Gina and Mike – fun, loving, smart and love to cook. I am following Mike on instagram, and his delicious meals always make me hungry! There is some awesome skill there. Gina told me that he even cures his own bacon and uses different flavors for different batches. I think I should plan a visit soon after the wedding. A year ago they got engaged in a sunny San Diego in the land of delicious food and beer and now we are celebrating their wedding! Their wedding day ended up being the most beautiful summer day even though it felt like an October day – cool, a little bit sunny and just wonderful overall. We had their first look at the Race Street Pier and their wedding ceremony and reception at 2424 Studios – such a fun space! Check out a few photos from their wonderful wedding!
Getting ready at their Parents Homes
Both Gina and Mike were getting ready at their parents homes. I love when this happens because I do get to know the parents just a little better that way and I am able to experience just a tiny bit their environment that they were growing up in. I photographed Gina’s getting ready to I was able to meet her parents that morning, and let me tell you – #relationshipgolals right there!!! They were so super cute all the time together and snuggling on the couch and just being so wonderful. Not only I get to hear wedding vows every weekend, I guess I needed that reminder of playfulness too. Well, I loved them! And Gina, even though she was nervous, didn’t show it too much and instead had a bloody Mary with a piece of bacon in it, and enjoyed her morning hanging out with her family. Mike was getting ready his mom’s home, and Olga photographed those moment. I am sure she had a awesome time as well!
And now as both Gina and Mike were all ready, we departed for their first look or a big reveal :).
Race Street Pier Wedding Portraits
Gina was such a stunning bride and Mike definitely appreciated this beauty! They were so excited to see each other and loved the way they both looked. And Race Street Pier was such a gorgeous location for the photos but my photography subjects (the brides and grooms) are always something that I love more than the background. And Gina and Mike were totally awesome!
Now it was time for us to go to the venue for some family photos first and then the ceremony!!!!
2424 Studios Wedding Ceremony
2424 Studios is a super cool space for a wedding. Brick walls, exposed ceiling and AC pipes, huge windows are definitely all the things I love. And a few personalized touches for Gina and Mike’s wedding make the space even better. The ceremony was beautiful and a few moments made everyone emotional and as you’ll see lots of happy tears were shed. A few good laughs were shared too though so it was all balanced out :). A beautiful live guitar music played in the beginning, a good friends performing their wedding ceremony and the most importantly the vows and the exchanged of rings were performed. And an interesting fact about rings, is that Gina is now a big fan of rings, so for engagement gift, it was a necklace and not a ring that she has received. So the wedding bands are the only things that they will be wearing on their fingers.
Now the are married and the celebration began!!!!
2424 Studios Wedding Reception
So the cocktail hour and the reception foods were super cool as well! Soft Philly pretzels, tacos, corn on a cob and guacamole were there for the cocktail hour and then ‘Food Truck’ food for the main reception together with some water-ice! True Philadelphians here :)!!!
We sneaked out for just a few more day light photos during the cocktail hour and then, these newlywed enjoyed some time with their guests, and I set up for the reception.
The reception was super awesome! I just loved how much fun Gina and Mike are having together. And well, their guests enjoyed their time as well!!! I had so many awesome photos that I have the hardest time deciding how many to include and how to narrow them down.
What an amazing time it was when everyone celebrated Gina and Mike’s wedding day and I feel so honored to be a part of such wonderful and special time in their lives!
Vendors:
Wedding Photography | Yana Shellman Photography
Wedding Venue | 2424 Studios
Portrait location | Race Street Pier
Bride’s Wedding Dress | David’s Bridal
Groom’s Tux | Men’s WearHouse
Flowers | Vault and Vine
Favors | Federal Donuts
Caterer | South Philly Barbacoa
Cake and Dessert | Liscio’s Bakery
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All images are copyrighted to Yana Shellman – fun, sweet, energetic photographer serving as a South Jersey and Philadelphia Wedding Photographer. She adores photography that shows natural and loving relationship of people. Clear instruction, genuine laughter, and long-lasting sweet memories is what you will get with Yana as your wedding photographer.
http://www.yanashellmanphotography.com
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If you have questions or would like Yana to record your special event, please drop Yana a note at yana@yanashellman.com or contact her through the contact form.