The Philadelphia College of Physicians is one of those spaces that stops you in your tracks the moment you walk through the door. But more than the venue, I was excited about these two — because from the very first time we chatted, I could tell their Mitchell Hall wedding day was going to be full of personality, warmth, and a whole lot of heart.

Getting to Know Haley & Ben

Haley and Ben met the way a lot of couples do these days — on Tinder, when they were students at the University of Pittsburgh. Haley was a freshman, Ben was a junior, and his profile was, in her own words, “so dumb — basically just a bunch of jokes and silly pictures.” She swiped right anyway because she liked the vibe.

Their first date was for boba milk tea — which Haley had never tried before. She didn’t love the boba, so as they walked along a trail in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, she was quietly spitting them out on the ground. Ben walked her back to her dorm, and they were both so nervous that instead of a kiss goodbye, they shook hands.

Date two was at Ben’s off-campus house watching anime, and after that? They both just knew. Seven years later, here we are.

The Proposal | Copenhagen, A Castle, and a Hidden Ring

Haley is self-described as particular about what she likes (her words, which I totally get), so she actually designed her own engagement ring with a stone and setting from an indie jeweler she found on Instagram. She set everything up and let Ben handle ordering it — and then promptly forgot all about it.

Months later, Ben had secretly received the ring, hidden it somewhere without Haley ever finding it (a small miracle, she says, because she knows where everything is), and brought it with them on a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. While wandering the grounds of an old castle in a light, misty rain, they came upon an iron gazebo covered in vines. Ben started acting nervous. Haley, suspicious, asked him point-blank: “What are you doing?”

“Something I’ve been meaning to do for a while,” he said.

It was a little clumsy, a little silly, and completely private — completely perfect. They waited a few days before even telling their families, just savoring it together first.

Haley & Ben’s Mitchell Hall Wedding Day

Haley is the kind of person who knows her own aesthetic and leans into it fully — which makes my job genuinely fun. Ben, meanwhile, brings this easy, laid-back energy that balances her out perfectly.

The couple chose to get ready together at the beautiful Kimpton Hotel Palomar. They then traveled together in a private car to The College of Physicians, enjoying a quiet moment together before their celebration with family and friends.

During portraits, their connection was so natural and easy. No awkward stiffness, no “what do we do with our hands” — they just were together, the same way I imagine they are when they’re walking their dog Juniper, or trying out a new restaurant, or curled up with a good cup of coffee on a slow morning.

The reception in Mitchell Hall was warm and celebratory — the kind of room that hums with genuine joy. It was the kind of night that made me just pause and take it all in: the stunning architecture & candlelight, and two people at the center of it all who started their story with a handshake and built something really, really good from there.

A Little Bit More about Mitchell Hall Weddings

Mitchell Hall at The Philadelphia College of Physicians is genuinely one of the most stunning event spaces in the Philadelphia area. The institution itself dates back to the 18th century, known as the Birthplace of American Medicine, and the New Beaux-Arts style building that houses it was built in 1908. Mitchell Hall can hold up to 250 guests, and the adjacent Ashhurst Room, the outdoor herb garden, and the surrounding architecture make for an extraordinary backdrop at every turn. As a photographer, I’m always looking for light, texture, and story — and this venue has all three in abundance.

Final Thoughts

This Mitchell Hall wedding was everything I love about my job. It wasn’t just beautiful — it was meaningful. It was specific to two people who know themselves, know each other, and weren’t interested in putting on a show for anyone. They just wanted to celebrate, surrounded by the people they love, in a space that felt worthy of the occasion.

Haley and Ben — thank you for letting me be part of your day. Seven years in, and I have a feeling you’re just getting started. 🤍

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Venue: Mitchell Hall at The Philadelphia College of Physicians, Philadelphia, PA Photographer: Gen Palmer Photography

Mitchell Hall Wedding | Haley & Ben’s Vendor Team

Photographer: Gen Palmer Photography

Venue: The Philadelphia College of Physicians (The Mutter Museum)

Caterer: Catering by Design

Florist: Catering by Design Garnish

Makeup & Hairstylist: Earth Tones Artistry

Band: The Heartbeat Dance Band