College of Physicians Wedding | Gina & Steve
Gina & Steve’s dark academia themed College of Physicians Wedding in Philadelphia was one I’ll always remember. For one thing, it was the first time I’d ever photographed a wedding ceremony that was so intimate that it was held in a hotel room! Secondly, we had such a gorgeous January day and I’ll always remember strolling the streets of Philly and documenting Gina & Steve with the full vibrancy of the city as a backdrop.
Most importantly, Gina, Steve & their family & friends are just the sweetest people. I loved documenting their love for each other and celebrating their story. And I’m truly excited to share it here as well.
College of Physicians Wedding | The Most Intimate Ceremony
When I first met with Gina & Steve, they shared that they don’t love being at the center of attention. Which is why their intimate ceremony, right in their hotel room at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, was absolutely perfect for the couple!
College of Physicians Wedding | Where it Began
Gina and Steve’s story began online, like so many amazing couples’ do! “Well… let’s be honest in this day and age, we did the online thing! Tinder prevails!” Steve laughs as he recounts their first encounter. “I had all but given up on online dating… but decided to take the risk, and well… I pretty much never left Manayunk or my loving fiancée after we first met.”
Their connection was instant, and soon they found themselves inseparable. From cozy nights in playing video games to walks around historical towns, Gina and Steve grew closer over time.
College of Physicians Wedding | The Proposal
The couple had planned a getaway to Cancun one February, and Steve had planned everything down to a tee. “We were enjoying our time at the beach, and relaxing in the pool,” Gina reminisces. “That’s when Steve told me we had a photoshoot planned! So the photographer led us all around the resort. Eventually, we reached an area with a ‘Marry Me’ sign surrounded with roses.”
College of Physicians Wedding | Portraits in Philly
After their beautiful, intimate ceremony officiated by Gina’s brother and many happy hugs and tears, the couple took advantage of the unseasonably warm January day. We walked 2 blocks to Rittenhouse Square, which gave us the perfect opportunity to document Gina & Steve’s wedding against the naturally vibrant city backdrop!
Rittenhouse Square and the surrounding streets make a great backdrop for Philadelphia wedding portraits. My best advice to couples looking to utilize this area is to embrace the people and traffic as part of the vibe. If you’re looking for a secluded spot, this isn’t it!! Also definitely check online in advance, to see if there are any festivals or events scheduled for your wedding day which would make photography there extremely difficult.
As of when I’m writing this blog post, a permit isn’t required for portraits in and around the square.
College of Physicians Wedding | An Elegant & Unique Backdrop
The College of Physicians, renowned for its unique collection of medical oddities and historical artifacts, along with its richly decorated historical rooms provided an elegant setting for their reception.
The museum boasts a beautiful courtyard which is a lovely space for portraits, along with ceremonies in the warmer months. The couple also utilized the museum’s beautiful Ashhurst Room for family portraits in front of the historic fireplace.
After portraits, Gina and Steve celebrated their love & danced the night away with 60 of their closest friends & family in Mitchell Hall.
College of Physicians Wedding | Vendors
Photographer: Gen Palmer Photography
Venue: The Mutter Museum | The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Catering & Event Design: Catering by Design
DJ: EBE Talent
Gina’s Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Steve’s Attire: Indochino
Getting Ready & Ceremony Location: Kimpton Hotel Palomar
If you’re planning your College of Physicians Wedding, I’d love to help capture your joyful, authentic story. Reach out – let’s chat!
Gen Palmer is a Premier Philadelphia & South Jersey wedding photographer who documents authentic photography for real couples. Gen documents weddings at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and around South New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Gen loves working with couples who cherish relationships over things, and who value printed photographs to display and enjoy their memories every day. Sound like you? Reach out about your wedding!
