When I first met Jo a year ago to talk about her wedding, I knew right away I wanted to shoot it… the first thing that draws me to a particular wedding is the couple, and I simply adore working for people who are fun-loving and creative, who have a unique vision for their day and who appreciate the arts. The second thing is venue… shooting in spaces that are different from other places I’ve worked is one of the big bonuses of my line of work. So when Jo told me they were going to have their reception at the World Cafe Live, I was all-upons!
The day began at Jo’s parents’ house. She was thrilled to be able to take pictures in the house where she grew up, since it holds so many great memories.
I love capturing expressions of people when they see the bride for the first time.
Look me in the eye and tell me that staircase wasn’t MADE for the moment when Jo would walk down it in her wedding dress!!
Jo has such a radiant smile… I kept trying to make her laugh to bring it out.
A little back story (and I’m sharing this with Jo’s permission)… her dad had a heart attack at the end of April, and had surgery to repair the damage in early May. Jo wasn’t certain he’d be able to be here for her wedding… but 17 days later he was able to walk her down the aisle! His love for her is so obvious, and I know it’s kind of cliché to say that I was honored to be there to document it, but that’s exactly how I felt.
I couldn’t decide between these two… which one do you like better?
Jo and her brother.
I was fortunate to have Mike Landis along with me… Mike’s a great photographer and a good friend as well. He grabbed these shots of PJ and the guys.
Q: What’s better than 14 groomsmen?
A: 14 groomsmen in a chorus line wearing Chucks!
We didn’t have much time for portraits, so I grabbed a few of Jo & PJ outside the church right after the ceremony.
Onto the trolley for the ride into the city. PJ gave an impromptu tour.
Pulling up to the World Cafe Live, which of course shares a space with Philly’s best music station. (Yes, my opinion is objective, and absolutely correct. All of the time.) 
You can’t tell from these images, but inside it was d-a-r-k and completely amazing! For the photog-types reading this, these were at ISO 6400, somewhere between f/1.4 and f/2.8.
PJ’s parents can really sing!
You guessed it, the Mummers! Thanks to Mike for grabbing these two.
Toward the end of the night, PJ’s band played a set. (How could you not, at a venue like this?)
Once again, thank you to Josephine & PJ. I had a blast, and it was fantastic spending the day with you!
by Ryan
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