It’s no surprise that my profession landed me in the business of grand productions, given my early interest in shows like My Super Sweet 16 (where many of us first saw the incredible Teyana Taylor grace our screens). While some weddings are all-day affairs filled with hundreds of guests, others are quiet and intentional.
Brielle and Danielle’s elopement at Curtis Arboretum in Cheltenham, PA was the latter. They had all of the necessities—a sweet ceremony on a bridge, a relative and pup near their side, and golden hour light that really showed off.
I also had the honor of signing their marriage license as a witness. In Pennsylvania, you need two (adult) witnesses to sign a self-uniting license. Being trusted not only as a photographer, but as a tangible part of someone’s wedding day, is something I’ll always cherish.
Table of Contents
Curtis Arboretum: An Eclectic Wedding Venue
Magic Hour Portraits at Curtis Arboretum
Why Finding an LGBTQ+ Photographer Matters
Elopements and Full Day Weddings
Planning a Wedding or Elopement at Curtis Arboretum?
Curtis Arboretum: An Eclectic Wedding Venue
Sitting in Cheltenham, PA just outside Philadelphia, Curtis Arboretum is one of my favorite places to photograph. The grounds offer so much variety, from polished gardens to open lawns and wooded paths. Pro tip: There’s a stream tucked behind the dog park that is perfect for walking on rocks and watching muddy dogs rinse off enthusiastically. There’s even a nearby bridge that, as it turns out, makes a swell spot to exchange vows.
I’ve spent time on the Curtis Arboretum grounds outside of work too, exploring the dog park and the stream with my own family—hunting for sea glass and skipping rocks.
I digging into the history of a place, less because I want to unlock SEO keywords and more because I’m Autistic and love information gathering. If you would be so kind to indulge a brief info-dump from my neurodivergent brain. According to Friends of Curtis Arboretum, the park was designed, in part, by the Olmsted Brothers—sons of Fredrick Law Olmsted. He was the first person to call himself a “landscape architect.” Olmsted created many famous parks, including New York City’s Central Park. That romantic energy translates beautifully in photographs.
Magic Hour Portraits at Curtis Arboretum
After the ceremony, Brielle, Danielle, and Penne wandered the arboretum grounds with me as the light turned golden. My magic hour app did not lead us astray! This time of day at Curtis Arboretum is something special—the trees filter the late sun in a way that feels almost cinematic, and the open spaces give you room to breathe and just be together. The architecture feels timeless and provides opportunities for neutral backdrops, which always make me happy.
A lot of clients are nervous about including their pets, but I assure them I like animals more than people. (Not sure I should use that in my marketing, though.) If you’re considering bringing along a pet, I fully support this idea.
And if you’re dreaming of sunset portraits in a dreamy, historic outdoor setting near Philadelphia, Curtis Arboretum should absolutely be on your list of considerations.
Why Finding an LGBTQ+ Photographer Matters
When I ask folks why they ended up hiring me, the answers stay with me. Brielle and Danielle said they loved how much I do for the LGBTQ+ community and wanted a photographer who is open, honest, and supportive. That means everything.
As a queer, non-binary photographer, I want to help facilitate a safer environment where clients can feel like there aren’t any barriers to their love. There’s also an unspoken power in sharing the possibilities of what love can look like. When folks see a visual representation of lesbian love, for instance, it is such a meaningful exchange of vulnerability and visibility.
Elopements and Full Day Weddings
Sometimes when potential clients reach out, they ask if I photograph full-day weddings. This question piques my curiosity as someone who has been photographing full-day weddings with hundreds of guests for over 16 years. It reveals to me how I could do a better job of being more vocal about something I mistakenly thought I was already being loud about. My love of intimate ceremonies and elopements comes through clearly. And I never want someone planning a larger celebration to assume I’m not their person.
The truth is, I love both for different reasons. I very much realize I sound like I’m in mom mode right now, telling my kids I love them equally. Elopements like Brielle and Danielle’s have a serene stillness to them (even though we were in movement the whole time). There’s nowhere to be but present. Full day weddings, though, have their own magic. The contagious energy of a room filled with people. The momentum of a day unfolding across many hours. The quiet moments that sneak in between the big ones. I’m honestly here for all of it.
My photography coverage is booked hourly, which means there’s no pressure to fit your day into a predetermined package. Whether you need one hour for a quick portrait session or nine hours for a full wedding day, I can tailor coverage to exactly what you need. Brielle and Danielle’s day is a perfect example. It was intimate, intentional, and perfectly covered without a minute wasted.
I also want to emphasize that it’s okay if you’re unsure how many hours of coverage you may need. Drafting wedding timelines is kind of my love language and nothing is set in stone. We can always add additional coverage as you gather more details for your day.
Planning a Wedding or Elopement at Curtis Arboretum?
Whether you’re envisioning a charming ceremony on the grounds or portraits at golden hour with your favorite people and pets, Curtis Arboretum is a stunning backdrop. If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer near Philadelphia who photographs everything from elopements to full wedding days, I’d love to connect.
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