Charissa & Carmen’s Wedding Day Highlights

Let’s talk about the party! You may remember this fun pair from their engagement session from a few weeks prior to their wedding (full of Phoenixville, shoes and guns! When they told us about the reception they had planned at the Valley Forge Casino Resort we really couldn’t wait for the fun!

Every wedding day starts with getting ready – we arrived to Charissa’s bridal suite at the Radisson Valley Forge for the final touches on her hair (Bella Angels) and makeup (Alexa Hand). Travis photographed her wedding day details while Jen hung with the bride and a handful of her 8 bridesmaids in the bridal suite. HGTV buzzed quietly in the background as Charissa prepared to get into her wedding gown, a stunning number from Maggie Sottero purchased at Exclusively You.

Meanwhile, Carmen and his guys were dressed and ready to hop on the limo party bus, from Mid-Atlantic Limousine, complete with cooler of beverage for the post ceremony photo session. After putting on his Men’s Wearhouse tuxedo, and a final tie of his bow tie, Carmen boarded the limo to be taken to the ceremony.

Charissa and her bridesmaids gripped onto their bouquet from Petals Lane as they waited their turn to be taken to the church. Her bridesmaids huddled close to keep her out of sight of hotel guests. A brisk air passed through the lobby as we waited – a telltale sign that fall had finally arrived in the Valley Forge area!

The ladies arrived just in time for the start of the ceremony at St. Eleanor Parish in Collegeville. Charissa was escorted down the aisle by her father right into Carmen’s arms. He could barely contain his smile as she ascended the aisle towards him (we can’t wait to see the video of this moment captured by Martin’s Video)! After their catholic mass, we did some quick family photos before taking their limo back to Valley Forge. Instead of heading right back to the casino, we made our way to Valley Forge National Historical Park for some photos of the newlyweds and their bridal party.

We were racing the setting sun, but created some amazing end-of-the-day portraits for new husband and wife. Valley Forge Park always makes such a breathtaking backdrop for creating images. Even after the sunset, we kept their photo session going at a few different locations around the park (Carmen kept his new wife wrapped up in his arms to keep her warm!).

After returning the limo to the casino (in time for the entire bridal party to enjoy cocktail hour!), we snapped some photos of all the details  including their beautiful cake by Brooklyn Girl Bakery. SEK Productions had their DJ setup up on the stage in multi-level “The Venue” ballroom. Now it was time to party! The newlyweds shared their romantic first dance to Tracey Byrd’s “Keeper of the Stars.” After a few heartwarming toasts and dinner, the dance floor was officially open! Colored lights adorned the guests on the floor and everyone danced danced danced! Those who weren’t dancing were enjoying the Photo Booth, by Priceless Photo Booth, or taking in the fall air outside the hotel with a cigar.

Thank you Charissa and Carmen for taking us on your wedding journey with you! Here’s a peek into their wedding photos!

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