Today on the blog is pure magic. It’s been exactly two months since I had a chance to witness (and photograph!) Jenny & Jon’s intimate Pennsylvania elopement in Philadelphia. Forced to downsize or reschedule, Jenny & Jon chose to elope on their original date and postpone their larger celebration with their family and friends until June 2021. The larger celebration is going to be here in New Jersey (at One Atlantic Events) and I can’t wait to show up and photograph their love again. These two were so sweet to be around. You can tell they were ready to be married – COVID or not!
If you are new to our world, Mile Square Moments is a New Jersey wedding photography company, that specializes in capturing true authentic love stories. We love when we capture a couple’s natural chemistry in front of the camera. If you are in New Jersey (or beyond!), you can read more about our photography and videography packages and pricing here.
Quaker Law
Are you familiar with Quaker Law? If you are not, you can read more about it here. The short version is, couples can self-unit without an officiant. As someone who already thinks eloping is incredibly romantic, this practically makes me gush. Only about a 2-hour drive from Hoboken, New Jersey, we couldn’t pass up heading to PA – one of the only states where you can legally self-marry! These two were definitely worth the trip. Not only was the waterfront ceremony incredibly romantic (and fun – cue the champagne popping!), Jenny and Jon asked my husband Matt and me to be their witnesses. The two of them even wrote their own vows. It honestly felt so special.
Before COVID, I asked Jenny and Jon what they were most excited for on their wedding day. They admitted that they were most excited for the ceremony – truly becoming husband and wife. From the beginning, they couldn’t wait to exchange vows.
Chambong! This Pennsylvania Elopement Caused For Some Celebration!
Other than self-marrying (which was already special), Jenny and Jon did a few things that made their ceremony truly feel like them. These two burned sage as an intimate ritual during the ceremony. To start their marriage off on the right foot. After the intimate ceremony, these two popped champagne and drank their toast out of cute, fun, glasses. I love it when my couples surprise me and do something really unique. And of course I love to continue the fun even after the champagne bottle has been popped!
By the way – if you love this champagne flute alternative as much as I do, here’s the link! As they say, it’s the perfect champagne drinking device! Jenny and Jon work hard during the week, but don’t take themselves too seriously and love to have fun on the weekend! These Chambongs were such a fun addition to their otherwise sweet and romantic ceremony.
After the ceremony, signing the marriage certificate
After their ceremony, we headed to their apartment to sign the marriage license and make it official. Matt and I are still beyond honored we got to be their witnesses. After that, we immediately continued on with portraits. A couple of the photos below were actually taken on their home street! A great photographer can make ANY everyday background look good, right? Jenny and Jon took me around to a few of their favorite places and it was nice capturing their traditional bride and groom portraits around the city.
An intimate wedding reception for two
After their couple photos, we headed to Heritage Philly for a sweet wedding reception for two. The two of them drank bright cocktails and posed sweetly for more photos. It kind of reminded me of a sweetheart table at weddings – where they had space to love each other and take in what was such an incredible day and moment in their relationship. A chance to reflect instead of rushing to mingle with guests. Don’t get me wrong, a big wedding reception is lovely, but these moments between just you and yours are absolutely precious and there are far too few of them on a “typical” wedding day.
Sunset Photos in Pennyslvania
After drinks, we took some incredible city sunset photos at City Hall in Philadelphia. I LOVE how urban and moody they turned out! It was the absolute perfect ending to an incredible day! I loved getting to know Jenny and Jon, and am wishing them MANY nights in together, making homemade tacos (like their first date!), watching movies, and playing board games together! MSM couples typically love getting out and about, but equally enjoy a night in just the two of them. I am SO happy for you both, Jenny and Jon – CONGRATULATIONS! I’m already counting down the days until I can photograph the larger celebration! It’s going to be a blast!
Vendor Squad
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography based in Hoboken, New Jersey. We love getting to know each couple personally so that on your wedding day (or engagement session!), we can capture the chemistry that already exists between the two of you. Are you planning a wedding in New Jersey? If you are, Contact us here to find out about our photography and videography packages. We also love stories on Instagram. If you want more inspiration, make sure to check out this Long Beach Island micro wedding.
