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My name is Alexandra Nurthen, a wedding and portrait photographer serving all of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Being yourself IS art, so let’s get it on camera.

A Classic Wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia

The Bridal party of bridesmaids and groomsmen in green velvet pose for an editorial portrait with the bride and groom at a classic wedding in the library at the Union League of Philadelphia.

Maddy and Jack hosted a classy winter wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia.

About The Union League

The Union League is an iconic historical building in downtown Philadelphia. It was founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln. Its rich history is apparent in the classic French Renaissance style architecture throughout the building. The building has eight floors, five dining rooms, a fitness center, two business centers, and 14 rooms for private events. It also includes an inn with 84 rooms for guests to stay!

Maddy’s parents are members of The Union League. Maddy and Jack hosted their reception in the gorgeous Lincoln Hall and were one of the first couples to take wedding photos in the library room. I loved how the dark wood and books complimented the rich tones of the bridesmaid dresses and florals.

A classic art-deco Wedding Cake at a classic wedding at the Union League of Philadelphia.

A Wedding at The League

Jack and Maddy’s wedding was in November, so The Union League was all decked out for the holidays. The festive decorations perfectly complimented the rich florals and velvet of the bridesmaid dresses. The whole experience felt very luxurious and unique to Maddy and Jack.

The classy venue aligned perfectly with Maddy and Jack’s timeless style. They chose deep greens and gold for their late fall wedding. It made the experience feel intimate and inviting, with true Philadelphia class!

Personal Touches

Maddy designed her own cake with The Union League team. She kept the green and gold vibe but added her own artistic flair. She also played a big role in designing her invitation suite with I Do! Invitations Custom Wedding  Invitations

Maddy wanted an art deco look inspired by Philadelphia’s unique history. For inspiration, she took photos of art deco accents on various buildings in downtown Philadelphia. She then used those designs for the basis of her invitation and cake. She’s a crafty artist with a commitment to detail and the finer things, which her dad lovingly teased about in his speech.

The florals were done by  Creations by Coppola. Maddy’s bouquet was one of the most photogenic I’ve ever photographed, and the table settings were perfectly moody and dramatic. Winter florals are my favorite because the deep reds, oranges, purples take center stage. Floral design is its OWN art and worth every penny. The artistic florals by Creations by Coppola were the perfect accent to Maddy and Jack’s Philadelphia wedding.

A dimly lit banquet hall at The Union League with elegantly set tables, featuring floral centerpieces, illuminated by candles and surrounded by dark wood paneling with portrait paintings on the walls.

 

Why The Union League?

There are lots of gorgeous venues in downtown Philly, but the Union League offers a unique historical charm. The popular Lincoln Hall is home to an ornate glass chandelier that was made in 1881! The walls are adorned with historical portraits by Philadelphia artists and the building sits on Broad Street. It’s a true Philadelphia experience, perfect for couples who are from the area or those with lots of out-of-town guests, offering a taste of Philadelphia history!

Also, the food and experience are top notch! They’re incredible in-house chefs and caterers make gorgeous and delicious food. The staff at The Union League are super professional, helpful, and great to work with.

A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of colorful flowers, including roses and peonies, with green foliage, standing next to the groom at their classic wedding at the Union League in Philadelphia.

 

Philly Wedding Photography

This wedding was special to me in more ways than one. I grew up across the street from Maddy and her brothers! I often babysat Maddy and her brothers, and it means the world to me that we got to reconnect as adults to plan and photograph her wedding. Clients with whom I have life connections provide a truly special experience. Lifelong friends who invite you back into their lives for milestones like this one is one of the biggest compliments.

The Union League was the perfect spot for Maddy’s big day, and it was an honor to shoot there this year. I’ve taken photos for lots of weddings in and around Philly, so if you’re considering a wedding at the Union League or another wedding venue and looking for a photographer, please reach out! 

A classic table setting at a wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia Union League Philadelphia Photographer Union League Philadelphia PhotographerA classic setup with dramatic table linens and large floral installations at a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia.

A bride stands with her mom by a window at The Union League of Philadelphia, getting prepped in her veil and dress.   A bride stands with her mom by a window at The Union League of Philadelphia, getting prepped in her veil and dress.A bride stands with her mom by a window at The Union League of Philadelphia, getting prepped in her veil and dress.

The father of the bride, Andy Hunt, sees his daughter, Madeline Hunt for the first time as a bride in the Union League Car.

Union League Philadelphia Photographer

The bride poses in the window for the first time in her Ines di Santo dress at The Union League of Philadelphia. The bride poses in the window for the first time in her Ines di Santo dress at The Union League of Philadelphia. The bride poses in the window for the first time in her Ines di Santo dress at The Union League of Philadelphia. The invitation suite designed in a flat lay with florals and wedding bands at The Union league of Philadelphia. The bride's dress by Ines di santo hangs in the ballroom at The Union league of Philadelphia for a classic fall wedding. The bride and her mom share a casual moment in front of the staircase near the ballroom in the Union League of Philadelphia. The groom with a vibrant boutonnière takes a moment for a photo before his church ceremony in Philadelphia. The groom with a vibrant boutonnière takes a moment for a photo before his church ceremony in Philadelphia. The groom with a vibrant boutonnière and cufflinks takes a moment for a photo before leaving for his classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. The groom with a vibrant boutonnière and cufflinks takes a moment for a photo before leaving for his classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia.

The groomsmen with green vests share a group photo in Rittenhouse Square before heading to the Union League of Philadelphia. The groomsmen with green vests share a group photo in Rittenhouse Square before heading to the Union League of Philadelphia. Union League Philadelphia Photographer A black and white photo of the bride and her brothers, two men in black suits and a bride in a white dress with a fur stole, pose outdoors on a pathway flanked by trees, embodying the elegance of a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia.The bride and her brothers, two men in black suits and a bride in a white dress with a fur stole, pose outdoors on a pathway flanked by trees, embodying the elegance of a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. A bride and groom pose on decorated steps at The Union League of Philadelphia, with the bride holding a bouquet and wearing a long veil, and the groom in formal attire. The steps are adorned with green garlands and red bows, capturing the essence of a classic wedding. A bride and groom dressed in formal attire stand on the roof of the Union League, with the backdrop of tall buildings suggesting a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. A bride and groom dressed in formal attire stand on the roof of the Union League, with the backdrop of tall buildings suggesting a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. A newlywed couple stands on the roof of the Union League, overlooking a cityscape at sunset. The groom kisses the bride's forehead while she holds a bouquet of flowers. Both are dressed in formal wedding attire, capturing the timeless elegance of a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia.

A classic portrait of a bride in an Ines di Santo gown in the library at a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. A classic portrait of a bride in an Ines di Santo gown in the library at a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. A classic portrait of a bride in an Ines di Santo gown in the library at a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. A bride in a white dress and gloves holds a vibrant bouquet on a balcony at The Union League in Philadelphia, while a groom in a black suit stands beside her. Tall buildings are visible in the background. A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit stand on the roof of The Union League, with city buildings in the background. The man is looking at the woman, and they appear to be conversing. A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit stand on the roof of The Union League, with city buildings in the background. The groom is looking at the bride, while she steps forward with her bouquet. A bride in a white dress and fur stole and a groom in a black suit stand on the roof of The Union League, with city buildings in the background. The groom is looking at the bride, while she steps forward with her bouquet. A bride in a white gown with a fur shawl holds a bouquet on a rooftop terrace at The Union League of Philadelphia. A groom in a black tuxedo stands behind her against the railing, both surrounded by city buildings, capturing the essence of their classic wedding. A bride and groom stand closely together, facing each other under a veil in the dimly lit setting of a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia.A bride in a white gown smiles with six bridesmaids dressed in green dresses, holding bouquets, as they stand outdoors on a sunlit, tree-lined path near The Union League.

A classic wedding at the Union League in Philadelphia features a bride and groom exchanging vows in a church, flanked by two bridesmaids, two officiants, and a groomsman. A bride and groom in formal attire dance in the center of a large room with wooden floors and portraits on the walls, while an audience watches and a band plays near a decorated Christmas tree at their classic wedding at the Union League in Philadelphia. Union League Philadelphia Photographer A fabulous party with an amazing band rages at a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia. A bride in a white dress lifts her foot, revealing the sole of her white converse sneakers with a handwritten message: "Married" At The Union League.The bride at a classic wedding at The Union League of Philadelphia ties her converse sneakers at the reception.

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