“I am yours.
I am yours as the stars belong to the sky
and I am yours as the rivers belong to the sea.
I am yours as your tears belong to your eyes
and I am yours
as your lungs belong to the pattern in which you breathe.”
-Christopher Poindexter
Though Friday, June 29th was the eve of what was to be the hottest weekend of the year thus far, we could not have asked for a more ideal couple to share the day with. Michaela is the sister of a previous bride, so we already knew we could count on a fun day with her sweet family. Everyone’s excitement and go-with-the-flow attitudes made this day a breeze.
Michaela and Avy reside in North Carolina, where Avy’s family is from, but decided to have their wedding in the city that they met, and where Michaela is from – Philadelphia. The Morris Arboretum was the perfect location to celebrate the culmination of their new lives together. Michaela and Avy share a love of visiting gardens together, and were engaged at Duke Gardens last year.
The bride and bridesmaids were just putting the finishing touches on their hair and makeup when we arrived with them at the salon. The girls beamed as they watched Michaela get zipped up in her gorgeous dress. Michaela’s sister and maid of honor helped her into her bright pink heels, and everyone was ready to go. They filed into the limo and headed off to the arboretum. Meanwhile, Avy and the guys relaxed at their hotel not far away. They watched the World Cup and chatted about their favorite players and teams as they got dressed. Coordinating but mismatching socks completed the look with their classy gray suits.
Avy and Michaela met in the rose garden and their smiles were contagious as they caught their first glimpses of each other. The bridal party arrived on golf carts to join them and we traveled around to the most beautiful locations of the arboretum.
After a sunny ceremony uniting the two, guests were invited to one of the coolest cocktail hours we’ve witnessed. A few stories up in a sort of tree house, friends and family mingled and sipped drinks surrounded by trees and golden light. After sharing a few quiets moments taking in the sunset, Avy and Michaela greeted their guests at the reception. Dancing ensued for the next few hours until a line up of white balloons sent off the newlyweds and capped off the most perfect day.
-H
Second Photographer: Haley Adair
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
VENDORS:
Wedding Dress: La Bella Moda
Bridesmaids: Azazie
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s
Florist: Poppy Street Florals (Alicia Ward)
Hair & Makeup: Karen’s Hair Boutique
DJ/Entertainment Services: Bill Hence
Catering: Company’s Coming Catering
Cake: Night Kitchen
