Marisha & Mike were married last year (I know, I know! I’ll be blogging all of my weddings from last year very soon, swear!), at Marisha’s parents’ home in Pennsylvania. I was beyond thrilled when she asked me to come down and photograph their wedding, and immediately started making plans, including getting my lovely and talented friend Sarah to come with me. It was a whirlwind weekend of fun, and one of my favorite weddings I’ve ever been part of – as the photographer or guest!
Marisha and I met in college, and have stayed in touch over the years (it feels like we were JUST in college, time is crazy), and I couldn’t wait to spend the weekend with her and her friends and family. And a backyard wedding? I’m SO THERE. There were so many personal and unique details created for Marisha & Mike for their wedding, that made it all the more meaningful and amazing. From the giant slab of slate used for the seating chart, to the actual tables themselves, hand-made by a family friend specifically for their wedding – everything was simply perfect. The same family friend who made the dinner tables also made an entire bar to be used all weekend. All of the china used for dinner has been passed down for generations in Marisha’s family, and her wedding rings are also heirloom pieces, which belonged to her grandmothers. Needless to say, all of these beautiful and touching details made for an incredibly memorable wedding!
When we arrived, Marisha was in her childhood bedroom with her long-time friends, starting the hair & makeup process.
I loved this card I saw tucked into her mirror – how can you go wrong with Blanche?
Did you know that Sarah also does wedding hair? 😉 She jumped in to help finish up Marisha’s hair – the talents we pick up while working!
Sarah took the next few of Mike – dressed in five seconds, and playing bocce with his friends, cool as a cucumber.
We orchestrated their first look in the neighbor’s backyard, for a little added privacy.
Marisha’s father is a very talented clarinet player, and part of a local jazz band. He played during the cocktail hour preceding the ceremony with the band, and it was amazing.
Then we all moved into the front yard, for the ceremony on the front porch. Mike is from the Czech Republic, and many of his beloved friends and family couldn’t make the trip for the wedding, so a webcam was set up by the archway, for all of them to watch the ceremony. (Marisha & Mike also went to Prague later last year and had another ceremony and reception there.)
One of Marisha & Mike’s good friends was ordained to marry them, he’s showing off his certificate to Mike’s family here. 🙂
This next shot is my favorite. I love this.
Then it was reception time!
The family china I mentioned earlier – every place setting had a different, beautiful arrangement. Personal touches like these are my favorite part of weddings.
I mentioned earlier that Mike is from the Czech Republic. There is a wedding tradition there, where the bride and groom saw a log in half as part of their wedding celebration. They incorporated this into their day, and it was another one of my favorite parts of the day – you’ll see why. Anyone who has this much fun sawing a log in half HAS to be a blast to be around.
The rest of the reception was just as much fun. Traditional Greek dancing, amazing cookies (and milk!), touching toasts, and a whole lot of love. I hated to leave at the end of the night.
Marisha & Mike, thank you both so, so, so, SO much. I’m so honored we were there to capture your wedding, and I’ll never forget it.
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Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: Private Residence, PA
Bride’s dress: Monique Lhuillier, flagship store, NYC
Groom’s suit: the Ludlow, JCrew
Bride’s rings: heirloom
Groom’s ring: Catbird, Brooklyn NY
Caterer: Alan Meinster, Marsilio’s Kitchen, Ewing NJ
Florist: Ye Old Yardley Florist, Yardley PA
Petit Fours & desserts: Cramer’s Bakery, Yardley PA
Tent: Sperry Tents
Guitar Player: Alex Gittelson
Jazz Group: Piano, Bass & Jazz
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