Erin didn’t have a typical engagement. At a time when most women are out meeting with vendors, showing off their rings and having celebratory parties, Erin was undergoing radiation treatments for her stage two breast cancer.

With no fingernails or hair, I knew Erin wasn’t feeling much up for engagement photos, but at the time she and I started discussing the wedding, she had just finished her final treatment. Erin wasn’t yet sure if the time between then and August would be enough for her to feel up to the wedding, but said that whenever her day finally came, she wanted it to be a true celebration of life.

Two days ago, Erin got her wish. Her wedding was held August 28, at the beautiful Doubletree Hotel in Philadelphia, PA, and it was one of the most joyful and momentous occasions I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing. So without further ado, I invite you all to view Erin’s very special wedding day through the dual perspective of myself and my talented husband Sean, who second shot this wedding with me.

Right off the bat, Erin’s dress was absolutely stunning, and her shoes were lovely and unique.

Then it was time to get ready. I also got a quick bridal portrait in, just under the wire.

In a separate part of the hotel, Sean was able to capture the guys getting ready, too. You have to love how they did this while watching Tommy Boy.

The groom, Mark, had a very special set of cuff links to commemorate Erin’s victory in her hard-fought battle against breast cancer.

All ready to go, the flower girls and ring bearer seemed to be having a good time waiting on the adults.

The couple opted to set up a first look to make sure they had enough photo time. I know Mark must have been blown away by how gorgeous Erin looked.

We took a couple of bride-and-groom shots at the hotel before piling into the party bus to head into the city.

On the way to our first location, Mark taught everyone a valuable lesson on not drinking and riding.

We managed to hit several locations in the city, starting with the waterfront.

We only stopped at the Philadelphia Museum of Art long enough for me to make the couple climb all of the steps for just one photo. We didn’t plan to go all the way to the top, but as we reached the platform for each new grouping of steps, I found myself saying “just one more” until I could finally get a view of the museum!

As we were taking photos in front of City Hall, we were passed by a rather large tour bus full of people hooting and shouting at the couple. Erin turned back to give them a smile and a wave and this photo was born… One of my faves.

The ceremony took place on the rooftop of the Doubletree. My sister is actually a good friend of Erin’s and was a bridesmaid in this wedding. I figured she’d be in tears a few times throughout the course of this day, but the ceremony had barely even gotten started before the waterworks did! Haha.

The reception kicked off with an impressive first dance that the couple had clearly done some practicing for and rolled right on forward with speeches and some more dancing.

The groom gave a speech about how Erin “kicked breast cancer’s ass,” and you could tell from the passion with which he gave it, how involved in the fight he must have been.

Afterwards, we took a little walk outside, to get a few night photos with the city lights.

The cake cutting immediately ensued and then things really started to heat up when the bride and groom jumped on stage to jam out with the band.

To Erin and Mark, I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like to receive a diagnosis like that just a few months after becoming engaged. It takes a strong couple to survive, to stick by each other, and to keep the wind in your sails when it feels like you’re dead on the water. When you look at these photos, I hope you recall all the beautiful new memories you’ve made, putting the bad ones that much farther into the past. No one deserves it more than you. All my love, Lauren.