Maryrose & John’s late-October wedding could not have been more beautiful. Deirdre and I first met them for a sunrise engagement session in Central Park last winter—bonding over freezing temperatures, wild wind, and a whole lot of laughter—and I knew then that their wedding would be wonderful!

Their celebration took place at XIX at The Bellevue Hotel, a historic Philadelphia landmark just steps from the iconic City Hall. The XIX sits on the 19th floor with sweeping views over the city, and the French Renaissance architecture feels like you’ve stepped right into Paris! Normally, ceremonies are held in the Pearl Room, but because Maryrose and John were getting married in a Catholic Church, we used the Pearl Room for their first look and portraits—and it could not have been more perfect. I really did try to narrow down my favorites, but there are still many in this post!

After their first look & portraits, we rode the Cescaphe Trolley to their church, St. Agatha – St. James Parish, another architectural beauty! I truly didn’t know where to look first when I walked in! Their Mass was the pinnacle of the day and such a privilege to participate in and photograph! Following a grand ribbon exit & some quick church photos, we hopped back on the Trolley and headed across town to the Art Museum, one of Maryrose’s favorite spots in the city! Contrary to what the photos might make you believe, there were actually a million people on and around the famous steps leading up to the Art Museum, and I had to get a bit creative with angles and editing magic to hide or remove all the people, metal barriers, and giant tent that was being set up directly in front of the main entrance. But I’m so glad we made the stop because I absolutely love the photos we got here!

Once we got back to The Bellevue, we had a limited window of time before the sun set, so we grabbed a few more portraits on the street and inside the hotel before getting my favorite photos of the whole day: the sunset portraits on the balcony on the 19th floor!

While I don’t ever want to pressure someone into choosing a first look (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with not doing one), this wedding is a perfect example of just how much variety you can get in your portraits with all the extra time that you’ve given yourself when you do choose to have a first look!

Maryrose and John, getting to know you both over the last year has been such a gift—and it was an honor to photograph your wedding day.

Xoxo,

Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH // St. Agatha – St. James Parish

RECEPTION // XIX at The Bellevue Hotel (via Cescaphe)

FLORIST // Beautiful Blooms Events

VIDEOGRAPHER // Flower and Oak

DJ // Eclipse DJ Entertainers

DRESS // Rosa Clará (sold through)
The Sample Rack

HAIR & MAKEUP // REFEYEANCE

CAKE // Butter Sugar Flour (via Cescaphe Weddings )