I am so excited to share today’s blog with you all. I had the great pleasure of capturing Erica and Michael’s Engagement session at Longwood Gardens. And, I recently had the honor of capturing the next chapter to their love story: their wedding day! They were married at the Franklin Square Park in Philadelphia. Their wedding was amazing from start to finish!

I have to admit, I was nervous leading up to Erica and Michael’s wedding day. The weather forecast for Philadelphia was reporting all week that Friday was going to be rainy. It held steady at a 75% rain chance all week. 

Thankfully, the weather forecast was wrong! As the day of their wedding was absolutely gorgeous! The sun was beaming all day with bright blue skies.  I guess the weather forecasters weren’t totally wrong, as the rain did eventually come, but not until much later in the day than predicted. 

The bride and her beautiful bridesmaids got ready at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Philadelphia. Erica was absolutely radiant! I loved watching her and her closest friends get ready for her big day! 

The bride and groom opted to do a first look. (I love it when couples do a first look!) Before the ceremony, we captured the bride and groom’s first look pictures and portraits of just the two of them at the Second National Bank across from Renaissance Hotel.  

Franklin Square Philadelphia Wedding

I love capturing couples’ reactions during the first look. It is such an intimate moment between just the two of them. Usually that is where tears are shed. However, when Michael saw Erica walk down the aisle his reaction was priceless. He teared up watching his bride walk towards him. The moment was sweet and tender, and moved the audience to tears as well.

By the time the rain did come, the ceremony had ended, and the festivities had moved under the amazing outdoor tent. The wedding planner and coordinator, Cescaphe, completely transformed the ceremony tent into the reception during the cocktail hour. Franklin’s View is Cescaphe’s latest venue location with a stunning view of Benjamin Franklin bridge.

Along with the amazing view of the bridge, the clear outdoor tent had stringed lights covering it and chandeliers hanging from the tent ceiling. It was gorgeous! Especially with it raining outside, as the clear tent reflected the rain, adding to the elegant, romantic vibe of the evening.

I know from capturing their engagement photos, you could feel the love and bond between them. They shared with me during their engagement session, that Erica studied in Spain for a year. While abroad, they wrote love letters to each other, which ignited their relationship. I remember thinking how incredibly romantic and sweet it was. 

It was a heartwarming moment when Erica shared some of Michael’s love letters that he wrote to her by incorporating them into her wedding vows. I’m fairly certain there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Between the heartfelt wedding vows and Michaels reaction to Erica walking down the aisle, I think it is safe to say that everyone in attendance cried at some point throughout the evening.

The evening was filled with many great moments. The beauty of the venue, wonderful weather, the stunning bride and groom, and the heartfelt moments all amounted to a perfect night! I am thrilled for you both, Erica & Michael. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness! Enjoy my favorite moments of Erica & Michael’s Philadelphia, PA Wedding at Franklin Square.

Franklin Square Philadelphia Wedding Vendors

Wedding Planner: Cescaphe | @cescaphe

Hairstylist & Makeup :  Jazmin Rae & Co.  @jazminrae_co

Florals: @beautifulbloomsevents

Cake:  Cescaphe  | @cescaphe

DJ:  Bob Egan Entertainment | @bobeganentertainment

Transportation: Aalpha Coach NJ | @Aalpha_Coach_llc_limousines_ NJ

Photographer: Jocelyn Cruz Photography | @Jocelyncruzphotography

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First Look at the Second National Bank in Philadelphia, PA

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Philadelphia, PA Wedding at Franklin Square

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Jocelyn Cruz Photography is a New Jersey + Philadelphia wedding photographer based in South New Jersey. Contact Jocelyn Cruz Photography today to learn more about our wedding photography.