Addison & Andrea {Wedding by Tessa}

“I still haven’t figured out
how to sit across from you,
and not be madly in love
with everything you do.”
– William C. Hannan

Andrea & Addison’s love in infectious. They are the kind of people that walk into a room and it instantly brightens. With knowing this fun loving groom from our days at Temple University and meeting his gorgeous and sweet-to-the-core bride, I knew this day would be one for the books. And indeed it was.

The forecast this summer has been nothing short of drunk. Calling for heat waves one day, downpours the next and shortly after abounding sunshine. So we’ve gotten good at being on our toes. This day in particular, I said an extra prayer heading out the door for the rain to hold off at all of the right times. There are a lot of things Addison and Andrea love, but it is no secret that they LOVE the wonderful city of Philadelphia. So we were hoping to take advantage of all the city had to offer.

The day started out at the Loews Hotel in downtown Philly, just blocks from William Penn atop City Hall. The sun came out to play and the city was covered in this soft muted light. The girls chatted and enjoyed one another’s company as the final touches of hair and makeup were placed. Even before Andrea stepped into her gown, she was breathtaking.

Several floors below, the groom and his groomsmen buttoned up their jackets and straightened there ties, all looking dapper in their black tuxes. They hopped onto the party bus and traveled to St. Augustine nearby, where they got their GQ on with Victoria.

Back at the hotel, Andrea slipped into her gown with the help of her mom and BFF cousin, AKA maid-of-honor. The bridesmaids oohed and ahhed at how stunning this bride was. We knew Addison would be speechless at the sight of her.

We traveled up to the 33rd floor, where we began pictures against the skyline. The blue skies still holding out. I hadn’t even met the groomsmen yet, and I knew this bride and groom had an exceptional crew. The girls were a blast and everyone kept an excited yet relaxed demeanor about them.

We were keeping an eye on the weather as we traveled to the church. Rain drops began to fall and we slipped Andrea in under the protection of umbrellas. Guests rushed in and found their seats and we were set for the ceremony. And just like clockwork, the clouds opened and a full blown thunderstorm erupted. But all was well and calm indoors.

Addison’s eyes filled with tears as his bride walked towards him. The ceremony was such a sweet celebration of the two, with the ever-so-often jokes from the priest to add the perfect amount of light heartedness. Addison and Andrea were lost in one another’s presence, continually catching glances from one another.

The ceremony wrapped up and the two were OFFICIALLY declared husband and wife. They exited the sanctuary to clapping and cheers from their loved ones. And just like that, the doors opened and the sunshine had returned!

After family pictures at the church, we hopped onto the bus and stuck with our original plan of galavanting all over Philadelphia. We seriously had so much fun with this crew. The rain was inching its way back in as we took a quick trip back to City Hall to grab that iconic Philly image on Broad Street. A little rain gave the most perfect contrast from the previous images and created a romantic and dreamy feel. But really, nothing could damper the joy of this day.

We ventured to our final destination, The Ballroom at the Ben. A jaw dropping, beautiful venue with high ceiling and classic architecture. It doesn’t get more Philly then this spot. Friends and family enjoyed delicious cuisines during cocktail hour, old friends reunited and new friendships formed.

The reception didn’t disappoint. From the moment the bride and groom walked in there was energy in every inch of the place. From the dancing to the speeches to the cake cutting, this party was one to remember.

I could go on and on, but I’ll simply say it was such an honor to be able to document this love story. We couldn’t be happier for the new Mr. & Mrs. Haller. Thank-you for choosing us to be a small part of the celebration.

– T

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Second Photographer: Victoria Walters