Union Trust Wedding | Philadelphia, PA | Sarah & John

Last weekend, I photographed Sarah and John’s Union Trust wedding in Philadelphia. They had a classic and elegant black tie wedding with a blush, gold and ivory color palette. We had a beautiful Summer day despite the heat wave the whole country experienced with getting ready at Hotel Monaco, a first look at the Merchant Exchange Building followed by portraits at Elfreth’s Alley and City Hall. Union Trust was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony and reception, these two had a classic Philadelphia wedding!

Sarah and John met at Gwynedd Mercy University their freshman year, she played field hockey and he played baseball. These college sweethearts began dating their sophomore year.

Engaged 04/28/2018, the proposal from Sarah: “I knew John was going to propose, it was just a surprise of when. He took me to pick out a diamond and then he designed my engagement ring! So, after our trip to the jeweler I was really suspicious of when he was going to propose. I’m not kidding, every Saturday in April he was planning fun dates and really throwing me off. Finally the last Saturday in April, when I thought he was going to work, he woke up and said let’s go to the city today, I don’t have to go into work. We got ready and went to the city. As we were driving, he causally pulls up to Race Street Pier and tells me that he had just done some work over there last week and it’s a really cool spot, do you want to get out and see? So we got out and explored the pier. As we overlooked the water he grabbed my hands and got down on one knee. I think I blacked out, I remember him saying some really beautiful things like spending the rest of our lives together but I cannot remember anything else but saying YES!! And grabbing his face to kiss him! I turn around and he had hired a photographer to capture the whole thing. He met with the photographer on Friday when I thought he was at work! He planned the whole thing and had us standing in the best spot. So thoughtful! We did an engagement shoot right after in Elfreth’s alley and some other spots in the city. After that, we grabbed a glass of wine and my favorite – a cheese board at Zavino Wine bar. After that, we walked around Rittenhouse square and went to dinner at Barclay Prime. After dinner, we got home and I walked into a surprise engagement party thrown by John and our parents with our family and closest friends. I honestly couldn’t believe it! It was an absolute perfect day.”

I absolutely adored photographing Sarah and John’s Union Trust wedding, Sarah was such a classic and happy bride. My day started at Hotel Monaco and after photographing all her beautiful details and final hair and makeup, Sarah surprised me with confetti poppers for their group champagne photo! It was such a fun and colorful way to capture this group before Sarah put on her gown. Once Sarah was dressed, we drove to the Merchant exchange Building for their first look. After my sweet couple saw one another, we used every inch of the Merchant Exchange Building for couple and bridal party photos, while keeping cool! After location number one, we arrived at Elfreth’s Alley for more photos, which was perfectly fitting as Sarah and John had engagement photos here immediately following John’s proposal! Before we arrived at their Union Trust wedding, we had to make one more iconic Philly photo spot, City Hall! Their ceremony was perfectly short and sweet with emotional personal vows and once married it was time to party! Their Union Trust wedding was filled with a romantic first dance, sweet and hilarious speeches, followed by an Eagles chant after the best man’s speech and a nonstop dance floor! Thank you to Sarah and John for allowing me to photograph your Union Trust wedding!

Now that Sarah and John are done planning their Union Trust wedding, they are off on a Barbados honeymoon! And now married, their dream is to grow old together! They would also like to travel together and plan to celebrate their 1 year anniversary in Italy and Ireland. They definitely want kids one day and Sarah can see John coaching all of their kid’s sports teams and being an awesome Dad. They will always have a house full of dogs, wine, beer, and laughter!

Photography: Susan Hennessey Photography

Getting Ready Location: Hotel Monaco

Ceremony & Reception: Union Trust

Wedding Dress: Allure Couture

Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids – Amsale

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Rudi’s Formalwear

Hair & Makeup: Anthony J Hair Studio

Invitations: Minted

Florist: Fabufloras Design

Cake: Termini Bros Bakery

Videographer: Wise Films

DJ: DiNardo Brothers Entertainment

Transportation: Limo Today

Catering: Finley Catering

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