You might want to sit down for this one. This wedding is a true-blue ballroom beauty, but the gorgeous couple is going to make you stop and stare. I mean, seriously, the two of them together are just beyond good-looking. Then I read the bride’s words and I was smitten with their love story too. Photographed to perfection by mk Photography this glamorous Philadelphia fête is one you can’t go without exploring. Check out the gallery for even more of this stunning city affair.
From the bride… Leaving my house for a casual night out with friends, I was surprised to see an unfamiliar face in my driveway: a very tall, handsome baseball player who was also a fellow pharmacy student at my university. He had come along with one of our mutual friends, and I recognized him as one of the “hot baseball twins” on campus; it was rare to find a good-looking athlete at a very nerdy science university! He introduced himself to me as Justin and offered a firm handshake. I was immediately enamored by his warm personality, humor, charm–and his height! Although we were with a group friends, Justin and I spent the entire night in our own conversation sharing horror stories about our pharmacy rotations and discussing our mutual love for traveling and the game Taboo. I also noticed how chivalrous he was: no door was left unopened. I knew I had met someone special.
Two days after meeting, Justin got my number from our mutual friend and asked me out on a date for that night. I was living with my parents, and when the doorbell rang, my aunt answered to find a tall, young man looking for Diana. Justin picking me up at my house would have been perfectly normal and expected, but that day there were tons of family visiting from all over (cousins from D.C., my great aunt from Michigan, a cousin from San Francisco, another aunt and cousins from Egypt), not to mention my entire immediate family was home, too, including my grandmother who wouldn’t miss the opportunity to make me introduce Justin to each and every family member. After completely overwhelming Justin with my big, extended Egyptian family, we decided it was time to start our date. We had a wonderful time that night. I was so excited about how easily our conversations flowed, but immediately I felt disappointed to share the news that I was going backpacking in Europe for one month in less than a week. The timing could not have been worse. I had just met an amazing guy who I was sure would meet someone else while I was away.
I left for my adventure excited to explore Europe but also sad I would be missing out on on our immediate connection and would be unable to continue getting to know someone I knew was very special. But it was no accident my travel friend and I made sure every bed and breakfast, hostel, and hotel we stayed in had an Internet connection! Justin and I sent emails to each other just about every day while I was away. In fact, Justin was the first person I called after successfully skydiving in the Swiss Alps! My first night after returning from Europe, Justin welcomed me back with a home-cooked meal. Over a dinner of fried rice and after a round of Taboo, I realized I had met someone that I couldn’t live without and who truly made me smile from within. From that moment on, it became “Justin and Diana” celebrating our achievements, comforting each other during times of despair, and savoring happy moments, together.
Photograhpy: mk Photography / Coordinator: Details by Kelly Miller / Reception venue: The Franklin Institute / Catering & Cake: Frog Commissary / Cinematography: Tangerine Media Group / Flowers: Uncommon Events / Music: Star Talent, Inc. / Hair and Makeup: Glamourella NYC, LLC / Bride’s Dress: Martina Liana gown from Bijou Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier / Escort Cards, Programs, Pretzels, Champagne Glasses, Konafa Goodie Bags, and Cupcake Bags: DIY by the bride and groom