Haley & Oliver-Center City Wedding Hotel Monaco

I don’t normally photograph too many weddings in the city, but it’s super fun to switch it up and see how my style translates in a more urban setting! Haley and Oliver had an amazing October wedding in Center City, Philadelphia. Their entire day was spent at Hotel Monaco with a rooftop ceremony and a candle lit dinner. 

I’m writing this blog post a little differently. I asked them a few questions and I just loved how I received answers from both of them, and I want it written in their exact words. So the rest of this post will be written in “interview style”! 

Haley wore a stunning dress from Badgley Mischka, which I don the “mullet dress” since it’s business in the front, and a party in the back! Oliver’s maroon tux was from Flaccos, and the florals were done by Steins flowers. Both Haley and Oliver had Molly from Molly’s chair get them wedding day ready!

I’m writing this blog post a little differently. I asked them a few questions and I just loved how I received answers from both of them, and I want it written in their exact words. So the rest of this post will be written in “interview style”! 

1. Why do you recommend a first look?:
Oliver - I’m glad we did because I would’ve looked terrible in all the ceremony photos if my mouth was hanging open!

Haley - this is isn’t the most romantic answer, but it’s just really practical. Being able to see each other and take photos beforehand meant we could enjoy every moment of our wedding with our guests without having to take off between things. It also helped calm the jitters! 

2. Describe your wedding in three words:
Oliver - sentimental, joyful, and another word that means all of our friends mixing together and becoming new friends. (I’m sure there’s a German word for that).
Haley - romantic as heck!!!

3. Favorite part of the day and why? 
Oliver - being able to take a breather post-ceremony in the room behind the stage. It really sunk in for me then. There was a lot of excitement with all the family and friends from overseas but that first moment that it was just Haley and I was really special. 
Haley - Saying my vows! I was so nervous that I had to actually read them to Oliver before the wedding. But saying them out loud while having our hands ceremoniously “bound” was amazing. I also really loved the walk down the aisle with my dad! We were cracking each other up with terrible jokes so that we didn’t get teary-eyed. 

4. Any advice for future couples in regards to wedding planning/ the wedding day in general?
Oliver - Be patient. Be kind. Be open to ideas and ready for creative problem solving. And then be ready to party. 
Haley - my sister-in-law gave me this advice: take a moment during the ceremony to sneak a look at the family and friends gathered together to see you (I know it’s hard to tear your eyes away from your beloved). You might be nervous and think that it would make you more nervous, but it’s actually a really beautiful feeling and a super cool moment. 

5. Anything else you’d like to add?!
Oliver - just go with the flow of the day - things won’t always go right but that’s not the stuff you’re gonna remember, so forget about it and enjoy yourself because everyone is there for you. 
Haley - don’t sweat the small stuff. I didn’t get my something borrowed, blue, or old until 2 hours before the ceremony when my mother-in-law realized I didn’t have any of those and gave me a ring to wear. It’ll come together and it’ll be amazing no matter what. Just be in the moment and remember that you’re there for each other. 

Haley and Oliver are two of the sweetest humans, their classic, romantic wedding was so much fun for me to photograph and the love from all their family and friends filled the room. Being able to relive this day while writing his blog post made me miss this day even more! If only I had a time machine and could go back to this perfect day!