What a pleasure it was to meet and work with this sweet couple! Guo, known as Stephanie and Shukai, also known as Raul, decided to have a morning/early afternoon wedding, a rare treat for us! Both their ceremony and reception took place at their church, with their photo shoot taking place at several iconic sites in the city of Philadelphia.
Stephanie and Raul went to the same high school, however they didn't really know each other until they met again at their high school reunion several years ago. That's when they started dating and before long, they both knew they found 'the one'. Raul's proposal was so romantic! After asking her if she wanted to go out to see fireworks (it was Chinese New Year), he met her at the door and led her down the stairs of her building where he had already placed small candles along the way from the 5th floor to the 1st. At the end were roses, rings and friends waiting there to congratulate and celebrate as Raul proposed to Stephanie. Of course, she said yes!
On the morning of their wedding day, the two got ready at Homewood Suites in Philadelphia. Stephanie's bridesmaids wore lovely mint green dresses with a one-shoulder design while the groomsmen wore dark suits with ties that coordinated with the bridesmaids' dresses. Raul looked so dapper in his classic black tuxedo... and so excited to be marrying his love!
Stephanie looked so gorgeous in her breathtaking lace covered ballgown! It featured a bateau lace neckline, an amazing illusion bodice and delicate buttons down the back. She wore a veil on the back of her hair which was done in an elegant updo and fastened with lovely pins. And her final beautiful accessory was that pair of sparkling Jimmy Choo shoes! She and her bridesmaids carried lush bouquets filled with white flowers and accented with purple blooms from Rose 4 U Florist.
Stephanie and Raul's ceremony and reception were held at Grace Chapel Church in Havertown, PA where the pews were adorned with white fabric and mint colored bows. After a very beautiful sermon by their Pastor Tony Liang, the two lit a unity candle symbolizing their two lives joining together to become one. Their friends and family tossed red rose petals on the newlyweds as they walked back down the aisle together.
The bridal party also had a wonderful photo session at various sites around the city, including the Museum of Art and at the LOVE statue where they all had fun posing with the Philadelphia icon for the perfect wedding shots. It was so enjoyable to work alongside Anthony and Laura Barlich from Hitch & Sparrow Photography for this fantastic wthedding event.
Stephanie and Raul's reception was decorated so festive with paper lanterns in mint green, blue and white. After the newlyweds were announced, guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner and toasts from their fathers, Stephanie's bridesmaid and friend, as well as from the couple themselves. All were so beautiful and so heartfelt. Stephanie and Raul were so lovely to translate their sermon and speeches for us to include in their wedding highlight.
Wonderful, time-honored wedding traditions were included at their beautiful reception, such as tossing the bouquet and cutting that delectable cake! Whipped Bakeshop created an amazing wedding cake in a deeper shade of mint, featuring a LOVE cake topper reminiscent of the famous statue we visited that day.
It was so wonderful, truly such an honor, to be a part of capturing this very special day for Stephanie and Raul. We wish them, as in the words of Stephanie's good friend, a journey filled with love, laughter and adventures.
Photographer: Hitch & Sparrow Photography - Anthony Barlich and Laura Barlich - Denver, CO
Floral Design: Rose 4 U Florist - Philadelphia, PA
Hair Stylist: 931 Skincare - Stephanie Lum - Philadelphia, PA
Makeup Artist: 931 Skincare - Stephanie Lum - Philadelphia, PA
Cake: Whipped Bakeshop - Philadelphia, PA
Officiant: Pastor Tony Liang
Church and Venue: Grace Chapel Church - Havertown, PA
Accommodations: Homewood Suites by Hilton - University City Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA