Micro Wedding at Awbury Arboretum

WEDDINGS DURING COVID

The last time I blogged was back in the beginning of the pandemic with a Race Street Pier vow exchange. It was the beginning of a very strange year for wedding photography. At first, the only weddings allowed were emergency licenses issued by zoom meetings. Pennsylvania is one of the only states that allows self-uniting marriage ceremonies. Since then, I’ve photographed every kind of wedding from safe, mask wearing private elopements, to WAY too many guests croweded indoors and pretending Covid doesn’t exist. But those are stories for future blogs. Today’s blog is about a local Philly venue that’s really getting it right, Awbury Arboretum. 

MICRO WEDDING AT AWBURY ARBORETUM

Kareemah and Damien’s micro wedding at Awbury Arboretum was a romantic event at a hidden gem in Philadelphia’s Germantown. The couple’s original plan was to have a private ceremony with no guests, but eventually opted for 11 close family members. The venue features a beautiful area to get ready in, with large windows for stunning views of the changing fall foliage. The venue co-ordinators gave every bit of attention to this intimate 2 hour wedding that they do for full scale events. The staff and guests were all masked and everything except prep was outdoors. The venue has lots of options for covid safe(r) weddings, including a large, opened sided tented area. 

Kareemah’s dress was so sweet and effortless and made an elegant combination with the muted colors in her bouqet. I loved her chic hair and pearl details. Damien’s mask matched his tie and handkerchief for a fashionable pandemic look. The couple jumped the broom after their beautiful ceremony, which is one of my favorite wedding traditions. Then I took a photo walk with the couple in Awbury’s “Secret Garden”. 

No matter what the size of your Awbury Aboretum wedding, I suggest leaving LOTS of time afterwards for photos. There are so many beautiful areas around the grounds and gardens for photos, we barely scratched the surface. It’s also a beautiful spot for engagement or family photos. I’m already dying to go back for another shoot there. (hint,hint, haha)

WORDS OF ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE

BWR: How did Damien propose?
Kareemah: December 25th, 2018 in our christmas PJs on Christmas morning! It’s my favorite time of the year and also my favorite holiday!! Quite simple, but very romantic and just the two of us!