Front & Palmer weddings always have cool couples. It’s industrial chic with modern art chandeliers and exquisite food. It sits under the el in Kensington and has a chill, urban vibe. It’s the antithesis of a ballroom wedding and it fit Erika and Mike perfectly. Also, it was in their ‘hood!

A couple of favorite things about their wedding; First, Erika got ready for her wedding at the perfect Airbnb in Old City. It had a roof deck overlooking the Ben Franklin bridge and it was an awesome location for first look and photos under the (again) unseasonably warm fall sky. Good light and space to shoot (and accommodate the chaos that ensues when six girls get ready in the same room) makes all the difference.

Second favorite thing was Mike’s daughter. She is adorable and had a flower crown.

Third and best was Erika’s incredible surprise. Seriously, this girl is the best. Here’s the story; Mike hadn’t seen his grandpa since he was a little kid. Being the thoughtful, ambitious person that she is, Erika took it upon herself to track down grandpa in Florida, invite him to the wedding, and buy him a ticket to Philly! All unbeknownst to Mike. So we’re hanging around outside Front & Palmer taking a few portraits and Erika whispers to us that grandpa has landed and is heading our way. About fifteen minutes later I see Mike staring down the street. He looks at Erika in amazement, looks back down the street, understands that he’s marrying a frickin’ genie, and gives Erika a huge bear hug. Then with tears in his eyes  he greets his grandfather. Amazing. More tears and hugs. He introduces grandpa to wife-of-the-year and his daughter, great-granddaughter to gramps. What a way to kick-off the wedding festivities.

Which leads me to the fourth. I had planned to only mention three, but oh my god they had a brass band bust into the reception and tear the house down! What a party.Love these two, we had so.much.fun.