I vividly remember the first time I spoke with Melissa as I was on vacation in Greece when she called. We spoke about her wedding at the Cescaphe Ballroom, her fiancé Jared, traveling, her career in law and how important her family was to her. She was super easy to talk to and had a very warm and friendly personality. Since Jared wasn't able to join us on the call, I asked Melissa to fill me in on how they got to this point in their relationship.

They met at Rutgers University during their first year of law school and were in the same section of classes. She told me "Jared challenges the way I think and my personality on so many levels. He believes in me, encourages me, pushes me, and listens to me no matter what. In his career, he is very motivated and hard working, and in his personal life, he is so caring of other people--it's what makes me love him more and more each day".

I knew after that call that if they decided to bring me on as their photographer, we'd have a great time working together and not surprisingly, we did! My team and I had an awesome time with Melissa, Jared, their family and friends.

Here are some favorites from their Cescaphe Ballroom wedding beautifully captured by Ralph Deal Photography.

Getting Ready
Father/Daughter
First Look
Wedding Party
Ceremony
Reception

Getting Ready

bride with bridesmaids poses in their robes

bridesmaid taking a picture of the bride and another bridesmaid shot

bride and maid of honor holding hands shot

close up shot of the wedding diamond rings

maid of honor putting the bride's necklace

the groom's watch, wedding shoes, and tie

groom and groomsmen going inside a tie shop

back shot of the groom and groomsmen walking

groom and groomsmen pose with their bowties

eagle eye shot of the groom wearing his watch

Getting ready took place at the Loews Hotel in Center City. While the girls getting ready session went pretty smooth, the guys had to make an unexpected excursion to the Tie Bar on Walnut Street for a little help in that department. Thankfully it was close and the staff was able to lend a quick hand to the boys!

Father/Daughter First Look

bride and bride's father looking and holding each other's hand shot

the bride's father reading the bride's letter for him

bride and bride's father hugging each other

First Look

bride walking down the stairs reflection shot

Melissa and Jared decided to do their first look in the beautiful stairwell of the Loews Hotel. They were originally planning on not seeing each other before the ceremony but changed their minds the month before the wedding. We then headed out to Broad St. for some quick photos followed by a trip down to Old City for the rest of the bride/groom session and the bridal party photos.