Some things are just meant to be. That’s definitely true for J & J Studios’ wedding photography clients, Kristen and Shawn! When they met in 2019, they realized that throughout their lives, they’ve been near each other, in multiple different areas. We’re thrilled they chose J & J Studios as the best photographer for their Arts Ballroom wedding!

Meet the Couple – Shawn and Kristen

When Shawn sent Kristen a message on match.com asking to meet in August 2019, neither of them knew what was in store. Luckily, everything went wonderfully! Since their date a few days later at Marlton, NJ’s Estia Taverna, they’ve been inseparable.

When J & J Studios asked what Kristen and Shawn love most about each other, they gave us a heartwarming answer. “There are a million little things that we love about each other.” They joked, “[We] could probably write an entire essay.” 

Perhaps sweetest of all, Kristen and Shawn told J & J Studios, “We are not only in love, but we are best friends and partners. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, we always have the time of our lives together.”

One of the fun activities they enjoy is making up their own pizza tours. After hopping around the different pizza places on their tour, they rate which they liked best. Shawn and Kristen also have two low-content wolf dogs. One is even related to one of Game of Thrones’ dire wolves!

The Proposal

One night, Shawn and Kristen went out for a lovely dinner. When they returned home, a trail of roses, flower petals, candles, and lights led to a lit sign. The sign read, “Marry Me.” 

We don’t know what magic Shawn had to use to set up such a gorgeous tableau. However, it clearly worked perfectly. Kristen said yes!

About the Wedding Venue – the Arts Ballroom

The Arts Ballroom didn’t begin its existence as a wedding venue. The building where it’s located didn’t even begin in its current role as the Arts Condominium it is today! When it was first built in 1923, the building that houses today’s Arts Ballroom was the site of the Hotel Sylvania. 

The Hotel Sylvania, with its clever name, made a splash in Prohibition-era Philadelphia. At the time, it was second in size only to the Continental Hotel (now the Franklin Residences). Additionally, the Hotel Sylvania was one of the first French-inspired hotels built in Philadelphia. 

Hotel Sylvania quickly became a popular destination for members of organized crime families. However, even after the end of Prohibition, it remained popular. For the most part, it has its location near Broad Street to thank for this.

Eventually, someone bought and converted the hotel into the Arts Condominiums that are still there today. The former first-floor ballroom and theatre areas were converted into the Arts Ballroom in 2008. The renovations to the Ballroom were completed in March 2011. 

The Bridal Party Attire

Kristen’s wedding gown fit their wedding venue to a T. Its slim silhouette didn’t just flatter her figure; it also called to mind the flapper dresses of the 1920s. Additionally, the intertwining paths of sparkling beads seem to reference the lavish glitz and glam of this time. Kristen’s wedding dress, as stunning as Kristen herself, wouldn’t look out of place at one of Gatsby’s legendary parties. 

The slight sheerness of Kristen’s wedding dress gave it an additional subtle sexiness. Crystal and pearl beads created the sparkling paths that meandered upon and adorned it. Unlike the traditional flapper dress, Kristen’s wedding gown featured a thin belt at her waist. This belt accented her waist, and also gave her dress more structure than the iconic style of the 1920s. 

The gorgeous details of Kristen’s wedding gown continued to its back. Her dress’ delicate straps extended and swooped across her back. A chapel-length train made the closing statement of her thoroughly lovely wedding dress. 

Kristen’s hair and makeup also seemed inspired by vintage trends. Her eye makeup, with its wing, was obviously old-Hollywood inspired. However, her berry-colored lipstick was also similar to a lip color popular in the 1920s. Her smooth, shining blonde waves were a beautiful interpretation of the finger waves that were all the range in the 1920s, as well.

Each of Kristen’s bridesmaids wore a different black gown. Allowing her bridesmaids to choose their own bridesmaids’ dresses definitely has multiple benefits. First, it makes it possible for each bridesmaid to choose the dress that she feels best wearing. Second, having each bridesmaid wear a unique dress is a great way to celebrate their individuality. 

The Groom and Groomsmen

Shawn and his groomsmen also looked handsome in their formalwear. Kristen and Shawn had decided that their vision for their wedding was classic, beautiful, and romantic. Shawn and his groomsmen in such a classic and elegant formalwear option perfectly fit that vision. 

The tuxedos the groomsmen wore coordinated perfectly with the bridesmaids’ black gowns. The formality of the groomsmen’s tuxedos was the perfect complement to the gowns the bridesmaids wore. In their black and white tuxedos, they matched the bridesmaids in their black gowns, carrying white bouquets. 

The First Look

Kristen and Shawn decided to do a first look. Not everyone chooses to take part in this more modern wedding tradition. Weddings are, after all, shaped by the couple getting married! Some couples choose to do a first look with other members of the wedding party. One example would be a first look between a bride and one or more of her parents or parental figures. 

One compelling reason why couples may choose to participate in the first look relates to their wedding-day schedule. Traditionally, formal portraits are taken after the ceremony, while guests move to the reception location to enjoy cocktail hour. However, this isn’t an ideal choice if the wedding ceremony and reception take place in the same location. So, many couples choose to do a first look so they can have those formal photos taken without delaying the beginning of their wedding reception. Other couples choose to do a first look so they can enjoy their own cocktail hours. 

Shawn waited for Kristen with his back to the stairs of the Arts Ballroom. Kristen descended that grand staircase and glided over to Shawn. When she touched his shoulder, he turned to see her in all her bridal glory. 

When Shawn beheld Kristen and her beauty, he lit up like the night sky on the Fourth of July. He took her into his arms and kissed her. After a sweet kiss, he pulled her close and hugged her.

Kristen showed Shawn the full artistry of her wedding look by slowly turning in a circle. When she teared up, he used a handkerchief to gently wipe her tears. Wiping her tears is obviously a tender gesture, but doing it so her makeup remained intact was incredibly considerate.

The Arts Ballroom Wedding Ceremony

Finally, the time came for Shawn and Kristen to get married! Each bridesmaid walked down the aisle created by the chairs in the Arts Ballroom. They carried white roses arranged similarly to the bouquets given to winners of Miss America. 

Kristen entered the ceremony space looking like an absolute vision. As she descended the stairs like an angel from heaven, she smiled at her future husband, Shawn. The long veil on her head stretched further even than her dress’ train.

When he saw his future wife atop the stairs, Shawn looked awestruck. He looked fetching and dapper himself in his tuxedo, with his hair and beard perfectly flattering his handsome face. 

Shawn didn’t look away from Kristen as she walked closer and closer to him. As he gazed at Kristen, he fluctuated between softly smiling and parted lips from her taking his breath away. 

After exchanging vows and rings, Shawn and Kristen kissed – they were married! They each threw their arms around each other to hold one another as close as possible. When they pulled apart, they both were smiling.

The Arts Ballroom Wedding Reception

The happy and glamorous newlyweds entered their wedding reception holding hands as they walked down the stairs.

Kristen and Shawn looked so in love during their first dance as husband and wife. They also impressed their guests with their dance moves!

Other couples joined the newly married Shawn and Kristen on the dance floor. Loving couples filled the dance floor, surrounding Kristen and Shawn with love – for them, and for each other.

Later, it was time to party! The romantic atmosphere transformed into exuberance as dancing couples broke apart and more guests joined them dancing. 

Shawn and Kristen’s wedding cake had a classic and minimalistic design, with sleek lines and minimal decoration. Bunches of white flowers adorned three of its four tiers. The cake topper, modeled after the iconic Philly “LOVE” sign, made a loving reference to their home city.

One of the Arts Ballroom wedding reception decorations also referenced the same art as the cake topper. Shawn and Kristen included a large, light-up sign in their decorations. It also matched the iconic “LOVE” sign.

The sweetness didn’t stop with Kristen and Shawn’s love and their wedding cake, though. They also provided a dessert bar for their guests to enjoy! Small, layered cakes, macarons, churros, slices of cheesecake, and more treats in warmers and on large platters filled a line of tables. The lit donut wall made the biggest statement of all the displayed desserts. 

Congratulations, Kristen and Shawn!

J & J Studios would like to wish the newlyweds, Shawn and Kristen, the best life has to offer. Thank you again for choosing us as the best photographer for your Arts Ballroom wedding! We’d love to work with you again. Once more – congratulations!

Contact J & J Studios today!

We loved our role as the photographer for Kristen and Shawn’s Arts Ballroom wedding. We hope you enjoyed their wedding photos as much as we did! If you’re interested in hiring J & J Studios for your major life events, you can contact us using this link. We can’t wait to hear from you!