Natalie & Ben’s May eclectic spring wedding day at the Maas Building was one of my all time favorites. Their free flowing timeline and warm spring day in Philadelphia burst with some of the most authentic joy and celebration I have ever had the honor of witnessing: two people choosing to get married not because they feel any pressure to, but because they are better for knowing the other person.
They also happen to be two of the most interesting people I have ever met. Natalie is in the depths of medical school and Ben is a lawyer, both conducting their lives with the singular focus of serving marginalized communities. I was immediately excited for their wedding day after getting to know them during their hiking engagement session and getting just a glimpse of the intentionality and presence at the forefront of their wedding plans. You can imagine their celebration was full of just as much intentionality from all of their guests.
The Maas Building is an incredibly interesting structure, featuring a small kitchen space and pizza oven perfectly suited for the style of weddings they host. Natalie & Ben opted to hire Pitrucco Pizza, a food truck that parked right out front to serve pizza for dinner. I’ve worked with them at several venues so far and have always loved my experience!
Getting Ready, First Look, and Portraits at the Maas Building
Though Natalie and Ben did not have a formal wedding party, they still surrounded themselves with friends all morning. Natalie got dressed on site in a small getting ready suite, and Ben met them later on in the afternoon. Their first look, though informal, brought enthusiasm and relief to both of them. We spent some time exploring the space together and chasing all the interesting pockets of light we could find. Eventually, they tucked away once their guests started arriving.
Wedding Ceremony
Guests were greeted with cocktails designed after Natalie & Ben’s precious cats, Lemon & Marble, and welcomed into the courtyard area where the ceremony would take place. With their dear friend serving as their officiant, Natalie & Ben entered their ceremony together with lots of laughter and cheers.
(One of my all time favorite ways to bend and break ceremony traditions!)
After exchanging beautifully heartfelt vows in front of all their loved ones, they stole a brief quiet moment together before the festivities truly kicked off.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, Pitruco Pizza fired on all cylinders to provide plenty of pizza and charcuterie throughout the rest of the evening. Guests mingled to the sweet symphony of Chappell Roan’s Red Wine Supernova, enjoying time by a fire pit and wandering the rest of the lush courtyard. Natalie’s friends bustled her train while she received hugs from other friends and sipped a lemon drop martini. We twirled around in the golden hour light together. Eventually there were some informal toasts to pave the way to the reception. This timeline was so fluid and filled with ease, truly operating on how Natalie & Ben were feeling. It was such a joy to be surrounded by vendors who both resonated with that vision and knew how to accomplish it professionally.
Cake Cutting and Reception
Finally, the star of the night: a vegan, gluten free carrot cake made with love by Ben’s mom. She injured her foot the day before the wedding and still managed to pull off this delicious feat.
(I did snag a slice before I left, and it was one of the best carrot cakes I’ve ever had.)
After cutting the cake, the DJ opened up the upstairs dance floor. Guests dispersed all over the venue, enjoying sweet treats or making their way up to dance.
Natalie & Ben, thank you so incredibly much for all the trust on such a beautiful and intentional day. I have adored getting to know you both and it was such an honor to be by your side and experiencing these memories alongside you. Your beautiful spring wedding at the Maas Building was truly one for the books! Congratulations to you both!
Vendor List
Venue: Maas Building
Catering: Pitruco Pizza Food Truck
Coordinating: Philly DIY Wedding
Photography: Anna Claire Photos, LLC.
Second Photographer: Sky Gold Design
Dress: Kinfolk Bridal, Goli June Bridal, the Law Bridal
Ready to plan your own intentional and eclectic wedding?
Whether you’re planning at the Maas Building or not, I’m here to help you find peace, intentionality, and personalization in your wedding planning process. Reach out to learn more about my process as your wedding photographer, and why your photographer plays such an enormous part in helping you feel present during your wedding day!
Looking for more wedding and elopement inspiration? Take a look at this beautiful summer Pennsylvania Farmhouse Elopement in West Chester, PA.
