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Mrs. Bruschetta, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 25, Communication Professional Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate Student Engagement Date: November 30, 2007 Wedding Date: August 2009 Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House About Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
About Mrs. Bruschetta

Urbane Playground

August 27th, 2009 @ 5:05 pm by Mrs. Bruschetta

The mister and I recently revisited our church (on the beautiful Villanova University campus) and reception neighborhood (in the Old City section of Philadelphia) to scout out the most “photogenic” areas for our post-ceremony pictures.

Since we’re crossing off the formals and posed pictures in the morning, this portion of the wedding day will focus much more on photojournalism — and perhaps will include a bit of TTD (but no actually trashing, don’t worry) in the mix!

I’ve mentioned before how strict our church is, so while we’re hoping to sneak some pictures in the church after the wedding, no one will be surprised if we get unceremoniously booted after the mass. (Especially since there still might be a 3:30 wedding after our 1:30 hour-long ceremony concludes.) Weather permitting (and at the moment, we’re all keeping fingers and toes crossed in the Bruschetta household), we could retreat to one of the grassy areas in front of the church…



…or the shady grotto right behind it.

Before we return to the city, we’re hoping to swing by the Villanova R5 train station to grab a few grittier shots. The mister and I have a special connection to this spot, since he used to hop the train to come visit early in my college days.

Our limo ride will end at 2nd and Race Streets — and hopefully, Mr. Bar Stool (which was closed for the evening by the time I took the picture below), will have some chairs outside on the sidewalk (as the store usually does) that we can include in some shots with the bridal party.

After making them feel so loved and included, we’ll request the bridal party hang tight for a few minutes while Mr. Bruschetta and I wander down Elfreth’s Alley. Quaint historic homes? Enchanting alleys? Check and check.

Brightly-colored walls will be our next stop with the bridal party. I love that both these locations are right along our planned route!

We hope to free our friends around this time, and continue to a few more locations — including one of our favorite restaurants (thanks again for the sangria recipe!) and an adorable candy shop.

And our last stop will be the F.U.E.L. House, to preview the setup and practice our first dance (for the first and only time in my dress before we perform it for our guests!).

Anyone else plan out ideal places to take day-of pictures before your wedding day? What are some of the spots that really caught your eye?

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40 Responses to “Urbane Playground”

1.
Gilneas
Member
Gilneas (message)  1,029 posts, Bumble bee

Wow, you scouted out the whole walk! You are going to get some amazing pictures.

 
2.
melodyjune
Member
melodyjune (message)  239 posts, Helper bee

I can’t wait to see how your photos turn out! We’re definitely going to map a route for photos.

 
3.
Jessie516
Hostess
Jessie516 (message)  4,039 posts, Honey bee

Wow, some awesome photo locations. I think Elfreth’s Alley looks like the perfect place for pictures!

 
4.
LadyChristine
Member
LadyChristine (message)  28 posts, Newbee

Wow that sounds amazing but also like it would take a long time. How much time are you allotting for post-wedding photos?

We have an 11am ceremony and the cocktail hour will end around 1pm so we will only have about 45min to 1 hour for ours. Luckily the church has some amazing grounds for pictures. Unfortunately, we wont get some of the amazing city scenes you have planned.

 
5.
mkat88
Member
mkat88 (message)  154 posts, Blushing bee

All if the locations are great but that walkway with the trees will make for fantastic pictures!!

 
6.
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Member
ehh5000 (message)  47 posts, Newbee

We were able to take some photos in the Villanova church after our ceremony. I hope you have the same luck!!

 
7.
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Member
sarsk624 (message)  346 posts, Helper bee

Bru, I heart you. I am getting married the next weekend in the same area. We are going to the First Bank over in the historic area and planned to wander. I don’t live too close to Philly anymore. But you did some great scout work!

 
8.
kmattso2
Member
kmattso2 (message)  990 posts, Busy bee

This is a great idea…and I definitely need to do the same. It’ll make the day flow so much quicker if you actually know where you want to go.

I’m excited to see what your pictures look like with all that gorgeous background!

 
9.
amariem25
Member
amariem25 (message)  488 posts, Helper bee

sigh, the east coast looks so lovely. hope i get to live there someday!

 
10.
tea
Member
tea (message)  2,658 posts, Sugar bee

great scouting job! and you’re coming down to the wire! oooh, exciting stuff!

 
11.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Peep Toe (message)  1,636 posts, Bumble bee

All awesome choices. You’re going to get some great pics.

 
12.
LatteLove
Hostess
LatteLove (message)  4,120 posts, Honey bee

so many great places!! Hope you have time to hit them all! I had about 4 locations and 6 settings and we only got to 3 of them! Just a couple more days, Bru!

 
13.
naangel55
Hostess
naangel55 (message)  1,584 posts, Bumble bee

Beautiful locations! I love the train shots, my DH’s apartment was right next to that train when he was at Nova. I even took it once or twice with him somewhere when I was there visiting :)

 
14.
Guest Icon
Guest
tinab1181

I live in Center City (am getting married in October) and goodness how I love Elfreth’s Alley, in fact, a girlfriend of mine lives there…so so charming. Here’s hoping your wedding falls on a weekend when they have open houses. She would be the one at the beginning of the alley supplying the drinks with a kick ;)

 
15.
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Guest
tinab1181

OH I mean to add too, that if you have the limo, you and the Mister might want to hop out and do at least a couple of shots by LOVE park and City Hall. They’re on our itinerary as well as Washington Square Park (near our home and sentimental for me.)

 
16.
llc2011
Member
llc2011 (message)  466 posts, Helper bee

Those shots brought back memories (I was born and raised outside of Philly but now live in Texas)! They will be some great backdrops on your wedding day!

 
17.
Miss Slice
Member
Miss Slice (message)  130 posts, Blushing bee

Love the locations you picked! I did my undergrad at SJU and am in grad school at ‘Nova, so I am very familiar with all of those locations. My favorite is Elfreth’s Alley. Gotta love those early afternoon Catholic ceremonies that leave you tons of time before the reception! What will your most of your guests do during that time?

 
18.
sassypants
Member
sassypants (message)  110 posts, Blushing bee

Im praying for good weather for you this weekend! Your wedding is this weekend, right?

 
19.
ColorCoated
Member
ColorCoated (message)  951 posts, Busy bee

Love the colored walls - definitely great for photo ops

 
20.
ScotIrishGirl
Member
ScotIrishGirl (message)  307 posts, Helper bee

We are getting married beside a river, so I just want to make sure we get some pictures with the water in the background. I really would love some shots with the sun setting and all the different colors and shades! Oh and best wishes with the weather!

 
21.
fiftyfootbride
Member
fiftyfootbride (message)  3,808 posts, Honey bee

That church is so beautiful! I can’t get over it. :)

 
22.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Mouse (message)  3,354 posts, Sugar bee

Great scouting job! I especially love the historic buildings.

 
23.
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Member
susanY (message)  19 posts, Newbee

I can’t wait to see your photos ! :D those well planned spots are wonderful ! Tomorrow is your day, isn’t it ?

 
24.
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Member
tudou (message)  5 posts, Newbee

nice place, beautiful shop, i will waiting for more photos just like these,,,

http://www.3qwedding.com

 
25.
Pr3c1ou5
Member
Pr3c1ou5 (message)  69 posts, Worker bee

I considered going to grad school at Villanova, but I didn’t know it was such a beautiful place! Definitely have to visit sometimes. Way to scout out “Kodak Picture Spots!”

 
26.
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Guest
ettiene

I took my engagement photos in old City and love how the streets look in them. There are so many quaint spots to take pics. Your wedding phots will be fabulous.

 
27.
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Guest
msdtighe17

My best friend was married at Villanova 3 years ago…the entire bridal party took pictures down on the grasses in front of the church and no on bothered us…just an FYI.

 
28.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Taffy (message)  2,605 posts, Sugar bee

Great locations!!!

 
29.
krissybee
Member
krissybee (message)  1,040 posts, Bumble bee

so many amazing locations!! so excited to see your pictures!

 
30.
krissycake
Member
krissycake (message)  2,092 posts, Buzzing bee

So…I am in LOVE with that pink wall =)
(as well as everything else in this post)

 
31.
pvaulter718
Member
pvaulter718 (message)  1,604 posts, Bumble bee

I love the city! We’re getting married just outside of West Chester and have scouted a few great alleys and streets that I’m hoping will be quiet on our wedding day :)

 
32.
alishaneva
Member
alishaneva (message)  1,531 posts, Bumble bee

Great idea to plan them out! You have some EXCELLENT choices here!

 
33.
Newport Nuptials
Member
Newport Nuptials (message)  1,133 posts, Bumble bee

I recently went with my sister to scout locations in Boston! Shes doing Fenway, the Public Gardens, the boston Public Library and a few shots along the way.

 
34.
kosstobe
Member
kosstobe (message)  231 posts, Helper bee

Our reception is at the same venue as our ceremony so there won’t be much of a photo tour for us.

I do love that church! It is so beautiful. You’re going to get some great shots. My fingers are crossed for no rain for you!

 
35.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Moonbeam (message)  1,335 posts, Bumble bee

Those are some great spots!

 
36.
pinaybride
Member
pinaybride (message)  71 posts, Worker bee

Thanks for reminding us about this little detail, Ms. Bruschetta!!

I almost didn’t put it on my list of to-dos!

My reception venue doesn’t have a lot of “photogenic” areas for photos, so we really need to do this ocular inspection as well!

Thanks!!

 
37.
Member Icon
Member
KathyQ (message)  134 posts, Blushing bee

Great choices…I also went to Villanova and lived in Philly for a few years, so I know all those locations well. They’re all going to make fabulous backdrops! Hope the weather holds out for you.

 
38.
KatieBug3017
Member
KatieBug3017 (message)  1,434 posts, Bumble bee

Those historic homes/alleys are such a cool location for photos - you must get some shots there!!!

 
39.
whitesonnet
Member
whitesonnet (message)  326 posts, Helper bee

I was just in Philly this morning, and let me say I am SUPER JEALOUS of your reception site! Did you know that the FUEL house was the site of Real World Philly? Not to mention it is gorgeous! We walked right by it yesterday morning as an event company was cleaning up Saturday night’s partay!

Beautiful city!

 
40.
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Guest
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[...] Remember when I scouted locations in Philly for our post-ceremony, pre-reception photo jaunt? Seems our photographer loved the same part of [...]

 


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Mrs. Bruschetta Mrs. Bruschetta, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 25, Communication Professional Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate Student Engagement Date: November 30, 2007 Wedding Date: August 2009 Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House About Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
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