Karin and Mike came to find me through some mutual friends about a year ago. After meeting up and shooting their engagement session around the Azalea Garden in Philadelphia, I was asked to be part of their wedding day too. I was stoked because I had a really good time getting to know these two! The day of their wedding felt like it came up so quickly (I'm sure every one of you bride and grooms can say the same thing). My good friend and very talented photographer Ashley Bartoletti was able to be my second photographer (which I think is ALWAYS a plus to every wedding). As we started out the day with the ladies getting ready, the rooms at the Westin in Philadelphia were very active. The make up team did an amazing job with the ladies, and the guys had a great and relaxed time too. The flowers provided by Carl Alan were stunning. As I finished up with the ladies getting ready, Ashley followed the guys over to Rittenhouse Square where Karin would see Mike for their first look. After a little monkey business in the park, the guys let Mike head off to see Karin.
I'm personally a fan of allowing the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding - I think it allows them a chance to really get to spend some good private (while being documented) time before being rushed into the hustle and bustle of the wedding. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love the emotion and surprise of see that look on the grooms face as his new bride walks down the aisle too. Karin and Mike's first look was awesome though. He was so surprised and genuinely excited to see her and as soon as they saw each other you could just tell that the nervousness melted off.
Following a few portraits and group shots, we took the bus down to Race Street Pier, which is where Mike had proposed to Karin. The sun seemed to know that we needed a little cooperation that day because when we needed sun, it was there, when we needed a little shade, the clouds rolled in. A quick stop to Broad Street for the classic Philadelphia City Hall background, then back to the Westin for the ceremony and reception.
Both went off perfectly and so smoothly that it there's no description even needed.
Here's their preview:
