Long before Elle Danielle, there was L. Danielle and L. Michelle. Sharing the same last name, people often asked if Linda and I were related… I liked the additional similarity of our rhyming middle names.  So many years after we first met in college, I had the honor of photographing my sweet friend Linda’s wedding.

Linda is originally from Trenton, NJ, while Kevin is from Harrisburg, PA. They met while attending Pharmacy School at Howard University in Washington, DC and now reside in Maryland (see their Washington, DC engagement session here!)  The two chose Philadelphia for their wedding because it is the perfect “meeting point” between their hometowns. And in that city, they and their families became one.

Linda lost her mother to breast cancer in 2008. In honor of her, every member of the wedding party wore pink ribbon pins. It was a beautiful touch to include her mother’s spirit in the day.

Meanwhile, the guys were preparing for the day in their own way…

It’s no secret, the first look is my favorite moment of a wedding day. It gives couples a private moment to embrace the day and one another, before exchanging their vows in front of their family and friends. Whenever I encourage couples to consider a first look, it’s because of that special moment and not the conveniences that go along with taking all of your pictures before the ceremony begins.  Linda was unsure of a first look. But her and Kevin’s ceremony was taking place at sunset, leaving us with limited time for natural light portraits afterwards. And so, she decided to go along with a first look for those conveniences, to ensure time for pretty portraits… Given the special moment they shared, I know she is happy with the decision!

They say, you’re an average of the people you spend the most time with. Capturing Linda with each of her bridesmaids, it’s clear that she’s more like a puzzle made up of uniquely special personalities.

And the guys! Classics.

Her nephew didn’t make it down the aisle with his little ring bearer pillow, but it’s because he’s soooooo cute.

And then, everyone partied the night away under Franklin’s watchful eye.

VENDORS:  Venue: Franklin Institute // Wedding Planning:  Cordially Invited by Cheryl // Makeup: Janese Horton // Hair: Essential Beauty Salon // Music: Swift/Styles Entertainment // Catering + Cake: The Frog Commissary // Video: Second Vision Videography // Paper: MagnetStreet.com