Philadelphia Half Marathon Wedding

Some weddings redefine what it means to celebrate love—and this one was a perfect example. From the moment Kara and Shelbie shared their idea with me, I was in. They knew exactly what they wanted. They didn’t just think outside the box; they tossed it out completely. And what unfolded was nothing short of incredible.

The day began not at a beauty salon or a posh hotel but while running—running the Philadelphia Half Marathon together. At every mile marker, they paused, not to catch their breath, but to exchange their vows. After crossing the finish line, they were greeted by their closest family members, who had gathered to celebrate this extraordinary occasion. From there, we walked to the Barnes Foundation, where Kara and Shelbie did something even cooler: they married themselves.

The celebration ended not with a grand reception but with something even more meaningful: laughter, hugs, and lunch with the people who mean the most to them. It was a day stripped of convention, but full of heart, proving that weddings don’t need to follow tradition to be profoundly beautiful.

Their story was so unique that even The Philadelphia Inquirer spent the morning documenting their journey. You can read the full story right here.

This wedding was a reminder of what truly matters: love, authenticity, and the courage to write your own story. Thank you, Kara and Shelbie for letting me be part of your incredible day!