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