This Engagement Session is Like One Big Love Letter to Philly

Photography by MLE Pictures

Though they technically reside in Baltimore right now, Sydney Pauline and her fiancé Michael Pivovarnick are Philadelphians at heart. (See their sweet proposal story for proof.) Since he popped the question in Rittenhouse and the duo will be getting married in Old City later this year, it was only fitting that they return to the city for their engagement session. Captured by MLE Pictures, their Philly engagement photos are filled with classic locations like Parc, Delancey Street, and the Merchants’ Exchange Building, as well as some wonderful cold-weather outfit inspo. See below for more!

From Sydney: I put a lot of thought and planning into our engagement session, as I wanted to capture us and our favorite spots perfectly, as well as closely mirror what our wedding day will look like. Since Michael proposed in Rittenhouse Square, I really wanted to do some photos there to relive what was the best day ever.

We had to highlight Parc, hands down one of our favorite restaurants in the city, and we had to get some La Colombe to represent our must-have coffee. (Even though we aren’t currently in Philly, we still order endless amounts for our French press at home. And it helped keep us warm that day, too!)

Our wedding will be in Old City, which happens to be my favorite area of the city, so I wanted to capture moments there as well to bring both worlds of our engagement and wedding planning journey together.

Being a fashion blogger, I of course LOVED styling our looks. (Multiple looks were extra but necessary!) I wanted them to emulate what our big day will look and feel like. Michael and I have both been envisioning our wedding day as “urban elegant” — a romantic, modern yet timeless city wedding, with a minimal yet contrasting color palette, to allow the elements of our ceremony and reception venues to shine on their own. The first outfit I wore in Rittenhouse was a simple yet chic swing dress by Donna Mizani with a velvet belt, adding a little luxury to a simple look. With classic black pumps and a sparkly bow detail earring from For Love and Lemons, this outfit was perfect for a stepped-up morning in Rittenhouse for a coffee stroll, a quick brunch and sweet moments in the park. Michael’s blue plaid suit and a powder blue shirt are from Brooks Brothers and completed our look perfectly.

We then hopped over to Delancey Street in Rittenhouse, easily recognizable by most city lovers as the most elegant street in Philadelphia. I paired a black Rachel Pally bodysuit from local boutique The Geisha House with a stunning high-waisted pencil skirt from Citrine Grey, a local business that specializes in luxe professional wear for women. Michael changed into his classic black suit, which created a great contrasting look for the both of us.

Our last look might have been my favorite. I found the most stunning gown by Fame and Partners from Nordstrom in a rich butterscotch color that really popped against Old City’s simple backdrop, and Michael’s classic suit brought the glam look to life. The wardrobe was perfect for giving a little sneak peek of what our wedding day will look like.

Congrats Sydney and Michael! We hope the wedding day is just as magical as the engagement session.

For more ideas for Philly engagement photos, head here.

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