This year, Still Poetry Photography started out our summer wedding season with the gorgeous celebration of Meredith & Adrian.
On June 1st, 2024, the two lovers exchanged vows in a heartwarming ceremony at the historic Hill-Physick House in Philadelphia. Surrounded by family and friends, their love story was celebrated in an ambiance that perfectly combined the elegance of historic Philly with the vibrant colors of the couple's chosen palette: fuchsia and yellow.
Here’s a recap of one of our favorite Philadelphia weddings from 2024 so far!
A Philadelphia Wedding Venue: Hill-Physick House
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, the Hill-Physick House provided an exquisite backdrop for Meredith and Adrian's wedding ceremony. The historic charm of the venue, with its Federal-style architecture and lush gardens, created an intimate and timeless setting for these two to tie the knot.
Their coverage started after they were almost ready for the first look. We captured the finishing touches of Meredith’s sister zipping up the wedding dress and Adrian’s mother helping him with his corsage. Then, we staged the pair for a tear-jerking first look in the stunning gardens at Hill-Physick.
After Adrian wiped his teary eyes, we started their formal portraits.
If you’re willing to have a first look before the ceremony, that opens up significantly more opportunity for creative timeline scheduling, which is why we recommend it to our couples. After the ceremony, the rest of the day flies by in a whirlwind. You only have so long in between the ceremony and reception, so if you can start the couple's portraits before the ceremony itself, there’s so much more time to breathe between the two. Because of their decision to include the first look, we were able to do the indoor portraits before the ceremony and explore the outdoor spaces after the ceremony concluded.
Plus, it gives you the opportunity to spend even more time together on your big day.
A Ceremony to Remember
Once we finished portraits, we sent Meredith up to her suite in the Hill-Physick House to await her grand entrance while guests trickled in. Because of the set up of the gardens, the processional lines up outside the front of the house and walks along the cobblestone Philly block to re-enter through the gates of the garden.
After Adrian walked his mother down the aisle, his brother and Meredith’s sisters, nephew, and niece followed him to the front.
Meredith and her mother walked around the brick fence to meet her father at the entrance. He sat regally, waiting for them to arrive. This way, we could eliminate any unnecessary walking with his mobility aid.
Meredith made a stunning entrance in her elegant gown, accompanied by her mother and father who proudly walked her down the aisle after lifting her veil. The couple chose live violinists to play them down the aisle, which added an extra layer of sophistication to the ceremony.
Meredith and Adrian took our suggestion to offer the crowd a chance to take cell phone pics of them for 30 seconds after they reached the altar. We’ve found that if you give people the chance to get their one photo on their phone, they’re less likely to block our shots during the ceremony.
The ceremony was equally emotional and charming, as they had selected a likable officiant with a fun personality.
After their first kiss, they walked back down the aisle and Adrian dipped Meredith for another passionate kiss.
The Reception: Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests made their way to the reception at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, an outdoor venue with a uniquely Philly urban sophistication. It was the perfect transition from historic Philadelphia to a more modern Philly. The reception area was adorned with fuschia and yellow decorations, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. These decorations and line-up of vendors were all thanks to the creative mind of Confetti & Bustle, an up and coming event planning business out of Southern Philly.
The layout was thoughtfully designed to encourage mingling and conversation, with no designated dance floor. This choice reflected Meredith and Adrian's desire for an intimate gathering where guests could relax, enjoy each other's company, and savor the culinary delights prepared for the occasion. The lack of a dance floor didn't stop the kids from finding their own space to dance and celebrate, adding a touch of joyful spontaneity to the evening.
Culinary Delights
Food is often the highlight of any celebration, and Meredith and Adrian's reception was no exception. The guests (and vendors!) were treated to a multi-course feast that delighted the senses. Each course was a testament to the couple's excellent taste, featuring an array of dishes that were both delicious and visually stunning. From gourmet appetizers to decadent desserts, the culinary experience was a journey of unexpected flavors that perfectly complemented the joyous atmosphere of the reception.
We’ve shot many weddings, and we’ve never been offered such a luxurious vendor spread.
Because the vibe of the evening was so relaxed, there weren’t specific events like cake cutting that we had to capture. After the first dance, the rest of the evening had no schedule. That allowed us to truly enjoy the courses (and the ability to sit!), and I’m so glad we did. Mulherin’s truly created a culinary masterpiece!
A Special Touch: Polaroid Memories
To add an interactive element to the reception, we set up our second photographer as the designated Polaroid Photobooth. Guests were encouraged to come over to her station and pose for two Polaroids: one for the guestbook, and one as a momento. She helped them place the Polaroid in the guestbook and write their heartfelt messages to the couple.
This was a hit among the attendees, providing a fun activity and creating tangible memories for everyone to take home. This interactive experience not only added to the fun of the evening but also created a beautiful keepsake for Meredith and Adrian.
What we didn’t know was that the kids had their own Polaroid camera! They took turns becoming photographers in their own right, and it was so fun to see, in real time as the photos developed, what the wedding looked like from their perspective.
Your Wedding Is a Wedding: Not a Photoshoot
As photographers, we like to make sure that your wedding day doesn’t feel like a photoshoot. You spent so much time and money planning a day to enjoy with the people you love most. Of course photos are important (we’re biased), but they should just be a seamless element integrated into the day, not a distraction from enjoying yourself.
However, we thought it was important to steal Meredith and Adrian away for just 5 minutes as the sun was setting on the other side of the restaurant. Not only are the results gorgeous, but it gives them a few moments to (almost) themselves where they can just enjoy being married without onlooking guests to entertain.
We’re so happy that Confetti & Bustle introduced us to the couple, and we’re so honored that Meredith & Adrian allowed us to tell the story of their wedding day. We know that the rest of their lives will be just as beautiful as they are!
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