Monday, July 30, 2007

Anna & Steven | Philadelphia | July 28, 2007


Clouds build at dusk outside the church, following the Friday night rehearsal.


Thunderheads darken the evening sky viewed from the backyard of Anna & Steve's house the scene of a post rehearsal feast. Not too long after this a summer storm blew through.


A card at Anna and Steve's home.


A bridal couple snow globe adorns a shelf at their home, a framed copy of the wedding invitation is behind the globe.


Steve puts the finishing touches on the car decorations, before the ceremony.



Frank, the best man, and Steve organize the rings before the ceremony.




Karen, Anna's sister-in-law, helps Anna put on the finishing touches of make-up.





Steve makes his grand entrance into the church.


Anna is escorted down the aisle by her younger brother Michael (Karen's husband).





The newly married couple coming down the aisle.



The cake topper...it's so Anna!


The four remaining Schneider children, including (clockwise, from upper left): My Mom, Uncle Paul (and my godfather), Aunt Cass, and Aunt Louise.



Steve dances with his mother Ruth during the Mother/Son dance.




"Save a horse...ride a cowboy..."


Aunt Louise is in the front, being pushed by Aunt Barbara, during a conga line dance.





I think that all the weddings I photograph are special .... though I must confess that this past weekend's wedding in the Philadelphia suburbs was extra special.

You see my favorite first cousin Anna was married to Steven on Saturday at The Church of the Redeemer in Springfield, PA.

Anna and I have been close since we were kids and our family made the annual pilgrimmage to the East Coast from the midwest to visit the relatives in Philly.

Anna is a choir teacher and music is her life. Her Maid of Honor's daughter directed the choir, which was made up of former students. The traditional organ was played, as well as a trumpet duo.

At the reception, music was also played a big role in the celebration. The couple were announced at the reception to the Sponge Bob Square Pants Theme Song -- Steve's a big fan of the animated character. The word is, he's got one of the most extensive collection of SBSP memorabilia -- it may even rival his Coca-cola memorabilia (he's a Coke delivery person, so he's had a while to amass the collection). Also, the DJ was forbidden by the terms of the contract from playing The Chicken Dance. Aside from that, the music was fun, raucous and festive--just like the couple and their families!

Anna and Steve met over a year ago and there was an instant bond. I could certainly understand that after meeting him for the first time this week. He and his family made me feel right at home and he seemed to be the perfect match for Anna's personality.

Congratulations Anna and Steve! Have an amazing honeymoon!

Love,
Your cuz!

5 Comments:

Blogger Robert said...

Hi Paul,

Thanks for sharing such an amazing set of images ... I love the rings image and the image of them at the altar to most!

robert

3:54 PM  
Blogger Peggy Gero DaValt said...

WOW!!! -

Anna must have that "stigma" of being one of the favorite cousins of the Gero kids.

She looked so wonderful and so in love with Steve. I am so very very happy for them. As I told Ruth Anne...perhaps there is hope for me yet...*giggle*

Thank you so much for sharing the photos.

I LOVED the one of Mom and Aunt Cass, Aunt Louise (if that ain't Grandmom Schneider lookin' at us)....and Uncle Paul....when I look at this photo, I realize that these people have a great outlook on life for the most part and they LOOK wonderful and happy....especially Mom.

I loved the cake topper....it truly was Anna.

Glad you got to go too and spend time with Mom and Ruth and the rellies in PA.

Peggy :)

7:14 AM  
Blogger Ruth Anne Adams said...

What great shots!

And what a couple. Anna has such boundless love and such good people skills that there were Schneider cousins by the dozens, all enjoying themselves and blissfully happy for the couple.

Steven married into a great family and I will look forward to getting to know him as I have my wonderful cousin Anna. She's like a sister.

8:24 AM  
Blogger Peggy Gero DaValt said...

And...I think Uncle Joe and Aunt Betty Lou would have been thrilled to have known Steve.

Peggy :)

2:28 PM  
Blogger AnneGero said...

Hi Paul,
You certainly picked out some of the finest pictures of the special event from Saturday. They are so excellent!!! I know Anna and Steven will be delighted when they see your work.
Loved the picture of Anna and Courtney, the older flower girl. Reminds me of what you kids used to like to do with Dad--getting turned upside down and over.
Steve really turned on the charm when he made his appearance, didn't he? I guess I missed that because I was watching the girls come down the aisle.
Nice to relive the wedding through your pictures. Thank you, Paul.
Mom

8:39 PM  

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