Wedding

Intimate Philadelphia Wedding | Joy + Evan at First Unitarian Church

A veil hanging next to a drawing of the couple's dogs on a whiteboard.

Joy and Evan met years ago outside of the William Way Center at an AA meeting. They had their first official hangout at a hardware store soon after. Evan carried a vacuum cleaner home for Joy and they were inseparable from then on.

The morning of their intimate Philadelphia wedding, I joined them at their apartment while they got ready in the company of their two chihuahuas, snake, and Joy’s parents.

Intimate Philadelphia wedding

We grabbed a ride to their ceremony location at First Unitarian Church, where musicians played from above while Joy walked down the aisle. Guests threw bird seeds at them after their recessional. I was impressed by the amount of seeds that rustled out of Joy’s short hair throughout the rest of our time together.

Cinematic subway photos

We walked through Rittenhouse and listened to live music on our way to the Broad Street Line. I love hearing all of the Philadelphians hyping up the couple and complimenting Joy’s Jimmy Choos. It felt like Carrie Bradshaw/main character energy in the best way. After catching the subway, Joy and Evan treated their guests to lunch at the Broad Street Diner.

It was a romantic day with cinematic moments that felt right out of a movie–Joy’s veil flying off while walking; the sun coming out just as we entered the park; locals cheering them on as musicians played; a mouse skittering outside while Big Bus tourists watched the marriers kiss.

I was so touched by all of the DIY elements lovingly seamed throughout their intimate Philadelphia wedding–including their flowers, veil, and nails–which were a nod to their new last name.

Thank you to Joy and Evan for letting me join the fun. I’m constantly pinching myself that this is my profession. It’s an absolute honor to be present for days like these.

A black and white illustration of the couple at their home.
Photos of the couple during their time getting ready at home.
The marriers in an intimate ceremony at First Unitarian Church.
The marriers in an intimate ceremony at First Unitarian Church.
Wedding guests joyfully throwing bird seeds at the marriers as they walk outside First Unitarian Church.
Wedding guests joyfully throwing bird seeds at the marriers as they walk outside First Unitarian Church.
The marriers outside of First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia.
The marriers outside of First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia.
A close-up of colorful gel nails and a DIY bouquet.
A portrait of Joy, along with a detail of her Jimmy Choo shoes.
Pink florals in Philadelphia
A veil flies off the bride's head as she laughs on the street
The marriers laughing together seated outside a Philadelphia restaurant
The marriers laughing together seated outside a Philadelphia restaurant
The marriers kissing in a classic photo in Philadelphia
The marriers standing near a large tree at Rittenhouse Square.
The marriers standing near a large tree at Rittenhouse Square.
A black and white of the marriers looking at each other lovingly at Rittenhouse Square.
A black and white of the marriers looking at each other lovingly at Rittenhouse Square.
The marriers walking down the street together happily in a black and white.
The marriers kissing with a group of musicians performing behind them in Philadelphia.
The marriers kissing with a group of musicians performing behind them in Philadelphia.
Joy kissing Evan's hand in a black and white in Philadelphia.
A classic City Hall photo with the marriers as we walk to the subway.
A classic City Hall photo with the marriers as we walk to the subway.
The marrier walking from behind, crossing in front of a Philadelphia taxi.
The marriers standing in front of a Big Bus.
The couple kissing in front of a Big Bus.
A photo of Joy looking over their shoulder while entering the subway.
A wedding photo of the couple kissing while waiting for the subway in Philadelphia.
A wedding photo of the couple kissing while waiting for the subway in Philadelphia.
A wedding photo of the couple kissing on the subway in Philadelphia.
Two wedding photos of the couple kissing on the subway in Philadelphia.
An exterior photo of the Broad Street Diner.
The marriers eating lunch with their guests at Broad Street Diner.
The marriers eating lunch with their guests at Broad Street Diner.
The marriers eating lunch with their guests at Broad Street Diner.
The marriers eating lunch with their guests at Broad Street Diner.

Vendors

Venues: First Unitarian Church and Broad Street Diner

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