The day was alive with the smell of fresh flowers and the excited sounds of people bustling around in anticipation.  It was Saturday, March 24th, the day Ellie and Hong would say “I do”.  They had been waiting for a long time for this day to arrive.  When they shared their first date over sushi a few years ago, Hong had been impressed by how quickly he had fallen for Ellie.  He loved her gentle smile and kind heart.  Ellie was drawn in by Hong’s vibrant personality.  He could always make her laugh and seemed to make friends wherever they would go.  When Hong got down on one knee while dining at the exclusive restaurant Nineteen in Philadelphia, Ellie agreed to marry him with her whole heart!

On their wedding day, Ellie couldn’t have looked more beautiful.  The Blue Bell Country Club in PA was bursting with spring flowers and the ballroom was lit by sparkling chandeliers.  Ellie was in the bridal suite getting ready with all of her bridesmaids.  She confided the part of the day she was looking forward to the most was the moment she would walk down the aisle towards Hong.  She couldn’t wait to officially be his wife!  Hong said he was excited to be surrounded by so many family and friends.  Dancing the night away with his bride was what he was looking forward to the most.  DANCE they did!  In fact, Ellie and Hong were still out on the dance floor long after most of the guests had gone home!  The next morning they boarded a 7:30 a.m. flight to Hawaii, where they are enjoying their honeymoon now!

Ellie and Hong, it was truly a pleasure photographing your wedding day.  I hope you are enjoying blue skies, white sandy beaches, and finally being able to call each other husband and wife!  I wish you both the best of luck in the many happy years to come.

When we arrived, the girls were getting ready in the bridal suite.

Ellie’s dress was beautiful, and perfect choice from the Vera Wang WHITE collection.

Mekina Saylor and Jacqueline Patton helped me capture Ellie and Hong’s wedding day.  I love this shot Jackie got of the dress reflecting in the mirror!

Ellie’s mother helped her into her delicate wedding gown.  I love these special moments between mother and daughter.

Ellie, you are BREATHTAKING!

Mekina captured this shot of the tiny white buttons running down Ellie’s dress.

Ellie and Hong opted to do a first look.  This is the moment the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony.

The first look is especially important if the bride and groom want to allow plenty of time for pictures and still be able to attend their cocktail hour.

Hong was stunned by how beautiful Ellie looked!  He gave her a quick spin as soon as he saw her, making Ellie laugh as she turned.

It is obvious by the way they look at each other that Ellie and Hong are going to be VERY happy together.

LOVE this angle Jackie captured.

Ellie’s bouquet was made up entirely of white roses.

Family is extremely important to Ellie.  Her sisters and two cousins made up her bridal party.

Hong’s groomsmen looked dapper in their black tuxes with grey ties.

Before heading to the ceremony, Ellie and Hong couldn’t resist taking a quick spin in a golf cart reserved just for them.

The ceremony was head in a large ballroom, dripping from wall to ceiling with sparkling chandeliers and lined with golden chairs.

Ellie’s father escorted her down the aisle.

Jackie captured this shot of Hong’s reaction as Ellie walked down the aisle toward him.  I love the true happiness in his smile.

The entire ceremony was in Korean and full of tradition.

Finally…HUSBAND AND WIFE!

The ballroom was filled with windows, all letting in amazing light to shoot the details.

Classic.

As the sun set, guests started to fill into the ballroom after cocktail hour.

Ellie and Hong made their grand entrance and went right into their first dance.

The cake cutting was eventful, with Ellie and Hong both wiping cake on each other’s noses.

After dinner, the PARTY really got started!

Ellie’s bridesmaids took her back to the bridal suite to help her into her SECOND dress.

Thanks Mekina for capturing this perfect detail shot of Ellie’s shoes!

Ellie and Hong spent the rest of the night dancing in each other’s arms.  Congratulations to you both!  I wish you a long life filled with happiness and plenty of love.