Classic Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia Wedding from MKPhotography

I would like to announce the winners of the Most Adorable Bride and Groom award – Scottie and Cooper – the classic beauties tying the knot in this romantic Philadelphia wedding. From her stunning Vera Wang gown, to her naturally classic look, this bride is definitely gorgeous – and the camera’s of MKPhotography LOVED her. And I can’t get over how sweet that groom looks in his glasses. This couple is way too cute. And the rest of the wedding? Just as amazing. Every last drop. When traditional meets the now, like Scottie & Cooper’s wedding did, it’s beyond, and we love it. Click here for even more!

That gorgeous Lilly of the Valley bouquet and all the other fab florals courtesy of Beautiful Blooms.

On Friday, February 12, 2010, Scottie was on her way from New York City to meet Cooper in Greenwich, CT for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend. Scottie was in a particularly good mood, and quite distracted, as it was her last day of work before going on vacation for two weeks prior to starting her new job. Cooper had arrived in Greenwich a few hours before Scottie because she stayed late in the city to take a yoga class, so to her – there was nothing suspicious about their mismatched arrival times. When the cab arrived at the house in Greenwich, Scottie walked to the back door and found a note saying “Follow the Candles…” Scottie proceeded to follow a trail of 5 candles that led through the house. At each candle, there was a portion of a note written by Cooper, and the last candle was located at the threshold of the living room where Scottie could see a beautiful fire had been made. The end of the note at the last candle read “Ms. Elizabeth Scott McQuilkin…” Just as Scottie finished reading the note, Cooper walked into the doorway, got down on one knee with a ring in hand, and finished the sentence “…will you marry me?” Scottie of course said yes, and immediately needed to sit down for fear of fainting!

Scottie grew up outside of Philadelphia, and had passed The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia numerous times growing up. The architecture is beautiful and the backdrop of City Hall made for excellent photographs!  We also wanted a venue where we knew we would get exceptional service so we wouldn’t have to worry about anything on the big day.  The Ritz-Carlton exceeded out expectations every step of the way and their service was impeccable.  They comfortably accommodated all of our guests and provided a beautiful central location for out of towners to reach.  The food and accommodations were great for our reception and ceremony!

The most important thing for Scottie to decide on first was the dress since it determined the tone and level of formality of the rest of the wedding….Scottie went to Vera Wang with her mom, mother-in-law to be, and a close family friend.  She tried on about 15 dresses, and when she put the last one on – she knew it was the one!  It was simple, classic and elegant.  Once her consultant at Vera Wang put on the cathedral length veil, Scottie knew her choice was made!  The dress also happened to match the PERFECT Christian Louboutin shoes Scottie had picked out a few weeks before.  After the wedding, Scottie donated her dress and veil to The Bridal Garden in NYC, which is a non-profit that benefits children in New York City. Scottie kept the sash from her dress as well as her shoes, in case there is a daughter some day who may want to wear them.  As a surprise addition to Scottie’s outfit at the end, Betteridge, the Greenwich, CT jeweler who custom made Scottie’s engagement ring and both Scottie and Cooper’s wedding bands, loaned Scottie an incredible pair of diamond chandelier earnings to complete her wedding day look!

For the photographer, Scottie immediately knew who she wanted.  Scottie’s colleague had worked with the mkPhoto team for her own wedding a few years ago, and when Scottie saw their incredible photos – mkPhoto was the only photographer she reached out to!  Scottie and Cooper were incredibly impressed with mkPhoto’s professionalism throughout the wedding planning process, and appreciated their expertise on the big day to ensure we got more great photos than we imagined!

For the flowers, Scottie worked with the team at Beautiful Blooms.  Beautiful Blooms had been recommended by a number of people, and for good reason.  Maya Shumar and her team executed perfectly on the concept Scottie outlined – white flowers of all kinds and lots of fresh green throughout the ceremony and reception combined with romantic low lighting and candles.  Scottie chose a bouquet entirely made of lily of the valley for her walk down the aisle, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen were accessorized with mini calla lilies and sprigs of lily of the valley to match.

Photography: MKPhotography / Flowers: Beautiful Blooms / Ceremony Location: Ritz Carlton Philadelphia / Reception Location: Ritz Carlton Philadelphia / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Wedding Gown: Vera Wang / Veil: Vera Wang / Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang / Stationery: Dana Charette, Salt & Paper Design / Calligraphy: Mindy Mraz / Hair & Makeup: Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon / Band: City RhythmBrandywine Valley Talent