Kristen & Tim’s Playground Wedding in Philadelphia, PA

I met Kristen earlier this year and we immediately bonded over our passion for food. Later, I learned that her soon-to-be husband was involved with opening up Martha, a new bar/restaurant that had become a go-to spot of mine for cocktails when in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philly. Needless to say, I quickly became psyched to shoot their wedding.

Kristen and Tim chose to host their wedding day at the Smith Memorial Playground in Fairmount Park. Naturally, the venue was a haven for playful, pre-ceremony portraits. Together, we found a nice balance of goofing around on the swings and slides and taking part in other playground fun, while also using the surrounding greenery to create some more elegant portraits. I’m not huge on kitschy photos, but seriously, what could be better than riding down a 40-foot-slide with your lover on your wedding day? Or kissing on the swing set? There was no way we weren’t going to make that happen.

Before kisses at the playground however, Kristen and Tim met for a first look at City Hall. When chatting about the weekend crowds at City Hall, Kristen says, “We live in this city and interact with these people every day, so it only makes sense for them to be in our pictures, too.” As a photojournalistic-style wedding photographer, that’s totally the kind of attitude I love. 

For the food, Kristen and Tim kept things laid-back, choosing their all-time favorite BBQ spot, Deke’s BBQ out of Manayunk, to cater the wedding. Then, they brought down one of their favorite party bands from Brooklyn, The Engagements, which put on a funky show during the reception to carry out the night.

Wishing these two tons more playfulness and smiles as they continue their future together!

Venue: Smith Memorial Playground

Wedding Planner: Courtney Smith Events

Florals: DIY

Band: The Engagements

Caterer: Deke’s BBQ

Cocktail Hour Apps.: DiBruno Bros.

Desert Table: Kristen’s lovely friend Sofia

Using Format