Wilmington’s Hagley Museum and Library | Stacey and Josh | Philadelphia Wedding Photography

romantic photo of bride and groom in tree lined grove at Hagley Museum

Have you ever gotten goose flesh?  I’m sure you have, but for what reason?  It scatters across my skin when I’m cold of course, but also when I hear a strikingly beautiful chord in a song, watch a dazzling scene in a movie, or stumble upon something truly remarkable in nature.  It’s a sign to me that I need to pay extra attention or I could miss something divine.  As I drove through the back gates at Wilmington’s Hagley Museum and came face to face with a tree lined grove that trailed up to an old DuPont mansion, a shiver ran up my spine and goose flesh erupted.  I knew this day, this wedding, and these two people, were something extraordinary.

Now you might think this is an incredibly odd way to open a wedding blog post, and I’m sure it is, but there is really no other way to describe the beauty that surrounded this day.  I will try, though.

When I first met Stacey and Josh last year for their engagement session, I was instantly smitten with them.  They were incredibly kind, laughed at my jokes, and came dressed like they walked out of the 50’s (which, come on, why did we ever stop dressing like that?).  I had every faith that their wedding day would be spectacular, every detail flawless, and I was right.

Let me break it down for you. Succulents.  Floor length veil. Blush color pallet.  Strings of lights.  Cascading wisteria.  Need I say more?!?  The Hagley Museum is one of my favorite venues to date.  We were threatened with rain the entire day, and luckily, it held off.  Stacey mentioned that she would have been more upset if it had rained for my sake than hers because she knew how much I would love it.  And she was right.

Stacey and Josh were married at the old Soda House Library, a glass and stone building set back from the main house in the woods.  Once vows were said and rings exchanged, we toured the grounds, for which there could never have been enough time.  There were times when it felt we had been transported to the deep south or the hills of Tuscany, with its fine stucco houses covered in lush vines.   We laughed and enjoyed the cool evening air and our sweet chaperone, Dot, gave us a private, photo filled tour.

It could have rained.  It could have poured!  Nothing could have dampened this joyful day.  Stacey and Josh, the credit is yours.  You could have been married in an alley wearing paper bags and it still would have been one of my favorite weddings (but I’m really glad that wasn’t Plan A!).

Enjoy this preview!  Video coming soon!  Continue reading “Wilmington’s Hagley Museum and Library | Stacey and Josh | Philadelphia Wedding Photography”

Creative Ways to Hire the Wedding Photographer of Your Dreams While Staying on Budget

lancaster engagement photography_1342WE have all been there…. that moment when we want something that is simply too big for our wallets. Yes, mostly it involves shoes or something that we can do without (though sometimes we just can’t walk away from a pair of pumps- I feel you. I’ve been there).

In the world of wedding photography, there is nothing worse than a bride telling me I am her dream photographer but she cannot afford me.  I understand.  I may be biased, but I know just how important wedding photography is.  Yes flowers and food and table settings are all great, but after the wedding is over, you’re really only left with the memories and the photos.  Oh, and your new spouse. Continue reading “Creative Ways to Hire the Wedding Photographer of Your Dreams While Staying on Budget”

Philadelphia Christmas Tree Farm Photography | Maxim Family

philadelphia christmas tree farm photography_1049

I just took down my Christmas tree today.  I know, it’s pretty late.  I put it off for reasons of being busy and because it was just so pretty.  I love Christmas decorations and especially lush, glimmery trees. I especially love the weeks leading up to Christmas.  There is just something electirc in the air.   Continue reading “Philadelphia Christmas Tree Farm Photography | Maxim Family”

Best of 2015 | The Knotted Grotto

Philadelphia knotted grotto

I know, I know…. it’s January 4th of 2016… but I’m still trying to play catch up with some of my favorite moments of 2015.  There were just SO many, so bear with me.  I promise it will be over soon! Continue reading “Best of 2015 | The Knotted Grotto”

Self Portrait Project | Week 15

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Time.  It’s the stuff life’s made out of.  Sometimes I feel as though I am in a constant fight with time.  It never goes my way. It’s too slow, too fast, too much, not enough.  This fall season, Time has slipped away and it hasn’t been my own.  It’s belonged to work, to editing, to my dreams, to others, but never really to me.  I’m done for 2 weeks and finally, Time is on my side.  In the last few days, I’ve seen friends I’ve neglected, I’ve slept in, I’ve cleaned my apartment, and I’ve watched countless Hallmark channel Christmas movies.  In all honesty, I prefer to be busy, and if my every day was filled with unused time, I would go crazy.  But I’m reminded how blissful time can be and how necessary it is to simply sit in good company and watch time slip away- no obligations, no schedule, just presence.

Week 15 Continue reading “Self Portrait Project | Week 15”