On our wedding day we barely had time to take photos before the ceremony, so we decided to do a Trash the Dress session at the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadlephia. The photos turned out to be more beautiful than I expected, somewhat haunting yet gorgeous..
All photos by Nicole Polk
Our photographer Nicole Polk had a lot of fun doing this session with us and she added some delicate, ghostly details to fit the style of our location.
I love to create slideshows using my favorite music selections. Here’s our TTD session slideshow along with music from the lovely chamber musical ensemble, the Rachel’s.
As part of the portrait session we donated $200 to the penitentiary to help save the penitentiary and keep it as a historical landmark in Philadelphia.
I have to say, when you first mentioned this i was one of the people who thought it was possibly in poor taste. However, these pics are really beautful. I mean if you were in the chair/cells etc. i would have been freaked out. I think these are beautiful and respectful.
Wow! Love these pictures. I was a little nervous too, but these are so interesting.
You look beautiful and the pictures are beautiful, but the one with all the cell doors in a row makes me really sad and a little freaked out haha.
these turned out great! it looks a little scary but that’s only because i’ve watched far too many “worlds most haunted places” shows. lol
Are you saying that marriage is like a prison sentence? That is VERY PROFOUND!
very pretty! i want to do a Trash the Dress session like this!
I love your pictures….
Just beautiful !!!! I love the light coming from behind you..
These photos are just stunning. Because of the impeccable compositions the walls of the Penitentiary become backdrops of perfect shape and color. When looking at these I don’t think of a bride in a prison, I think perfect lighting, lovely environment and so on! Lucky you with these shots!
these are really such beautiful and stunning pictures! although haunting is a good word to describe them too hehe 
beautiful!
Amazing pictures Mrs. Bell Pepper! Makes me wonder if I should convince him to do this. Not only do we keep on hanging out there, we’re only blocks away and we love taking pictures there!
I really like the shots; specially the one of you sitting inside of the cell, the one with what i’m guessing is a special filter (number 9 on the slideshow) and the pictures inside the cell block where they have the diorama exhibit (number 4 in slideshow). Really beautiful!
These are beautiful! Nicole did an excellent job, and you are a gorgeous bride.
Mrs. Bell Pepper, Philadelphia
Age and Occupation: 28, Resident Physician
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Resident Physician
Engagement Date: May 30, 2006
Wedding Date: June 2007
Venue: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
About Me: I love whimsical details and design, everything that *sparkles*, sipping on hazelnut lattes, pugs, shopping for antiques and second-hand goods, scenic photography, delicate flowers, and checking out new restaurants in the city with my fianc??. We are planning our wedding at a unique city venue for about 75 close family members and friends. I have a lot of DIY ideas and I like to blog about ways to save money on your wedding.
FABULOUS photos! I love those! I’d have to say that those rank among my favorite I’ve seen! Beautiful!