November 2016 - Black White and Raw Photography

Fall wedding at manor house at commonwealth

I absolutely adore a rustic fall wedding. Alex and Russell’s sweet rustic wedding in Horsham, Pa was a perfect example of why.

Alex got ready in her families home, surrounded by family heirlooms. The warm wood and antiques made perfect backdrops for photographing her sweet details. I’m obsessed with Alex’s bridal portraits. Using an 85mm 1.4, nearly wide open, standing between the bride and a window, makes for large, lovely highlights in the eyes. Shooting wide open blurred the bedspread behind her to made a unique splash of color. Alex’s dress from The Sample Rack in Philly was a perfect choice for an elegant vintage look. Alex’s mother, clearly the most talented woman on the planet, made her daughter’s veil, headpiece, and all of the beautiful reception signage. She also made and kept secret for a year, table centerpieces of quilting squares including a large piece featuring the couple’s dog for their sweetheart table. Next they’ll be sewn into a quilt for the newlyweds.

The Manor House at Commonwealth in Horsham, Pa is one of my favorite rustic venues for a fall wedding. It was the perfect setting for the Florals by Lynn Labb which included Lotus Pods and roses, which I became quite obsessed with. Alex’s elegant fall wedding color palette of Midnight Blue, Pumpkin and pale peach made for an sophisticated wedding party with suits from Ventresca’s. Alex’s brother Will played guitar for the self-uniting ceremony led by Russell’s sister, and Brad Allen, of Sky Orphan Productions used the recording for their highlight reel. Lavender seeds were a charming and fragrant exit for the bride and groom. The covered porch of the venue makes for a lovely cocktail hour, and after dinner and dancing, a midnight blue cake from Brendenbecks Bakery was the perfect ending to the evening.

All photos by Lori Foxworth and Paul Cofield of Black, White and Raw Photography

If you are considering video for a BWR wedding, I suggest using one of our preferred videographers. It makes for more cohesive coverage when we’ve danced around weddings together before. Video highlight reel by Brad Allen of Sky Orphan Productions. Music by Will Brunner.

Classic bride and Groom on Broad Street

One of the biggest surprises to me in my journey as a Philadelphia wedding photographer, is how much I love shooting classic Philly elegance. I love combining street photography with a stunning gown and taking advantage of the grand buildings, architecture and street lights of my beautiful city and photographing beautiful brides having their princess moment smack dab in the middle of Broad Street.

Gia’s day began at her mom’s house, surrounded by her friends and family. Ryan choose not to see his bride until she walked down the aisle of St Augustine Church, a tradition that I see more classic couples embracing these days. I couldn’t resist a romantic shot of the couple alone after the ceremony before heading to City Hall for some fun shots of the bridal party in the courtyard, and of course, Broad Street. I almost never shoot Broad Street without additional lighting, which I think makes my shots a little different than what most photographers do. It’s a little tricky to use two light stands in the middle of City Hall traffic, but I’m ballsy like that.

Of all the moments of her day, Gia was most excited about surprising Ryan with the cake. The Cescaphe event group has an amazing bakery, and this cake from Vie was easily one of my favorites. (See one of their fabulous upside chandelier cakes at Industrial Wedding Chic at the Tendenza). They did a beautiful elegant side, and surprised Ryan by turning it around to reveal all his favorite sports teams. Congratulations Gia and Ryan!