I lovingly–– and accurately–– refer to Chris and Victoria as the King and Queen of Philadelphia. After meeting me in Malibu a year earlier for engagement photos, these two invited me to Philadelphia to capture their iconic city wedding. Everything about it was quintessentially Philadelphia–– a ceremony at the grand Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, transportation by trolley, portraits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and in front of City Hall, reception at the Bellevue Hotel in Historic Downtown.

What made this wedding so special to me, and what makes me think so highly of Vic and Chris, is not the magnificence of their day, but the magnanimous spirit that they as a couple hold and exude. It became so clear to me at their engagement session and during their wedding in Philly that these two are so loved and cherished by their many friends and family for who they are–– kind, sweet, friends to all. The fact that they have classic, impeccable taste is the cherry on top.

There were so many highlights from this day in the city, but I’ll touch on a few that stand out. Victoria and Tim had a full choir for their wedding ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and watching Vic walk down the aisle was truly like watching a royal wedding play out. Their reception included a live band and string quartet, not to mention literally indoor fireworks. I did not know how much I needed fireworks in my life. Or a donut tower wedding cake. MVP of the day goes to Victoria’s gorgeous Reem Acra wedding gown. My fingers are crossed to see more architectural necklines like that in weddings to come.

To be completely honest, this was a wedding that challenged me as a wedding photographer–- I’m comfortable in my perfect Malibu sunsets and epic mountain adventures, and the city makes me truly work for it. But I’m proud of these and so grateful for Victoria and Chris for entrusting me with this incredible day in Philadelphia.