Queer, Biracial Wedding in Old City | Shira + Marjorie

Queer, Biracial wedding in Old City

Shira and Marjorie didn’t let another rainy weekend impact their wedding day happiness. After their tearful first look at Benjamin Rush Garden, we dodged puddles together while they were greeted by a flooding of congrats from passersby.

Creating a backup rain plan can be stressful as a wedding photographer. It means a lot when marriers trust me with alternatives. Shira and Marjorie had their hearts set on walking around the city during their couples portrait session.

We kept our plan of meeting at Benjamin Rush Garden. Wedding photo permits are required there, just in case you’re planning a wedding of your own. If you’re feeling stressed about the possibility of rain on your wedding day, clear umbrellas, comfortable shoes, and some extra hands from friends or family can be crucial.

After their first look at Benjamin Rush Garden in between Old City and Society Hill, we walked toward street artist Amberella’s mural. It’s located on the exterior of The Suit Shop on 2nd Street in Philadelphia. Before heading to their wedding location, we stopped for some spots under the bridge. It was a rare moment where we could escape the rain without our umbrellas.

Power Plant Productions ceremony and reception

Power Plant Productions is an Old City wedding venue I’ve worked at countless times in my 14 years as a wedding photographer. I had the pleasure of collaborating with Kelab Events. Their team did an incredible job transforming the space to have romantic, fall vibes, which were perfect for a cozy, rainy wedding day. 

Shira and Marjorie’s blended ceremony at Power Plant Productions was beautiful and emotional. It had acknowledgements of the couple and their love for each other. And the impactful work they do in their communities. At the end of their ceremony they jumped the broom and broke the glass before recessing down the aisle and enjoying some quiet time together.

During their reception, guests brought out Phillies hats and jerseys as Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” blasted. This work continues to remind me how privileged I am. To be able to document nuanced, layered moments with marriers and those who matter most to them. 

So many emotions can show up during a wedding day. Joy, anticipation, grief, anxiety, hope, overwhelm, love. Thanks to folks–like Shira and Marjorie–who are vulnerable and let me in to see their complexities.