I believe that it was a 5am email that sparked my relationship with Maria. I was up editing lord-knows-what when a cheery email bounced my way from this spirited creature, talking to me about her nontraditional and wholly amazing upcoming wedding to her main squeeze, Michael.
I responded right away and it began. Just a few months later I would be photographing their post-wedding engagement session and their reception for friends and family after their whirlwind NEW ZEALAND ELOPEMENT!
I met them in person after their wedding but just a few days before their party so that we could hang out and get some casual pictures. Maria chose to do the session at the house her family owned for generations (and now lives next door). At one time, they owned far and wide for 70 acres. The place is very special to her.
These two are really extraordinary people. They met 7 years ago while working together. She managed a band and he was the sound guy. He agreed to help her fix up a trailer she had, a project which turned into months of seeing each other for every day and eventually living in it together.
Michael proposed to Maria on their anniversary. He set up their living room like a hotel room and popped the question with her great grandmother’s gorgeous art deco diamond ring. She began hyperventilating before squeaking out a “yes.”
The two have done a lot of traveling together. For their wedding they decided on a trip to New Zealand. The romped around the countryside and shared several “mini ceremonies” together whenever they were alone and moment felt right. How perfectly nontraditional and romantic, right? Oh, and their wedding bands are made from the metal melted down from their grandparents’ rings.
This sense of adventure has been the thread through their relationship, wedding, and reception “open house” party back in the states. This celebration was infused with Maria’s creativity in the form of pinwheels, maps, signage, and quite quirks around every corner.
Check out this vintage record player turned into a card catcher!
Michael is always in a three piece suit. Always. This special occasion called for his white attire. Maria, never one to turn down comfort showed off her white “bridal” Birks.
The event was a little unusual. Since the ceremony was already passed, they went straight into a cocktail hour and then had a private live performance by folksinger-songwriter-comedian, Vance Gilbert, and then lots of dancing.
Miss Rachel’s Pantry, a vegan caterer and mini restaurant in Philly, prepared delicious treats that just kept on coming throughout the soiree.
There were some touching and funny speeches by friends and family and even a couple of nuns.
Vance was awesome! His musical performance was almost part roast and had everyone in stitches. One of the couples’ good friends was invited up for a duet.
It was obvious that the place was filled to the brim with overwhelming love for this couple. Maria’s smile never vanished from her face for even a second, constantly exclaiming how happy she was to see all of her people in one place and how very lucky she felt.
And it brought me to an altar
Where the despots are forgiven
And the charlatans come clean
And it shook my very soul
And from the outrage and the mercy
Came a simple observation
That loving you forever
Is easier than breathing
~ Vance Gilbert, “Highrise”
