Jennifer & David at the Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia

On a perfect Sunday morning, we began a special day with Jennifer and David at the Rittenhouse Hotel, right off Rittenhouse Square in downtown Philly. Here's a view from the top floor, looking out on the Square and the city beyond:

It's a beautiful location, and we enjoyed capturing their celebration. Our story begins with their meeting in the hotel lobby, seeing each other in their wedding day finery for the first time:

Following that beautiful meet-up, we spent a little time capturing some portraits in the lobby area, where dramatic locations were readily available:

After an extensive set of family photos, and the Ketubah signing, it was time for the ceremony in the ballroom upstairs, where gorgeous details and careful lighting design allowed us to capture some storytelling imagery, with only a minimal use of flash:

Very beautiful.... Then, while we photographed the cocktail hour downstairs, the amazing crew at the hotel transformed the ceremony setup into the equally impressive reception configuration. It all happened quickly, and was a great demonstration of the staff's well-practiced teamwork. In the few minutes before the guests entered, we had an opportunity to capture the reception setting and some of the careful details:

Soon, it was time for Jennifer and David's energized entrance, and a brief first dance, soon joined by their many guests:

And of course, the evening included:

These guys know how to have fun! Much dancing, toasting and merriment ensued, none more entertaining than David's impromptu speech to his guests, at once gracious, emotive, joyous, and imaginative... Jen was right there, enjoying the moments with her new husband:

Toward the end of the party, the crowd formed around them to express their love, hope and joy, summing up all the meaning of an exceptional day:

Our thanks to Jennifer and David for allowing us to tell the story in images. Locations matter-- and people matter even more.