When it comes to a classic romantic pairing of style and color, ballrooms and blush win our hearts over every time. Case in point? This darling day snapped up by Paul Francis Photography. And when said wedding is chock-full of sweet blooms from Papertini, you can bet we’ll sneaking an extra peek or two at the gallery. See it all here.
From the beautiful Bride…When Bob and I first met, I was new to the Philadelphia area so a lot of our time together was spent with him showing me around all of his most favorite spots in the city. So when it came time to choosing a venue for our wedding, we knew we wanted to be in the heart of the city where we fell in love. Finley Catering’s Ballroom at the Ben was exactly what we were looking for. The high ceilings and warm glow of the uplighting give way to the mezzanine to create such a classic, romantic atmosphere.
The inspiration for the details of our wedding really came from the city. There is a famous park in Center City with a large LOVE statue, which became our theme, appearing on our invitations, cake topper, and ice sculpture. We also used the city skyline on our RSVP card and place cards. The place cards I was able to create myself using a template and paper from Paper Source in Marlton, NJ, but the invitation suite I needed help with. I met with a designer at Paper on Pine in Philadelphia and she was able to create exactly what I had envisioned.
In continuing with our theme of classic, romantic Philadelphia, we asked Paul and Carolyn of Paul Francis Photography to do our first look, couple’s portraits, and bridal party pictures by City Hall and in Old City. It was the perfect balance of beautiful architecture and lush summer greens. On the trolley between locations, Paul reached over to show me a few shots he had taken and I was blown away. I am so happy we trusted him to capture our day. His eye for detail and lighting is unbelievable.
Perhaps one of the best decisions we made while planning our wedding was hiring Tanti at Papertini as our florist. From our very first meeting, she completely understood my vision for classic romanticism using blush pinks, greens, and gold. She sketched out some ideas as we were talking and her enthusiasm as she was drawing and talking was electric. I loved how she turned a simple place card table into a true work of art using small elements of things Bob and I love. What I treasured most about Tanti’s work was our ceremony arch. Upon leaving her office after our first meeting, she asked if there was anything else I could think of so I mentioned that before my grandfather’s passing he had owned a lighting store and lightbulbs always made me think of him. Tanti used inverted lightbulbs as small vessels for hanging flowers from the draped arch above our heads. I couldn’t thank her enough for incorporating them; it was such a beautiful way to have him with us that day.
Lastly, my advice for brides to be, especially those who are feeling overwhelmed like I was in the beginning: hire vendors who are professional, organized, and see your vision. I cannot stress that enough. Everyone was asking how I was able to stay so calm the month of our wedding, and it was because I chose my vendors carefully. I knew that Finley Catering was the utmost professional in the business, and that Paul Francis Photography and Papertini were organized and understood my vision. The only thing you have to do is trust them to see it to fruition. Bob and I both agree if we could do it over, we would not change a single thing.
Photography: Paul Francis Photography | Floral Design: Papertini | Cake: Termini Bros | Ceremony Venue: Ballroom At The Ben | Reception Venue: Ballroom At The Ben | Bride's Shoes: Milk and Honey Shoes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Ballroom At The Ben | Make Up: Cindy Castro | Hair: Cindy Castro | Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Bride's Hair Piece: Foolish Ginger | Ceremony Pianist: All About Me | DJ/Band: DiNardo Brothers Entertainment | Groom's And Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Invitation: Paper on Pine | Save-the-Date, Place Cards: Paper Source