One of my last weddings this season was with this awesome couple Becky and James! Their Fall botanical wedding was held at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park. Their reception was designed by Maggpie Vintage Rentals. Florals by Twinning Gardens. And our gorgeous brides hair and makeup was done by Aleksandra Ambrozy.

I started the day with Becky and all of her ladies brunching at their home in Philly. Their cat Nacho helped Becky get ready in her gorgeous beaded gown. James is an illustrator and also designed their wedding invitations himself.

What a sweet moment it was to see Becky tear up when she saw James for the first time! The time we spent with James and Becky was so fun and relaxed and full of love from beginning to end!

I am just amazed that Caroline’s wedding dress is a family heirloom passed down through several generations. This dress has been worn by 5 different women in Caroline’s family and the gorgeous lace veil she wore was her mother’s too. Her family has been vacationing in Cape May for over 200 years and it is so intrinsically tied to their family that it was a no brainer that Caroline and Greg had their wedding at Congress Hall in Cape May. In fact, they are the first in their family to be married in Cape May!

A gorgeous day on the beach in September with a sweet couple and some sweet dance moves!

What an incredible journey it has been getting to their rustic honey funny sunny wedding at the Joseph Ambler Inn. This Phish lovin’ couple came to me after we met at their friends wedding last year. That couple just welcomed their first son into the world yesterday. Carolyn and Chris are two of the happiest people I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet. So sweet and down to earth. Their joy is contagious. I’m pretty sure every image I’ve created of these two, they’re giggling at each other. These two were a happy reminder of what a wedding day is really about to me.

A wedding day should above all else, be filled with love and laughter. It can be easy to get caught up in the details of planning such a huge day. You want gorgeous floral arrangements, pinterest worthy escort cards and keepsakes and trinkets and all of that. I get it. I eat it up too. But take a step back from all of the extra. It’s just extra. Be present. Connect with each other in real and meaningful ways. Look at your best friend and remember that they are the reason you’re here. Right now. Celebrating the magic that exists only between you two.

For those who witness your vows, your embraces, your love filled glances at each other throughout the day – we are the lucky ones. What a gift it is to be near something so raw and full of life. Sometimes I only have one day with a couple. I’m lucky enough to be wrapped up in the celebration. The beginning of your crazy ride together. Into the sunset, hand in hand, all the glitter, kisses, and happiness.