These stunning photographs will leave you speechless.

By Aimee Gibison

If you think about it, photographers are like storytellers. Throughout your wedding day, they are chronicling your most cherished moments. With each click of the camera lens, they are eternalizing the story of your special day. 

Photographs of the bridal party and guests are important, but what is a story without a setting? The details, design and decor are not only the backdrop for the big day, but an expression of the bride and groom’s personalities. 

We asked five local photographers to share images from one of their recent weddings that left them speechless. Although the photos speak for themselves, each photographer shares in detail what exactly it was that took their breath away. May their photographs inspire you as you contemplate the story you want your wedding day to tell. 

Photo by Maria DeForrest.

Maria DeForrest, deforrestphotography.com. 

Scene-Stealer

The storybook charm of Jen and Jeff’s wedding venue. Clusters of fresh-picked flowers in various glass vessels complemented the reception tables in the restored barn.

Why

“Terrain is such an inspiring space. I’ve yet to meet a person who has gone there and hasn’t fallen in love with it. It’s an oasis in an unlikely location.”

Photo by Jennifer Santo.

Jenifer Santo, jfsphotographydesign.com.

Scene-Stealer

The charming accessory tucked into bride Chrissy’s bouquet to honor the memory of her father and an unexpected gift to the newlyweds.

Why

“Native Delawareans Chrissy and Ryan said their “I Do’s” on May 15 in Punta Cana with 40 of their closest friends and family. This image stuck with me because both Chrissy and Ryan sadly were missing two very important people with them that day: Chrissy’s father and Ryan’s mother had both passed away. Not having her father to walk her down the aisle was difficult, so Chrissy added a charm onto her bouquet that simply read “Dad.” That way he was still with her in spirit as she walked down the aisle with her mother.

Right after Chrissy and Ryan walked down the aisle as man and wife, a beautiful rainbow appeared out of nowhere. It was truly a sign that Chrissy’s dad and Ryan’s mom sent to show the newly married couple that they were still with them in spirit. It gave not only me goosebumps and a few tears, but everyone attending. It was absolutely magical and emotional!”

Photo by Versano Photography.

Versano Photography,  versanophotography.com.

Scene-Stealer

The elegant color palette that Lauren and Kevin chose and how seamlessly they were able to pull it off throughout the entire celebration.

Why

“We really loved the flowers the bride selected for her March wedding. The flowers were a mix of blush pink and white garden roses, burgundy ranunculus and dahlias, seeded eucalyptus, Israeli ruscus, pale pink astilbe and scabiosa pods.

Also, we couldn’t ignore the ballroom decor! The decorations were based on the same color scheme as the flowers and their favors were scented candles.”

Photo by Pat Robinson.

Pat Robinson, patrobinsonphotography.com.

Scene-Stealer

When a serendipitous collaboration of vendors styled Elisabeth and Ethan’s reception, the result was an ethereal-meets-industrial atmosphere at The Horticulture Center in Philadelphia.

Why

“This was one of those weddings where everything was just flawless. Elisabeth and Ethan put together a dream team of vendors. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day.

The overall vision by The Styled Bride and the florals by Devon & Pinkett just floored me when I walked into the reception space. I also loved the Edison bulbs that they incorporated into the installation.”

Photo by Marisa Zimmerman.

Marisa Zimmerman, marisataylorphotography.com. 

Scene-Stealer

Even though the weather for Jennifer and Bryon’s beach wedding was less than ideal, the gray skies did not dull the love radiating from the newlyweds.

Why

“They say that rain on your wedding day is a good omen, so this couple is going to have the best marriage ever. Minutes after leaving my home en route to the wedding it started raining so hard the visibility was only a few feet in front of me. The ceremony was slated to occur on the beach, followed by an intimate reception in a beach house. Because the rain was coming down so badly, the maid of honor and the bride and groom’s family moved an entire floor of furniture and set up the living room with their wedding arch, chairs and twinkling lights.

After the ceremony, the rain stopped for about 15 minutes and thank goodness it did! In those 15 minutes, we managed to get in the car, drive to the beach and get a few shots of the bride and groom on the beach, just as they had wanted. The wind was blowing so hard, the sky was gray and it started drizzling, but I was blown away at how relaxed and easygoing they were, and how in such a small amount of time we were able to get beautiful images where you can feel this couple’s genuine love for each other and how happy they were on their wedding day.”