From the first moments of the day, Katie and Rob’s Water Works wedding carried a sense of confidence and joy that was unmistakably their own. They were fully present—with each other, with their families, and with every guest who came to celebrate alongside them. The setting offered scale and beauty, but it was the energy between people that shaped the day, creating a celebration that felt expressive, connected, and deeply shared.

Behind the scenes, the day came together through a thoughtful collaboration. Planning and design by Brooke Weidenfeld of Sunbursts & Stardust gave the celebration a clear visual throughline—romantic, classic, and modern all at once—while allowing space for the joy and movement that defined the day. Hosted at Water Works by Cescaphe, with catering also by the Cescaphe team, the setting offered both grandeur and flow, supporting a celebration that felt seamless from ceremony through late-night dancing.

Getting Ready with Light, Connection, and Thoughtful Details

The morning began with Katie getting ready surrounded by her closest people, filling the room with laughter, shared stories, and anticipation. Soft natural light set the tone for the morning and allowed space for unhurried moments—hair and makeup, handwritten notes, and quiet pauses before the day unfolded.

Katie’s details reflected the same refined sensibility seen throughout the wedding. Her paper goods by Kramer Drive featured soft blush tones and elegant typography, styled alongside delicate florals and textured surfaces. These details weren’t just beautiful—they were cohesive, designed to echo the overall aesthetic of the day.

Her gown by Amsale was timeless and architectural, paired with jewelry from Indulgence Jewelers that added subtle brilliance without overpowering the look. Beauty by Alisha Nycole & Co. and DevEsthetics highlighted Katie’s natural features, creating a look that felt polished, modern, and effortlessly her.

A Ceremony Filled with Light and Reverence

Katie and Rob were married at St. Denis Catholic Church, Katie’s hometown parish. The modern church felt both luminous and reverent, with soft light filtering through stained glass and drawing the eye toward the altar. The space grounded the ceremony in tradition and meaning, creating a setting that felt deeply personal and quietly powerful.

Portraits at Water Works: Architecture, Movement, and Golden Light

We began portraits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with family and the wedding party, using the iconic setting to create images that felt both celebratory and grounded. From there, we transitioned to Water Works, timing the couple’s portraits intentionally for golden hour—the most beautiful light this location offers, thanks to its unobstructed views of the river and horizon.

Katie and Rob moved through portraits with an ease that made everything feel natural. We walked, paused, laughed, and allowed moments to unfold rather than directing every frame. As the sun lowered, warm light wrapped around the stonework, creating images that felt confident, timeless, and deeply reflective of who they are together.

For couples planning a Philadelphia Water Works wedding, golden hour is simply the best time for portraits at this location. With the horizon over the river unobstructed by the city skyline, the setting opens up to expansive sunset views, and the yellow pavilion is bathed in warm, glowing light.

Cocktail Hour and Reception at Water Works

The reception unfolded beneath Water Works’ tented space, where blush and white tones set a soft, romantic foundation. The entrance was framed with draping greenery, immediately establishing a garden-party atmosphere with a sense of abundance and ease. Overhead, a lush hanging installation above the dance floor added scale and movement, drawing the eye upward and anchoring the space as a focal point for the evening.

The design balanced romance and refinement with thoughtful precision. A white and light-wood checkered dance floor brought structure and visual impact to the tent, elevating the space while keeping it inviting. Tables were styled with vintage china chargers, custom menus, and clear acrylic table numbers—pairing old-world charm with clean, modern lines. Every element felt intentional, layered, and well considered, creating a reception environment that was both elegant and welcoming, designed to be experienced fully as the celebration unfolded.

And then came the first dance.

When I sense my couples ask nervous about their first dance, I always remind them that what guests respond to most isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Katie and Rob embodied that beautifully. There was rhythm and attitude, a bit of humor, and so much joy in the way they danced together. Rob lifted Katie effortlessly, spinning her through the moment as the room erupted around them. It felt lighthearted, expressive, and full of personality—the kind of energy that draws everyone in and sets the tone for the rest of the night.

As the evening unfolded, heartfelt toasts brought the room together. Rob’s brother shared a reflection that spoke to Rob’s steady presence within his family and the care he brings to every role he steps into—brother, son, and partner to Katie. It was thoughtful, sincere, and deeply felt. Katie’s dance with her father followed, becoming one of the quiet emotional anchors of the night. It felt less like a performance and more like a long, meaningful embrace—full of gratitude, affection, and shared history. It was a moment that lingered, tender and sincere, and one I felt honored to witness and document.Later in the evening, Katie changed into a short, modern reception dress that perfectly matched the energy of the celebration—confident, playful, and ready to dance. With Elevation keeping the dance floor full, the night opened up into pure celebration, carrying the warmth and connection of those earlier moments straight through to the end of the evening.

Katie and Rob’s Water Works wedding was guided by clarity, collaboration, and a deep awareness of the people around them. Throughout the day, they were deeply attuned to one another while also remaining fully present with their friends and family—moving through the celebration with intention, warmth, and an ease that invited connection at every turn. Their attention was outward as much as inward, creating a day that felt shared, generous, and genuinely joyful.

When couples trust their creative team and remain open to both beauty and emotion, the result is a celebration that feels alive and expansive. Katie and Rob’s wedding reflected exactly that—an experience shaped by relationships, thoughtful design, and moments of real presence that will continue to hold meaning long after the day itself.

Vendors

Reception Venue & Catering: Cescaphe

Ceremony Venue: St. Denis Catholic Church

Planner: Sunbursts & Stardust

Florist: Beautiful Blooms

Paper Goods: Kramer Drive

Hair: Alisha Nycole & Co.

Makeup: DevEsthetics

Rings: Indulgence Jewelers

Dress: Amsale

Band: Elevation

Videographer: JPG Photography