Venue: The Icebox at Crane Arts, Philadelphia PA
Catering: Diverse Catering, Bensalem PA
Flowers: Love ‘n Fresh Flowers, Philadelphia PA
Cake + cupcakes: Whipped Bakeshop, Philadelphia PA
Gluten-free cupcakes: Philly Cupcake, Philadelphia PA
Wedding coordination: Natalie Diener, Philadelphia PA
Music: Sara Sherr, Philadelphia PA
Designer: Imin Yeh, Oakland CA
Rings: Bario Neal, Philadelphia PA
Carolyn’s Dress: BHLDN, Philadelphia PA
Hair and makeup: Matthew Sky
Brian’s Suit: Boyds Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA
Lighting: Ocean Tents & Party Rentals, Philadelphia PA
Transportation: Philadelphia Trolley Works, Philadelphia PA
Homebrew: Home Sweet Homebrew, Han Dynasty, Linvilla Orchards, Upton Tea
Second photographer: Brae Howard of Brae Howard Photography, Philadelphia PA

Photographing Carolyn and Brian’s wedding was unique and very fun! We started the day in their neighborhood – South Philly/Passyunk Square – walking around and taking photos in some cool East Passyunk Ave. spots (Passyunk Gardens, Capogiro gelato, B2 Coffee shop, some awesome murals, etc). I loved that our portrait session  location was meaningful for the couple. I also loved that Carolyn and Brian were relaxed and had a great stress-free attitude to their wedding celebration. After our portrait session we took a cab to Crane Arts where they had a very intimate and touching self-uniting ceremony. Another interesting detail is that Carolyn and Brian had two cocktail hours, one before the ceremony and one after. It was a great touch and their guests really liked it. This was followed by a great big party for friends and family with a photo booth, karaoke and lots of dancing. Their buffet-style dinner featured “a taste of the new South Philly,” and all of their vendors were based in Philadelphia. Congratulations Carolyn and Brian! Thanks for letting us capture your celebration.

Carolyn described their wedding plans and expectations below:
“Brian and I knew from the start that we wanted to throw an amazing party for all our friends and family — and get married during it! By thinking this way, we took a lot of pressure off ourselves, knowing that our big day didn’t have to follow the rules of what a wedding was supposed to look like. We didn’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen and we didn’t have a color scheme, but our 215 guests made the day bright, beautiful and full of color. Our self-uniting ceremony, buoyed by a few readings, stories and symbolic gestures from family members and close friends, was personal to us and included lots of laughs — weddings are joyous occasions, so we wanted everyone to get in on our bliss! We both felt strongly that our budget should support the local economy, so all of our vendors (save for the designer, one of my oldest friends and an incredibly talented artist who lives in California) were based in and around Philadelphia, from the florist who grows her own blooms to the DJ who moonlights as a Philly karaoke master. In the end, it was the perfect day because we got to hug our closest friends and family, eat our favorite foods, drink our favorite beer, hear — and sing — our favorite songs, dance the night away and, most importantly, celebrate love with people we love.”

- Carolyn Huckabay

Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
Church: St. John the Evangelist Church, Philadelphia PA
Dress: Forever Yours, Bridal and Formal, Cincinnati OH
Hair and Makeup: Mane Stop, Haddonfield NJ
Flowers: GMK Floral Designs,  Philadelphia PA
Catering: Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
Cake: Classic Cake, Philadelphia PA
DJ: DJ Dan Breslin, Silver Sound, Philadelphia PA
Monogram: Kim Wiseley, FlutterMag, Santa Barbara CA
Second photographer: Claire Hudson

“Our wedding planning process was delightful because we both knew that at the end of the day, we got to marry the person we loved most in the world.  That guided everything.  Since we were on a budget, we decided that large floral centerpieces weren’t for us.  Instead, we found many old hardcover books–both of us are avid readers–and that led to the library motif.  The colors–white, green, and blue–were a nod to our alma mater, the University of Notre Dame.  As for my bridesmaids’ dresses, I let each of them pick out the style that they loved best. Jason picked out the groomsmen’s outfits; he loved finding braces for them to wear!  One of my favorite details was the cake topper: our friend Kim designed the monogram, and we used it as a banner between some of Jason’s (used) drumsticks! In the end, our wedding was a comfortable, happy celebration of our love.”

- Kaitlin Moredock

Somehow the three days we spent in the Catskills seemed like at least a week. I loved the way the days went by slowly, with plenty of time to pause, look at things in a new way, breathe, think and actually experience life the way it’s supposed to be. Without rushing. And take photos. The ones you make in camera and mental ones, too.

On the way back, we listened to David Lynch’s audiobook “Catching the Big Fish.” Somehow it really resonated with me because he talks about meditation and creativity. I felt refreshed and inspired. It was a perfect end of our trip. It’s great to be back and I’m looking forward to spring!

Stefanie and John got married on March 9th, 2013 at Merion Tribute House in Merion Station PA. We went to Philadelphia Art Museum for a fun photo session with Stefanie, John and their bridal party. Congratulations Stefanie and John!

Venue: Merion Tribute House
Dress: DALBY by Enzoani from Lily’s Unique Bridal
Hair and makeup: Contemporary Styles by Mena in Media PA
Flowers: Whimsical Welcomes
Catering: Capozzoli Catering
Second photographer: Claire Hudson

Stefanie and John’s engagement session from last summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day! Which is a great excuse for baking something delicious for someone you love in my world. I’ve been looking for a new recipe to try out and came across this Cranberry, Caramel and Almond Tart on Smitten Kitchen. I was really excited about a) cranberries! (we like all things sour) b) making caramel for the first time. I think making the caramel was my favorite part. Watching the sugar slowly bubbling and changing colors from golden to deep brown while listening to the Amelie soundtrack kind of made my morning! Also, i thought about becoming a tart photographer. Dream job!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

As it got dark (and seriously very cold!), we headed back to our cabin. While Katch and Claire figured out the fire situation, me and Brae made a simple but delicious dinner, accompanied by whiskey with hot apple cider and ginger tea. We also spent some time by the fire (my favorite thing to do in the winter!) sipping on whiskey and talking.

Although we only went away for two days, this trip was super inspiring. I was very happy to have some fun around new people as well as quiet time to think, walk around and explore. Also, the amount of stars at night there is mind blowing and watching the sky at night was one of my favorite memories of our trip.

To be continued in 2013!

Venue: Crane Arts
Ashley’s dress: Vera Wang from David’s Bridal
Ashley’s jewelry and jewelry for bridesmaids: Ashley made it!
Catering: Diverse Catering
Flowers: Flowers By Design
Paper goods: LuckyLadyPaper
Dance floor, photo booth, entranceway: Jim and his Dad!
Second photographer: Brae Howard
Mexican flags and sculls for the reception: Mexican Sugar Scull