Melissa and Paul’s PAFA wedding in the Historic Landmark and Hamilton Building was absolutely stunning! This is such a classic Philadelphia venue.  My heart just soared as I was photographing the day because Melissa and Paul are just the kindest couple.  The classic architecture of the PAFA historic landmark building for their portraits combined with the modern elegance of the Hamilton building for their reception was the perfect combination.  Their ceremony was held at Saint Francis Xavier the Oratory which was equally timeless and elegant.  Just like Melissa and Paul!  Here are a few of my favorites from their day!

What do you love most about each other?

Paul holds every trait that I have prayed for in a future husband and life partner. Paul is compassionate, very thoughtful, easy-going, patient, really funny, hard-working, and the smartest man I’ve ever met. He puts family first and loves me beyond anything I ever thought was possible to be loved by someone. There is never a day that he doesn’t put a smile on my face or write me notes hidden all over our home (his cleverness never ceases to amaze me). He’s my number one supporter and listener. Paul is the love of my life and I’m beyond blessed and lucky to be his future wife.

When I look at Melissa, I see kindness and warmth. She’s my best friend. She pushes me to be considerate of others, to work hard. She teaches me. If I have a bad day, I only need her smile to remind me that everything is going to be alright. Melissa doesn’t just let me be me, she encourages it. She loves me everyday with her whole heart, and makes it the easiest thing in the world to give my whole heart back to her.

How they chose Saint Francis Xavier the Oratory and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

We knew we wanted Philadelphia as our wedding location because it’s the place where we are starting our lives together. Our church, Saint Francis Xavier the Oratory, is the parish where our new house is located. We wanted to get married where we first attended mass together as a couple, and where we will be beginning our life together. Later we chose the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts as our venue. We met their wedding events team at an expo and instantly fell in love with the design of their space and the artwork on display. Paul and I couldn’t ask for a more perfect combination of places to fulfill our wedding vision, as both places truly encompass the essence of Philadelphia.

Their PAFA Wedding

Classic, traditional, and romantic, with a modern city twist. Our inspiration is built upon our family traditions, but also incorporates the faster-pace lifestyle we live. We chose a clean simple gold and white color scheme, with greenery for warmth.

Additionally, the venue itself is part of the uniqueness of vision. The cocktail hour at PAFA will feature floor-to-ceiling views of the Philadelphia city lights at night. Jimmy Duffy’s Catering has been around the Philly area for three generations, and will add to the one-of-a-kind experience.

What are you looking forward to most on your wedding day?

We are definitely looking forward to the celebration of our love with family and friends. Getting to spend a few hours with those closest to you, without a care in the world, is an opportunity that does not come around often. We’re also incredibly excited for the cake and desserts: the bakery has been around since 1889 and the desserts we sampled from Jimmy Duffy’s Catering were amazing.

Reception: PAFA | Ceremony: Saint Francis Xavier the Oratory | Invitation: Minted | Florist: Ellie Wedding Design | Band: The Big House Band | Hair and Makeup: Philly Hair and Make Up | Cake: Bredenbeck’s | Tux: Vera Wang | Catering: Jimmy Duffy | Dress: Custom from Castle Couture | Lighting: Synergetic Lighting | Custom Wedding Ring: Campbell Jewelers | Live Event Painter: Paintings of Love | Transportation: Ace Limousine | Morning Pajamas: LeRose | Bridesmaids Dresses: Elizabeth Johns |