a great option for wedding day portraits. It is an iconic building, centrally located in the city and usually shot from the south side of Broad St. But we absolutely love the inner atrium with its mix of urban vibes & green space and all of the entrance archways with their dramatic lighting and winding stone staircases. It’s also a space big enough to handle both a larger wedding party and intimate wedding portraits. Plus, as a fun bonus, there’s often street musicians there to help keep the party vibes going.
Paige & Matt made the most of their pre-wedding photo session, with a diverse variety of wedding photos, all within the confines of city hall. From dramatic groom portraits to lush garden couple’s photos, we were able to capture it all in less than an hour! And once the clock ticked down, it was time to head over to the Basilica for Paige & Matt’s wedding ceremony!
A Wedding Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is just so epic. It doesn’t matter how often we have the honor of capturing ceremonies here, we never get tired of it. The long dramatic walk down the aisle is the perfect opportunity for emotions to run high and that’s exactly what happened on this day. Although Paige & Matt looked at each other in steadfast love for the entire walk down the aisle, Paige’s dad was the textbook definition of a deeply loving, absolutely teary-eyed father. His deep love for Paige and respect for Matt was so evident and he had US ready to cry along with him!
After the vows were said & the rings were exchanged, Paige & Matt walked down the aisle of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to the vintage Rolls Royce that awaited them just outside. After a series of portraits with their sweet ride, including an epic Broad St shot, it was time for us to head over to their Vie Cescaphe wedding reception.
An Elegant Vie Cescaphe wedding reception
Between the overstocked cocktail hour spread and the stunning candlelit ballroom, guests were absolutely wowed when they walked into Paige & Matt’s Vie Cescaphe wedding reception. And the beautiful decor was just a preface to the amazing event ahead of them. Thoughtful & emotional speeches told the story of how these two met & supported each other through so many of life’s moments and the challenges it took for them to find one another. We loved every moment of this celebration, from the fireworks of their first dance to the flames of the flambe.
It’s as if the Cescaphe team doesn’t know how to throw a bad party. Seriously! We love working with them at all of their venues, but we truly love the indoor/outdoor nature of having a Vie Cescaphe wedding. During Paige & Matt’s wedding, they used the outer courtyard at Vie for cocktail hour portraits with family, low light portraits of just the two of them, and as an extension of their wedding space where guests could savor a cigar and good conversation beyond the reach of the band’s (awesome, but) loud amps.
Paige & Matt, we know that the two of you will have many happy years ahead of you and we can’t wait to find out what life brings your way.
This Vie Cescaphe Wedding was great because of these Professionals:
Photographer/Videographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: The Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown | Reception Venue: Vie by Cescaphe | Florist: Beautiful Blooms | Entertainment: JEM & The Vibe | Stationery: Minted | Caterer: Cescaphe | Transportation: First Class Rolls Royce Cescaphe Trolley | Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia | Dress Boutique: Bridal Garden | Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Wedding Rings: James Allen | Hair & Make up: Flawless Finish Artistry |
