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Stunning Classic Philly Wedding at the Hotel Monaco

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Teri and Bj’s classic Philly wedding was an absolutely perfect, effortless day.  This Jersey girl and her southern gentleman (titles lovingly lifted from their super cool specialty cocktails, complete with cotton candy rock candy), fell in love while in a career training program in Virginia, let fate decide their future and were both transferred to Philly.
We got to know Teri and Bj during their perfect engagement shoot  which includes some of my all time favorite night portraits at the Museum of Art, and quickly learned what they loved most, their dogs “Mr B” and “Sparky” and classic Philly landmarks,  all of which would play an important role on their wedding day.
The Hotel Monaco is one of my favorite elegant venues for classic philly weddings.  The large suites and modern decor make for beautiful backgrounds, their receptions are lovely and their staff friendly and accommodating to guests and vendors alike.  We began our day at The Hotel Monaco, jumped on the party bus and headed out for a beautiful ceremony at St Frances Xavier.  I love when couples make space for us to travel with them.  It’s another opportunity for great photos en route, and makes the most of our time post ceremony.  Teri and Bj left lots of time for photos after the ceremony and being able to travel together, makes it easy to dip in and out of spots for photos, which included the Museum of Art, Broad Street and Second Bank.  Then back to the hotel for family photos with time to spare for our couple to enjoy their fabulous cocktail party on the rooftop of the Monaco.  Such a perfect day to start our 2016 wedding season, we were absolutely thrilled and honored to be part of it.
Photographers:  Lori Foxworth and Paul Cofield of Black, White and Raw Photography
Ceremony:  St Francis Xavier
Make-up: Jenna Kelly and Julia Gerson
Dress: Madeline Gardner (designer)
DJ: EBE, Matt Ostroff
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A Perfectly Sweet Fall Wedding at the Merion

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I think one of the most valuable things I’ve learned as a business owner in an artistic industry, is the importance of working with other studios.  It gives me an opportunity to photograph couples who may not find us as easily as they can the big, national studios. Without having to worry about marketing and promotion, I can focus just on shooting and of fitting into what the couple is looking for, which is often quite different than those who find us through more of our off-beat, darker shoots.  It sharpens my skills, it broadens my range.

Kim and Bob were an absolute delight to photograph.  Their fall engagement shoot at Ridley Creek State Park, was bright and colorful and the perfect way to get to know them.  When I arrived at Kim’s house where she was getting ready with the girls, I was absolutely thrilled to see her house and bedroom decorated with photos from our first shoot together.  I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect backdrop for her bridal portraits than the pale blue walls of her bedroom and even a tiny Philly back yard for individual shots with the girls, before we decided to take over the street in front of her house.

Kim wanted unique shots in the church and the staircase of the Merion.  I always love trying interesting church shots, and we lucked out with an unseasonably warm November day, so we took advantage of some outdoor shots as well. I also find getting interesting shots of the staircase at the Merion a little tricky with the assembly line of bridal parties that can accumulate, but I think I finally nailed it with some simple off camera flash.  Her dress from L&H bridal was fairy tale perfect and Domenic Graziano’s Flowers of white with touches of red, were the perfect romantic touch.  Available Sound and Light managed to play all of Kim’s favorite country music so they could sing all night under the reflections of the Skylight Ballroom’s magnificent glass ceiling.  Highlight of the night, when princess perfect beautiful brides  fully commit to a cake smash. Absolutely perfect.

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