A Classic Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Wedding

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Back in the Spring of 2017, we were at Brides, Bubbly and Brunch, hosted by Philadelphia Wedding Magazine. It was here that we met Ashley for the very first time! She was so sweet and we instantly had a connection! So, when she reached out to us to capture her and Mark’s Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Wedding, we were ecstatic!

We really got to know them during their Rittenhouse Square Engagement session and built a wonderful friendship leading up to their day! When we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms and the trust and excitement to capture it all!

Classic Details for a Modern Bride

This year, I have deeply fallen in love… with Hayley Paige dresses! Any time I see a bride fill out her questionnaire, and her wedding dress is designer by Hayley Paige, I get so giddy and excited!! If I could go back, 7 years in time, I would definitely be getting a Hayley Paige dress for myself! On top of her gorgeous dress, Ashley had the prettiest Betsy Johnson shoes and Swarovski jewelry!

Bride Getting Ready at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

The suites at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown are perfect for bridal parties getting ready! There is so much room, even with a large bridal party! While I may have had to help a little bit to get Ashley’s zipper up on her dress, everything otherwise went smoothly!

So, funny story, the Pizza ornament is a little throw back to Ashley and Mark’s first date, where he may or may not have stolen a pizza on the boardwalk… haha!

Groom Getting Ready at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Meanwhile, the guys were just hanging out! Mark was getting Nicholas, their son, dressed. How cute is his little suit?!

The Story of Ashley & Mark

Mark and Ashley met one another during the Summer of 2015 in Avalon, NJ. Their love grew and so did their family! They welcomed a beautiful son into their lives this past October! BUT earlier in the year, while moving into their new apartment in Philadelphia, Mark proposed to Ashley in the ‘soon to be nursery’. Swoon! How sweet is that?!

A Sentimental Ceremony at St. John the Evangelist Church

Mark was doing pretty good watching everyone walk down the aisle. That is, until his dad walked down the aisle with Nicholas. The waterworks started. He probably would have continued as Ashley walked down the aisle, but she slightly tripped, which made Mark giggle a bit. He was so excited to see her walk down the aisle towards him! Their ceremony was full of meaning, and love and little glances towards one another.

Bridal Party Photos at the Merchants Exchange Building, Historic Philadelphia

Whenever our couples mention to us that they would like to do their wedding photos somewhere within Independence National Park, we always tell them to get a permit! Permits are required, and while park rangers aren’t always around, would you really want to get kicked out of the area you had your heart set on taking photos at? When we arrived to the Merchants Exchange building during their permitted time, there was another bridal party there taking photos. They were nicely approached, and since they did not have a permit for the time slot, they had to move along to another photo location. (This is not the first, second or third time that this has happened!) So, definitely better to be safe than sorry!

Bride & Groom Portraits at the Merchants Exchange Building and Philadelphia City Hall

Classic Elegance and Romance would pretty much sum up Ashley and Mark. The way they looked at each other would just make me melt! We had the best time with them both!

A Beautiful Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Wedding Reception

The Liberty Ballroom, was the perfect, luxurious location for Ashley and Mark to celebrate and dance the night away with their closest family and friends! From on-site amenities, to being located in the heart of the city, to the food and staff, Marriott makes sure that they provide a top notch wedding for their couples to remember forever!