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Rebecca Barger Photography bio picture

Welcome to Rebecca Barger Photography Blog!

Rebecca Barger was a top staff photographer for The Philadelphia Inquirer for many years. She applies her photojournalism experience and passion for photography to create unique wedding photojournalism  for each couple. Rebecca works as your personal photojournalist, from salon to cake-cutting. Trust your wedding day images with a Pulitzer Prize nominee! 

Rebecca Barger uses editorial style posing during your portrait session to  keep you from looking stiff or unnatural.  We use a Natural Style Posing, and we do it quickly! Fun, comfortable and creative photos that make sure you photograph looking your best!  

Rebecca welcomes your phone call:  215. 460. 2229

For more info. regarding how Rebecca would approach photographing your day, see "bio" on her web-site. Link above left "visit WEB-SITE".

Katherine & Michael, Glen Foerd Mansion

Katie & Mike completed their nuptials at St. Stephen Cathedral, and had their afternoon reception at Glen Foerd Mansion.

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We also visited Core Creek Park, for a brisk January walk and some photos.  Core Creek Park is south of Newtown in Bucks County.

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Michelangelo shoes and Arabella gown from Sposabella Bridal in Feasterville / Trevose.

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Hair by Andrea and cosmetics by Paul, both from Blue Hair Studio in Huntingdon Valley.

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Katie and her cousins.

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rebeccabarger508Katie & Mike exchange wedding bands during their Eastern Orthodox ceremony at St. Stephan Cathedral in Philadelphia.

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Katie and Mike’s Eastern Orthodox Christian ceremony at St. Stephan’s include the couple holding candles for a large part of the ceremony.

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Katie and Mike visit the veranda on the Delaware River at 19th century Glen Foerd Mansion where their reception was held.

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Hair by Andrea and cosmetics by Paul, both from Blue Hair Studio in Huntingdon Valley.

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Floral arrangements by Flowers by David in Langhorne.

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Catering by Conroy Catering at  Glen Foerd Mansion.

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Katie and Mike make their entrance down the grand staircase during cocktail hour.  Their January wedding was able to incorporate the luxurious holiday decorations as part of their wedding decor.  Artwork and antiques are always on display at Glen Foerd Mansion.

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Mike’s groomsmen read their toast from their phones!

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Katie and Mike’s first dance was held in Glen Foerd Mansion’s conservatory, which was decorated with holiday foilage.

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At the end of the day, Katie and Mike wanted to go outside for another set of photos!  Thanks so much, Katie & Mike!  Best Wishes!

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To view the entire gallery of Katie & Mike’s photos, click HERE.

I Love Winter Weddings!

I love winter weddings because the quality of sunlight is better than any other time of year. The sun is lower in the sky creating a warmer and more flattering light. The sun is at a lower angle and actually closer to the earth than in summer, but since the days are shorter it is not warmer.

Thanks to astrophotographer and book author, Jerrry Lodriguss, a former Inquirer sports photographer. See his web-site and visit his blog.

Gina & Luigi, The Curtis Center

Gina’s says:

They photos are AWESOME!!!!  I love love love the photos at The Bank and our first dance, we look fabulous!!!  The coloring in the Genos picture is so vibrant which I love.  Rebecca so far so good!!!!  I can’t wait to see the rest!

“Of Course, We are Stopping at Geno’s Steaks!

Gina & Luigi’s fathers were best friends during childhood in a small town in Italy. They each moved to America and bought houses one mile apart.  They started families and Gina & Luigi were born two month apart…so the couple grew up knowing each other. They were never more than friends, until one day Gina drove by Luigi and beeped her horn.  I’m not sure exactly sure what transpired after that fateful car beep, but a few years later on Jan. 9th, 2010, they married at St. Rita’s in South Philadelphia, and had their reception at The Atrium at The Curtis Center. Of course, we stopped at Geno’s steaks! The couple declined a Geno’s Steak, as their wedding reception was to be catered by the Cescaphe Ballroom’s Joe Volpe.

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Hair by Michael Guaguardo & his hard working crew from Miracolo Hair Studio in Doylestown.  Engagement ring by Testa Jewelers in Paoli.
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Days before her wedding, Gina still didn’t have the right shoes!  Marina from Nicole Bridal personally delivered this pair, with just two days to spare.

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Make up application by Jodie from Drop Dead Gorgeous Cosmetics in Jenkintown.

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Veil and accessories also by Nicole Bridal in Jenkintown.

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Flowers by Mary Jane Murray of Kiki Rose in Maryland.
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Gina and her proud father, Benito,  proceed down the aisle in St. Rita’s Church in South Philadelphia.

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Father Zachery Navit officiated  Gina & Luigi’s ceremony at The National Shrine of  Saint Rita of Cascia, in South Philadelphia, the church was completed in 1915.

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Ask me about my personal theory about how couples proceed down the aisle,  how this visually  represents their relationship!…It’s totally unscientific, but interesting!  I love the way Gina & Luigi are clutched together as they go into their future, but at the same time they are respectful of each other’s individual vision. I particularly love the way Luigi is holding her hand.

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Gina in her dramatic St. Pucchi couture gown.   Nicole Bridal, family operated by Nicole and her daughter Marina, offer personal assistance and guidance in their Jenkintown shop.  Same location for over 30 years, and right around the corner from me!  A St. Pucchi trunk show will be held at Nicole Bridal on April 16-18.

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Remember we are shooting outside in January, and yes, it was a bit cold, but Gina was prepared!

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A lavish reception was held at The Atrium at the Curtis Center, catered by Cescaphe Ballroom’s, Joe Volpe.

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blog0424My assistant, Dave, shot this incredibly romantic photo during their first dance.

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Wedding cake by  Joe Volpe and his pastry chefs from Cescaphe Ballroom.

ATTN:  Friends & Family of Gina and Luigi, sign up here to see the rest of their photos when they are ready.

Best Wishes to Gina & Luigi!

Featured in Autumn Love, Carol Denker’s book

In 2008, I worked closely with author Carol Denker on her book project, Autumn Romance, Stories and Portraits of Love after 50.  The book was recently  published, stay tuned for the book opening celebration!   Carol, a journalist and artist based in Philadelphia,  has extreme passion for this project!  She also has personal experience, as she met the love of her life, Warren,  in her 60’s!

Cover photo by Keith Angelitis.

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My photographic contributions to Autumn Love, include the below couples.

Dorothy & Richard were both born blind.  They met in the Philadelphia Overland Blind Choir…

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Sue and Bob, met in their 70’s, while studying Italian…

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Susan and Ed.  *When Susan was nearing age 60, she announced to a roomful of strangers: “I want a juicy, succulent relationship with the man of my dreams.”

(*direct quote from Autumn Love)

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Below is Autumn Love author, Carol Denker, and her husband Warren. This image is also featured on the back cover of the book.  I was busy photographing another couple for the project, and Carol was present but was doing an awesome job of leaving me alone to work (thanks, Carol).   I was wrapping up  the photo session, and  saw Carol and Warren relaxing together. As usual, the best photos are unplanned…I think this is a particularly revealing image.

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A long-time friend of mine, Philadelphia based photojournalist,  Rodney Atienza, did an awesome job as photo editor for the entire project. Rodney also photographed  a number of couples, too!   Another friend, photographer Kevin York, shot a particularly lovely portrait displayed on one of the opening pages.   Graphic design by Sierra Skidmore.  Thank you, Carol, for seeking me out to ask my participation in your project, I truly enjoyed it!

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Below is my personal quote included in the book:

“Love is so much more than a physical thing, however, love reveals itself physically.  Working on this project was a wonderful contrast to the young couples I photograph”!

~Rebecca Barger

Trash The Dress (TTD), Atlantic City

Trash The Dress is a style of wedding photography that contrasts elegant clothing with an environment in which it is out of place.  It can be done as an additional shoot after the wedding, almost as a declaration that the wedding is over and the dress will not be worn again. It is seen as an alternative to storing the dress away, never to be seen again.        ~Wikipedia

In November, I met up with Jackie & Jason to do a TTD session in Atlantic City.Their wedding was in September at Bally’s in Atlantic City.

Jackie Says:  ABSOLUETLY LOVE THEM!!!!  We are so happy with the way our wedding photos and TTD  turned out!  We truly can’t thank you enough for capturing all those special moments for Jason and I!  Its amazing how your photos  catch a special look or expression, etc.  Its like the viewer really sees into someones eyes when we look at your photos of us.  Your amazing photos mean the world to us!!!  We will definitely be more than happy to recommend you to anyone.   Once again, thank you for such a wonderful job, Rebecca!  Now Jason is going to kill me because there will be even more pictures of us all over our house! Ha Ha

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Jackie’s niece Amber had an emergency on the day of the wedding so she couldn’t attend as planned…  We were  thrilled she had the opportunity  to wear her flower girl dress and join us on the beach!

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OOPS! Jackie lost her veil as the tide came up and soaked us!

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I love it when children are in the tooth growing stage…When my daughter had her 1st grade school photos taken, the portrait photographer prompted her to close her mouth to hide her missing front teeth.  I sent her back with a note that said “please photograph this child in all her toothless glory!”

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Amber’s sister Taylor joined us also.  Taylor claims she is going to wear Aunt Jackie’s dress for her own wedding!

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Jackie  put her veil, dress sash and jewelry all in a shadow box to preserve.  Her dress, well, she still wanted to save that too, and her mom has been put in charge of having it cleaned and preserved.  Aren’t mothers awesome?

Alice & Marcus, Valley Green Inn

Alice and Marcus met in Australia where they were each working as marine biologists.   The couple now resides in Moray, Scotland. Alice and Marcus exchanged vows at her families’  long-time parish, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill.  They had a lovely champaign toast at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, then proceeded to The Valley Green Inn for their reception.

Alice was already living in Scotland when she planned her wedding. She found me on through the internet and as it turned out, we had a mutual acquaintance!

Hi Rebecca, The photos are quite  lovely. Marcus and I have really enjoyed viewing the full collection.

Thanks, Rebecca!  ~Alice

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rebeccabarger423Wedding gown by Suzanne Neville bridal.

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Hair by Christopher Markus from The Lion’s Mane in Phila.  Cosmetic application by About Phace in Rittenhouse Square, Phila.

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Marcus waits at The St. Paul Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill.

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rebeccabarger409Alice’s father escorts her down the aisle of  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

rebeccabarger410 The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church choir sings during their wedding ceremony. The church interior is beautiful, featuring a boat shaped ceiling, symbolic of Noah’s Ark.

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The just-married couple is escorted by bagpiper to the Parish Hall for a champaign toast at

St. Paul’s Episcopal church in Philadelphia.

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Alice & Marcus’ wedding reception was held at The Valley Green Inn on Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park.

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rebeccabarger419What a happy father-of-the-bride!  Fabulous cheese and fruit  served after dinner at The Valley Green Inn.

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Best Wishes, Alice & Marcus!

Friends & Family:  To view more of Alice & Marcus’ wedding photos, please sign up at this link.

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Christine & Daniel, Cape May, NJ

Christine & Daniel married  in the grass courtyard outside the historic Congress Hall in Cape May.  The day was very windy and overcast, a very  brave Christine did not waver from wanting to have their ceremony outside, even with the threat of rain. It was a great decision, and not one raindrop fell during the outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour.

Bride’s Comments: Rebecca, thanks so much…I LOVE them!  ~ Christine

Bride’s Sister’s Comments:  I just wanted to tell you that the photos are AMAZING.  Everything about them is perfect.

Thanks for capturing these special moments for my sister! ~ Georgia

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Christine’s cathedral length veil follows her down the stairs.

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rebeccabarger031I’ve never quite heard of anyone “steaming” a pair of shoes…that is what Christine’s mom was doing when I arrived!   LOVE the red soles!  Bridal footwear by Christian Louboutin.

rebeccabarger041Bridal gown by Amsale from the salon at Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC.

rebeccabarger052Floral design by Donna O’Brien, Beautiful Blooms. Cosmetics by Lisa Gelfeson and hair design by Clara both from Skin Serenity in Cherry Hill, NJ.

rebeccabarger062As Christine and her bridesmaids scramble  preparing for the day, Daniel relaxes with his nephew, the ring bearer.

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Christine & Dan meet prior to the ceremony and take a walk. Congress Hall is filled with fun places to take wedding photos!

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rebeccabarger111Congress Hall is known for it’s trademark rocking chairs lined up on the veranda.

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rebeccabarger171The wedding ceremony held in the courtyard of Congress Hall, Cape May. Flowers by Donna O’Brien, Beautiful Blooms.

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rebeccabarger211After being pronounced husband and wife, a very happy Christine & Daniel exit down the aisle following the glorious bagpiping of Brendan Sprouls.

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rebeccabarger241Entertainment by CTO Heat.  Lighting by Beautiful Blooms.

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rebeccabarger271Entertainment by  CTO Heat. Lighting by Beautiful Blooms.

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rebeccabarger31The chef’s at Congress Hall provided awesome food.

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rebeccabarger331Christine’s sister caught the tossed bouquet.

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The couple honeymooned swimming and snorkeling with sting rays in Bora Bora!  Best Wishes, Christine & Daniel!

Family & Friends:  To view all of Christine & Daniel’s wedding photos, please sign up here.  You’ll be notified when they are ready.

FaceBook: Feel free to grab photos from this blog and post on your FB page, provided you include a link back to this blog (www.rebeccabarger.com/blog), thanks!
rebeccabarger381Above is Dave Williams from DVideography, and myself after a long day’s work!  Below is myself, Rebecca Barger, photographing Christine during her bridal portrait session.

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Happy Thanksgiving, Baby Lauren!

I photographed  Lauren’s parent’s 2005 wedding at The Huntingdon Valley Country Club. I was thrilled to hear from Liz & Dave, and more than happy to document them with their  5 month old.  A beautiful, healthy baby, what a glorious gift to be thankful for!

I always enjoy hearing from couples I have photographed, especially regarding baby news!

Hi Rebecca!  We wanted to let you know that the pictures were spectacular!  They were exactly what we were looking for when we contacted you.  We couldn’t believe how your photos “captured” Lauren in real life. Thanks so very much and we are already looking forward to doing another “shoot” of Lauren this summer!

~Liz and Dave & Lauren

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Happy Thanksgiving,  Liz, Dave & Baby Lauren!

Ann-Michele & Noah, Abington Art Center

Ann-Michele is a dance therapist, and Noah is a music therapist…they met at work of course!   The couple married at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia and held their reception at the always welcoming Abington Art Center.

Bride Ann Michele says:”  I’m  SOOO excited!!!  I’m viewing on my blackberry and can’t wait to see on a regular screen!

The photos are incredible!!  Spectacular!

Thank you so much, Rebecca!!!!”

Noah’s cousin Sara says: “Your wedding photos are incredible!” You and Noah’s love for each other is SO APPARENT in each photo…

Plus, you both look AMAZING!”


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Friends & Family- Please sign up to view entire wedding photo gallery here.

Flowers by Carl Alan Floral Design in Philadelphia.

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I  shot some quick, fun portraits of both Ann-Michele and Noah separately at the church,  prior to their ceremony.

Hair by DJ McGinely at Accent on Beaute in Jenkintown. Cosmetic application by fabulously fun sister, Christine Corbi.
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I love this photo of Ann-Michele and her parents starting their trip down the candlelit aisle at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia.  The candlelit service was multi-cultural, including elements from Ann-Michele’s Romanian Orthodox background and Noah’s Jewish heritage. The couple circled the chuppah three times while wearing Orthodox tradition crowns. Note the stones holding the ketubah in place, below.  At far right is Reverend Nate Walker, who had a wonderful voice that sounded like honey (well, you know what I mean)!  This ceremony was full of tradition, yet extremely unique and  made great photos!

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WOW, what an awesome kiss!  Their body language and hand placement reveal how comfortable they feel kissing in front of all of their guests.

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First, imagine the Star Wars music they had playing….then Ann-Michele & Noah’s bridal party created an archway of  lightsabers for the                                       couple to exit through, how fun!

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Pulitzer Prize winning American author Annie Dillard seems to have left a personal message for the newlyweds

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” ~Annie Dillard

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Reception at the Abington Art Center, even beautiful in the rain!  I have worked consistently there for years and am a referred photographer.  It’s a beautiful venue combining nature and art. Perfect for couples wanting an outside party without having to have a tent! Catering by Jeffrey Miller Catering.

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Entertainment and awesome lighting by Marc Fisher Entertainment.

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Lighting by Marc Fisher Entertainment.
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Friends & Family - sign up to view the entire wedding gallery here.  You’ll be notified when they are ready for viewing!

The couple share a kiss in one of the galleries at The Abington Art Center.  Good night, Ann-Michele & Noah!  Have a blast in Fiji!

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Kathryn & Mark, The Old Mill in Rose Valley

Kathryn decided to try Match.com for one date, and ONE DATE only.  Mark came to the conclusion he was going to try Match.com just ONE LAST time.  The below photos are the result of that one date…

Rebecca, we wanted a photographer who would be creative and be able to capture the pure joy and happiness of our wedding day.  You did just that.  The pictures are absolutely beautiful…We really feel blessed to have had our special day captured by you, Rebecca!   We are truly gratefulThank you!  Thank you!                                                                                                                                                       ~Katie & Mark MacKavanagh

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Kathryn & Mark married on a crisp fall afternoon at St. Patrick Church in Malvern.  Their reception was held at The Old Mill in Rose Valley.

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The tears started early in the day, after reading a special letter sent to Katie from Mark.

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The girls help Kathryn get dressed.  Jasmine gown from La Bella Moda in Conshohocken.

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Flowers by The Treasured Bouquet in Malvern.
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Kathryn & Mark’s wedding reception was held at The Old Mill in Rose Valley.   Catering by Conner Catering. rebeccabarger810

rebeccabarger811The couple’s first date was at The Tin Angel to hear singer songwriter Jeffrey Gaines.   Katie came up with the interesting idea of trying to get Jeffrey Gaines  to play for their first dance, as a surprise gift to Mark!   Jeffrey agreed!
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To view all of Kathryn & Mark’s photos, please sign up here. You’ll be notified when they are ready. rebeccabarger817

Off to the Amalfi Coast…Best Wishes, Kathryn & Mark!

Devon & Andrew, Cescaphe Ballroom

Rebecca, we just got a chance to view the photos…They are so AMAZING!!! Thanks so much for all you you have done. We can’t wait to see the rest of the pics and we are looking forward to working with you on our album!  Thank YOU!   Devon & Drew

Megan’s Comments:

You did it AGAIN, amazing!  Beautiful shots, love the graffiti photo and also the picture of  Devon’s gown at the church altar!   ~~~~Megan & Matt (note: I photographed their wedding at The Down Town Club in  2007 and they are friends of Devon & Drew)

Devon & Andrew married at The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter in Paul, in Philadelphia. Their reception was at The Cescaphe Ballroom. Devon wore an amazing couture gown by  St. Pucchi from Nicole Bridal in Jenkintown.

A little rain did not stop us from shooting outside! A brave bride will prove to be a brave wife!

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A collection of celebration chocolates await Devon & Drew in their honeymoon suite at The Four Seasons, Philadelphia.  Probably the most amazing thing regarding this chocolate situation is the fact I didn’t eat one!
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Devon opens her surprise gift from Andrew.

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Marina, the “lady-in-waiting” from Nicole Bridal helps with finishing touches as Devon prepares for the ceremony at The Four Seasons.   Marina helps the bride dress and even helps the photographer get great photos of the bride. You are awesome, Marina!
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Couture gown and veil by St. Pucchi, from Nicole Bridal in Jenkintown.

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Devon wipes a tear from her Dad’s face, after he  first saw Devon in her gown.
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St. Pucchi gown and Bridesmaid dresses, in a wonderful cinnamon, from Nicole Bridal.

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Flowers from Kremp Florist in Willow Grove.

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Drew awaits the ceremony to begin at The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul on the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.

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Devon & Drew dated for almost ten years!  Their wedding ceremony was held at The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in Philadelphia.

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Again, we are shooting in the rain!! I had to have raindrops retouched out of the images!

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Devon & Drew are announced for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. Arnold as they enter their reception at Cescaphe Ballroom.

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Catering at the Cescaphe Ballroom by the talented Joe Volpe.
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Entertainment by the David Christopher Orchestra.
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To view all of Devon & Drew’s wedding photos, please sign up here.

Best Wishes, Devon & Drew!!  Thanks for being so brave in the rain!