Sarah and Mike live and breathe tradition. They thrive on the legacies that have come before them - the spaces where family, memories, heritage and belief intersect in their life stories to create a beautiful portrait of who they are in their relationship together. It's within those layers of love that have been passed down - gifted to them - throughout the generations that their hearts beat hardest for each other.
It's as if they are coming home in each other.
That's exactly how I felt about Mike and Sarah's wedding at Villanova University in Philadelphia. Like we were right at home. As if everything fit together into one cozy, complete package for our souls. From their incredibly loving families to their close-knit friendships to Sarah's die-hard romantic soul to Mike's quietly sweet nature - this wedding was everything that Jeff and I love to photograph.
As if our hearts were coming home to where we are meant to live as storytellers.
Ok, so Jeff and I are west coasters at our core, but whenever we head to the east coast, it's like we finally fit in with our people. The old charm, the traditional romance, the stone buildings, the golden fall trees, the Sperry's... It's like stepping into a J.Crew ad and feeling right at home. I swear - every moment, every detail, every backdrop during Mike and Sarah's wedding was a creative dream come true for us San Diegans! Mike and Sarah got married at Villanova University, the place where they met and fell in love, and they held the reception just down the road at the Philadelphia Country Club. Sarah got ready with her girls at her family's gorgeous home in the outskirts of Philly, and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Sarah's dress came from the Vineyard Collection of Priscilla of Boston and her shoes were those lovely bedazzled Grazia heels that we all adore!
Sarah had her floral designer, Pam from Passion for Petals, tie a special rosary from the Vatican around her bouquet as a personal touch.
Meanwhile, there was a flurry of preparations going on downstairs.
I loved the Team Sarah hoodies that all of the bridesmaid wore!
Sarah loved her hair so much that she did a happy dance - so cute!
Love, love, love these portraits Jeff shot just before heading out with the bridesmaids.
Major props go out to all of Sarah's girlfriends for tromping out to the middle of a field with us - heels, dresses, hair, and all! You ladies are DA BOMB.
One of my favorites!
We met up with Mike and the boys at the country club before quickly heading over to Villanova.
Loved the Rolls Royce Mike and Sarah chose for the getaway car.
Last minute prep and emotions before the ceremony starts.
Love this shot! How special to be lead by your grandmother and mother to your ceremony. The following ten or so photographs are some of my favorite storytelling photos we've ever taken.
A quick fist bump just before the church doors opened...
Seeing his bride for the first time...
An emotional hug...
And fixing the gorgeous veil. Love it!
The Catholic ceremony was so reverent and beautiful - it took everyone's breath away.
They're married! But just a few more items left in the ceremony...
Sarah wanted to have a photo that replicated her grandparent's wedding photo in the getaway car - I think the two images are perfect!
And then I love the few others that we grabbed too!
My favorite from the entire day!! My husband is amazing isn't he??
I'm so excited to share the rest of the images from Mike and Sarah's wedding at Villanova University and the Philadelphia Country Club. Some of our most favorite images we've ever shot have come from this elegant, timeless wedding - including this image from the Rolls Royce above. Stay tuned for so much more tomorrow!
Wedding Photography : The Youngrens | Ceremony Location : St. Thomas of Villanova | Reception Location : Philadelphia Country Club | Floral Design : Passion for Petals | Cake : Desserts International | Dress : Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard Collection | Shoes : Grazia | Make-Up : Cheekadee Makeup | Band : CTO | Reception Lighting : Eventions | Wedding Videography : Cinema Cake
2 comments
Kent West - Love the car pics, what a great idea. Great shots as always!
Natalie - I have seen hundreds of wedding photos, but I actually got teary-eyed looking at these. The day seems to be captured to perfection. Youngrens, you are two amazing photographers, one talented team!