My mission as a wedding photographer in Philadelphia 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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a bride and her bridesmaids laugh as they take photos during a wedding at Pen Ryn Estate Belle Voire.

Essential Wedding Day Details You Don’t Want to Forget

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, with countless details to consider. I’m here to help you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared!! (Type-A girlies unite!) In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five often-forgotten wedding day details that can enhance your wedding experience and keep the joy flowing.

1. The Scent of Memories: Perfume and Cologne

One of the simplest yet most impactful details is wearing a special perfume or cologne on your wedding day. Perfume and/or cologne are often included in wedding detail photos, alongside rings, invitations and flowers. But brides and grooms sometimes forget to actually wear the scent they picked out specifically for this big day!! It’s a nice thing to remember, since memories are tied strongly to scents; wearing a unique fragrance can evoke the emotions of your wedding day every time you wear it on future dates and anniversaries. So before you dive into the whirlwind of getting ready, don’t forget to spritz on that special scent!

2. Boutonnieres: A Small but Crucial Detail

The groom and groomsmen’s boutonnieres are often overlooked in the hustle of wedding day preparations. I actually once witnessed a groom’s panic when he realized the boutonnieres were missing just moments before the ceremony! (It all ended up being okay and the boutonnieres were applied just in time!) Avoid this last-minute scramble by coordinating with your florist ahead of time. Ensure you know where the boutonnieres will be placed and that someone is assigned to put them on the guys before they walk down the aisle.

3. Staying Hydrated and Fed  

Amidst the excitement, couples often neglect their basic needs for food and water. The fix? Plan ahead for food!! Consider having a hearty breakfast and a real lunch – not just snacks – to keep your energy up. This is essential not only for your well-being but also to ensure you can enjoy the festivities without feeling faint, especially if you plan to indulge in a bit of celebratory drinking later on.

4. Bustling the Dress  

While it may not be a physical item, knowing how to bustle your wedding dress is vital for a seamless transition from ceremony to reception. I highly suggest filming a tutorial or practicing with a friend before the big day. This way, you can avoid the stress of forgetting how to do it while you’re caught up in the excitement of your wedding. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you can fully enjoy your cocktail hour!

5. Group Photos with Friends 

Family portraits are usually prioritized, but don’t forget about your friends! Many couples overlook the opportunity to capture moments with friends who are not in the wedding party. I suggest discussing with your photographer the importance of including friend group shots, ideally during cocktail hour or right after dinner. This way, you’ll have beautiful memories with those who matter most without the chaos of the dance floor distracting you.

Your wedding day is destined to be one of the best days of your life, regardless of the small details that might be forgotten. However, being mindful of these often-overlooked wedding day details can enhance your experience and help you savor every moment!!

For more wedding tips, check out Choosing A Wedding Venue From A Photography Perspective and Why Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies Are Always A Good Idea. Or, check out my wedding planning podcast “The Busy Bride” available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!! Happy planning 🙂

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- AARON & LYDIA

“Gabriella is the BEST photographer and we could not have asked for anyone better to capture our proposal! I had intentions of interviewing multiple photographers, but after seeing her work and talking to her over the phone, I immediately booked with her. Her passion for photography is so evident. She goes above and beyond to make your shoot about YOU. She does a great job of taking control and guiding you with poses that you will love, and her candid shots are unbelievable. She had a smile on her face the entire time and we felt like a close friend was there doing this for us. Would recommend her 100 times out of 100!

Gabriella was absolutely amazing. She made the photography session so easy and effortless. Her personality is so warm and inviting, she made us feel so so comfortable during these pictures. Gabriella went above and beyond for us and I’m so grateful my significant other found her as a photographer. I would highly recommend!”

"SHE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND"

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- ALEX & MIKE

“Gabriella is not only an amazing photographer, but she is an amazing person! She was incredible to work with and made everything from our engagement photos to our wedding day extremely easy. She really understands your vibe and does everything she can to help make that come true! My husband is extremely camera shy, but he was so comfortable with her and the photos were amazing!”

"SHE IS AN AMAZING PERSON"

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- KEVIN & RIYA

“Gabriella is the BEST photographer and needless to say she went above and beyond our expectations! She was hired by my fiancé for our surprise proposal and she did a phenomenal job at capturing every single detail of it. She made our lives easy by understanding us, our personality, the way we wanted to be captured and she did just that! From showing us every beautiful inch of Longwood gardens to telling us about different poses to capturing the beauty and essence of nature! She made my dream come true with these beautiful pictures. We spent 2 hrs with her and there was sign of rush of ending the session and it was more like whatever we felt in the moment which is what I truly enjoyed. She sent us our sneak peak pictures the day off just several hours later and needless to say not only did our jaws dropped but every single person who viewed those pics while asking who the photographer was! We proudly share her information with every member of our family and friends because she truly deserves the best❤️ Thank you Gabriella for capturing the most beautiful and intimate moments of ours and We can’t wait to work with you again!”

"SHE MADE MY DREAM COME TRUE"

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- BRANDON & NASIA

“Gabriella captured our special moments perfectly! She photographed our proposal, Holud night before the wedding, and wedding day. She was very easy to work with and always communicative and responsive. She was able to handle a 300 person wedding with ease and always got the shot. I've only seen the sneak peek from our wedding weekend but I am already in love with the pictures. She truly captured the joy and happiness of the weekend through her photos, which I will treasure forever. She is also just a genuinely kind person, which makes working with her even better :) Highly recommend.”

"TRULY CAPTURED THE JOY AND HAPPINESS"

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- MELISSA & JOHNNIE

“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!”

"WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW PERFECT SHE WAS"

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