And what a party it was, stellar decor,  amazing entertainment including a fabulous belly dancer and a hip-hop dance troupe. Check out our grooms superb hip-hop moves! Sylvia Weinstock was even in attendance delivering her cake. All in all, this Philadelphia wedding was one for the books. It really took an amazing photography team to capture everything from different angles and perspectives. I want to thank my team of Leslie, Jill and Heather! Job well done!

Wedding Planner: Gina Sole
Reception Venue and Caterer: Union League of Philadelphia
Ceremony Venue:  Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Videographer: Cinemacake
Flowers:  Rhoads Garden
Decor Design: MaSaHa
Bridal Gown and Veil: Maison Rabih Kayrouz
Wedding Cake: Sylvia Weinstock
Ceremony Music: Singer, Mayssa Karaa, Keystone State Boys’ Choir
Entertainment:  Hank Lane Band
Dancers: In Da Clutch
Lighting and Draping:  Eventions Productions
Hair Stylist: Simon El Mendelek
Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle and Victoria Nigro
Stationary: The Papery of Philadelphia
Rentals: Party Rentals, Ltd and Maggpie
Transportation: Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

As many wedding photographers can relate to, my heart was a little broken when we left the Cathedral Basilica and it was raining.  I did not think we would get another shot at outdoor portraits so  I did several of the couple, their family and friends on the steps of the Basilica, when they were protected. What a stroke of luck! In the time it took me to photograph the portraits, the rain stopped! Oh JOY! We were able to go to the nearby Rodin Museum for some very special portraits. It was then on to the Union League for a grand party!Wedding Planner: Gina Sole
Reception Venue and Caterer: Union League of Philadelphia
Ceremony Venue:  Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Videographer: Cinemacake
Flowers:  Rhoads Garden
Decor Design: MaSaHa
Bridal Gown and Veil: Maison Rabih Kayrouz
Wedding Cake: Sylvia Weinstock
Ceremony Music: Singer, Mayssa Karaa, Keystone State Boys’ Choir
Entertainment:  Hank Lane Band
Dancers: In Da Clutch
Lighting and Draping:  Eventions Productions
Hair Stylist: Simon El Mendelek
Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle and Victoria Nigro
Stationary: The Papery of Philadelphia
Rentals: Party Rentals, Ltd and Maggpie
Transportation: Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

I think most photographers would agree that the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia is one of most beautiful churches in the world (and I’ve been around the world)! Over the years I have photographed many weddings there and have never seen it more beautiful. The decor was so beautifully designed with an abundance of orchids and babies breath by Lebanese designer  MaSaHa. The floral design was was so seamlessly executed by Philadelphia’s own, The Rhoads Garden. My staff was just amazed watching them. Rhoads was able to complete the transformation of the Basilica in a matter of minutes, not hours. Bravo Rhodes Florist! The most beautiful part of the ceremony though was the love; parents to daughter and son, sister to sister. It truly was the most beautiful part of this wedding! When Lea and Jeffrey departed the Basilica we did have a little bump if the road. It was raining, in fact during their ceremony it was pouring with high winds. Thank goodness the Basilica had that beautiful overhand over it brass doors. Wedding Planner: Gina Sole
Reception Venue and Caterer: Union League of Philadelphia
Ceremony Venue:  Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Videographer: Cinemacake
Flowers:  Rhoads Garden
Decor Design: MaSaHa
Bridal Gown and Veil: Maison Rabih Kayrouz
Wedding Cake: Sylvia Weinstock
Ceremony Music: Singer, Mayssa Karaa, Keystone State Boys’ Choir
Entertainment:  Hank Lane Band
Dancers: In Da Clutch
Lighting and Draping:  Eventions Productions
Hair Stylist: Simon El Mendelek
Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle and Victoria Nigro
Stationary: The Papery of Philadelphia
Rentals: Party Rentals, Ltd and Maggpie
Transportation: Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

Such an amazing wedding with details and delights from around the world; a truly international event. Lea prepaired at her parents home in Center City Philadelphia.  I’ve already posted on that beautiful couture gown by Rabih Kayrouz. How special is it when you are dressed by the designer and your sister? That’s a first for me! Her husband to be gifted Lea a crystal flower as a memory of their wedding day. The groom prepared at the Union League where their reception would be held later that evening. They were off to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to be wed. I’ll let the images of this beautiful day speak for themselves! More to come….Wedding Planner: Gina Sole
Reception Venue and Caterer: Union League of Philadelphia
Ceremony Venue:  Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Videographer: Cinemacake
Flowers:  Rhoads Garden
Decor Design: MaSaHa
Bridal Gown and Veil: Maison Rabih Kayrouz
Wedding Cake: Sylvia Weinstock
Ceremony Music: Singer, Mayssa Karaa, Keystone State Boys’ Choir
Entertainment:  Hank Lane Band
Dancers: In Da Clutch
Lighting and Draping:  Eventions Productions
Hair Stylist: Simon El Mendelek
Makeup Artist: Kristofer Buckle and Victoria Nigro
Stationary: The Papery of Philadelphia
Rentals: Party Rentals, Ltd and Maggpie
Transportation: Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

Everyone who knows me knows how I am a sucker for a gorgeous wedding gown! This year I have had my share of the most amazing gowns and I can’t wait to share them with everyone! Lea’s gown was just so exceptional I thought I would do a post just on her gown. Lea had a vision for her gown of flowers falling from a tree and landing on her gown. Lebanese/Parisian designer Rabih Kayrouz was able to perfectly bring her vision to life in the amazing couture gown. When I entered Lea’s dressing room I found Rabih Kayrouz busy ironing all the pleats of the gown. You could see the love and pride he had put in this gown and the joy from watching the bride. A a very special touch, he had extra flowers that were placed in Leas hair. The flowers were certainly falling from the tree!