a phiLOVEdelphia story: The Time Has Come (for Mr. Turkey)

Since I've already shared prep photos of the ladies, we'll start the pro pic recaps with the guys...mostly featuring my handsome groom. No, I'm not biased at all.

The focus of today's post is Mr. Turkey's wrist. Yes, his wrist.

You saw the beautiful wedding day gift I received from Mr. Turkey, but there was also a present for him on this special day. Brother Turkey was in charge of doing the gift exchange as soon as the photographer and videographer arrived.

A little switcheroo (personal photo)

All remaining photos by Philip Gabriel Photography.

a phiLOVEdelphia story: The "Somethings"

Upon arrival, some of the first images our videographer and photographer captured were the "little details". Among those were my "somethings" for the day. Many Bees around these parts have spoken about their choices for the wedding day (Castle, Dragon and Lyre, to name a few) and today will be Turkey's take on tradition.

You already know the saying: "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."

The "somethings" didn't warrant a huge amount of attention during wedding preparations, but in the end, they fell nicely into place. I'll give a little background on these traditions as I share the details that were incorporated into our day.

a phiLOVEdelphia story: How We Felt

Hive, I hope you'll indulge me as I take another break from the chronology of our recaps (when we last left off, everyone was gussied up and waiting for the videographer and photographer). I'll explain why.

We have, courtesy of Philip Gabriel Photography, wonderful (fabulous, amazing, etc) photos of our wedding. We believe these images perfectly capture the big day - from the key moments right down to the tiny details. However, there are some photos that capture the feeling and the aura of the day better than other. I think the married ladies out there may know what I'm speaking about - those pictures that, whether perfect or not, capture how and what you felt on that day wearing white.

These are not all photos likely to be framed, but they will absolutely be treasured. Truth be told, Mr. Turkey and I thought there was a very real chance that all of our professional pictures would come in with us displaying big, almost silly smiles on our faces (I referenced it in my first post as a Mrs. and you saw some of the guest photo examples). We were just THAT happy and having THAT much fun.

So, Mr. Turkey and I want to share with you here, just before the "meat" of our recaps, the photos that best capture the way we (plus our family and friends) felt on the day of the wedding. Consider it the final "sneak peek" into our day (see also: video sneak peek and guest photos) before we continue in order. Below are the top 10 photos that capture that feeling of extreme, all-encompassing joy and fun that comes from marrying your very best friend.

I'll let the images* do the talking.

a phiLOVEdelphia story: Getting Lovely (with Law & Order)

After the quiet hours that started the day, I decided to turn on the TV for a little "background noise" as the ladies (and breakfast) arrived.

I also set out some of my details, including my blue Kate Spade shoes and fun, floral purse

For months I had been joking that my dream wedding day would involve a "Law & Order: SVU" marathon (see my bio to the right). Well, things were continuing to go my way because right there on the screen was "Law & Order" in all its scripted, predictable plot line glory.

Yes, I chose L&O over the wedding DVDs I brought (even my favorite)

Judge me if you must, but it was nice to have something "usual" while getting ready. I can't count the number of hours I have spent with my friends / bridesmaids watching these shows - in fact, we kept calling out the ending of each episode as it came up (like I said, hours). At times, I almost forgot about the monumental event before us.

a phiLOVEdelphia story: A Quiet Morning

I woke up early Saturday morning after almost 8 hours of (amazing) uninterrupted sleep and feeling much better. Things were pointing towards it being a great day, including the Rittenhouse's evening treat drop that I missed hours earlier.

Weather forecast looks pretty good!

However, it was far too early for anyone else to be up and celebrate that, um, we were getting MARRIED...so I enjoyed a Lacroix chocolate as a mini breakfast and looked out at Rittenhouse Square as the sun rose.

Unfortunately all my photos through the window didn't come out

a phiLOVEdelphia story: Favorite Guest Photos

Our recaps have brought you right up to the start of our wedding day.

Although there were many photos taken during the day on my camera (thanks, bridesmaids!), Mr. Turkey and I were missing many of the moments from our big day when we left for Hawaii.

This was tough, especially since we expected to wait 6 - 8 weeks for our professional photos (based on the timeline in our contract, but Gabe is amazing and we had them in just under 4). So, when we returned from our honeymoon and ended our technology hiatus, Mr. Turkey and I were thrilled to find that many of our guests had shared their images with us.

I realize that details or photos posted online by wedding guests are a topic of much controversy here on the blog (see relevant posts by Coyote, Dragon & Mink). We didn't have a strong feeling either way prior to our wedding day, but, coming out the other side, I must say that we support the decision to share!

Warning: photo heavy post ahead (thanks to our guests)!

a phiLOVEdelphia story: Views at the Vesper

After the rehearsal we headed towards the Vesper Boat Club for dinner. It was a beautiful night, so we popped the windows and sat in traffic took a leisurely drive to Boathouse Row. 

The trolleys meant we got to travel in style and enjoy the city. However, there were more photos from inside than outside!

Some trolley pics

a phiLOVEdelphia story: We Rehearse!

After a relaxing afternoon, it was time to meet up with everyone and get the rehearsal underway!

Someone told me to "look excited" - sadly, this is what I came up with

There were no professional photos on this day (though I LOVE it when brides hire photographers for the day before), so you'll be seeing all guest photos. Many of these were taken by friend G (Bridesmaid C's fiance) - thanks, G!!

And I'm going to keep it real for you, Hive. To tell the true story of our rehearsal, I've included some pretttttty awkward pics (but you've already seen your fair share of awkward Turkey photos).

a phiLOVEdelphia story: The Day Before the Day

You saw it in my last post, but I've decided to capture all our wedding weekend recaps under the header "a phiLOVEdelphia story". Cheesy, yes. But fitting for Mr. & Mrs. Turkey.

I'll start our recaps "officially" with the day before our wedding - Friday, May 11. However, I'd be remiss if I left out Thursday night. That's because the real kickoff happened the night before the day before the day (follow that?) at about 6:30pm when I was finally guilted into shutting down my computer. The weekend had begun!

Turkey Mom, Dad & Brother were already in town and had reservations at Parc for 7:15pm. Although the temptation to skip and get some additional wedding stuff done was there, I took my own advice and stepped away.

Our table neighbor was nervous when he saw the sparkling macarons

Let the Turkey Recaps...COMMENCE!

So very excited to share all the details of our wedding with you and with pro pics in hand, it's about that time, just shy of our 2 month anniversary.

To kick things off, I want to share our trailer video from the fabulous Blossom Productions. Think of it as a two minute "teaser" of things to come!

Rachel & Chase's Wedding {The Rittenhouse Hotel} from Blossom Productions on Vimeo.

Thanks for following along, Hive!

What We Didn't Do

Check out what arrived in our mailbox recently...

Whatever could be inside a box from Philip Gabriel Photography?

I like the look of this...
Photo by Philip Gabriel Photography

YESSSSSSSSSS!!
Photo by Philip Gabriel Photography

With professional wedding photos in hand, it's time to close out the posts prior to the official Turkey recaps. I thought this post was very fitting to be the last - a collection of things we decided NOT to do. Some are projects, some are services, but all didn't make the cut.

No matter how hard you try, there are things that you're not going to be able to do - whether constrained by time, money, or both. I thought it might be helpful, as someone on the other side of their wedding, to comment on those "NO GOs".

How to Remember Your Wedding

Clearly I'm being somewhat cheeky with my post title.

Obviously you'll remember your wedding and, even if moments go dark, there will be plenty of photos (and maybe even a video) to jog your memory.

One of our printed photos from our engagement session (thanks to Philip Gabriel Photography)

But I was thinking about things beyond just the "usual" - printed photos and wedding album. Different ways to display or use items from your wedding.

(Extra) Special Gifts

I know I've posted a lot about gifts lately, but they were all ones we gave. We were also extremely lucky to have received some truly wonderful presents from family and friends. Creative, unique, handmade, off-the-registry gifts (you know how I LOVE off-the-registry).

I hope you'll indulge me as I share a few of these fabulous gifts with you - perhaps some of you will find an idea for the future (I know I've stored some away for upcoming events)!