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Villanova Chapel Wedding & Fado Irish Pub Party – Amy & Gregory

We think Amy and Greg’s wedding was especially  cool because they embraced their own personalities and had a really personal day surrounded by their closest loved ones.
How many people could successfully combine tradition and fun like this?!
From a touching ceremony at the always beautiful Villanova Chapel, on the campus of Villanova University, to a reception with a laid-back Philly vibe (the bride changed into a sassy black lace sheath) at Fado’s Irish Pub in Center City Philadelphia, we love their style!

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Nineteen Restaurant at the Bellevue – Weddings; Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia- Weddings; Korean Pae Beck Wedding Ceremony

Blog-01I was relieved that the  wedding of Matt and Seo-Hee was in Center City, since it took place on the day of the blizzard, Saturday, December 19th, 2009. The fact that it ws so close to my studio meant that I had no problem getting there and back. (I’ve never missed anyone’s wedding in almost 14 years of shooting them, and even this blizzard didn’t stop me.) Seo-Hee and Matt had two ceremonies — a Christian Ceremony at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square, and a Korean “pae beck” at the same venue as the reception — the 19 Restaurant on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue. The elegant flowers were from Nature’s Gallery Florist in Philadelphia, and the terrific jazz was handled with a casual perfection by Ken Ulansey and his jazz trio. The second photographer was my super-talented and fun associate photographer, Hieu. — Faith West

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Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Weddings & Grace Episcopal Church, Haddonfield, NJ, Weddings — Caroline & Joe

Getting Ready

I was so privileged to photograph Caroline & Joe’s wedding. They have a great story behind their marriage. They met years ago, when she was a beach badge collector and he was a lifeguard. They didn’t date, though, and went their separate ways. They didn’t meet again until years later when a mutual friend re-introduced them, and romance blossomed. In the interim when she wasn’t in touch with Joe, Caroline was an Eagles cheerleader. There were many former Eagles cheerleaders at the wedding– they led a raucous Eagles cheer after the first dance! Kimberly Fink of Kimberly Fink Events provided her typical stellar level of professionalism. I love working with Kimberly as wedding coordinator. She doesn’t hover, she’s sublimely pleasant, and always appears when she’s needed to lend a hand or provide logistical advice. She’s really great. Other wonderfully professional vendors at the event were the always-entertaining Paris band from EBE Entertainment, and the incredibly talented Donna O’Brien of Beautiful Blooms. And, of course, the stately and incredibly beautiful Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (the old building, designed by Frank Furness) provided a stunning backdrop for the reception.

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Caroline & Joe seeing each other for the first time

Caroline & Joe

Caroline & Joe seeing each other for the first time

Bridesmaids show off their stoles & smiles!

The flowergirls were so cute!

The gorgeous flowers from Beautiful Blooms

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Bride & bridesmaid

Flowergirls and bride & groom at church

Bride and groom having fun; and at PAFA

Again, stunning flowers from Beautiful Blooms & cake w/fun, baby pinecones

Cocktail hour

Cocktail hour at the splendid PAFA

Another view of cocktail hour at PAFA

Caroline is a dancer; and Joe just practiced for quite some time!

First dance at PAFA

Paris band from EBE struts their stuff to get the party started

All the former Eagles cheerleaders do the Eagles fight song!

Knowlton Mansion Weddings – Conroy Catering Weddings – Kelly & Scott

blog04Snow! It snowed on Saturday — Kelly & Scott were such good sports about going out in it, despite getting a little wet, to make some awesome pictures! Everyone loves a winter wedding. This beautiful December wedding took place at Conroy Catering’s Knowlton Mansion in Northeast Philadelphia, with the super-talented Precious Petals of Huntingdon Valley providing the neutral-toned blooms. The decor was perfect for the mood set by the season, and by Kelly’s unique vintage reproduction dress, a Claire Pettibone-designed dress she purchased at Nicole Bridal & Formal Shoppe in Jenkintown. Circle of Sound DJs kept the party mood going all night long. — Faith West

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Knowlton Mansion Interior at Wedding

Knowlton Mansion Interior at Wedding

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In the Knowlton's Intriguing Wine Cellar

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Braving the Snow for Outdoor Shots of Knowlton Mansion

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Kelly & Scott being introduced; the cake, topped by Precious Petals, was spectacular

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Sheraton Society Hill Wedding & Old St. Mary’s Wedding, Philadelphia — Sarah & Ben

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I had the great privilege of working with Kimberly Fink of Kimberly Fink Events on Saturday for the wedding of Sarah & Ben. The ceremony was held at the second-oldest Catholic church in Philadelphia, Old St. Mary’s in Old City (built in 1763), plus the most rollickin’ reception I’ve ever seen followed at Sheraton Society Hill. Ben danced like Michael Jackson while everyone watched, and his brother rapped with apparent ease to the Sugar Hill Gang with the awesome band, Rio of Eddie Bruce Entertainment. The talented Ilonka Floral Decorators provided the fabulous flowers and lighting which set the stage in the ballroom for drama and magic. — Faith West

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The Rittenhouse Hotel Wedding, Philadelphia – Emily & Jon

 

The Rittenhouse Hotel provided the spectacular attention to detail which they are known for at this elegant wedding soiree held by Emily & Jon. Guests enjoyed jazz and conversation, then a sumptuous 5-course meal in the Cassat Lounge. The chuppah was hand-crafted by one of the best in the business, Evantine Design. As the photographer, I got two distinct honors — photographing the union of Emily & Jon, and meeting the baby of Emily’s sister, Liz, and brother-in-law, Dave, whose wedding I photographed a few years ago. I love seeing the babies of couples whose weddings I photographed. It’s a great perk of the wedding photography business. — Faith West

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Jackie and Adam’s Engagement Photos at Bucks County Community College & Tyler State Park

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Jackie and Adam are getting married in June of next year under the talented guidance of one of the most lauded wedding coordinators in Philadelphia, Mark Kingsdorf of Queen of Hearts.  I suggested that their engagement photo be taken in a different season than the wedding. We settled on the beautiful fall colors at Bucks County Community College and Tyler State Park in Newtown. Jackie emailed me that they love the shots! Thanks, Jackie and Adam! — Faith West

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Cathedral Basilica & The Racquet Club Wedding, Philadelphia – Katie & Mike

Leibel-1Hi, everyone! We had a great time photographing the wedding of someone who works here at Faith West Photography, Katie! She married her college sweetheart, Mike, in a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia. Portraits of the wedding party followed at Lemon Hill Mansion in Fairmount Park. Then after a fabulous meal from Jeffrey Miller Catering everyone danced the night away at the Racquet Club to the sounds of East Coast Event Group. Flowers were stunning, thank to Pamela from Passion for Petals. They were enhanced by the ever-awesome lighting of Eventions, who also put the couple’s names in lights on the dance floor. The Racquet Club looked phenomenal. — Faith West23-42-37-Leibel-11-07-0911-49-27-Leibel-11-07-0911-52-43-Leibel-11-07-0912-18-15-Leibel-11-07-0912-21-54-Leibel-11-07-0902-39-22-Leibel-11-08-0900-04-14-Leibel-11-08-09Leibel-213-54-39-Leibel-11-07-09leibel-6Leibel-519-15-08-Leibel-11-07-09Leibel-3Leibel-416-40-50-Leibel-11-07-0916-03-48-Leibel-11-07-0915-42-45-Leibel-11-07-0902-36-30-Leibel-11-08-09

Radnor Hunt Club Wedding – Rachel and Rich

One of my favorite things to do is help my brides construct the schedules for their wedding day.

I use my years and years of experience to try and help people get all the pictures they could ever want plus help them to have a well thought-out, stress-free day!

But I have to say, even with all that planning, not many brides are as lucky as Rachel was on her wedding day.  Skies cleared just in time to give us beautiful weather and we got to take full advantage of The Radnor Hunt Club, her beautiful reception venue.

Here is a preview of some of my favorite images for the day, and even I can’t wait to see the finished product – myself and another fabulous Faith West photographer were on-hand for photos, and our great partners from dVideography and Eventions Products were there for video and lighting, respectively.

On a sappy note, there is something about every wedding that makes it special, and I have to say, it was beautiful to see how loved Rachel and Rich are by their friends and family;  from Rachel’s brother “escorting” their 6-month old daughter Maddie up the aisle, to the fabulous floral arrangements done by her bridesmaid and more.  I’m glad I got to be a part of it!

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