Michael and Joyce’s Morris Arboretum wedding was spectacular. We love working with couples that add personal details and are laid back. We started our day at this really amazing Airbnb in Mount Airy. It was actually more like a mansion, huge with an awesome backyard. It was the perfect setting for all of their family members to stay and then for their traditional Tea Ceremony. We love doing photos and video for couples weddings that have cultural aspects to them. We have done several tea ceremonies and always love them.
Michael and Joyce met seven years ago in college . She is originally from Hong Kong but came to the US to study biophysics. Michael is a resident in emergency services at Hahnemann. They both love puzzles, video games and hanging out with their friends. She loves cake pops and he loves Tribe Called Quest, hip hop in general and rock music!!
When we arrived we did just a couple quick getting ready shots before capturing the couples first look in the awesome backyard. I don’t need a lot of beautiful flowers or scenery just give me some great green background and I’m a happy photographer.
After doing a few photos followed by the Tea Ceremony, we headed out to Morris Arboretum where the couple would be having their ceremony and reception. It’s one of our favorite places in Philadelphia. The staff was wonderful to work with and there’s so many great places for beautiful photos. Joyce changed into her Western white wedding dress and looked amazing Her hair and makeup was perfectly done by Beautiful Brides Philly. And we just love Michael’s whole look; burgundy suits are so cool. And he looked fantastic in his suit from Asos.
And it’s always fun getting to do two first looks. After some fun bridal party photos we then boarded a golf cart wandering around the beautiful grounds of Morris Arboretum. We couldn’t asked for a more perfect day. The weather was in the high 70s with just a slight breeze and some clouds. Just the perfect weather for photography and for a wedding.
They had the perfect size wedding too. About 70 guests with a small wedding party filled with friends and sisters. We always love working with mixed gender wedding parties. It shows that people don’t feel forced following to some sense of “tradition” by having just girls on one side and guys on the other. That’s not really the world we live in anymore. Why not surround yourselves with those that love you the most on your wedding day. Regardless of where they fall on the gender spectrum.
Their ceremony was super sweet with the beautiful backdrop of the Morris Arboretum. At the end of cocktail hour we noticed a beautiful sunset happening behind the building. We quickly got the couple and had them just watch the sunset together. They shared with us that this was the first time they have watched the sunset together. Wow, what a great moment! And I’m sure they will be watching plenty more sunsets over the years.
The reception was totally a fun time. We loved working with DJ TKO. Even though it was a small wedding they’re certainly a great dancing crowd. The highlight though of the reception were certainly the toasts, especially Joyce’s father and sister. There really was not a dry eye in the house (including mine). It was just so touching.
