THE WEDDING DAY

Kayleigh and Vince’s wedding day in Old City, Philadelphia was nothing short of spectacular and unique. They had originally planned to gather with all of their friends and family while making their vows to one another and later boarding The Spirit of Philadelphia to celebrate. However, their plans were drastically changed due to the pandemic, but that wasn’t going to change the day that Kayleigh and Vince had set to marry each other. They worked with Courtney Space Events to ensure they were still able to celebrate in a safe and comfortable environment for all of their friends and family. Their loved ones safety was just as much of a priority as vowing their love to one another.

From the moment I met Kayleigh and Vince I new that they had an incredible style and would bring their personalities in to their day. It’s not everyday that a couple gets married on a boat! Though they planned to celebrate on the water they also wanted to highlight the place where it all began in Old City Philadelphia. To be specific their love story began in a bathroom line at National Mechanics where we made sure to have them stop for a drink during their engagement session. I quickly learned that Kayleigh has a deep love for the color red, which went perfectly with their fall inspired wedding.

Their wedding day began at the classic Kimpton Hotel Monaco on fifth and Chestnut which is known for being one of the most gorgeous getting ready locations in Philadelphia. Kayleigh of course had show stopping red shoes, red nail polish, and a classic red lip that seamlessly matched her style done by the lovely Philly Hair and Makeup Co. Her breathtaking bouquet by Pridemore Floral Design complimented all of her vibrant details while still sharing the same elegance. One of my personal favorite details was their custom designed rings. Vince’s band by Hitched Wedding Bands was completed with their birthstones which was something I had yet to see and I absolutely adore this idea!

THEIR LOVE STORY

Kayleigh and Vince ended up meeting in 2012 at National Mechanics. They were both out with mutual friend groups and accidentally met in the bathroom line. If you have ever been to National Mechanics than you may know that they only have two bathrooms which often ends up in to the longest line in the city. To pass the time the two began to engage in conversation which went better than both could of imagined. Vincent being the gentleman that he is offered to let Kayleigh go first as long as she promised to wait for him afterwards, and so she did. Later on they realized that they shared a mutual friends group that was actually there to meet with one another. After more friendly conversation later on that evening they exchanged numbers.

Vincent and Kayleigh spent their first date at Penang in Chinatown Philadelphia. They were both so nervous that they were unable to eat their meal and ended up taking it to go. Though Vincent had plans that evening to meet with friends he decided to invite Kayleigh along and to his surprise she agreed to join. Later on that night they went to the Raven Lounge and it is a night to this day they will never forget.

Kayleigh and Vince both share a love for detail, but that didn’t help Kayleigh remember the day that Vince asked Kayleigh to be his girlfriend on 10/11/12. A few years later Vince convinced Kayleigh that they were to meet with his family on the evening of the day that they first met. To Kayleigh’s surprise that was the evening that Vince decided to get down on one knee and pop the question! Later on the two shared the experience of the Lights Festival where they released lanterns in to the night sky of Kennett Square which is a night the two will never forget, and remains the fondest memory of the day they celebrated the next chapter of their love story.

ROMANTIC FIRST LOOK AT 18TH CENTURY GARDENS

Kayleigh and Vince love the greenery and history of 18th Century Gardens where they chose to have their first look on the wedding day. As Kayleigh walked up behind Vince she began to get emotional. Vince looked so calm, but we knew he was anxious to see his beloved bride. As he turned around they both became overcome with emotion and were equally overjoyed to finally see each other for the first time. Later they took some portraits in the gardens together along with their family, bridal party, and their sweet pup Ozzie who was an integral part of the wedding day.

WEDDING PHOTOS MERCHANTS EXCHANGE BUILDING

Philadelphia has so many amazing spots and if you’re looking to stop at multiple spots in the city then look no further than this gorgeous section of Old City. Their next stop for photos was the Classic and Iconic Merchants Exchange Building, which is one of my personal favorites. While we were here we continued to capture more family portraits, bridal party, and of course tons of images of Kayleigh and Vince. After finishing up with their wedding portraits we ventured over to the ceremony location at the historic Rose Garden.

THE CEREMONY

Kayleigh and Vince chose to make their vows at the beautiful Rose Garden of Philadelphia. They had a gorgeous arch covered with florals by Pridemore Design and amazing live music by Jon Ardito Entertainment. They provided their guests with masks complete with their initials and hand sanitizer. Since this would be the only time and place where their guests gathered they wanted chose to end the ceremony with their first dance to “You and Me” by Dave Mathews Band and a sparkler exit! Of course Ozzie walked down the aisle with the best man and made sure to end up in a photo or two. They wrote their own vows and shared tears and laughter while listening to one another read them.

A TRADITIONAL TEA CEREMONY AT HOTEL MONACO

Following the ceremony they joined Vince’s parents back at the hotel for a traditional tea ceremony. Since they didn’t feel comfortable having their elders partake, due to the pandemic, they instead chose to do a small and shortened version of the tea ceremony with only with Vince’s parents, brother and sister in-law. They plan to have another tea ceremony including all of their loved ones next year.

EXPLORING PHILADELPHIA AS NEWLY WEDS

Kayleigh and Vince chose to end the evening by stopping at their wedding venue the Spirit of Philadelphia. Though their plans changed their hearts were full and they wanted to end their day with the place they would later celebrate their one year anniversary as husband and wife.

Dear Kayleigh and Vince

We cannot thank you enough for taking us on this beautiful adventure with you. I know this was not the day you originally envisioned, but you sure made it a day to remember. I love how you both not only make the best out of a difficult situation, but you do it with such style. Venturing the city with you on your engagement session, during your Christmas photos, and finally your wedding day was not only so much fun, but you remind me every time why I love capturing couples in love like yourselves. I adore how much you enjoy taking adventures together, but most importantly always remembering where it all began. You are truly a special pair and I wish you both a lifetime of love and endless adventures.

Planner: Courtney Space Events | Hair and Makeup: The Philly Hair and Make-up Co. | Florist: Pridemore Floral Design | Live Music: Jon Ardito | Videographer: Atomic Tangerine | Bridal Boutique: Wedding Atelier | Gown Designer: Pronovias | Tuxedo: Robbini Bespoke | Invitations: Minted | Engagement Ring: Angela Monaco Jewelry | Bridal Wedding Band: Kasia Jewelry | Grooms Wedding Band: Hitched Wedding Bands | Getting Ready Location: Hotel Monaco