As someone who tied the knot on the third of July, I can attest to the level of difficulty concerning an sweet, Americana wedding with a tasteful smattering of red, white, and blue. So often, it can come out not quite right – too over-the-top patriotic, so understated that the nuptials no longer read good old U S of A. With the help of Proud to Plan, this couple NAILED it. The whole affair was chic, classic, and had just enough George Washington to make it fab. Captured by 217 Photography, this is the kind of wedding I could spend days, weeks, even months obsessing over. And if it’s right up your alley too, click here for the full image gallery!
From Proud to Plan … When Will proposed to Casey in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, it set the tone for what was to be a wedding of historical proportions. Casey is a huge history buff and Will just graduated from West Point Academy, so it made perfect sense to host their big day at the Colonial Dames Headquarters of America. Located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, the venue is full of charm and authentic elements, and we knew this would be the ideal setting for their Revolutionary themed wedding.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed with pitchers of “Patriot Punch” and “Liber-Tea” self-served in “Free Mason” jars. Programs fans, hung by clothespins on lines of twine, also gave guests their reception seat assignments. Rather than traditional ceremony seating by sides, attendees chose to be “Loyalists” or “Patriots.” The beautiful bride walked down an aisle lined with flags she hand-stitched herself, displayed in galvanized tin buckets tied with twine. The lucky lady was married to her groom by the Chaplain of West Point Academy while General George Washington enjoyed the nuptials from afar.
Casey chose a palette of soft pinks and blues to complement the touches of red, white and blue decor. Her florist, Honeybunches, used beautiful peonies and wildflowers to coordinate with the vintage lace linens and antique place settings used at their reception. Rather than floral centerpieces, the couple chose to feature lanterns in homage to Paul Revere’s infamous alert “One if by Land, Two if by Sea” and named each of their tables after a famous figure from Revolutionary times. In lieu of a traditional guestbook, we set up a Polaroid photobooth and provided a stack of fun props such as wigs, three point hats, bonnets, muskets, and even a set of Ben Franklin’s spectacles!
General Washington gave a riveting welcome speech to the guests before Day by Day Catering served a family-style dinner of Southern comfort food. Wedding guests really enjoyed a unique meal of fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens and pulled pork. Sam Adams beer was featured as their signature cocktail and was displayed alongside the famous Ben Franklin quote “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
A beautiful red velvet cake, topped with delicious buttercream icing and cascading pink peonies took center stage amongst assorted pies, pastries and cookies displayed on antique silver servingware. Also included were tea tins and strainers direct from Boston Tea Company, the same tea salvaged from the harbor during the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
Synergetic Sounds kept the dance floor packed all night, and when the reception was finally over, the couple left by way of a sparkler sendoff. Thank goodness we enlisted Pete Malone of 217 Photography! He captured every second of this amazing wedding and did justice to all of the details we included. Amazing professionals make for unforgettable events and this one was no exception!
Event Design, Planning and Stationery: Proud to Plan / Photography: 217 Photography / Flowers: Honeybunches Floral / Ceremony & Reception Location: Colonial Dames of Philadelphia / Caterer: Day by Day Catering / DJ: Synergetic Sounds / Cake: Anna Violet Confections / Hair: Michelle from Daneene Makeup / Makeup: Cheekadee / Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Shoes: Steve Madden / Dress: Watters