Delaware Art Museum | The wedding of Paula and Uli

The Delaware Art Museum was the perfect venue for the wedding of Paula and Uli.

 I have to admit when I saw the sprawling sculpture garden my photographer's heart skipped a beat or two. Having a mid-summer wedding can be hot and humid on the East Coast, but it also means that the summer blooms are in full swing and the trees are in their prime. The grounds at the Delaware Art Museum lent them selves for wonderful wedding photography and having a sculpture or two in the background of pictures just hones in the story of where the couple is and how it felt on that day. 

Arriving Early at the Delaware Art Museum

I always plan on arriving way early to any wedding, just so I have plenty of time to get my act together and get situated. This is even more important when I haven't met the couple before the wedding. 

Paula and I talked on the phone before the wedding, but since the wedding had to be rescheduled because of Covid, we didn't have a chance to set up a date for a meeting and stick to it. So, I got to the venue early to visit with them both before things got busy.

Having it Her Way

Paula told me on the phone that this wedding was a second chance of marriage for both of them and she didn't feel like it needed to be traditional. "We don't want any family photos and by the way, I am wearing a black wedding dress; and I also don't want any photos of me getting ready or any of that stuff. Just come and take photos so we can remember the day as it unfolds." 

"No problem at all, you are the boss! This is your day," I told her but secretly hopped that we would at have the chance for at least a few photos of the couple." 

Of course, it is fun for me to have to think outside the proverbial box, and I looked forward to adding this type of wedding to my portfolio. 

Everything is Looking So Pretty

When I got to the museum, Paula was already dressed and was finishing up the last details at the venue. The tables were set and everything looked stunning for a small and intimate celebration. I remember walking in and there she was in her gorgeous black dress. What a stunning, confident bride. The dress was fitted to perfection, and accentuated by Uli's charm, and wait for it...Blue Shoes. 

Walking the Grounds and Taking Photos

"I know you guys don't want any formal photos, but how about we take walk outside and you show me where the ceremony is going to be, so I can figure out what my options are. And If I take a few photos of you, the better." After they glanced at each other for joint approval, I got the "ok, why not," go ahead. I quickly grabbed my camera and off we went. 

Getting To Know My Couple

While we walked the grounds, I had a chance to find out a little about Paula and Uli. Of course, I was super excited that Uli was a German transplant like me. Meeting a German speaker gives me a chance to practice and speak my German. 

Uli works for a German software company and like Paula is an engineer. "I moved to the US too many years ago to remember," he told me, "but until Covid, Paula and I frequently traveled to Germany and visit. I even had to move back to Germany for some time because of work. That was difficult because Paula couldn't just give up her life here. So we had to work it out, and we did! Knowing that we did that made our relationship that much stronger."

Ceremony and Party at the Delaware Art Museum

After we finished our walk, it was soon time for the ceremony to start. 

Paula's brother officiated the marriage and encircled by their friends and family Paul and Uli pledged their lives to each other. Due to Covid most of Uli's family couldn't attend but in typical engeneering style Uli figured out how to make sure that his loved-one were part of the celebrations as much as possible. So the live-streamed the wedding and had some fun doing it.  

After the ceremony, dinner was served and then the fun began. 

I love being part of the festivities and I am so grateful to be able to document the love and laughter, the joy and happiness and the tears of laughter. 

If you think  you might be interested in booking the Delaware Art Museum, you visit the website here: Delaware Art Museum 

I really enjoyed the museum ( I am a art museum nerd, and from the little I saw on the day, it is a great museum to visit and enjoy. And it is free to the public!) 

I am only going to post a few photos on this page but to see  a collection of Paula and Uli's wedding click here: Wedding Day Collections | Paula and Uli