Friends to Lovers 

The best romantic relationships often stem from beautiful friendships. In addition to this, the best continued relationships often continue to thrive because the members of the couple maintain their friendship. This is the case for Samuel and Jessica, Philadelphia childhood sweethearts who recently married. J & J Studios was touched to capture photos of the love this couple shares for each other in both their engagement session and at their Manor House at Prophecy Creek wedding. You can find their engagement session here. Jessica and Samuel’s love is built on friendship and a shared history. We hope they enjoy many, many more years of love and friendship together!

Meet the Childhood Sweethearts

Jessica and Samuel met when Jessica transferred to the same grade school that Samuel attended in the sixth grade. They were in two different classes, so they didn’t interact much at first. Later in the school year, at a friend’s party, their friendship truly began.

Here’s a few fun facts about Samuel and Jessica. They were born two days apart, but Sam is the elder of the two. This lovely young couple has dated for over half their lives. They also won prom king and queen in high school. Samuel and Jessica are also big football fans – go Eagles!

On the Same Page

J & J Studios asked Samuel what he loves most about his wife. His response warmed our hearts! “Jess has been my best friend and my rock for as long as I can remember. [She] is the most caring person in the world. She never fails to put a smile on my face and I can always count on her when I need her.” 

We then asked Jessica the same question. Her response was just as heartwarming. “[Samuel] is my best friend. He can always make me laugh. I love how I just feel at home with him.” It sounded to us like Jessica and Samuel share a lot of love, joy, and laughter! 

The Proposal

Samuel proposed to Jessica on Philadelphia’s Race Street Pier. One night, as the couple walked to dinner, Samuel told Jessica a little white lie. He said that there was a long wait at the restaurant where they were heading. So, the pair took a detour to the pier. Once they reached the edge of the pier, Samuel knelt before Jessica and asked her to marry him. Obviously and happily, she said yes!

A Catholic Wedding Ceremony

Jessica and Samuel chose to have a Catholic wedding ceremony at St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Community in Warrington, PA. The Catholic Church is the oldest and largest sect of Christianity. It traces its roots to its first Pope, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples who Jesus chose as the first Pope of the Church. 

Catholics consider marriage in their Church a sacrament. Couples who want to marry in a Catholic church must undergo a process of preparation, usually with a priest or deacon at the church where the couple belongs. The preparation can include a questionnaire, which the priest or deacon uses to make sure that the couple has talked over important subjects. It also ensures that the couple is on the same or similar pages about those subjects.

The tradition you see below, called the Presentation to the Blessed Mother, typically takes place after the couple has exchanged vows. The couple makes their way to the church’s shrine to Mary, the Mother of God. There, they pray for her help in being good spouses and, if they eventually have children, good parents. Catholics consider Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to be the ideal parent and spouse. So, couples often ask for her help on their wedding day to be the best partner and parent they can be as they embark on their new life together.

J & J Studios’ favorite part of Jessica and Samuel’s wedding ceremony was seeing the ecstatic joy on their faces after their first kiss as husband and wife! The pair couldn’t help laughing, and Jessica snuggled against her husband, Samuel! 

These Philadelphia childhood sweethearts each had eight attendants at their wedding. Samuel and Jessica included their bridesmaids and groomsmen in the exit from their wedding ceremony. Because of the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, plus the newlyweds, Jessica and Samuel chose to transport them all in a party bus. All eighteen members of the wedding party looked like they were having so much fun on that bus!

Wedding Reception Location and Decorations

The wedding reception took place at the Manor House at Prophecy Creek Park in Ambler, PA. This magnificent historic 80-acre venue is family-owned and run by the Fair family. It’s located in Montgomery County, less than half an hour’s drive from Center City Philadelphia. 

The guestbook at Jessica and Samuel’s wedding was too adorable for words. The puzzle pieces that made up the guest book connect using heart-shaped extensions and gaps. J & J Studios loved this variation on a classic game!

The centerpieces at Samuel and Jessica’s wedding reception were the stuff of Pinterest dreams! They continued the couples’ color theme of pink and gold beautifully. The medium-pink sequined table runners, gold chargers, lanterns with candles, acrylic table numbers, and pink flowers and eucalyptus were the perfect combination of enchanting and modern!

J & J Studios’ favorite decoration at Jessica and Samuel’s wedding reception had to be the bookcases at its entrance. Keepsakes from this couple’s shared past and symbols of the interests that they share adorned the shelves. 

The bookshelves, combined with the photos of family members’ wedding days, gave this Philadelphia childhood sweethearts’ wedding reception a homey and welcoming feel!

Jessica and Samuel provided a little sheet of paper for their guests at every table. They requested that guests write a message on the paper for the couple to read on the anniversary that matched the table number. We’re sure those messages will bring them even more joy on each anniversary!

Talk about movie magic! Jessica looked like an absolute vision in her gown as she sat on this wide swing by one of the twin ponds. The flowers on the swing’s ropes made a lovely frame for the stunning bride between them! 

The Wedding Attire

Samuel cleans up wonderfully! The blue of his suit was incredibly complementary to his coloring. J & J Studios loved how Samuel’s suit was perfectly tailored to fit him. The groom looked as amazing as his beautiful bride!

Jessica’s lacy, off-shoulder mermaid wedding gown emphasized her overall loveliness. Her cathedral-length single-layer veil was dramatic, without distracting from her dress or from Jessica’s beauty.

Even though you might not be wearing a humongous ball gown on your wedding day, you can still have fun with the skirt of your dress, like Jessica did in these photos! With all those ruffled layers fanning out, we can’t help thinking of a flamenco dancer! 

The Reception: Manor House at Prophecy Creek Park

Jessica and Samuel provided lawn games for their guests at their wedding reception. A large, custom connect-four set sat on the grass outside the main Manor House.

Jessica and Samuel were absoliutely brimming over with joy as they entered their wedding reception! They immediately began to dance, with huge, easy smiles adorning their faces.

Jessica’s father looked proud and loving as he danced with his daughter. The man has got some moves! 

During their mother-son dance, Samuel and his mother chatted and laughed. We loved seeing how easy they were together!

The wedding cake was frosted in a unique spin on the “naked cake” trend. The icing on the cake wasn’t so thick that you couldn’t see the cake itself, but its texture was so smooth. It looked delectable! 

After the cake cutting, it was time for everyone to dance!

Look at how gorgeously the skirt on Jessica’s wedding gown fanned out as she twirled on the dance floor! 

Samuel and Jessica looked like they were having the time of their lives! Their joy was evident on their faces and in their dancing!

Sweet Treats from Sweethearts

Jessica and Samuel provided a series of desserts for their guests. Of course slices of the delicious wedding cake sat ready for guests to eat. But, guests also had the option of doughnuts. They  could even customize small dishes of vanilla or chocolate mousse with candy, fruit, and/or nuts!

The Exit from Manor House at Prophecy Creek Park Wedding

The newlyweds’ exit was as sparkling as the fire of their love! Upright stands of fireworks lit the way as Samuel and Jessica exited their wedding reception. 

Jessica entwined her fingers with her handsome husband’s, as Samuel dipped his gorgeous wife and kissed her. The couple rode off into the night from their Manor House at Prophecy Creek wedding, now happily married. Congratulations, Jessica and Samuel!

Contact J & J Studios Today!

If you’re getting married and loved the photos you saw in this article, contact us today about photographing your upcoming wedding! J & J Studios loves all the love there is in the world! We’d be thrilled to help capture yours forever. You can contact J & J Studios about your own wedding photography here. We can’t wait to hear from you!