A May the 4th Wedding at Water Works, Philadelphia: Nikki & Adam

A little rain, a lot of love. Nikki and Adam shared this quiet moment under an umbrella at Water Works in Philly—proof that even cloudy skies can’t dim a day this full of joy.

A May the 4th Wedding at Water Works, Philadelphia: Nikki & Adam

Nikki and Adam's wedding at Water Works by Cescaphe was everything you'd want from a Philadelphia celebration: timeless architecture, sweeping river views, and a personal touch that made the day truly unforgettable. Held on May 4th, their wedding included subtle nods to Star Wars, making their love story just a little extra cosmic.

Surrounded by love and the loudest cheer squad—Nikki and Adam’s wedding party brought the energy and the heart to Water Works. A joyful, unforgettable moment under the blooming trees of Philadelphia.

They brought their friends and family together under the grand tent with chandeliers, set against one of Philly's most iconic backdrops—the Schuylkill River and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The whole day felt elegant but relaxed, with bursts of personality everywhere you turned. Nikki's dress was a showstopper, and Adam’s reaction during their first look said it all.

A stunning view of Water Works by Cescaphe, nestled along the Schuylkill River with the Philadelphia Museum of Art standing tall in the background—an iconic setting for an unforgettable wedding day.

As a wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve captured weddings across the East Coast, but there’s something about Water Works that stands out every time. It’s the way the light hits during golden hour, the drama of the architecture, and the way the space flows seamlessly from ceremony to reception.

Below are three key tips I’ve learned from photographing at Water Works that I think every couple—and every photographer—should know:

1. Scout for Natural Light Opportunities in the Late Afternoon

A quiet embrace, a deep breath, and a moment to simply feel it all—this is what love looks like on your wedding day.

Water Works offers a blend of open-air space and covered tented areas, and it sits right along the water. Around golden hour, the natural light reflecting off the Schuylkill can elevate portraits with soft, flattering tones. Make sure your portrait session is timed to take full advantage of that 5:30–7:00 PM window, depending on the season.

As day turned to night, Nikki and Adam shared a quiet moment framed by the Water Works skyline and a fiery May 4th sunset—proof that some love stories are written in the stars.

2. The Museum Steps and River Trail Are Worth the Short Walk

If time allows, take a short walk toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art or along the river trail. These spots offer incredible context and scale—think skyline views, stone steps, and wide scenic shots that give your wedding gallery a strong sense of place. Nikki and Adam were all in for the adventure, and it paid off in their final gallery.

Nikki and Adam took a quiet walk into their beautifully styled reception at Water Works by Cescaphe—a moment to soak it all in before the celebration kicked into full swing.

3. Keep an Eye on the Tent Lighting for Reception Shots

The tented reception space at Water Works is stunning with its draped fabric and chandeliers, but the ambient light shifts quickly once the sun goes down. I always prepare a lighting setup that works seamlessly with the tent’s aesthetic—balancing flash with ambient tones to preserve the mood while keeping the images crisp and clean.

With chandeliers glowing and celebration in full swing, Nikki and Adam made their grand entrance into the tented reception at Water Works—hand in hand, hearts full, and ready to dance the night away.

Nikki and Adam’s wedding was a celebration of love, laughter, and shared passions—from Star Wars to heartfelt toasts and a dance floor that stayed packed all night. If you're thinking about getting married at Water Works by Cescaphe, I can say from experience—it’s a dream venue for timeless imagery and a seamless flow from start to finish.

Ready to have your story documented at this incredible location? Fill out the contact form below—I’d love to hear what you're dreaming up for your day.

Why I Bring My Pentax 6x7 to Photograph Weddings: A Photographer’s Perspective

When it comes to wedding photography, choosing the right equipment is critical. I consistently rely on my Pentax 6x7 medium format camera, always paired with the 105mm f/2.4 lens and an ND filter, for capturing timeless moments. While digital photography reigns in convenience, shooting film on medium format brings unparalleled depth, richness, and emotion to a wedding day. Let me explain why this combination is my go-to for weddings.

The Beauty of Medium Format Film

One of the main reasons I choose my Pentax 6x7 is because of the distinctive look it offers. The medium format produces images that are softer, more organic, and carry a cinematic quality that digital can’t always replicate. It emphasizes textures, lighting, and colors in a way that feels more tactile and real. For daytime shoots, I rely on Kodak Portra 400 for its balanced, natural tones, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and engagement sessions. As the evening rolls in and light becomes dimmer, I switch to Kodak Portra 800, a film that handles lower light while still delivering that beautiful depth and detail.

Take a look at the recent engagement session I photographed in Tarrytown, NY—notice the way the colors pop with a natural vibrancy, from the subtle hues of the mural backdrop to the soft glow around the couple’s skin. Whether under bright daylight or the soft twilight of an evening, Portra film delivers a timeless and consistent quality.

The Importance of the 105mm f/2.4 Lens

Pairing my Pentax 6x7 with the 105mm f/2.4 lens is a choice rooted in versatility and creativity. This lens, known for its sharpness and beautiful depth of field, allows me to create images where the subject truly stands out. The creamy bokeh it produces, especially wide open at f/2.4, creates a natural separation between the couple and their background, giving each image a dreamy, romantic quality.

This lens is especially perfect for intimate moments like a couple’s embrace or close-up shots of rings and delicate details. In weddings, where emotions are raw and the moments are fleeting, the 105mm’s focal length allows me to stay at a comfortable distance while capturing all the emotion and intensity in a scene.

Why I Use an ND Filter

Using an ND filter (neutral density filter) is crucial when shooting with film, particularly when working with the wide aperture of the 105mm f/2.4 lens in bright conditions. Often, wedding ceremonies take place outdoors during the day, where the natural light can be overpowering. Without the ND filter, I’d need to stop down the aperture to balance the exposure, but that would compromise the beautiful shallow depth of field this lens offers.

The ND filter allows me to shoot wide open, even in full sunlight, maintaining the soft, blurred background that makes my subjects pop. It gives me control over the light, ensuring that I capture every moment exactly as I envision it, without losing the qualities that make medium format film so special.

The Intentionality of Every Shot

In a world where digital photography can result in hundreds of throwaway shots, shooting on medium format film is deliberate. Each frame counts. With just 10 exposures per roll of 120 film, I approach every shot with precision and care. It’s a philosophy that mirrors the significance of the day itself: every interaction, every smile, every exchange of vows deserves attention and focus.

This intentionality is something I believe my couples appreciate—there’s a certain trust that develops when they know that I am fully present with every shot I take. Film slows the process down, allowing for more thoughtfulness and less distraction.

Timeless, Lasting Quality

Film photography is timeless. With digital images, trends and editing styles can shift with the seasons, but the look of film remains classic. The shots I capture on my Pentax 6x7 feel enduring, making them perfect for a wedding, which is itself an enduring moment in a couple’s life. Decades from now, the couple will be able to look back at their photos with a sense of nostalgia, not for the trends of the moment, but for the genuine emotions of the day.

Just look at the images I took near the lighthouse. The richness of the tones, the soft gradient between light and shadow—these are characteristics that are hard to replicate digitally without a lot of post-production effort. Yet with film, they’re inherent.

The Element of Surprise

Another benefit is the element of surprise. Unlike digital photography, where you can immediately review the results, film forces you to wait for the development process. It adds an extra layer of excitement for both me and the couple. I’ve found that this anticipation brings the couple even closer to their images—they know that what they’ll receive will be something special and unique.

Merging Artistry with Technology

While I primarily shoot film during weddings, I also incorporate digital photography to ensure that I capture every angle and moment. This blending of traditional artistry with modern technology gives my couples the best of both worlds: they’ll have the candid convenience of digital, combined with the romantic timelessness of film. It’s a balance that speaks to today’s couples who value experiences and moments over volume and excess.

The engagement photos from this session—whether it’s the quiet moments shared by the water or the playful portrait of their dog wearing a “Humans Getting Married” bandana—demonstrate how film captures both the big moments and the small details with equal importance.

Why This Matters for My Clients

Weddings are a whirlwind of emotions, love, and celebration. My role is to capture that whirlwind in a way that speaks to the heart and soul of the day. My Pentax 6x7, paired with the 105mm f/2.4 lens and ND filter, helps me deliver on that promise. I believe the quality and artistry of film resonate deeply with couples who value the finer details, those who cherish the authenticity and depth of the experience over fast results.

For my clients it’s about more than just pictures. It’s about preserving the beauty of their wedding day in a way that feels personal, intimate, and everlasting.

As an experienced wedding photographer, I aim to create a blend of artistry and storytelling through my lens, capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments with a medium that’s as meaningful as the day itself. The Pentax 6x7 enables me to do just that, producing images that will be cherished for a lifetime.

By blending film and digital photography, I offer a comprehensive package that resonates with those who appreciate both creativity and craft, ensuring that their wedding is remembered in the most authentic, beautiful way possible.

This approach has allowed me to continuously capture the emotions, joy, and love in a way that feels classic, yet modern. I look forward to bringing this artistry to many more weddings, including yours.