There was no question when Arielle + Matthew called us that we were going to photograph and film their wedding. They were so excited to talk with us. You could feel the bubbly energy overflowing right through the phone lines. Arielle specifically loved our energetic and dramatic documentary style. We knew - they are a perfect match and not just for each other!
These two are Philly natives (GO EAGLES!) so it only seemed natural to do their engagement shoot in their hometown. We met at Race Street Pier under the Ben Franklin and walked the pier talking and laughing. We got to know them pretty well and learned that they had just had a beautiful daughter a few months before and were beaming about her arrival. The love between Arielle and Matt is so apparent. I can tell that they would jump in front of a moving bus for one another. They have this connection where it is like no one else is there...like I think I was waving my hands in front of their faces a few times just to get a tiny bit of attention haha! Honestly, it is the perfect situation for us as photographers since we can just let them be themselves and effortlessly capture them together.
The Brantwyn Estate is absolutely gorgeous from head to toe. The outdoor ceremony site sits in front of a bed of trees where the sun sets behind as you say "I do"...what could be more perfect? Right away, I was eyeballing the flowers. Good GAWD, the flowers. I knew, this could only be the one and only A Garden Party. Miss Mary and Miss Dawn (the sisters) have a way with petals that makes you go WOWZA. You'll see. Then hire them! They are incredibly talented. I am always swiping arrangements to take home (with permission...most of the time!)
The ceremony looked like something out of Alice and Wonderland. I overheard Arielle's mother say "It's the wedding she always wanted." Matthew's dad is a pastor and officiated the wedding with such emotion and grace. It was so touching to see these two lock eyes during the entire ceremony. The reaction to "you may kiss" was incredible and maybe the only time I have ever seen such an expression of happiness in that moment!
There were a few bumps in the day of timeline of this wedding but we managed to knock it out of the park with these two and it really is because of the incredible trust they had in us. The sun had faded but they had not. Matt surprised Arielle with a carriage ride and we had a blast with them alone in the dark. (See magical carriage images below). Thanks Matt! Oh yea, did we mention Arielle has the voice of her famous namesake mermaid? Ok, maybe with a little bit of Janis mixed with Disney princess! Ok, A LOT. She is amazing and sang to her new hub along with her wedding band Juicy. Thanks for including us in your unique and emotional day!