One Fine Day Festival | Sting & Shaggy at The Mann Center | Philadelphia, PA Concert Photographer

Seal with Trevor Horn and The Buggles | The Met, Philadelphia | Pennsylvania Concert Photographer

Dan + Ricky | World Cafe Live | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

I don't even know how to start describing Dan and Ricky's wedding day... but I'll try my best!  Dan and Ricky were referred to me a few months ago by another photographer.  (Quick off-topic squirrel moment - I am always honored when other photographers trust me and value my work enough to refer me to potential clients!!  I'm so fortunate to have a supportive network of colleagues in this business!)  Back to Dan and Ricky - I never met Dan and Ricky in person, and all of our consultations happened via email and Skype/Facetime.  However, we hit it off immediately, and never doubted that we would make the perfect team on their wedding day.  Our instincts were correct!

Their day in Philly was filled with so much emotion, energy, and color - it really was a photographer's dream!  Mother Nature tried to throw us off by scheduling torrential rains during much of our planned outdoor photography time, but we were flexible and creative and made some pretty fantastic photographs together in spite of the weather!

Dan and Ricky began their day at The Study at University City, in Philadelphia.  That hotel is one of the coolest venues I have ever visited!  I love the architecture and landscaping, and it perfectly complemented Dan and Ricky's semi-formal, romantic, and modern vibe.  Dan and Ricky got ready in separate suites, then met outside The Study for a quick first look.  After their emotional private moment together, we squeezed as many portraits in as we could before the rain started.

Their wedding and reception took place a few blocks away from The Study at World Cafe Live.  I have never been to this concert venue before, but I have heard great things about it and was excited for this chance to combine my wedding portrait and concert photography passions!  It can be tricky to properly expose photos in concert venues, especially one like World Cafe Live where all of the walls and ceiling are painted black.  Lucky for me, I always overpack gear, and had everything I needed to create beautiful and fun photographs for Ricky and Dan and their loved ones.

After their quick and emotion-filled vow exchange on the stage (that included a sentimental handfasting ceremony), we snuck outside for a few more portraits (just as there was a brief pause in the rain).  Then, it was time for the reception.  I don't think I've ever taken as many dancing photos as I have at this wedding, and I had a blast doing it!  I smiled taking them, I smiled editing them, and I'm smiling again as I share them here.  My face was sore from smiling so much all day, and my body ached in places I didn't even know existed from trying to keep up with this crowd all night!  This wedding was so much fun, and I am honored that I was the one asked to capture these memories for them.

Congratulations again, Ricky and Dan!  I hope you enjoy this selection of moments from your Day #1 as husband and husband. 

 

Big thanks to my daughter, Kaiya, for assisting me all day, and to these amazing vendors for coming together to make Dan and Ricky's wedding day a success:

Florist:  Teleflora

Cake Artist: (the cake was AMAZING!!)  Floured Hearth Bakery

DJ:  DJ Bishop

Hair & Makeup Artist:  Allyson Jones at Contempo Cuts Salon

Suits:  Men's Wearhouse

Centerpieces:  Created by Ricky's mother

Hotel:  The Study at University City

Venue:  World Cafe Live, Philly

Colonial Dames Wedding, Philadelphia PA | 2nd Shooting

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of second shooting this wedding with Ashley Gerrity.  Our afternoon started out in downtown Philly at La Reserve Bed and Breakfast, where we captured some bridal party candids and getting ready shots.  Then, we moved to the Colonial Dames for the ceremony and reception.  The ceremony was supposed to take place in a stunning outdoor courtyard, but Mother Nature had other plans.  Even though it rained all day, the love in the air could not be dampened.  Bridal party members and guests traveled from near and far to witness the union of Jennifer and Krikor.  It is obvious that they are loved deeply by many.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Jennifer and Krikor's wedding.

 

Big thanks to Ashley Gerrity for asking me to tag along and second shoot!

Wissahickon Valley Park Engagement | Kristen + Joe

Kristen and Joe's engagement session has been a long time in the making!  We were supposed to meet up in May, but Mother Nature threw a wrench in our plans for that day.  Everything finally came to fruition two weeks ago - it was one of the hottest days of the year, but the light was incredible and their chemistry was even better!

I am so glad that I was finally able to meet this incredible couple in person!  They are so much fun and were open to whatever adventures we stumbled upon during our session!  (I'm still bummed that we opted against diving off of the bridge at the end of the session!!)  I can't wait for their wedding this October!  I know everything is going to be absolutely stunning.

Kristen and Joe, thank you so much for driving all the way from New Jersey for our photoshoot!  I hope you enjoy this selection of a few of my favorites from our time together.  There were so many great images - it was so difficult to choose just a few!!

Also, big thanks to my amazing husband for assisting me on this one!  I wouldn't have been able to capture half of these moments without his help.

TLA, Philadelphia PA | The Dead Kennedys

On June 29th, I caught the Dead Kennedys show at the TLA in Philly.  Their tour manager hooked me up with a photo pass for the show, and I'm so appreciative!  The first band to open was Soul Glo, followed by Le Yikes Surf Club and The Welch Boys.  The Dead Kennedys went on around 10, and put on an entertaining and opinionated show, as always!  Here are a few photos from the evening!

(Yes, I know I have a diverse taste in music, and I wouldn't have it any other way!)