Chris and Eric tied the knot with a self-uniting marriage ceremony in the presence of their immediate families at Rittenhouse Square this fall. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with tight hugs, big smiles and lots of happy tears!!! They were blessed with a gorgeous fall evening in the city. The soft, golden light of the late afternoon sun reflected their refulgent love for each other!

Self-Uniting Ceremony

Chris and Eric opted for a Quaker self-uniting ceremony. That means they basically officiated their own wedding! This let them get married exactly how they wanted to, intimately committing to forever with each other in their own words.

They began the ceremony with opening remarks about how beautiful, difficult and refining marriage is. Eric and Chris touched on the gravity of marriage – a forever commitment – and declared their everlasting love for each other. They also included a statement of Quaker tradition, explaining their decision to marry themselves. Then the floor was opened up for family members to say a few words. This was such a beautiful part of the ceremony – every single family member stepped up to affirm & support Chris and Eric’s love for each other and wished them the best in their future together!!

After hearing from their family members, Eric and Chris exchanged vows. The love in their eyes was so evident as they promised to commit to each other for the rest of their days!! The marriage license was then signed by Chris, Eric, Chris’s mom and Eric’s dad. The two lovebirds slid wedding bands on each others fingers, giddy with excitement. Before we knew it, Eric and Chris sealed the deal with a kiss to the sound of applause from their families!

Rittenhouse Square Portraits

Following their self-uniting marriage ceremony, we took formal family photos in the park to commemorate the momentous occasion. I then took Chris and Eric to a different part of the square for some romantic portraits! There’s just something about Rittenhouse Square that feels dreamy and nostalgic. And now Eric and Chris will forever have a special memory attached to this already romantic place in their home city!!

We moved through portraits quickly and efficiently, but without rush. I guided Chris and Eric through some poses and cues to capture their love. They wanted to include a fun fountain picture, which ended up being one of my favorite pictures from their day! It captured their silliness and joy perfectly. I ended their mini portrait session on a park bench because, helloooooo romance! The close up photo of Chris and Eric nearly kissing on the bench with smiles on their faces is one of my favorites EVER!! They are so darn cute together and I’m so happy we were able to capture that on their special day.

Massive congratulations to these two kind humans!! I wish you the very best as you begin this new chapter of your lives together 💛

Self-Uniting Marriage Ceremony in Rittenhouse Square