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My mission as a wedding photographer is to help happy couples celebrate life's biggest joys with high quality photos and a dang good time. I believe the experience is just as important as the photos and that you deserve beautiful, lasting memories.

Hey!! I'm Gabriella.

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engagement session at morris arboretum

Summertime Morris Arboretum Proposal

This Morris Arboretum proposal was nothing short of beautiful, romantic and sentimental. Let me explain.

The Game Plan

Will reached out to me about his plan to propose to his girlfriend of a few years at Morris Arboretum in the summer of 2022. I had never been to Morris Arboretum before, so we set up a time to walk around the grounds together to choose “the spot” for the proposal. While we walked and talked, Will filled me in on his relationship and the meaning behind the proposal location.

He and Ana started dating in college and did two years of long distance while Will was in med school. Ana pursued research at UPenn and Will, decided to change career paths, moved to Philly to be near her. Ana grew up around here and used to frequent Morris Arboretum growing up – she told Will it was her favorite park. What better place to ask Ana such an important and life-altering question?!

Morris Arboretum Proposal

I assumed position at “the spot” quite early, as per usual for surprise proposals. We decided on a cobblestone road in a quiet portion of the grounds, right near the pond of swans. I kept an eye out for Will & Ana – I met Will when location scouting so I knew who to look for – and pretended to photograph the swans as they approached. (Actually, I lied – I did take pictures of the swans because … well, swans!!)

Soon enough, Will stopped Ana at the designated spot and turned her sideways to say a few words, just as we planned. He got down on one knee and Ana immediately reached out to hug him! She bent down and gave him a kiss and it was such a sweet moment to document.

After I said my congratulations, we made our way back to the rose garden. To Ana’s surprise, Will had his parents and her immediate family waiting there to congratulate them!! I photographed their smiles and hugs and a very giggly champagne spray. What a lovely idea!

Will, Ana and I walked around the park for about 20 more minutes to take engagement photos. They are so in love, which made my job super easy!! I had a few portrait spots in mind from Will and I’s location scouting meeting, and we incorporated all of Ana’s ideas into the photos as well. I could have stayed out there for hours photographing those two, but I knew we were on a time crunch!

Rittenhouse Square Surprise Party

Will wins the award for most thoroughly and intentionally planned proposal day. After their Morris Arboretum proposal, we made our way into Center City for an official surprise party in Rittenhouse Square! There was an adorable picnic setup put together by Taste of Company and even more family waiting for the newly engaged couple’s arrival. After some formal family portraits, candid smiles and a few more engagement photos, I left Will & Ana to celebrate with their loved ones. Congratulations, you two!!

Summertime Garden Vibes

Morris Arboretum is BEAUTIFUL in its peak season. The park is huge, though not as big as Longwood Gardens. Somehow, however, it’s much less crowded! Morris Arboretum is characterized by its old, massive trees as well as its various gardens and nature-themed works of art scattered throughout the grounds. It’s the perfect spot for a proposal because it feels private and nearly everywhere you look is manicured and beautiful.

If you’re planning an afternoon trip to Morris Arboretum, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, there is an entry fee (and a much higher photography fee if you want photos done there). Second, the hours are seasonal and they close far before sunset in the summer months. Third, wear a good pair of walking shoes. There’s a lot of ground to cover and not all of it is paved!

All that being said, I recommend you check out the rose garden, the swan pond and the fountain (all pictured below).

Morris Arboretum Engagement Session

engagement session at morris arboretum

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- Melissa d.

“Gabriella was absolutely amazing!!! Words cannot even describe how perfect she was, but I’ll try my best. Right from the beginning, I knew she was the one. She was so caring, calming, organized, and just a genuinely happy person. She made me feel even more excited for my wedding. She was so helpful throughout the entire process right down to the big day. AND THE PICTURES - OH MY GOD. They are absolutely breathtaking and she definitely tells the story of your day in the most perfect way. She captures every precious moment while having a smile on her face the whole time she’s with you. I can’t say enough amazing things about her. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking to have the BEST photographer for any occasion. We had such an amazing experience with Gabriella and we can’t thank her enough!”

"Captures every moment"

- Dawn g.

“Gabriella is a very great planner, very organized and an absolute delight to work with. Her planning and organization helped me prepare for the big day without any fear that I left any important photo out. Her planning skills ensured I didn't miss any details. She is such a delight to work with she was even happy to help me with my little surprise I had for my husband, it went off without a hitch. She captured all the photos we could imagine....all the fun, sweet, sincere moments throughout the day. She even provided the photos to us in a timely manner. I HIGHLY recommend her; she's highly energetic, personable, easy to work with, a planner, organized, and she captured lots of beautiful pictures. She exceeded all of my expectations. She was such a great photographer.”

"Exceeded all my expectations"

- Melissa N.

Making my dream wedding come true!
Gabriella was hired by my (now) husband, as a surprise photographer for our proposal. She was phenomenal and we hired her for our wedding as well! Her energy and vision for our wedding photos captured every moment and emotion. She was amazing in every way. Her attention to detail and knowing what was important to me on my big day was awesome - she went the extra mile. I would 10/10 recommend her to any one wanting to capture beautiful moments in life - for their engagement, wedding, and more.

"She went the extra mile."

- Megan W.

Hiring Gabriella was one of the best decisions that we made during our wedding planning. From our very first conversation, Gabriella was warm & bubbly. She radiates positive energy that I knew that we needed for our big day. Gabriella has a vigorous work ethic and eye for detail. Her ability to transform any setting is pure magic. We enjoyed working with her throughout the planning process and are absolutely thrilled with our engagement and wedding photos (which she had edited and back to us in less than one month!).

"One of the best decisions"

- Lisette & Tyrus b.

What can we say about Gabriella Marie Photography. There are so many words to describe the amazing job Gabriella did on our special wedding day. Gabriella will not only shoot your wedding, she can help you design what your wedding will be. She is there every step of the way. She has amazing attention to detail. Before the big day, Gabriella has a plan that will ensure that your day will be spectacular. She is always available via text, call, direct message, FaceTime or Zoom. Gabriella is the absolute best photographer ever. The best quality that she has is that she is more than a photographer, she is a true friend. She cares about her clients and makes us feel like a trust-worthy friend is there to help. For example, she sent my wife and I a pre-wedding care package. This gift proved to be so valuable for us while dealing with wedding stress. This gift was the most thoughtful thing my wife and I ever received. A simple thank you is just only the tip of the iceberg with regarding Gabriella Marie Photography. Everyone please check out our new friend Gabriella. Trust us, she is worth every penny and more.

"Worth every penny and more"

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