I never thought that the first time I’d visit Eastern State Penitentiary would be for a wedding. 

And a wedding for none other than my two spookiest friends, Kat and Phil. I worked with this couple before they became staff at the penitentiary, home of the #1 haunted house in America, Terror Behind the Walls. I can’t think of any other couple who could rock out in zombie makeup, then turn around and be a knock-out bride and groom. 

Kat and Phil are creative professionals, and so a DIY wedding for them is a top-tier affair for anyone else. The place was decked out with skulls and velvet and gorgeous dried bouquets, and the rainy weather gave everything the perfect vibe. I loved creeping around with them before the ceremony to get photos serious and silly, as well as some adorable shots with their daughter Addie. 

After the wedding, the whole crew hitched a ride on the penitentiary’s trolleys to the reception at Yards Brewing Company (seriously, how great is this couple??). Yards let us wander around and get some great shots of the wedding party in the brewhouse before going to the on-site event space to dance the night away to Addie’s pick, Baby Shark. 

I don’t expect to ever see another wedding quite like this one again. But let me tell you, if there is, I’m in.