This was an amazing wedding day at one of the most unique wedding venues we have photographed at! The Franklin Institute is Philadelphia was the perfect location for this wedding reception is so many ways from being meaningful to the couple to the sheer beauty of the space. We honestly did not even know that they hosted weddings after hours until this couple reached out and told us their first dance would be right in front of a giant memorial to Benjamin Franklin. They knew it would be challenging space to capture in photos and were looking for a photographer who could keep the moments and lighting to how they would look in person to all of the guests. We were clearly the perfect photographer to for the job. We love to use the natural light and look of the day while just adding a little flash when necessary to make the images pop. We don’t rely on Photoshop and editing to turn an photo into something really great, we always get it right in the camera and just tweak a bit as necessary afterwards.
We arrived early in the day to capture all of the moments of the getting ready right down the block at The Logan Hotel before the shuttles arrived to us to the church for the ceremony. After a drive right through center city, we arrived at the gorgeous Christ Church. The history of the church could fill a book but, in short, it was where many of the signers of the declaration of independence attended services and, fitting the reception location perfectly, also has the grave of Benjamin Franklin on its grounds. While the church rules prohibit any photography from in front of the rear pews, we still managed to capture the ceremony from the rear and also from one of the balconies overlooking the side! After the ceremony and some photos right outside the church, we made a quick stop right on Broad Street with the famous Philly City Hall in back.
Then we got to the Franklin Institute itself! The couple chose the space from their memories of exploring the museum together during their time growing up and living in Philadelphia. It was already getting dark so we grabbed a quick photo on the front steps and then went inside. The rest of the day was a blur of fun and memories! The Philly Phanatic made a surprise appearance as guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the museum itself surrounded by exhibits. The first dances, toasts, and more took place in the center of the dance floor with Benjamin Franklin along with all of their friends and family looking on. We found some moments to grab c couple photos back in the museum itself and also on the roof! Then the night ended with a glow stick send off down the main stairs of the museum!
It was an honor to capture this day and we hope you enjoy looking through the photos below. If you need a wedding photographer for your wedding at the Franklin Institute or anywhere else in Philadelphia or New Jersey. Contact us for more information!