Lilah Wedding | Lauren & Ryan

Bride and groom celebrate at Lilah Events in Fishtown

February 27, 2025

Lauren and Ryan’s winter wedding at Lilah wasn’t just a celebration—it was an experience, a perfect encapsulation of what I’d consider a dream wedding. From the moment I met them, it was clear they were the kind of couple who live fully in the moment, embrace joy at every turn, and stay unapologetically true to themselves.

They skipped tradition in the best way possible. No wedding party. No flowers, bouquets, or boutonnieres. Instead, they focused on what truly mattered—surrounding themselves with their closest family and friends and dancing the night away in the most epic fashion.

We started the day at the elegant Hotel Monaco, nestled in the heart of Independence National Historical Park, just steps from Independence Hall. For their first look, we strolled over to the Second Bank of the United States, where Lauren and Ryan kept us all laughing, joking, and soaking in the magic of the day. Their energy was infectious—just being around them made the cold winter air feel a little warmer.

After wrapping up portraits, I hopped in the car with Lauren, Ryan, and Lauren’s grandmother (who, by the way, was an absolute gem), and we made our way to Lilah in Fishtown. Before the ceremony, they signed their Ketubah, a meaningful moment that set the stage for what was to come.

Then came the ceremony—held in Lilah’s incredibly chic ceremony space. And, in true Lauren and Ryan fashion, they added their own twist. Instead of debating who would say their self-written vows first, they settled it with a game of rock, paper, scissors. It was hilarious, heartfelt, and so authentically them.

Once the reception kicked off, Lauren and Ryan wasted no time turning the party all the way up. There were handstands. There was saxophone playing. There was an electricity in the air that made it impossible not to get caught up in the joy of it all.

Spending the day with them was an absolute privilege—just like it was when I traveled to Boston for their engagement session back in October. If I could photograph Lauren and Ryan’s wedding every weekend, I would in a heartbeat. They are the kind of people who make this job so rewarding, and I couldn’t be happier for them as they start this next adventure together.