Under the glow of string lights, the groom dips the bride in front of the Moshulu’s wooden ship’s wheel, surrounded by lush greenery. The deep blue sky of twilight enhances this iconic moment of their Moshulu wedding
Share Post

A Moshulu Wedding: Alexa & Josh’s Celebration on the Water

Filed in Wedding Days — March 11, 2025

A Moshulu wedding is unlike any other—a blend of history, romance, and unparalleled views of the Philadelphia skyline. For Alexa and Josh, their wedding aboard this historic tall ship wasn’t just about the venue; it was about crafting an experience that felt entirely their own. With a dual-language ceremony in Korean and English, a heartfelt first look, and a perfect fusion of their cultures, their wedding day was a testament to love, family, and meaningful traditions.

The bride and groom embrace on the Moshulu’s wooden deck, bathed in golden sunlight. The Philadelphia skyline rises in the background, framed by the ship’s intricate ropes and masts, adding a nautical charm to their Moshulu wedding

Arriving at The Moshulu: A Wedding on the Water

From the moment Alexa and Josh stepped onto the Moshulu, the excitement was palpable. Nestled along the Delaware River, the ship provided the perfect balance of elegance and adventure—exactly what they had envisioned. The towering masts, the intricate woodwork, and the panoramic views of the city made it clear why they fell in love with this venue. As guests arrived, they were met with the unique experience of stepping onto a historic vessel, greeted by the soft sound of waves and the warm glow of the ship’s deck lighting.

The bow of the historic Moshulu, a tall ship docked along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, with its black hull, towering masts, and rigging set against a bright blue sky. Autumn leaves frame the top of the image

The groom stands in a dimly lit hallway of the Moshulu, wearing a navy-blue suit and burgundy tie, as an older man in a gray suit helps fasten his boutonniere. A sign reading "Captain’s Quarters" is visible on the wooden door behind them
The bride stands in a softly lit room on the Moshulu, adjusting the layers of her flowing wedding gown. She gazes downward with a serene expression, surrounded by elegant nautical decor

A First Look Filled with Emotion

For Alexa and Josh, the first look was the moment that meant the most. Josh had been adamant about not knowing any details of Alexa’s bridal look beforehand, making the anticipation even greater. As Alexa approached him on the deck, the breeze gently catching the hem of her gown, he turned around and instantly teared up. The weight of the day, the love they shared, and the reality of this milestone hit all at once. It was a moment neither of them would ever forget—raw, real, and deeply personal.

The groom, standing on the Moshulu’s upper deck, faces away as the bride approaches him in her strapless lace wedding gown. The ship’s ropes and masts frame them, with the river and city skyline stretching out behind them. A defining moment in their Moshulu wedding
The groom turns to see his bride for the first time on the deck of the Moshulu. His face lights up with emotion as he reaches out for her, while the golden sunlight catches her flowing hair and dress

The bride cups the groom’s face in her hands as he fights back tears, overwhelmed with emotion. Sunlight illuminates their intimate moment, with the wooden railings and rigging of the Moshulu in the background

A First Look with Family: Celebrating Together

In a heartfelt twist on tradition, Alexa and Josh chose to share a first look not just with each other, but with their families as well. This intimate gathering created a powerful emotional connection between their two families, uniting them before the ceremony even began. It was a reflection of what their wedding day was truly about—bringing together the people they love most.

The groom gently holds the bride’s hand as they ascend the staircase of the Moshulu’s deck, her full wedding gown billowing around her. Lush greenery and vibrant pink flowers line the walkway, leading them to their next moment together
The bride and groom stand arm in arm, facing their gathered family on the Moshulu’s deck. Parents and relatives, dressed in a mix of Western and traditional Korean attire, beam with joy, while the ship’s towering masts and city skyline complete the scene

The bride and groom stand at the back as their family members, dressed in formal attire, react with smiles and emotional expressions. A guest in a gray suit holds a small white dog dressed in a traditional Korean hanbok, adding a personal touch to the Moshulu wedding

A Dual-Language Ceremony Honoring Their Heritage

As the sun became lower in the sky, guests gathered on the deck for a ceremony that beautifully honored Alexa and Josh’s backgrounds. Officiated in both Korean and English, their vows carried even more depth and meaning, ensuring that every guest could fully experience the moment. The merging of traditions was evident, from the heartfelt words spoken to the subtle cultural touches woven throughout the ceremony. The Moshulu’s open-air deck provided a stunning backdrop, with the river beginning to twinkle as they sealed their vows with a kiss.

Rows of gold Chiavari chairs line the Moshulu’s deck, facing a rustic wooden arch adorned with greenery. The ship’s rigging and the calm waters of the Delaware River create a serene setting for this Moshulu wedding ceremony
The bride and groom stand before a wooden wedding arch covered in lush greenery as they exchange vows on the Moshulu’s deck. Sunlight filters through the ship’s rigging, illuminating the moment while guests watch intently.

The bride and groom hold hands beneath a greenery-adorned arch as they exchange vows. Bridesmaids in blush pink dresses stand to the side, while groomsmen in navy-blue suits with pink ties look on, completing the elegant setting aboard the Moshulu
The bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple under a wooden arch draped in eucalyptus. The ship’s rigging and the river behind them add to the nautical romance of their Moshulu wedding

The bride beams as she walks hand in hand with the groom down the aisle of the Moshulu’s deck, her bouquet in hand. Guests, some dressed in traditional Korean hanboks, turn to watch as the newlyweds make their way forward

Wedding Party Photos Under Bubble Gum Skies

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of pink, orange, and lavender—what can only be described as bubble gum skies. The Moshulu’s deck, with its panoramic views of the river and city skyline, became the perfect setting for wedding party photos. Alexa and Josh, surrounded by their closest friends, laughed and embraced as the soft pastel hues cast a dreamy glow over them. The vibrant sky reflected the warmth and joy of the day, capturing the essence of their celebration in the most stunning light. Every photo taken in that moment was pure magic, a reminder of the beauty that comes with love, laughter, and a perfectly timed sunset.

The bride and her bridesmaids, dressed in flowing blush dresses, share a moment of laughter on the Moshulu’s deck as the sky turns shades of pink and purple. A relaxed, joyful portrait capturing the excitement of their Moshulu wedding day
The wedding party gathers around the bride and groom on the Moshulu’s deck at twilight, raising bouquets and cheering. The groom’s groomsmen in navy suits and pink ties celebrate as the couple smiles, adding to the energy of the evening.

Alexa & Josh’s Moshulu Wedding: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Personalization

Alexa and Josh’s wedding was a masterclass in blending the old with the new. From their attire—splurging on a stunning dress and an impeccably tailored suit—to the fusion of modern and traditional elements in their decor, everything reflected their unique love story. Their Moshulu wedding offered the perfect setting to celebrate their love in a space that was both elegant and distinct. With both indoor and outdoor options, the transition from ceremony to reception was seamless, allowing guests to enjoy the full experience of being on the water while still feeling the warmth of an intimate gathering.

A nighttime view of the historic Moshulu tall ship in Philadelphia, strung with glowing lights. The ship's towering masts and elegant details create a breathtaking scene

Tall candles and lush greenery line the reception tables, set against the rich wood interior of the couple’s unique Philadelphia waterfront venue, The Moshulu
The bride and groom hold each other close on the dance floor, surrounded by candlelit tables and warmly lit reflections below deck on The Moshulu

A Moshulu Wedding Reception: A Celebration for the Ages

As the reception kicked off, it became clear that this was going to be a party to remember. The premium open bar was a guest favorite, offering signature cocktails while the newlyweds toasted to their life together. The evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and a teary-eyed bouquet presentation and a surprise song, sung to Josh by Alexa. What surprised them most? Just how much fun they had. Despite the common notion that wedding days are exhausting, Alexa and Josh found themselves fully immersed in joy, soaking in every moment.

A newlywed couple toasts during their Moshulu wedding reception in Philadelphia. The bride, seated at a navy blue-draped table, raises her champagne glass with a joyful expression while the groom, standing beside her in a navy suit with a red tie, mirrors her gesture. In the background, a groomsman in a blue suit and glasses enthusiastically lifts his drink. The scene is set against the ship's warm wooden interior, with a bar in the distance and a multi-tiered white wedding cake adorned with soft pink roses on a table nearby

The couple shares a sweet moment in a warmly lit reception space, standing beside an elegant white wedding cake adorned with blush roses and greenery
With emotion in her eyes, Alexa delivers a heartfelt song to her husband and guests during their intimate reception in the heart of Philadelphia

The bride wipes away tears after presenting her bouquet to one of her bridesmaids, who clutches the bouquet in one hand and wipes a tear with the other

The Moshulu: More Than Just a Venue

While the day was undoubtedly about Alexa and Josh, their Moshulu wedding played a key role in making their vision a reality. The ship’s built-in charm and elegance meant that they didn’t have to overcompensate with decorations—it was already breathtaking on its own. The convenience of a location that offered both stunning outdoor views and cozy indoor spaces ensured that guests were comfortable, no matter where they were. Plus, the exceptional staff made sure that every detail ran smoothly, allowing Alexa and Josh to be fully present in the moment.

Alexa and Josh walk hand in hand down the steps of their unique Philadelphia wedding venue, the city lights glowing softly behind them
Under a canopy of twinkling string lights, the newlyweds share an intimate dance on the ship’s deck, with the Philadelphia skyline shining in the background

Alexa and Josh share a cinematic dip kiss in front of their wedding venue, The Moshulu, the historic tall ship’s rigging and warm lighting creating a picture-perfect Philadelphia moment

Looking Back: No Regrets, Only Gratitude

If they could change one thing? Absolutely nothing. Every decision—from the venue to the dress to planning together as a team—was the right one. Their advice for couples planning a wedding? Work together. By making choices as a unit, they ensured that their wedding day was a reflection of them both, making the entire process more enjoyable and rewarding.

In a sweet black-and-white moment, the bride, still in her wedding gown, cradles a fluffy white dog dressed in a festive outfit. The setting is intimate, with elegant dining tables visible behind her aboard the Moshulu

The bride closes her eyes as she hugs the groom, bathed in golden sunlight with the city skyline and water in the background
Caught in a moment of pure joy, Alexa dances with a glass of wine in hand, celebrating her Philadelphia wedding night with friends and family

An Unforgettable Moshulu Wedding

Alexa and Josh’s wedding aboard the Moshulu was a celebration of love, culture, and shared dreams. It was a day where traditions met in perfect harmony, where family bonds were strengthened, and where two people committed to a lifetime of adventure together. From their tear-filled first look to their joy-filled reception, their Moshulu wedding was everything they had hoped for—unique, intimate, and unforgettable.

The bride and groom embrace on the top deck of the Moshulu, standing against the railing with the Philadelphia waterfront behind them. A soft breeze lifts the bride’s veil as they lean in for a kiss, capturing the romance of their Moshulu wedding

I’d like to give a HUGE shout out to all the amazing vendors who helped bring Alexa and Josh’s wedding day to life!

Vendor List

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2024 L.Morgan Photography

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Notice of Copyright