For years, Finley Catering has remained a family-run business offering elegant and timeless venues in the heart Center City Philadelphia. In some of the most historic buildings downtown, Finley Catering has placed The Crystal Tea Room, The Ballroom at the Ben, Union Trust, and The Clothier Room along the Mainline.
Having photographed weddings and events in most of Finley Catering’s Venues, I first became acquainted with the family side of this family-run business at a Young Friends of Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund event. Michelle Finley now works as a part of her father’s company officially ushering in the second generation of Finleys to the business.
We have been to the Crystal Tea Room many times. Its historic feeling in the Wanamaker Building makes it an interesting location to shoot in and its proximity to City Hall means you can dip out to take a few photos there during your wedding day. There, Villa Maria had their Mother/Daughter Tea, International S.O.S. hosted their Holiday Party and Colby and Chad celebrated their wedding– and, where Colby came incredibly familiar the giant crystal chandelier while dancing the horah.
At the Ballroom at the Ben we shared in Alexis and Brian’s wedding day as they brought New York City Flair to Philadelphia. This beautiful venue was also featured on the big screen as the ballroom for Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence to show off their dance moves in Academy Award winning film Silver Linings Playbook.
Their Union Trust location was formerly the Union Trust Company Bank built in 1888 and is their newest location. It is where a recent couple of ours, Rhonda and Lee tied the knot giving us our opportunity to photograph the venue for the first time. Nestled in an old bank, the venue boasts high ceilings, and a wrapping balcony where couples have signed their ketubahs as their guests mingled beneath them.
Not to be overlooked are their serious culinary skills; Steve Finley, the founder of the Finley Catering Company, pursued a culinary degree and his dedication to excellent cuisine can be tasted at all of the company’s venues.
While we have yet to visit the Clothier Room, we love working at these locations and would recommend them to any couple. We hope to be able to say that we have been to all of Finley Catering’s four locations in the near future. One more to go!
Best,
Stacey
