Modern & Artistic Multi-Day Wedding in Philadelphia with a Cruise Ship After Party
Planned by Platinum Event Solutions
Photographed by Michelle Elyse Photography
Unbelievable multi-event wedding weekend with two ceremonies, rooftop welcome party at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Energetic celebration at The Switch House, and an epic Studio 54 on Water style After Party on the Sprit of Philadelphia. Great funky, artistic, and modern editorial style wedding photos. by Michelle Elyse Photography. Planning by the Wonderful Platinum Event Solutions with florals by Beautiful Blooms.
“I’m overwhelmed by the photos I’ve see so far. So, so happy I discovered your blog/website when searching for the perfect photographer to document Mallory and Tal’s big weekend. You surpassed all of my hopes and expectations.” – Lois, Mother of the Bride
“Wow we can’t stop scrolling! Thank you so so much! We had the greatest time with you. ” – Mallory, Bride
“Best Photographer of all time, no question! These pics are unreal!!! ” – Tal, Groom
A few favorites above…now onto the full experience of this incredible wedding.
This couple chose to plan their wedding over two full days of coverage – starting with an intimate pre-shabbat Ceremony and lively welcome party on the rooftop of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco on Friday. This was followed by a full day of celebration on Saturday with another ceremony, followed by a very chic and modern reception at The Switch House. The festivities then moved onto the water where they danced late into the evening on the Sprit of Philadelphia. All of which will be shared in detail below.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON CEREMONY AT THE TEMPLE :
Mal and Tal’s weekend kicked off with an intimate ceremony and Ketubah signing at the very cool Beth El Shalom in the outskirts of Philadelphia. The colorful, midcentury modern style mixed perfectly with the decor of red roses and the couple’s stylish and artistic outfit selections.
THEIR FIRST LOOK :
We opted for an organic first look moment. Tal was waiting in front of the Temple for Mal to arrive- and then she exited the car. The joy as these two laid eyes on each other is palpable!
THE KETUBAH SIGNING AND MARRIAGE CEREMONY :
Making it official!!!
ARTISTIC & ECLECTIC EDITORIAL STYLE NEWLYED PHOTOSHOOT:
After their beautiful and intimate ceremony, there was a nice little gap of time until the welcome party started later. After grabbing just a few photos with family, this allowed us to hang back and have a little fun with the temple’s funky and artistic modern features. Mal & Tal are so joyful and in-the-moment and we were able to create so many great photos out of our synergy as we walked around the temple and into the gardens outside
THE ROOFTOP WELCOME PARTY :
Later that evening, Mal & Tal met up with their guests at the Stratus Lounge on the top floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. It was a perfect, temperate evening to be out under the clear blue sky. Several toasts were shared and guests enjoyed an impressive spread of various food stations.
The napkins at the welcome party were a little surprise- each sharing a variety of fun facts about the couple.
WEDDING DAY:
And before you know it, Saturday was here and we were ready for another full day of celebrations!
The getting ready, ceremony, and reception all took place at the Cescaphe Switch House along the river. The day started out a bit drizzly, but the lighting both inside and out of the venue was PERFECT.
Mal got ready in the suite, dancing and prepping with the moms and her girls while Tal got ready and began his Tish on the other side of the building.
OMGGGGGG Mal, you are a work of art!
THE TISH!
Tal and his friends started out singing and celebrating in his hotel room before gathering in the lobby of the Switch House Hotel before the ceremony. I like this loud and joyful tradition. So full of life!
THE CEREMONY:
guests make their way up the decorated steps to the ceremony and reception area of the Switch House. The event is about to officially kickoff.
Mazel Tov!!!
They’re married!
guests enjoy cocktail hour with a martini bar as the candlelit reception space awaits them
As guests enjoy the cocktail hour, we slip away for a quick few portraits along the river behind the Switch House
THE ROOM REVEAL
Truly a jaw dropping scene. The room was adorned with draped tables, green grapes, calla lillies and sooooo much candlelight
A LIVELY HORA!
A good message above on the napkins. After their guests found their seats, the Newlyweds ushered in and went right into a very energetic Hora that filled the whole dance floor! I just LOVE the chaos and energy of the Hora.
Above: Mal & Tal and their families opted solely for in-the-moment photos of themselves with their loved one’s during the Saturday celebration. Peter and I simply kept an eye out for people gathering together organically or waving us over as we photographed around the reception space throughout the night. We did not do any formal family shots- everyone just wanted to celebrate and take their time greeting their loved ones. We love this laid back and soul-filled approach to family photos!
DINNER TIME WITH A COUPLE MORE TOASTS this time, the newlywed’s siblings shared a few words. Toasts are always one of my favorite parts of the night because I get to learn so much about my couples and their memories and friendships. As you can see, we and the guests enjoyed some really great laughs in these toasts too!
Above: Tal’s radiant sister!
Last call and time to board the shuttles to the docks for the After Party!
THE AFTER PARTY!
LThe Spirit of Philadelphia cruise ship was transformed into an “After Hours” personal night club for Mal & Tal and their guests. Disco balls hung from the ceiling. Champagne and cigarettes were served, a late night buffet was set out and people had a GREAT time!
The newlyweds brought in their favorite NYC DJ set, Sleepy and Boo, to keep the dance floor hyped into the early morning
Sailing down the river and going under the bridge was a fun vantage point of the city of Philadelphia
Wow. Mal and Tal- we truly cannot tell you how incredibly grateful we are to have been able to be a part of your unforgettable wedding weekend. Every part of your day was a dream come true, and to witness you both living so purely in the moment and enjoying your wedding memories to the fullest is a true inspiration. Love you both!
XO MICHELLE
Mal & Tal’s Modern and Eclectic Philadelphia Wedding Weekend
Photography by Michelle Elyse Photography
This wedding weekend was a vibrant, stylish, and unapologetically modern celebration that unfolded across some of Philadelphia’s most unique venues. Their events blended tradition, artistry, and bold personal style. Perfectly suited for my documentary and editorial wedding photography approach.
From a meaningful Friday ceremony before Shabbat to a rooftop welcome party, a spectacular Saturday celebration, and a cruise ship after party. This wedding was an unforgettable journey of love and joy.
Friday: Ceremony at Beth El Shalom & Rooftop Welcome Party
The weekend began with a Jewish wedding ceremony at Beth El Shalom in the outskirts of Philadelphia on Friday early afternoon, held just before Shabbat. Friends and family gathered for an intimate and heartfelt exchange of vows. Setting the tone for the celebrations to follow. The space was styled in shades of red with lush red roses. Perfectly complementing Mal’s white polka-dot nontraditional bridal gown and the couple’s playful round sunglasses.
Later that night, guests met up at the Stratus Rooftop Lounge atop the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Philadelphia for a lively welcome party.The rooftop atmosphere—breezy, modern, and full of energy—offered the perfect city view backdrop for laughter and toasts.
Saturday: Larger Ceremony & Reception at Cescaphe Switch House
Saturday’s main events began with a larger wedding ceremony where more loved ones joined to witness Mal and Tal say “I do” once again. The day flowed seamlessly into a reception at the Cescaphe Switch House. One of Philadelphia’s newest wedding venues.
The design details were striking. Sculptural floral arrangements paired with fresh green grapes adorned the tables, giving the celebration a playful yet refined edge. The space felt like an art installation. Vibrant, unconventional, and deeply personal to the couple’s vision.
Late-Night After Party: Spirit of Philadelphia
Once the reception wound down, the night was far from over. Guests boarded the Spirit of Philadelphia for an after party that lasted well into the early morning hours.
Under the glow of red lighting and the sparkle of disco balls, the dance floor stayed full thanks to NYC-based DJs Sleepy
& Boo spinning high-energy beats. The reflections of the city lights off the water created a magical, electric atmosphere. An unforgettable finale to an extraordinary wedding weekend.
A Modern Editorial Approach to Wedding Photography
Mal and Tal’s wedding style was modern and artistic. And I honed into their vibe and personalities as I captured things with my signature documentary and editorial style of photography. My approach allowed me to capture the real, unposed emotions of the weekend. From the reverence of Friday’s ceremony to the uninhibited joy of the after party. While also highlighting the bold artistic details they so carefully curated.
Every element told a piece of their story, and my lens focused on preserving it all. The textures of the florals, the bold pops of red, the gleam of martini glasses, the glitter of disco balls. And the intimate moments in between.
If you’re planning a wedding in Philadelphia—or anywhere in the world—and want images that are modern, artistic, and authentically you, explore my work at michelleelysephotography.com.
Vendors & Venues
Wedding Photographer Team + Drone:
Michelle Elyse Photography • Instagram: @michelleelysephoto michelleelysephotography.com
Planner:
Platinum Event Solutions • Instagram: @platinumes711 Event by PlatinumInstagram
Videography:
Zela Films • Instagram: @zelafilms zelafilms.comInstagram
Florist:
Beautiful Blooms Events • Instagram: @beautifulbloomsevents Beautiful BloomsInstagram
Reception Entertainment:
Star Power Band (via Starlight Music) • Instagram: @starpowernyc starlightmusic.comInstagram
After Party Entertainment:
Instagram: @sleepyboo • Eventbrite profile: Sleepy & Boo Events FacebookEventbriteInstagram
MUAH (Makeup & Hair):
Instagram: @bridalbyk (Kristina O’Donnell) Instagram
Wedding Dress:
Dana Harel • Instagram: @danahareldesign DANA HARELInstagram
Temple (Ceremony):
Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El (no link found beyond congregation site)
Welcome Party Venue + FAB:
Stratus Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Kimpton Monaco Hotel Philadelphia • Instagram: @stratusloungephl, @monacophilly, @kimpton https://stratusphl.com/
Ceremony & Reception Venue + FAB:
Cescaphe Switch House • Instagram: @cescaphe https://cescaphe.com/venues/switch-house/
After Party Venue:
Spirit of Philadelphia (City Cruises) • Instagram: @citycruises https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/spirit-of-philadelphia/