There’s a quiet kind of energy that settles in right before something shifts. The kind that lingers in your chest while you fold outfits into a suitcase and wrap your film rolls in bubble wrap. The kind that says: this isn’t just a trip. it’s a step forward in my journey through Philadelphia wedding photography.
Next month, I’m heading to Philadelphia for a work trip, part creative reset, part planning trip, and part quiet confirmation of a dream I’ve held since stepping into the world of Philadelphia wedding photography. While there’s no big announcement just yet, I wanted to share a little of what’s going into the prep, and why this trip already feels significant. If you’re new here, this post explains the story behind my move from California to the East Coast.
The Creative Prep
When you travel for work as an artist, the packing list looks a little different. For this trip, I’m bringing a mix of gear: a trusted digital body, a few favorite primes, and a carefully curated film collection. I’ve packed several rolls of Portra 800, a favorite for its warmth and depth, especially in golden hour light and moodier indoor spaces. It captures the kind of emotion I hope to preserve in the quieter corners of the city.
I’ve also included a few intentionally selected wardrobe pieces for upcoming editorial shoots, items that feel classic, tailored, and elevated. Pieces that match the tone I see emerging in my work and the kind of legacy-driven weddings I want to tell stories for.
The Schedule (and the Soul Behind It)
This isn’t a jam-packed kind of trip. I’ve intentionally built in space, to wander, to meet with like-minded creatives, and to feel the rhythm of a city that’s been quietly pulling me for years.
I’ll be photographing at Cairnwood Estate, scouting through the historic streets of Old City, from the Merchant’s Exchange Building to Elfreth’s Alley and the 2nd Bank of the United States. I’m also hoping to tour Elkins Estate, and to spend a little time at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, soaking in its grand, storied elegance. I’ve also carved out time for my first visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a place I’ve long admired from afar and am excited to finally experience in person.
Between it all, I’m making time for creative rituals, a cappuccino at Elixr, a slow stroll with a cone from The Franklin Fountain, and the kind of unstructured moments that let inspiration speak on its own terms.
It’s not just about content. It’s about connection. To the city. To the creative process. And to what comes next.
Why This Trip Matters
I’ve spent years growing my business in California. I’ve photographed love stories against desert backdrops and coastal cliffs, golden sunsets and mountain ridges. It’s shaped me.
But something in me has always been drawn to the East Coast. The architecture. The elegance. The sense of permanence and tradition that lingers in the air. And as my work has evolved, so has the kind of story I want to help couples tell. If you’re curious what it’s like to be photographed by me, here’s a closer look at the bespoke wedding photography experience I offer in Philadelphia and DC.
This trip feels like a page turn. Not the whole book. Not even the chapter title. But a shift you can feel. And I wanted to take you along for it.
Come Along
I’ll be sharing more from this trip, quiet moments, scouting adventures, behind-the-scenes glimpses, on Instagram, Threads, and beyond. If you love watching creativity unfold, or you’re dreaming up your own legacy-rooted celebration on the East Coast, I think you’ll enjoy what’s to come.
Until then, I’m here, carefully folding linen dresses and wrapping film in silk scarves, prepping for a Philadelphia wedding photography trip that already feels like more than a trip.
