Ethelia and Kahlil celebrated their summer wedding at The Waterfall Catering and Special Events in Philadelphia, with photography by George Street Photo & Video. Their celebration featured a luxurious and romantic theme, an outdoor secret garden ceremony, and an elegant ballroom reception.

At a Glance

• Venue: The Waterfall Catering and Special Events, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Best for: Elegant garden and ballroom weddings

• Ceremony: Outdoor venue with a secret garden atmosphere

• Reception: Elegant ballroom with warm lighting

• Nearby photo spots: Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Museum of Art, City Hall

• Photography by: George Street Photo & Video

Why Is The Waterfall Catering a Great Wedding Venue in Philadelphia?

The Waterfall Catering and Special Events offers a beautiful blend of natural outdoor spaces and refined indoor reception areas. It is well-suited for couples who want a garden ceremony and a grand ballroom reception in one location.

What makes this venue stand out for photography:

• Breathtaking outdoor ceremony space surrounded by towering trees

• Elegant ballroom featuring warm lighting and space for grand decor

• Beautiful rustic architecture, including a curved pergola

• Abundant natural light for daytime portraits

Based on our experience photographing weddings at this venue, the outdoor garden provides an ideal backdrop for romantic portraits. The transition from the natural outdoor lighting to the warm glow of the ballroom creates a wonderful variety of images.

What Did Ethelia and Kahlil's Wedding Day Look Like?

Getting Ready

Ethelia and her bridesmaids spent the morning getting ready in matching robes. The bride wore a beautiful white robe, while her bridesmaids wore blue. Ethelia then stepped into her chic strapless gown, which featured a draped bodice, an A-line silhouette, and a delicate buttoned-down back. Her bouquet consisted of fresh white, yellow, and blue blooms.

Kahlil prepared for the day in a royal blue three-piece suit paired with a crisp white shirt. He completed his look with shiny black shoes, a black silk bowtie, and a stunning floral boutonniere. His groomsmen matched the elegant aesthetic in stylish blue suits, while the bridesmaids looked radiant in sky blue dresses.

Before the ceremony, the couple shared a no-look first look. This allowed them to hold hands and share a quiet, emotional moment together without seeing each other before walking down the aisle.

The Ceremony

Ethelia and Kahlil exchanged vows in a breathtaking outdoor venue that felt like a secret garden. The aisle was adorned with white and blue floral arrangements. These beautiful flowers led to a rustic curved pergola surrounded by towering trees.

Our photographers captured the full ceremony from multiple angles. We focused on the couple's genuine reactions and the joyful expressions of their family and friends.

The Reception

Following the ceremony, guests moved into the elegant ballroom for the reception. The space was transformed with warm lighting and sophisticated gold accents. Tall blue floral arrangements served as striking centerpieces across the room.

Highlights of the reception decor included:

• Beautiful white and blue table settings

• A stunning sweetheart table for the newlyweds

• An all-white five-tier wedding cake with intricate draped details

• Cake decorations featuring blue floral accents and elegant gold touches

What Are the Best Wedding Photo Locations in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia offers some of the most historic and photogenic wedding backdrops in the country. Based on our extensive experience photographing weddings across the city, here are the locations our team recommends:

• Fairmount Park: Expansive greenery, historic mansions, and beautiful waterfront views.

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: Iconic steps and classic architecture for a grand, timeless backdrop.

• City Hall: Incredible architecture right in the heart of Center City.

• Old City: Cobblestone streets and historic brick buildings for a classic Philadelphia feel.

• Washington Square Park: Tree-lined pathways and a peaceful atmosphere in the city.

George Street Photo & Video has photographed weddings at venues throughout Philadelphia. You can take our Style Test to find your photographer match or check price and availability for your date.

What Made This Wedding Special?

Every wedding George Street captures tells a unique story. Ethelia and Kahlil's celebration stood out for several wonderful reasons. The cohesive color palette of royal blue, sky blue, white, and gold carried beautifully from the bridal party attire to the reception decor.

The couple's decision to share a no-look first look added a highly emotional and memorable moment to their gallery. Additionally, the seamless transition from a natural secret garden ceremony to a highly elegant ballroom reception gave their wedding day a dynamic and luxurious feel.

Key Takeaways

• The Waterfall Catering and Special Events in Philadelphia offers a perfect mix of outdoor garden spaces and indoor ballrooms.

• A cohesive color palette, like Ethelia and Kahlil's blue and gold theme, creates stunning and consistent wedding photos.

• A no-look first look is a great way to calm your nerves while maintaining the tradition of seeing each other at the altar.

• Having your photographer capture both the lush garden lighting and the warm ballroom ambiance ensures a diverse wedding gallery.

• George Street Photo & Video offers comprehensive wedding photography packages in Philadelphia starting at $1,395.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does wedding photography cost in Philadelphia?

Wedding photography in Philadelphia typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on coverage hours and package inclusions. George Street Photo & Video offers packages starting at $1,395 in Philadelphia. These packages include 8 hours of coverage, a wedding coordinator, and hand color-corrected images.

Is The Waterfall Catering a good wedding venue in Philadelphia?

The Waterfall Catering and Special Events is a highly sought-after Philadelphia wedding venue. It offers a breathtaking outdoor ceremony space that feels like a secret garden and an elegant indoor ballroom. The venue is ideal for couples who want their ceremony and reception in one beautiful location.

How many hours of wedding photography do I need?

Most weddings require 8 hours of photography coverage to capture everything from morning preparations through the reception events. George Street's standard packages include 8 hours of coverage. This ensures your photographer is present for all the candid moments you want to remember.

Do we need to do a first look?

You do not have to do a traditional first look if you prefer to wait until the ceremony. Ethelia and Kahlil chose a no-look first look, allowing them to speak and hold hands without breaking tradition. This is a wonderful option for couples who want a private moment before the ceremony.

What is photojournalistic wedding photography?

Photojournalistic wedding photography focuses on capturing candid, natural moments rather than rigid, posed portraits. George Street Photo & Video specializes in this style. We document the real emotions, reactions, and interactions exactly as they unfold throughout your wedding day.

About George Street Photo & Video

George Street Photo & Video has been capturing weddings since 2004 across 47 cities nationwide. With 3,000+ five-star reviews and recognition including The Knot Hall of Fame and WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards, George Street specializes in affordable, candid wedding photography and videography. Packages start at $1,295 and include 8 hours of coverage, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and hand color-corrected images. Take the Style Test to find your photographer match, or check price and availability for your date.