Alexis & John ♥ March 10, 2018

It can be a little nerve wracking working a wedding when you don't know your bride and groom personally yet. Sometimes we get to know our couples ahead of time if they book an engagement session with us (which we totally suggest doing!); but not always. Getting to know Alexis and John as a couple was quite possibly my favorite part of their wedding day. They have such a calm and playful demeanor about them that it made me even more excited to be at work that day! When I showed up at Alexis' parents' home in the morning on Broad Street, I could tell immediately that it would be a fun wedding. I had walked into a dance party in the middle of a living room. All of Alexis' family were gathered together signing, dancing, and her father playing guitar. Knowing just a little about Alexis from her initial meeting with us, I knew she was going to be laid back bride who kept telling me 'No, I don't need a photo of that' or 'Don't worry about it'...and she was! Nothing could effect this bride on her wedding day. I took my time photographing detail shots while talking with her family. It was a perfect start to the day! Before leaving for Pen Ryn the girls and I ran out to Broad Street for a few windy City Hall shots - a staple of Philadelphia weddings.

Once we all got to Pen Ryn, it was time for John to see Alexis, my favorite part of every wedding. I always get excited to see how each person will react, and I even end up crying along with them sometimes. Neither Alexis or John were nervous to see each other, but over the moon excited. John's face lit up as he turned around to his bride! I truly believe that is when it fully sets in, "I'm marrying this person today!". Their whole bridal party came outside decked in snow boots so we could still take advantage of the gorgeous grounds at the mansion. Obviously we had to get a photo of Alexis and John's boots to remember the crazy weather we had that week. Snow storms in March!? Trekking out in the snow posed its problems of nobody being able to see and me crying the whole way through portraits due to the bright sun, but we made it work! I learned later on in the portrait session that Alexis and John used to live 'down the river' from Pen Ryn which made this venue that much more romantic and special for them! They are an avid outdoor-sy couple spending time surfing, kayaking, and just being outside. I also learned John has a pretty good sense of humor when I told him to make Alexis laugh for a portrait, he starting talking in a cartoon voice and had her cracking up laughing!

After as sweet ceremony by the fountain officiated by Alexis' best friend, we went inside to dance the night away. Alexis' dad even surprised her with a song after dinner! After getting to know this lovely couple we know they will have a long adventurous life together!