Vie Wedding - Abigail & Patrick

A Vie wedding like Abigail and Patrick’s is the kind that reminds me, as a wedding photographer, exactly why I love documenting weddings the way I do, rooted in presence, joy, and trust, with just enough spontaneity to let the magic unfold naturally. From start to finish, their Philadelphia celebration at Vie by Cescaphe felt colorful, joy-filled, and undeniably party-forward, while still leaving space for quiet, meaningful moments in between.

A Calm, Go-With-the-Flow Start to the Day

The day began with that perfect kind of fall weather, partly cloudy, crisp, and calm, with sunlight peeking through at just the right moments. Abigail and Patrick approached the day with an ease that instantly set the tone. There was no rushing, no stress, just a shared excitement and a deep trust that everything would unfold exactly as it should.

Even when a protest march along Broad Street temporarily complicated transportation plans (hello, blocked streets and police barricades), they stayed completely unbothered. While I quietly brainstormed backup portrait locations just in case, Abigail was game for anything and fully trusted my guidance. That flexibility is such a gift on a wedding day, and it’s often what allows the best moments to happen.

Classic Philadelphia Portraits (With a Perfect Pivot)

Once the trolley made its way through, we headed to the Franklin Institute steps for wedding party portraits, an iconic Philly backdrop that never disappoints. Afterward, I suggested a quick stop across the street at Logan Circle for a few intimate couples portraits before heading back to Vie.

The timing couldn’t have been better. The sun broke through the clouds just as we arrived, wrapping Abigail in the softest glow as she played with her veil in the breeze. We even stumbled upon a small nook with a few lingering blooms, a rare sighting for peak fall, and it added such a romantic, unexpected touch to their portraits. These little pivots, guided by light and intuition, are some of my favorite parts of the day.

A Candlelit Reception at Vie

As the evening unfolded, Vie transformed into something truly magical. The reception space was illuminated entirely by candlelight, creating an atmosphere that felt intimate, romantic, and timeless. The soft glow set the tone for the night ahead, warm, inviting, and full of energy. An effortless contrast to the crisp fall air outside.

This Vie wedding was a beautiful example of the venue’s versatility, seamlessly shifting from a refined setting into a space that felt deeply personal and alive with celebration. Candlelight flickered throughout the night as laughter filled the room, making it a reception that felt as meaningful as it was unforgettable.

The In-Between Moment That Says It All

One of my favorite moments of the entire day happened quietly, off to the side, while I was photographing Abigail on the Franklin Institute steps. My second photographer caught Patrick standing alone, holding Abigail’s bouquet and breathing in the scent of sweet peas, hydrangeas, and roses.

The look on his face, pure joy, anticipation, and love, was fleeting and completely unplanned. Moments like that can’t be scheduled or staged. They only happen when couples are fully present, both on and off camera, and they’re the kinds of images that become emotional touchstones long after the day has passed.

A Reception Full of Energy and Celebration

As the evening unfolded, the party vibes truly came alive. With Twilight Entertainment keeping the dance floor packed and florals by Sweet Pea Floral adding vibrant color throughout the space, the reception felt like a joyful exhale. Laughter, movement, and connection filling every corner of the room.

This Vie wedding was a perfect blend of heartfelt emotion and full-on celebration, a reflection of Abigail and Patrick themselves.

A Note from Abigail & Patrick

“Emily was so amazing to work with! From our engagement photos to our wedding day, she did a beautiful job capturing it all. She was great with coordinating timelines and helping us throughout the planning process. She made us feel so comfortable and was able to beautifully capture our day. We would highly recommend working with her!!”

Vendors:

Venue: Vie by Cescaphe – www.weddings.cescaphe.com/pages/vie

Photographer: Emily Morton Photography - www.emilymortonphoto.com

Videographer: Tag Visual – www.tagvisual.com

Band/DJ: Twilight Entertainment – www.twilighteventgroup.com

Hair & Makeup: Aleksandra Ambrozy – www.aleksandraambrozy.com

Florist: Sweet Pea Floral

Wedding Dress: Le Bella Donna Bridal - www.lebelladonna.com

Planning Your Own Vie Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding at Vie by Cescaphe, or anywhere in Philadelphia, and want inspiration for creating a day full of real moments, joyful energy, and thoughtful details, check out our Philadelphia Wedding Venues Guide to start planning your perfect wedding day. This guide is full of venue style specifics, capacity information, and photo references from real weddings just like Abigail and Patrick's, to help you envision your own celebration.

Read: Wedding Venues in Philadelphia PA

About Emily

I’m Emily, a documentary-style wedding photographer based in Philadelphia, PA, and I’m deeply passionate about preserving love in its most honest, artful form. I believe your wedding photos should feel like memories, rooted in presence, emotion, and the quiet moments that often mean the most. With a background in fine art photography and nearly a decade of experience, I approach every wedding day with care, intuition, and a calm, steady presence.

I know how meaningful it is to trust someone with documenting a day this personal. My role goes far beyond taking photos. I’m here to help you feel at ease, guide you when needed, and create space for your day to unfold naturally. If you’re planning a wedding at Vie, in Philadelphia, or beyond, and you’re drawn to imagery that values connection over perfection, I’d love to hear your story.

Ready to inquire? Get in touch to inquire about wedding photography coverage, and let’s start documenting your story with intention.