Karen + Sean | Cliveden of the National Trust, Philadelphia, PA

When people ask me what I do for a living and I tell them I’m a wedding photographer, I get a lot of grimacing facial expressions. “You must have to deal with so many crazy bridezillas.” Reality TV is likely to blame for such a reaction.

“Bridezilla” is on my list of words that I wish would die off, joining the likes of “moist” and “chunk.” 

I’ve been shooting weddings for five years and have yet to encounter a single “bridezilla.” My clients are some of the most humble and hilarious people I’ve ever met and I have nothing but gratitude for the connections we’ve formed.

There are so many moments throughout a wedding day that make me proud to know the couple.

A gift exchange and handwritten letter that leaves the bride and groom in tears. The groom’s overjoyed reaction to seeing his bride for the first time. A tight embrace after walking down the aisle together and realizing they finally did it. Smiles that never wear off during cocktail hour. Looking at each other like they’re the only two people around, while singing along to their first dance.

These also happen to be some of my favorite memories from Karen and Sean’s Philadelphia wedding at the beautiful Cliveden grounds in Historic Germantown. 

Couples like Karen and Sean are the reason I get to tell people I love my job and wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. Unless there was a job where I could be hand fed cheese and fanned while lounging around piles of happy puppies. Only then would I consider making wedding photography a part-time thing. But probably not.

Tangent aside, I’d like to thank my husband Pete for joining me in second shooting this lovely day.