Stotesbury Mansion Wedding Photos //  Philadelphia, PA

I don’t think I’ll ever forget Sarah and Nate’s wedding day! 

Not just because it was beautiful, but because Philadelphia was basically shut down from a huge snowstorm.

I came into the city the night before and stayed at the Sonesta Hotel so I would already be there if the roads got bad. And thank goodness I did, because this was not the kind of day you wanted to be driving into the city last minute! 

But as always, everything worked out.

Their people showed up, the timeline still moved and the whole day ended up feeling calm and special in the middle of all the snow.

If you’re getting married in Philadelphia and looking for vendors to make your experience personal, check out my blog post: “10 Unique Philadelphia Wedding Vendors to Elevate Your Reception“

Getting Ready at Sonesta Philadelphia

Sarah and Nate both got ready at Sonesta Philadelphia Downtown Hotel.

With the snowstorm happening outside, having everyone already in the city made such a difference. If you’re having a Center City wedding, chances are you’re going to need to travel between your venues, so it’s important to have a good plan going into it. 

The morning felt pretty laidback despite the snow because they had a solid timeline in place, so everything was flowing as planned.

Sarah got ready with her bridesmaids and family and one of the sweetest details was her veil! 

She wore her grandmother and mother’s veil, which made it feel so personal.

It’s so important that your wedding details actually mean something. This sentiment will literally carry on for generations. 

Ceremony at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church

Sarah and Nate were married at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. When Sarah and her dad got out of their vintage car, I think I actually squealed because it felt like we were on the set of a movie. 

The ceremony itself felt classic and quiet and it was such a beautiful space for a winter city wedding.

After the ceremony, we kept a little time for just the two of them before moving into family photos inside the church and outside in the courtyard area. 

I may or may not have gotten the top of my head stuck in a thorn bush during these couples portraits. My second photographer had to physically rip them out of my hair. Never forget. (And also, anything for the shot lol!)

Reception at The Stotesbury Mansion

Their reception was at The Stotesbury Mansion, which was an actual DREAM for a Philadelphia wedding! And because of the crazy weather, the indoor spaces mattered even more.

When I tell you every square inch of the Mansion will leave you in awe, it’s honestly unbelievable. What a cool space it is for a wedding. Specifically, we used the Library Room and Cigar Room for portraits, and both gave us beautiful options without even needing to be outside.

This is one of the biggest things I would tell couples planning a winter wedding in Philadelphia.

Make sure your venue has indoor photo options you actually like! You might not need them, but if you do, you will be very happy they are there.

A Wedding Day That Still Felt Calm Despite the Snow

Even with the snowstorm, Sarah and Nate’s wedding never felt chaotic.

Their family showed up for them, their wedding party was ready and their guests felt actual magic as they made it into the city.

Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there. By the end of the night, everyone was warm inside The Stotesbury Mansion, dancing, celebrating and enjoying the party.

They also had Philly cheesesteaks as a late-night snack, which come on, felt very necessary.

Win.

Why The Stotesbury Mansion Works Well for Weddings

If you’re thinking about having your wedding at The Stotesbury Mansion, here’s what I loved from a photography perspective:

• It has classic Philadelphia character and history 
• You can easily travel for the iconic Philadelphia City Hall Photo if you want one
• There are beautiful indoor portrait spaces
• It is close to Rittenhouse Square, which is a great spot for portraits
• The rooms feel formal yet inviting
• It works really well for winter weddings

Planning a Winter Wedding in Philadelphia

If you’re planning a winter wedding in Philadelphia, Sarah and Nate’s day is such a good reminder to give yourself options! 

• Stay close to your locations if you can
• Think through transportation
• Have indoor portrait spots ready
• And build in more time than you think you need

Because sometimes Philly gets a snowstorm on your wedding day and trust me, you want to be overprepared. 

But with the right plan, it will be an even more magical day.

Final Thoughts on the Snow

Sarah and Nate’s wedding was snowy, classic and very Philadelphia.

It was not the easiest weather day, but it honestly made it even more fun and it was filled with the people who mattered most.

And honestly, I think that says a lot about Sarah and Nate. They trusted the plan, moved through the day together and made the best of every part of it.

That is always my favorite thing to photograph! 

If you’re looking for a Philadelphia wedding photographer or planning your wedding at The Stotesbury Mansion, click here and let’s chat about your day!

Vendor Team

Getting Ready Location: Sonesta Philadelphia Downtown Hotel
Ceremony: Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church
Reception Venue: The Stotesbury Mansion
Photography: Kayla Aspen Photography
DJ/EMCEE: Justin Geller
Florals: Crescent Floral Design
Hair: Beauty and Bridal Philly
Makeup: Shades by Naami
Dress: Lovely Bride Philadelphia
Alterations: Irina Sigal Dressmaker
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse Philadelphia
Catering/Coordination: Feastivities Events