Spring in Philadelphia is one of my favorite times of year because of all the new blooms and greenery coming back to life, filling the streets with so much color and romance. Between the spring sunshine, the historic streets, and the energy of the city, Philly is truly one of my favorite places for an engagement session, and spending a morning with Mara & Gus for their session was truly a perfect example of it all coming together in the most incredible way.
As former Philadelphians it was important to incorporate pieces of the city that felt like coming home and reminded them of their time there. We spent the morning exploring some of the most iconic and charming spots in Old City that surrounded their former neighborhood and allowed them to reminisce on their time in the city. From the very beginning of our time together Mara & Gus’s easygoing, fun dynamic was so tangible and made the morning feel so relaxed as we wandered through the streets together.
Starting Their Engagement Session at Elfreth’s Alley
We kicked off their session at Elfreth’s Alley, one of the most recognizable and photographed locations in Philadelphia. I had explored the alley for the first time a year prior for another engagement session and being back filled me with so many ideas about how I’d like to photograph the space again. The historic homes, brick textures, and walkway give the entire alley an intimate, old-world feel that photographs beautifully and creates the most beautifully quiet setting if you hit it at the right time. The light that morning was everything I could ever hope for in a session, warm, golden, and glowing in a way that made everything feel soft and effortlessly romantic.
A Quick Stop at the Betsy Ross House
From there, we made our way over to the Betsy Ross House, another Philadelphia landmark that offers such a classic, historical feel and was just around the block from their former home. One of my personal favorite photographs at this location was the photo of them sitting near the cat fountain, as cat lovers I knew this would be a gem to look back on, such a fun, unique little moment that added a little bit more personality to their gallery.
Exploring Around the Merchants Exchange Building in Philadelphia
We wrapped up our session wandering around the exterior of the Merchants Exchange Building, which is one of the most stunning locations for engagement photos in Philadelphia. The curved architecture, stone textures, and grand columns make everything feel so editorial while still keeping that classic Philly charm.
It’s one of those spots where every direction you turn offers a new backdrop — and with the sun shining the way it was, the entire area felt bright, warm, and alive. Paired with Mara’s incredible dress and Gus’s classic black suit, it truly was the most perfect backdrop.
I typically recommend one to two outfits for engagement sessions but I loved seeing Mara lean in with her dress and changing her accessories to effortlessly change the feeling of her look without having to do a complete outfit change. She started the morning with an oversized strand of pearls before switching to a satin neck veil to lean into an even more romantic feeling look.
The Sweetest, Most Effortless Connection
Getting to see Mara & Gus’s dynamic come out more and more during the session was the most lovely thing to capture from its playful, comfortable feeling to the way they just truly kept each other present in the moment. Oftentimes I find the more I let go of the idea of the perfect photo and open myself up to the connection in front of me, I find my couples can open themselves up more and enjoy the moment as it unfolds. Sessions and moments like these always feel so relaxed and to me, that’s where the true magic happens.
Counting Down to Their Wedding at Wildflower on Watts in Honesdale, PA
As much as I loved photographing Mara & Gus in Philadelphia, I’m even more excited for what’s next as their wedding day draws nearer. I am so incredibly excited to be back at their venue for all its character and charm but also because of the sentimentalness of it being a family venue for Gus’s side. It’s always so special to explore a setting that means so much and Wildflower on Watts will truly shine its brightest during the fall months. If their engagement session is any indication, their wedding day is going to be full of joy, laughter, and so much heart.
Mara & Gus — thank you for trusting me to capture this season of your lives. I can’t wait to do it all again in September.
Philadelphia Engagement Photographer
If you’re looking for a Philadelphia engagement photographer and want photos that feel natural, romantic, and true to who you are, I’d love to connect with you.
Whether you want iconic Old City locations like Elfreth’s Alley or something more quiet and tucked away, we can plan a session that feels effortless and completely you.
Reach out here to inquire about engagement sessions and wedding photography coverage.
