“Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.”
-Loretta Young
In a time where weddings have become casual, it is refreshing to take part in one that is black tie and glamorous from start to finish. We spent the day roaming center city, had photo opps in front of City Hall, and ended the day in the incredibly gorgeous Crystal Tea Ballroom that dripped with chandeliers and class. Rob and Katrina’s wedding day was classic Philly through and through; it even involved a greeting and photo session from the Mayor as he passed by!
I loved hearing their story; there were so many pieces that had to go just right in order for them to meet like they did. And they are perfect together. I don’t think that I saw Rob’s face without a smile all day long, despite the less than ideal weather. He and Katrina stood together, confident and excited to experience the day that they had so carefully planned. They rolled with the punches all day long, as plans changed and things rearranged due to the rain. They let us carry out our crazy shenanigans just so we could get some dream shot and we never heard them complain. THAT is a Tessa Marie Images dream.
The crystal chandelier hung prominently in the middle of the dance floor, hanging from the soaring ceilings and catching the light from every angle, drenching the room in a warm and inviting glow. Below Rob and Katrina shared their first dance, or rather dances. A perfectly choreographed melody with a classic flair, followed by a modernized mix of hip-hop and pop music. This dance was one for the books.
The night continued with heartfelt speeches, exquisite dining and dancing that begged you to remove your shoes. It was a party from start to finish. As the guests continued to dance, the dessert room was opened where new and old friends enjoyed cake, coffee and even shots in edible chocolate glasses.
Over the past few months I had the pleasure of hearing the dreams of this day from Rob and Katrina and watching it all unfold was pretty special. While the weather could have threatened the mood, it was nothing short of perfection. Rob and Katrina are so very right together and it was an honor to photograph their love story.
We hope you are having the absolute BEST time galavanting around Europe!
Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Shiner.
– J & T
VENDORS:
Bride & Groom Prep: Courtyard Marriott Downtown
Ceremony: St Rita’s Church
Reception: Crystal Tea Room
Dress: Pronovias Barcelona
Groom’s Tux: Hart Schaffner Marx
Groomsmen attire: Calvin Klein
Florist: Vito at Carl Alan
DJ: Mike Scott with Dinardo Brothers
Videographer: Florescio Films
Cake: Termini Brothers
Catering: Finley Catering
Hair: Jamie Valoris at Fedora
Makeup: Glam by Ashley Gallo
