Vista at Top of the Tower Wedding by Susan Hennessey Photography

Susan Hennessey Photography perfectly captured this vibrantly sweet Philadelphia wedding.  Vista at Top of the Tower is a perfectly fitting venue that has a great view of the city, and sets a perfect scene to view the sunset.  Shannon and Sebastien are a spirited couple, so of course their wedding day was filled with tons of energy, vibrancy, and love.  This wedding is the perfect combination of elegance and minimalist elements which resulted in a beautiful day to remember!

How they met:

“Sebastien and I met at college while we were both going to Penn State. We met through mutual friends when we all went out on St. Patrick’s day, and we started dating not long after we met.”

How he proposed:

“It was the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and we went out to dinner to Devon Seafood and Grill, supposedly as a late birthday dinner for me (my birthday is May 1st). It was really nice out so we walked to the restaurant from Sebastien’s apartment in the city. When we got back to his apartment he asked me to meet him on their rooftop deck and he proposed up there with candles and champagne.”

Wedding planning:

“I thought wedding planning wasn’t as stressful as how people had always made it sound. I think the hardest part was initially deciding on the venue, and all of the last minute details.  I think I personally got too caught up in the details the week before the wedding. I also think those little things are details that only you the bride is really going to notice.”

Favorite memory:

“One of our favorite moments from our wedding was when we arrived at the venue after the ceremony and all of the photos and before we went to see everyone at cocktail hour. We were able to just hangout together with some of the bridal party and relax for a moment.”

Wedding planning advice:

“I would tell couples planning their wedding to enjoy the process as much as they can and to not get too focused on the small details.  It’s easy to get carried away with Pinterest and all of the other fun ideas that are out there. I think as long as you have good music, drinks and food, and a wonderful photographer to remember the day by, you and your guests will have a great time.”

From the Photographer: “On June 25, 2016, I photographed Shannon and Sebastien’s beautiful and sophisticated Vista Top of the Tower wedding. Their day was the most perfect Philadelphia wedding day. The ceremony was at the Basillica, we stopped for photos at the Art Museum and the evening ended with a reception at Vista Top of the Tower.

During bride prep, Shannon had such a calm demeanor. I especially loved the sparkly dresses she chose for her bridesmaids. Shannon was the classic bride and her dramatic train on her Martina Liana dress totally completed her look!

The ceremony was a traditional full mass with readings in both English and French as Sebastien is of French descent. I loved the sweet looks these two gave each other throughout the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we boarded a party bus and headed to the Art Museum for bridal party and couple photos, we had a beautiful day and a crowded museum staircase, but we made the best of it! Shannon had one of the most dramatic trains I have ever photographed and we definitely showed it off for quite a few photos!

Once at Vista Top of the Tower it was time to party! But first our gorgeous couple had a romantic first dance followed by a sweet speech by her father. Once dinner was served, the dance floor was open and this group was so fun to photograph!

Before we departed, we were lucky enough to get our couple outside for both sunset and night photos. I truly loved photographing this beautiful and classic Philly wedding!”

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Vendors | Photography: Susan Hennessey Photography | Ceremony Venue: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul | Reception Venue: Vista Top of the Tower | Floral/Decor: Marcus Hook Florist (bouquets and boutonnieres) | Hair/Makeup: Beautiful Brides Philly | Stationery: Fulton Paper Company | Dress Shop: Wedding Shop at Nordstrom | Dress Designer: Martina Liana | Bridal Accessories: Tory Burch shoes | DJ/Band: Synergetic Sounds |