It was one of those weddings that not only the bride and all her closest family and friends dream about….It was one I, as the photographer, was dreaming about. When I first met with Jen, and the words, CITIZENS BANK PARK, crossed her lips as her venue location, I about fell out of my chair. Now…truthfully when it comes to baseball, I don’t know how many touchdowns you need to win a baseball game! (LOL) But I made a promise to Jen that I would try and learn a little, even if that just meant starting a fantasy baseball team on FanDuel. I may not have known baseball, but what I DID know that this was going to be an epic wedding surrounded by amazing and fun people. What I didn’t know or expect, was that not only was I being asked to be a part of such a special event, I was also entering an amazing friendship. Over the months of planning, there were birthdays, bonfires, dinners, cocktails, nights out, shopping, and so, so much more. I got to know Jen and Nino and their families and immediately felt accepted, taken in. These families are BEYOND meant for each other and I couldn’t feel anymore honored that I was chosen to be there to capture the union of them both.

On November 30th…just after noon, it came time for Jen to put her dress on. In a spare bedroom, between two ivory shades, hung an ivory dress that would leave tears in anyones eyes. As my bride, turned amazing friend, turned to look up to me as she was being laced into her dress…I almost forgot why I was there. The camera dropped to my side just for a moment as I took in her beauty and the immense excitement hiding behind her eyes. The day had come. The princess of CITIZENS BANK PARK was dressed, and my friend was ready to marry the man of her dreams.

This day was priceless in every way it could be. We got to shoot and go into areas the most wild of PHANAITCS only dream about. I am sure everyone present felt a litttttle bit like a celebrity. Every detail was picture perfect, the food was amazing, and the company was even better. Jen, you did it my little DIY queen….your wedding was beyond perfect and I am soooo ready to share the day with you from my eyes : P

Love you Jen and Nino! Here is to much happiness, love and LOTS of babies : P Enjoy!

After the bride was ready…she took a few deep breaths and entered the living room where her #1 fan, HER FATHER, waiting patiently for his first look of his one and only little girl.

As he turned around to see her standing there, his chin began to tremble, his eyes welled with tears and a father soft sob as he gets ready to let his baby girl go began.

After the insanely beautiful moment that left no eye dry in the house, it was time for the brides last minute primping and fluffing before she was hurried into her limo to take her to the ceremony. She said she loves limos because apparently they really make it feel like an occasion, just like she rode in hummer limos Melbourne for her hen party which she said was an amazing experience.

Meanwhile…I had my fabulous team of photographers that I partnered up with for the day, spending time capturing the guys getting ready over at the hotel. Be sure to check out those Boutonnieres….THEY ARE MADE OUT OF REAL BASEBALLS Y’ALL!

Thank goodness for MAMA SUE…The grooms amazeballs mama…she helped all these adorable lost souls with their suspenders, cuff links, etc : P

She had already done so much for them and was even the person who had got the guys to look on a designer site like Damiani (https://damianistores.com/collections/accesories) for their cuff links to make their outfits look even nicer. She was not going to let them out if they weren’t looking perfect!

Once the guys were ready, they too got into their own limo and made their way to St. Peter’s. Here we had time to do a first look before the ceremony…one of my favorite moments of a wedding day!

LOVE THIS ONE : )

After having a few moments to themselves it was time to get HITCHED!!! As everyone got into position, lights were dimmed ever so slightly, and one of the most gorgeous ceremonies I have ever attended OR shot, began.

HOW CUTE IS SHE AND HER FLOWER BALL?

Here comes the BRIDE! : )

Look at this church…the aisle was fit for a princess…Much like the aisle Princess Kate walked down herself in the Royal Wedding.

MARRIED!!!!

FORMALS TIME!!! Considering it was the end of November…we fully expected it to be FREEZING….luckily…it was just cold. But I can tell you one thing…Mrs. Cusella and her bridal party surely fooled me. They rocked it…Right?

What a handsome group of men….especially the one up front. Handsome, Handsome Mr. Cusella

Pocket Full of Posies….EXCELLENT WORK! These flowers were so unique and beautifully done!

AWESOME LOOKING BRIDAL PARTY, NO?

Awwwwww! Daddy’s little girl!!

These shawls were amazing!!!

After the ceremony…we simply had to go back into the church and grab this amazing shot to showcase the beauty of Jen’s dress and the beauty of the church.

Once the “day formals” were wrapped….it was time to head to the party zone: CITIZENS BANK PARK. Upon arrival, guests were escorted to cocktail hour and we got to sneak away to some of the most VIP of locations for another hour of formals. MAN I adore when brides give us time to take the pictures they deserve! For this first shot…you Phanatics already know….hello PRESS BOX/MEDIA ROOM!

Headed to the locker-rooms….woohoo!

And then….THE DUGOUT! : ) Drooling, yet?

After formals were completely wrapped, the guys were ready more than ever to grab a drink and party inside the infamous Diamond Club : )

Awesome substitute for a guest book, don’t you think?

Would you believe this cake was made by one of the Groomsman???? HOLY TALENTED!

Their venue was obviously amazing…but their first dance, parent dances, and rest of the evening…was emotional, fun, and downright priceless…come see!

Watching their families reactions to their first dance totally brought me to tears!

After the beautifuuul first dance….it was time to have the bride and her father center stage for THEIR first dance….TEARS!

Then Nino got to share a special…FUN first dance with his mom….so cute. I hope my first dance with my boys is like this..fun and light. Otherwise…I would be a blubbering MESS!

After an amazing dinner, with what appeared to be endless carving stations lining the room, it was time for some traditional wedding highlight moments, a surprise for the bride and groom, some dancing and a BIG SURPRISE for their guests in store. : P

After some lovely toasts from the Maid of Honor and Best Man…it was time to cut the gorgeous cake!

From there the bride and groom decided to go right into the bouquet toss, garter toss, etc so that the remainder of the night they could simply dance the night away and surprise their guests with something…or shall I say SOMEONE…very special! : )

THEN….THE PARTY BEGAN….THE PHILLY PHANATIC CAME BUSTING IN AND THE DANCING WAS OFF WITH A BANG! In the interest of this blogs length…here are just a few snap shots of what the rest of the night looked like : )

Because singing Journey at every wedding is a must! : P

The Elaine dance??? HAHAHAHA!

The Band…Stellar Mojo was AMAZING!!!

Vendors

Brides Dress and Veil: Maggie Sottero

Phillies Sparkle Heels: ViaBloomfield Boutique from Etsy.com

Garter: Treasured Keepsakes from eBay.com

Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse

Cuff Links: Alex Rilex from eBay

Flowers: Pocket Full of Posies

Boutonnières: Sports Roses

Cake: Frank Lowe

Band: Stellar Mojo

Table Numbers: Green Tree Wedding from Etsy.com

Wedding Programs: Creating Paper Memories from Etsy.com

Flasks: Brilliant Bashes from Etsy.com

Wedding Invitiations: Bellus Designs from Etsy.com

Memory Candle Lumineers: The Papery Nook from Etsy.com

Custom Name Hangers: Passionately pink from Etsy.com

Beer Coozies: Lone Star Accessories from Etsy.com

Wedding Shawls: Classy Wedding from Etsy.com

Chair Covers: Elegant Threads from Etsy.com

Robes: Chrissy’s Creations

Custom Wine Glasses: Kells Art

Phillies Gift Bags: Five Below

Phillies Flip Flips: Wal-Mart

Brides Hanger: Einspanner on Etsy.com

Custom Jersey’s: MLB.com

Custom Cracker Jack Favors: Sealed with a J (Boxes purchased at Wal-Mart)

Chair Numbers, Place Card Tickets and Sign for Ticket Booth: Printed at Wildwood Leader Printers

Place Card Tickets: Designed by Jennifer Cusella (The Bride)

Chair Numbers: Designed by Green Tree Wedding

Photo Booth: Papa-raZzi

Make-up and Hair: Creations By Mia

Ceremony Location: St. Peters Church in Merchantville, NJ

Reception Location: Citizens Bank Park

Limo Service: Cabs are Here

Cake Toppers: Yacanna Weddings

Bridesmaids Dresses: Saigon Blanche

Jewelry: 2-Be-Unique (Jeree Montier Fashion)

Wedding Bands: Litman jewelers

“I Do” Jewels Shoes Stickers: MonAmour Boutique

Foam Fingers PhotoBooth Prop: Lovingly Mine from Etsy.com