Emily and Aaron knew that they wanted their wedding day to feel authentic to the life they’ve built together. They chose a unique wedding reception venue for their intimate Friday wedding. These photos show how at home they feel sharing their favorite places – and foods – with the people they love.

A Valley Forge Wedding

Some people know how to make things happen. That’s Emily for sure. She was the day-of coordinator at another wedding that I photographed. When she decided to plan her Friday wedding in under six months, she reached out to me to photograph it. I was so excited to work with her again! 

Even though they chose a unique wedding reception venue, Emily and Aaron went a bit more traditional for their ceremony. They got married at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge. There are a lot of restrictions on photography within the church itself, but the exterior is beautiful. I loved photographing Emily and Aaron in the covered walkways beneath the elaborate arches. 

Since the Washington Memorial Chapel is located in Valley Forge Historical Park, there’s lots of space to explore and take portraits. Big open fields and hills stretch all around. It really looks like you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Emily and Aaron were so excited to get married that not even the rain could dampen their spirits. After taking photos under the chapel’s arches, we headed off into the fields with a clear umbrella. They embraced spontaneity and had fun instead of stressing the rain. Emaily even took her shoes off so she could run around with Aaron.

Emily and Aaron’s Emotional Wedding Day

So much about Emily and Aaron’s wedding reminded me of my own wedding. From the intimate size to the unique wedding reception venue, it felt reminiscent of all my favorite things on my wedding day. My husband and I used our wedding as an opportunity to share our favorite things about our neighborhood with our guests. You can check out all the details in this blog post!

Needless to say, Emily and Aaron’s wedding was a very emotional day! They just wanted to start their lives together. That feeling underlay every part of the day.

Emily had a few surprises in store for Aaron. Before the ceremony, she gave him a memory book that made them both misty-eyed. Afterward, she arranged for someone to bring their puppy to the ceremony venue for some portraits. 

A Unique Wedding Reception Venue

After we ran around capturing that joyful newlywed energy in the rain, we headed to The Sunshine Café in Royersford. Emily and Aaron chose this unique wedding reception venue because they wanted to feel like they were bringing all of their most important people along for a day in their lives. They go to this diner almost every Sunday.

The Sunshine Café felt so true to Emily and Aaron. They love the life they’ve built together. It meant a lot to them to share their real lives with their guests. You can see their uncomplicated joy as they wander between tables greeting guests and laughing at speeches.

This unique wedding reception venue also gave them more flexibility than a traditional wedding venue would. In addition to weekly trips to the diner, Emily and Aaron get pizza every Friday. They had pizzas delivered for all their guests to enjoy. They even took some “cake cutting” photos with one. 

I loved all the playful energy at Emily and Aaron’s wedding. Everything felt meaningful and lighthearted because it felt like home for them. I love when couples celebrate their neighborhoods in their weddings. If you’re looking to do exactly that, grab a free copy of my Neighborhood Guide to Getting Married in Philadelphia!

If you decide to go for a unique wedding reception venue, having a Friday wedding is a great way to make it more feasible. Venues are often more flexible on weekdays and less expensive to buy out. Plus all your favorite photo spots are probably that much quieter than on weekends.

Would you like me to photograph your wedding? I’m a Philadelphia wedding photographer. I’ll document your wedding with candid photos that feel as easy as your love. Inquire with me!