Olivia and Conor’s wedding began with coastal calm and classic style, then shifted into sparkling, high-energy glamour as the sun went down. Hosted at Hilton at Penn’s Landing along Philadelphia’s waterfront, the entire celebration felt polished, personal, and beautifully paced—thanks in large part to Olive Street Events, who orchestrated the day and brought the full design vision to life, from nautical-inspired details to a disco-ball reception glow.

This wedding was photographed by my associate Sarah, with video captured by my husband Gregg of Wren Films—and the way he documented the riverfront (including drone footage during portraits) added such a cinematic layer to their story.

sophisticated wedding invitational suite by Emily Wren Photography

Getting Ready & Meaningful Details

The day began in silk—Olivia in white pajamas printed with delicate blue florals, and her bridesmaids in matching blue silk sets with white florals. It was such a chic, intentional detail, giving the morning a crisp, nautical feel that suited the waterfront setting perfectly.

Olivia’s details were classic with a fresh edge. A classic navy-and-ivory invitation suite by Papery of Philly, soft white blooms, and a pearl-studded clutch that felt like a modern heirloom. MU8 Bridal Beauty created a soft, polished look that held beautifully through every outfit change and every dance floor moment. When it was time to get dressed, the palette stayed beautifully cohesive—the bridesmaids in deep navy gowns, and Olivia’s mom in her own distinct shade of blue, subtly set apart in a way that felt elegant and meaningful.

Meanwhile, Conor and the guys brought a timeless energy—black tuxedos, easy banter, and Conor in a sharp white dinner jacket that balanced formal with fun. And then there were the personal touches: Guinness cufflinks gifted by his groomsman Mike, a small detail that felt quietly sentimental—exactly the kind of thing you’re grateful to have documented later.

bride getting ready for her late spring wedding day with her bridesmaids in matching pajama sets

Waterfront Portraits on the Delaware

Just outside the Hilton at Penn’s Landing, Olivia and Conor shared their first look on a boat dock along the Delaware River. With the breeze lifting her veil and the water stretching behind them, it was the perfect blend of tender and cinematic.

From there, they boarded Phantom, a classic wooden boat from Sea Philly—polished teak, timeless lines, and the kind of charm that feels reminiscent of the Italian Riviera. Out on the water, they shared a bottle of champagne, soaking in a quiet pause together before the day gathered speed again. Cruising the Delaware with the Ben Franklin Bridge in the background gave their portraits a clean, editorial feel—nautical, refined, and modern. Gregg captured drone footage during this time, and the sweeping perspective of the boat gliding along the river is exactly the kind of visual storytelling that makes film such a beautiful complement to photography.

After the boat ride, they joined their 35-person bridal party—by far the largest we’ve ever photographed, and honestly, such a testament to who Olivia and Conor are and how deeply loved they are. Under the sail tents at Penn’s Landing, we photographed their bridal party with the river and masts in view—keeping things structured, but never stiff. With navy gowns, classic black tuxedos, and Conor’s white dinner jacket tying it all together, the whole scene felt crisp and editorial… with plenty of genuine laughter in between.

bride & groom's emotional first look in Center City Philadelphia by Emily Wren Photography

An Ethereal Waterfront Ceremony

Their ceremony space was a study in light and texture—layers of sheer white draping, soft illumination, and an aisle framed with white florals and candlelight that made the entire room feel dreamlike. What began as a hotel conference space was reimagined into something romantic and refined. Philly Wedding Lighting handled the draping and lighting that gave the room its glow, while Andrea Levine Artists set the tone with ceremony music that felt timeless and full of feeling.

As guests entered the ceremony space, they were greeted by one of the most thoughtful details of the day: a seating display made of heart-shaped love locks, inspired by the iconic locks fastened to bridges and fences throughout France. It was the kind of detail that felt deeply personal and quietly poetic, the sort that makes you wonder if it was a subtle nod to their proposal (and honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me).

The ceremony itself was deeply personal. Conor’s father officiated, bringing warmth, sincerity, and presence to every word—made even more meaningful knowing he also owns the hotel where they were married. Olivia was walked down the aisle by her sister, an intimate and modern choice that felt grounded in love and quiet strength.

sleek black and white wedding welcome sign by Emily Wren Photography

unique wedding seating chart for a luxurious Philadelphia wedding day at the Hilton at Penn's Landing hotel

From Nautical Classic to Disco Glam

As guests entered the reception, the energy shifted decisively—from waterfront elegance to high-glam celebration. Ivory linens and lush greenery set the stage, but it was the disco balls overhead, reflective silver details, and candlelight bouncing across the room that transformed the space into something bold, vibrant, and unmistakably ready to party. The room felt alive—confident, dynamic, and designed for movement.

Olive Street Events led the planning and design with a clear vision for how the evening would unfold, creating a reception that felt like a true second act rather than a continuation. Working alongside her, The Stem’s End layered the room with refined white-and-greenery florals that softened the space without dulling the glamour, while Philly Wedding Lighting elevated everything with draping and lighting that amplified every reflective surface. Party Rental Ltd provided tabletop rentals that kept the look polished and intentional—sleek, silvery, and beautifully balanced. One of the most striking visual moments followed soon after: the ice sculpture “cake.” Unexpected and sculptural, it felt less like dessert and more like a statement, perfectly echoing the disco-ball glow and high-glam energy that defined the night.

And then Olivia made her entrance into the night’s second chapter. She changed into a white fringe dress, effortlessly signaling that the celebration had officially begun. It was playful, confident, and perfectly suited to the energy of the room.

While many brides choose to slip into a party dress for the later part of the reception, Olivia took it one step further by inviting her bridesmaids to change right along with her. Each stepped into a sparkly sequin dress, every look a unique interpretation of the same idea. Mirroring the disco balls overhead, the sequins caught the light as they moved—glimmering and reflecting across the dance floor and perfectly amplifying the high-glam energy of the night.

Music drove the energy from start to finish. Hank Lane Music kept the dance floor packed and pulsing, while The Best Philly Photo Booth added an interactive layer guests gravitated toward again and again.

signature drink menu at a Philadelphia cocktail hour at the Hilton Hotel at Penn's Landing by Emily Wren Photography

Why choose just one theme when you can contain multitudes?! I loved how Olivia and Conor’s wedding embraced contrast so effortlessly—classic and elegant with a nautical sensibility that nodded to their riverfront setting, then unfolding into a high-energy, disco-glam dance party by night’s end with oh so much sparkle. It felt true to who they are: refined yet fun, composed yet joyful, grounded and celebratory all at once. Such a joy to be a part of their wedding journey!