If you’re reading this, I’ll assume you’re literate. If you’re really into your literacy, I have just the wedding for you – a Bellevue soiree with freckly grins and scholastic whimsy.
If you didn’t get a copy of their wedding newspaper, The Nuptial, check out their Wissahickon Park engagement session for a little bit of the backstory. Cait works at the Wall Street Journal and has a creative flair for books, words, and clever touches. Cait also happens to be drop dead gorgeous and I’m pretty sure she was meant to live in a different era, possibly next to Greta Garbo or Audrey Hepburn. Look at her and tell me I’m wrong! Bob is a Penn State alum with great patience and cleaned up as one hell of a dashing groom.
I arrived at Cait’s parents’ house in Jenkintown as the ladies were getting themselves together. As a wedding gift, Bob gave Cait a beautiful diamond bracelet.
The guys were hanging out at Philadelphia’s renowned Bellevue before the ceremony.
I’m not 100% sure what Cait gave Bob. You’ll have to ask her that yourself.
As I said, Cait is a classic beauty that caused her father’s jaw to drop and her mother and sister well up with tears when they saw her all done up.
Her bouquet was wrapped in lace from her late aunt’s own wedding dress.
Chrissy of Truly You Events was an incredible wedding consultant. Of course she could tie a bow tie and her timeline was a photographers dream. The day went off without a hitch. Total perfection that only comes from working with such a rockstar coordinator.
Bob and Cait’s Catholic ceremony was held at Old St. Mary’s Church. This is a stunning place with deep cobalt ceilings and a wonderful balcony. It’s unlike any other church I’ve seen and easily one of my favorites in the city.
Along with a bagpiper outside, musicians greeted guests with strings as they entered the church.
We took the family and wedding party for some pictures around Society Hill and Old City.
I wasn’t kidding when I mentioned the wedding newspaper.
With a wedding reception at the Bellevue, we had to get the ultimate Philly wedding pictures on Broad Street. I love the one of Bob brushing the hair from Cait’s face.
We got back in the A/C and took the newlyweds up to the Bellevue’s XIX for a few shots before the ruckus began.
The thoughtful elements were everywhere! My favorite was the guest sign-in table littered with classic novels, literary quotes, and a creative guest sign-in idea – blank custom library cards for well wishes and an album with empty pockets for the notes.
Of course one must pay homage to Penn State.
Atop the balcony a live event artist recreated the evening as it unfolded.
The room was a true spectacle.
Cait and Bob entered and shared a very special first dance (“Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams) sung by Cait’s sister, Bridget.
The toasts were fantastic. Bridget again got the crowd going by first taking a selfie with the wedding party before diving into memories.
The evening was such fun. The dancefloor was packed all night and there were smiles all around.
I feel so lucky to have met such a genuinely lovely (and generous! and patient!) couple. I can’t wait to see them again for their album and gab all about their Italian honeymoon.
There’s no love, like your love
And no other could give more love
There’s nowhere, unless you’re there
All the time, all the way
~ Bryan Adams, “Everything I Do, I Do It For You”
