It all started when Dutch brought a Super 8 camera to a family wedding years ago. What came back from the lab was magic. It looked like a memory, not a video. The grain, the warmth, the way it moved…it felt alive. That one experiment turned into an obsession, and eventually, into a part of what we do at Sweetwater.
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Olivia and Sam’s wedding at The Down Town Club was one we were so genuinely excited for. When we first met them, it was such an easy yes for us. They’re warm, funny, grounded, and they knew exactly the kind of day they wanted. Olivia wore a deep V dress that was simple but bold and Sam looked sharp as hell in a white tux with black trim. Their wedding party in champagne kept everything feeling soft and elegant.
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One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is choosing your color palette. It sets the tone for the entire day. From the bouquets in your hands to the way your reception space feels when the lights go down. We’ve photographed weddings all over Philadelphia and beyond, and the couples we work with constantly surprise us with fresh takes on color. From bold neon hues at Bok to the softest blues at Philander Chase Knox Estate, here are real-life palettes to inspire your own wedding planning.
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We started at Philadelphia’s City Hall in the afternoon. Grand stone, sweeping lines, endless architectural pockets to play with. As wedding photographers, we love when a location brings structure and personality to the frame.
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Justina and Nick began their day exactly where you’d want a wedding to begin. In the gardens at Hotel Du Village, where every hedge, bloom, and stone pathway is perfectly manicured. They kept it simple. We photographed it gently. Their reactions did the rest. From there, we wandered the grounds for portraits, taking advantage of all the greenery.
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The truth is, the most emotional moment of your day can fall flat if it’s lost in bad light. We want you to relive the warmth of those vows, the glow of your first dance, and the joy of your friends flooding the dance floor. Lighting is how we translate that feeling into a photograph that stands the test of time. It’s not something couples need to stress over—we handle the technical side so you can stay present but it’s worth knowing why it matters. Good light isn’t luck. It’s experience.
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South Philly has a vibe all its own. The neighborhoods are packed with places that are lively, textured, and unapologetically Philly. That energy carries right into the wedding venues here. If you’re looking for a space that’s full of personality, these South Philly wedding venues are some of our favorites.
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Claire’s bridesmaid brunch at the Rodin Museum, part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, felt like stepping into a scene that was both chic and cottagecore. The Rodin Museum is one of Philadelphia’s most striking event spaces, with gorgeous gardens, a reflection pool, and architecture that feels both grand and intimate. Inside, you’re surrounded by Rodin’s world-famous statues and art on the walls, which give events here a unique and elevated atmosphere.
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Bucks County has no shortage of wedding venues with charm. Whether you’re looking for rustic barns, elegant estates, or modern riverfront views, this corner of Pennsylvania delivers. We’ve photographed weddings at so many of these spots, and each one has its own personality. Here are some of our favorite Bucks County wedding venues.
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Hannah and Nathan’s wedding at the Inn at Barley Sheaf was full of heart, color, and joy. The venue is one of the most stunning in Bucks County, with gardens that stretch out in every direction. Everywhere you look there is another backdrop waiting for photos. We especially loved the wisteria arch, a soft and romantic spot for portraits. The Inn at Barley Sheaf makes documenting a wedding feel effortless, with endless spaces that are both timeless and fresh.
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Emily + Sam’s greenhouse engagement session at Ott’s Exotic Plants felt like stepping into a hidden garden. It had this quiet magic. The warm light through the glass, the layers of plants, and the sense of being tucked away make it feel like your own private world.
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Bars, restaurants. and coffee shops give us built-in atmosphere: texture, lighting, color, and life. They also let you feel at ease. Instead of standing in front of a grand building, wondering what to do with your hands, you get to just be. Be in your city, be in love, and let us handle the rest. For us as Philadelphia wedding photographers, these spaces tell your story in the most natural way possible — no extra staging needed.
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Welcoming baby Theo into the world felt like adding another chapter to this family’s story, one we’ve been lucky enough to document for over a decade. We photographed Colleen and Erik’s wedding all those years ago and, since then, have had the joy of capturing every milestone, each pregnancy, each baby, and every beautiful moment in between. Getting to photograph their newborn photos in Philadelphia was the sweetest continuation of that journey.
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Winter weddings have their own kind of magic, but the real charm comes from making it personal. Whether that means velvet capes and candlelight or waffles and bright florals, it’s all about creating something that feels like your style, not just the season. That’s when winter really shines.
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The morning of your wedding sets the tone for the whole day. Where you get ready isn’t just about good lighting for photos (though, yes, we’re obsessed with that). It’s about feeling comfortable, relaxed, and surrounded by the right energy as you start your day. Philadelphia is filled with incredible hotels, Airbnbs, and creative spaces that make the perfect backdrop for wedding prep. Here are a few of our favorites.
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Helina and Kyle showed up to their engagement session looking stylish and ready to have fun. They started with champagne at the fountain in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It set the tone for portraits that felt fun and a little editorial. The museum steps and stone backdrop gave us that classic Philly look.
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Talia and Jake’s wedding at Bartram’s Garden was pure joy from the very first moment. Talia started her morning at Lokal Hotel in Old City, getting ready in that chic, relaxed space before heading to the barn at Bartram’s Garden to finish her look. She pulled up in a short silk dress with a fur coat and sunglasses, looking like she was stepping onto a movie set. One of the sweetest moments came right after—Talia’s reaction to her bouquet. She was so touched, and honestly, we were too. Sarah from Salt Floral absolutely blew everyone away, and it only got better as the day unfolded.
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Brooke and Nick’s day is exactly why we love an elopement in Philadelphia. They met their parents at the Ritz Carlton, signed their marriage papers, and celebrated with cocktails before heading out for portraits. No big guest list, no months of planning, just a handful of people, a little paperwork, and the whole city as their backdrop. If you are thinking about eloping in Philadelphia, it can be as simple and beautiful as this.
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Rittenhouse in late fall has this cozy charm that just works for engagement photos. The trees might be a little bare, the air a little crisp, but that just means bundling up together and making the most of the city backdrop. Virginia and Colin were the perfect example- silly, stylish, and totally in love.
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Most weddings don’t come with their own neighborhood folklore, but Madison and Sean’s does. On the way to their Bok reception, they made a pit stop at Dirty Franks in full wedding attire. Drinks in hand, surrounded by regulars, they turned a normal Saturday into something unforgettable. Fast forward more than a year later, they walked back in and someone actually recognized them. He remembered their exact wedding day stop and even had photos saved from that night. That’s Madison and Sean for you; Wherever they go, they leave a story behind.
