Philadelphia wedding photographer | 217 Photography bio picture

Welcome to 217 Photography

217, many assume this number represents an address, birth date or anniversary, however 217 symbolizes so much more. Two-seventeen has long been in my wife, Dawn's, family history. Here is her story:

The sentiment behind 217 originated over 55 years ago, when my mother, Shirley Haughton was a little girl. Shirley was the youngest of eight children, who idolized her older sister Ella May. Whenever Shirley told Ella May how much she loved her, Ella May responded jokingly "How much?" As little sisters often do, Shirley tried to impress Ella May by telling her the largest number she could think of, "Two Hundred and Seventeen." This quickly became a game the two sisters played over and over again. Shirley would tell Ella May she loved her two hundred and seventeen meaning the largest amount known to her little heart. To this day, Shirley and Ella May who are in their sixties and seventies, respectfully, sign every card & letter and conclude every conversation with "I love you, 217".

As far back as I can remember my mom has told my sister, Gina, and I that she loves us 217. I don't think we ever questioned or asked what it meant. We knew intrinsically the weight 217 carried when our mom said it. 217 was the greatest amount of love possible and nothing could be more than that love she felt for us. We have continued 217 as a sentiment in our own lives and families. You will see 217 written on every birthday card, holiday card, and letter to family and close friends. Pete and I even have 217 engraved on our wedding bands. There is no better way for us to express respect, commitment and unconditional love than those three numbers.

The women of 217 are honored that it's meaning lives on through Pete's photography in capturing the images of unconditional love at it's most intimate and celebrated moments. We are excited to incorporate the meaning of 217 into our family's business. We hope to share our passion and love of photography with you and your family.

Dawn & Pete Malone

Jun 07 2011

Colonial Dames Wedding Photos | Casey & Will

Where in the world to begin with this one? Casey & Will had a truly remarkable wedding at Colonial Dames in Center City Philadelphia last week. There were so many unique DIY details at this wedding including 30 hand made colonial American flags (each taking 2.5 hours to sew together) thus putting Casey on par with Betsy Ross as a true American flag seamstress! Will recently graduated from West Point and was wearing one of his dress uniforms. That uniform along with the Revolutionary War uniform worn by the George Washington impersonator in attendance put Casey in third place for the coolest outfit of the day award at her own wedding.

I really can’t say enough nice things about Casey & Will, their families, the staff at Colonial Dames and Erin Proud of Proud to Plan who helped make this wedding one for the record books. A special thank you to my very good friend and photographer Jenn Childress for coming along and assisting me for the day. I had asked Jenn to be “on call” with me last week as my wife was due with our first baby any day and I wanted to be able to have Jenn take over for me if I got the call during the wedding last week. *as of this writing (6/6) he’s still not here*. Everyone involved with Casey & Will’s wedding brought so much to the event. It really was something special to be a part of. Congratulations Casey & Will. Thank you so much for having us!

Casey started her day off in hair and makeup at the Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia. Her hair was by Michele Wilderman of Daneene Jensen & Associates with makeup by the lovely Emily of Cheekadee Makeup Artists.



Casey's bouquet by Honeybuches and my favorite dandy statue inside Colonial Dames.

"For God and Country"

Some favorite, colonial themed details includied "Patriot Punch" and "Liber-Tea".

Guests found their place cards (from Paper by Proud) at the back of the ceremony location. Each guest was seated at one of several tables named after America's founding fathers.

George Washington just hanging and one of Casey's hand sewn colonial flags.

When your caterer (Stepehen of Day by Day Catering) and your wedding planner (Erin of Proud to Plan) are some of the first to congratulate you after your ceremony you know that you've found the perfect vendors.

This is one of my favorites of the day....I love this moment as Casey kisses Will's brand new ring.

*Note to all* If you happen to run into George Washington on the street, DO NOT call him Mr. Washington. He goes by GENERAL Washington.....and he'll have no problem telling you that in a very stern manner.

Amazing wedding cake by Anna Violet Confections.

Stephen of Day by Day Catering loaned Casey & Will some period silverware from his personal collection as he is a self proclaimed history nerd....just like the bride and groom.