Philadelphia Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

An “Old Hollywood” Inspired Wedding at Cescaphe in Philadelphia

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blush, champagne, black and white[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]The vision for this wedding was timeless and elegant, but FUN!!! They love a classic look, but they love to party. So the goal was for portraits to feel classic, and elegant, but bring the party when it came time for the reception! Sarah wanted the old hollywood, black & white, “what you think of a wedding” vibe. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Sarah & Max met while attending West Chester University through a mutual friend. They quickly became friends, but did not become romantic until way later– in fact after they already graduated from school. They just celebrated their 5 year dating anniversary on June 7th.

Max proposed on February 25th, 2023. The plan for max was to take Sarah on a “belated” valentine’s day date in downtown West Chester. He then told her she needed to be dressed up for a surprise he had following dinner. They were on their way to Sedona Tap House for lunch, and as they were walking Max thought it would be great to stop in an area with a lot of fountains for a pre-date photo. While they were getting ready to take a photo, Sarah turned around to check on Max and that is when she saw him down on one knee.

West Chester was where they first met, where their life dreams were realized, and where a lot of important moments in their relationship happened so Sarah could not have asked for a better place to start her forever with Max! It was also snowing that day, which added to the beauty of the moment.

After the engagement, Max planned a surprise party at a bar called Barnaby’s (also significant to their college fun), where all of her friends and family were waiting to celebrate the big moment with them! [/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Sarah knew she wanted something simple but elegant, so when she tried her dress on she knew immediately it was the one! It had a classic look that she loved, but also had a unique shape of the neck line that added an edge, making it more modern and fun. It was the complete embodiment of Sarah![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Pink is Sarah’s favorite color, so she knew she had to have that color incorporated in her day! She felt it was light, romantic, and added to the classic-ness of her day. It was also satin so it was upscale but still matched the vibe![/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Cocktail hour at Cescaphe is never to be outdone. With a combination of passed hors d’oeuvres, and stations there is anything you can think of from a grill with burgers, a seafood extravaganza, to pastas, an Asian station, the list goes on and on. For dinner, guests had the option between a filet mignon, Crab tower (crab cakes), or Chicken Milanese. Dessert consisted of chocolate fondue with multiple dipping options, pastries, towers of different dessert options, and so much more!

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Florals were provided by Riehs flowers, which Sarah opted for white flowers with minimal greenery to keep things clean and traditional. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The cake was for both the bride and groom– It was all beauty and elegance in the front with a total party in the back. The front of the cake was a traditional white with flower accents. The back of the cake was for Max, showcasing the teams of Philadelphia (Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies)! The cake flavors were between vanilla & Chocolate chip with a buttecream frosting[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was a traditional catholic ceremony at Sarah’s home parish. Her dad walked her down the aisle, and she blew a sweet kiss to her momma at the end before taking Max’s hands. Readings were from her godmother, max’s under, and a close family friend. The ring bearer was Max’s nehphew/godson, and the flower girl was Sarah’s goddaughter!!

The vows were traditional, but prior to the ceremony both Sarah & Max exchanged handwritten letters with personalized vows and promises! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]One thing that was super special was a song dedicated to Sarah by her dad! The song was the underdog by Aaron Watson. It was a beautiful moment that had the crowd on their feet, and Sarah really immersed in the moment with her dad, and at times singing along!![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Sarah & Max forewent a traditional guestbook and opted for a customized Eagles Jersey that each guest signed [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]A lot of her details were born from family love–

Her mom made her veil, as she is very crafty and wanted to do this for her daughter!!
She wore her mom’s pearl earrings that her mom also wore on her very own wedding day. Her mom also made all of the decor (Kathy’s Krafts and More)[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

[/board_carousel]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Lexi Jaice Photography

View Portfolio

An Unforgettable Evening with Dramatic Drapery, Rich Florals, and Romantic Ambiance

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”The Inspiration”]

The vision for this event was to create an atmosphere that brought a sense of depth to a typically light, airy, and bright venue and aesthetic. We wanted something very dreamy and romantic, unlike anything we had seen before. Drapery was at the core of our vision, and how it would all come together after sunset would be the most important for us to capture. What we wanted didn’t quite exist yet; we couldn’t find a way to describe this vision of drapery enveloping a dinner in rows of gorgeous, perfect swoops. Ellen from On Q Productions nailed it and custom-built everything to create this gorgeous scene.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Soft muted peach tones, paired with deep greens and warmer autumn colors.[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]

Cairnwood Estate, a very well-known venue outside of Philadelphia with a rich history, provided the perfect backdrop. The colors of the venue itself allow for a canvas that is easily adaptable, and its castlelike accents bring a sense of drama and luxury. We chose the terrace for the dinner vision because of its beautiful columned arches and untapped potential, as we had never seen the terrace used in this way before. It felt fresh and exciting. Cairnwood has hosted so many stunning events over the years, so doing something with an entirely fresh perspective felt perfect.

[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Beauty”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The Gigi gown, our ceremony portrait look, is made out of luminous satin. She supports a gorgeous scooped structured bodice and a wrapped cinched waistline design and the long skirt features a sexy slit and just the right amount of train. Lace up back for a perfect shapely fit. The reception gown brought some more flirty and fun energy with a feathered bodice and gorgeous a-line silhouette that is comfortable to dance the night away while maintaining an elevated dramatic look.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Party”][/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Fashion”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

When creating the tablescape, we brought in deeper tones to elevate the venue’s neutral space. The velvet hunter-green linen grounded the tablescape, while the florals added texture and brought our color palette to life. Fluffy touches of soft peach, muted yellows, and deep burgundy pulled the color throughout our entrance moment and into our centerpieces. The asymmetrical floral installation framing the dinner scene added the perfect touch.

[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

Of course, the drapery is the star of the show. I also loved how the floral installation created this unexpected moment outside of the terrace and framed the tablescape perfectly. The menu design and stationery by Christy at Paper Tree Studio also were absolutely stunning and a stand-out moment.

[/field]
[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]

The lighting and the candle-lit energy are an absolute must. If you’re going to go all out on floral and drapery, it only makes sense to light them so those elements can shine. Pin spotting the foral and table made so much of a difference, so while all the beautiful dramatic elements make the vision, don’t forget to do it justice with professional lighting.

[/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”]

Not exactly a DIY moment but a special touch is we had a cafe on-site throughout the entire event with signature espresso & coffee drinks. Something I think would add such an extra touch to long wedding days for not only the bride and groom, and their VIPs but for guests as well.

[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Details”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]

Childhood Sweethearts Wed in a Lavish Day Inspired by French Rococo Art

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blush, Mauve, Honey, Lavender, French Blue[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The bride’s deep love of French style influenced every touch of this regal celebration. Together with her planning team Courtney Space Events and By Catherine Alexandra, Bride Elena envisioned a day inspired by the lavish feminine motifs of French Rococo art. Photographer Katie Trauffer worked closely with the bride to translate their shared love of French art and architecture into romantic, authentic, etherial portraits. From the Bride’s corseted Kim Kassas gown to the exuberant dancing florals by Wild Indigo, the day was filled with feminine grace, ornate details, and Parisian beauty.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

From the bride: “We were engaged in Malibu, California at the pier during golden hour after 6 years together. I was suspicious to why Geoff changed to dress shoes right before we headed to the beach. I immediately panicked (I had sand in my hair!) and did what Audrey Hepburn would do – just throw on a little lipstick. “

[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride worked hand in hand with her stylist at Kinsley James to special order her stunning Kim Kassas gown. The bold, avant-garde details of Kim Kassas designs was an ideal fit for the feminine yet whimsical Rococo inspiration of the day. The sculpted corset top and exaggerated layered tulle skirt melded contemporary ballet inspirations with a timeless silhouette.

The bride customized her look by taking the striking swans of the original gown and moving them to her veil to soften the look and so they could drape gracefully over her through the day. She further added a crown and sheer, fingerless gloves to enhance the regal rococo feel.

The bride says, “I wanted to feel like a queen on my day. The dress was a symbol of a kindred part of my heart that is a francophile and adores France, the most romantic, soft, unspoken parts of me. The dress feels like a friend to me.- she is a symbol of my ability to express my creativity and speak my truth, even if my voice shakes. “[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]The couple created a seasonal multi course meal for their guests complete with sumptuous dessert bar and custom cocktails. Bar napkins featured their beloved cat Gigi.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We wanted to put together a soft, muted color palette that was interesting and a bit unexpected. The bride gravitated towards fluffy, feminine blooms in muted, muddled tones. We added a touch of french blue to bring in her love of Parisian style. Cafe latte garden roses and lavender clematis were the stars of her bouquet.

For the reception, we wanted the centerpieces to have lots of movement and be engaging for guests. We added plenty of layers and texture to the florals to give them dimension and interest.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The Bride imagined a multi-tiered French masterpiece in her beloved French blue. The cake featured custom made silhouettes of the Bride and Groom accented with delicate florals.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The couple decided to honor Elena’s roots with a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony. They shared meaningful traditions such as holding candles and the marital crowns- or Stefana. Thought to symbolize the joining of two people into one single couple, the crowns are interwound three times before being tied together with a ribbon, the couple then walks three times around the alter.

Leaving the church the couple opted to do a lavender toss in a nod to the bride’s love of France.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The venues for both the ceremony and reception held intimate personal ties for the Bride and her family. The ceremony was held in the same church where the bride and her two sisters were all baptized before moving away to Indiana. The reception was especially important to the Bride’s family as it was where her own parents took their wedding portraits 33 years earlier. The Bride grew up looking at her parent’s portraits under the property’s grand willow trees and dreamed of saying her own vows there. At last taking her own wedding portraits with her beloved under the same trees was a special, full circle moment for her.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Ornamental fruit accentuated the lush florals drawing on the luxurious decadence of French Rococo art.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

The bride poured her heart into their wedding day details and, along with Photographer Katie Trauffer, personally sourced antiques and special touches to add to her detail flat lays. Some special touches included an antique Wedgwood tray; vow books for their special moment under the willow tree; a ribbon hand painted by one of the bride’s close friends, Olivia Dornsife Art with sentimental touches; and heirloom jewelry from her mom.

[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

[/board_carousel]

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bachelor Boys Band

View Portfolio

Katie Trauffer Photography

View Portfolio

A Romantic Greenhouse Wedding That Brings The Outdoors Inside

Love the look of an outdoor wedding, but hosting one that’s indoors? This lush greenhouse wedding designed by Shannon Leahy has got you covered. With an abundance of overflowing white blooms, florals by Bows and Arrows transported guests to an enchanted monochrome garden. Capturing the love in the room as only she can, Lauren Fair Photography beautifully tells the story of the day through her images. Be prepared to swoon over all the pretty in the full gallery.

From Lauren Fair Photography… The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center sets the scene for this incredibly lush, all white wedding. Powerhouse talent Shannon Leahy Events planned a romantic day filled with beauty and intrigue.

Bows & Arrows Flowers knocked it out of the park, truly bringing the outdoors inside. Lush blooms as far as the eye could see filled the greenhouse reception.

Lauren Fair Photography brought the beauty of the day to life in her imagery. The love that filled the room beautifully translates through her pictures.

Photography: Lauren Fair Photography | Event Design: Shannon Leahy Events | Event Planning: Shannon Leahy Events | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Reception Venue: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Lauren Fair Photography

View Portfolio

Bows and Arrows

View Portfolio

Romantic Chateau Inspiration Right Here in the USA, Designed With a High Fashion Bride in Mind

If you’re a bride that lives for high fashion, but loves an old world feel – this one’s for you! Leave it to Lauren Fair and Arielle Fera Events to bring the romance and allure of Europe to the States. They designed a shoot that incorporates the old-world character of Elkins Estate, infused with a modern feel. If you didn’t already know, Elkins Estate is a 45-room manor built in the style of Italian High Renaissance – smack dab in the suburbs of Philadelphia! To watch the magic unfold, check out the full gallery of inspiration, complete with hundreds of breathtaking blooms by Twisted Willow Flowers.

From Lauren Fair Photography… The concept for this shoot was centered around a historic estate, Elkins Estate, that is currently being revitalized into a luxurious new wedding venue in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Our team sought out to produce inspiration that incorporates the old-world character of Elkins Estate while infusing a modern + very romantic feel. High fashion, yet approachable for a bride. We designed this shoot with a high-end bride in mind; one that loves fashion, the richness that comes with a historic, opulent, gilded venue but also loves refinement through modern details. Elkins Estate, owned by Landmark Venues; is a 45-room manor built in the style of Italian High Renaissance.

The unique interior features, such as the ornately carved wood and gilded molding, marble columns and accents, frescoed ceilings, gargoyles and the like, were crafted in Europe and shipped to the United States, where they were assembled on site. The interior was designed by renowned French interior decor experts Allard et Fils, which accounts for the distinctly French feel in some of the rooms. The Estate sits on 42 rolling acres. It is the perfect venue for a couple who wants a European feel for their wedding without having to travel overseas. The venue is so vast and offers amazing indoor and outdoor spaces, we decided to feature two couples in order to capture the grandness of the venue. We also featured designer gowns by some of the designers in the industry. For a bride that loves fashion, one dress is clearly not enough. This shoot is rich with beautiful dresses that are both high-fashion yet approachable and extremely romantic and feminine. For the shoot we opted for a romantic palette consisting of muted + rich tonal shades of blush, cream, light rusty peach, café au lait and cream all accented with hints of gold.

Ashley and Emmanuel are an engaged couple who modeled for us. Twisted Willow Flowers created a gorgeous + sprawling ceremony arch that was set on one of the Estate’s elaborate outdoor staircases. It is a beautiful backdrop for the couple to be elevated above their admiring guests. Ashley wore gorgeous designer gowns by designer Alon Livne provided by Jessica Haley Bridal and designer gowns by Alon Livne and PRONOVIAS provided by La Belle Mariee. Ashley’s makeup was subtle and soft while her hair was styled into a dramatic power ponytail by Michele Wilderman. The gorgeous jewelry that she wore was provided by Kellmer Jewelers. Their wedding cake was creatively crafted by NutMeg Cake Design to be reminiscent of a sculpture that complements the stateliness of the venue. Arielle Fera Events curated a gorgeous ensemble of lounge furniture from White Glove Rentals that was styled on one of the grand balconies. A hand-drawn venue sketch adorned the couple’s invitation suite that was beautifully designed by PaperTree Studio.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Lauren Fair Photography

View Portfolio

How to Incorporate Subtle Hints of Fall in Your Wedding Decor Without Going Overboard

That crisp morning air, early signs of transitioning colors and a pumpkin spice latte in hand… I mean, are these not the best days or what?! Today we’re so excited to be sharing with you a gorgeous Philadelphia wedding planned by Polka Dot Events that so perfectly incorporated subtle hints of Fall into the decor. It was just the right amount of foliage in the arrangements from Belovely along with a moody color palette that did the trick. For more autumn inspired wedding inspiration, head on over to the full gallery – all taken by Haley Richter Photography!

How they Met

When Matt, a Philadelphia native, met Emily, a born and raised New Yorker, the fireworks were immediate — but as Matt likes to joke, he thought Emily was way out of his league! The two of them met while working at the same software company in New York and say that their compatibility surfaced as colleagues through their mutual work ethic, drive and love for Matt’s corny jokes.

The Proposal

After three years together, Matt proposed in May of 2018. He had planned a date night for the two of them so that it wouldn’t be suspicious to ask Emily to get dressed up. However, as Emily remembers it, Matt was home from work before her, had already opened wine and was singing in the shower – not suspicious at all! Right before they were due to leave for their supposed restaurant date, Matt asked Emily if they could take a selfie, and right after the camera clicked Matt was getting down on one knee. Emily describes that moment as one she could never forget — “right there in the center of our cozy Brooklyn apartment, our first home together and our sanctuary from the hustle of NYC – the man I love with all my heart was down on one knee, asking me to marry him.” To make the moment even more memorable, Matt had organized it so that their friends and family were all at the bar below their building, ready to celebrate with them after she said yes.

The Wedding

When planning their wedding there were a few nonnegotiables for Matt and Emily. They wanted a venue close to Center City, a modern-romantic aesthetic, a fall date, and a large dance floor for all of their guests. Cescaphe’s newest venue, The Lucy, checked all of these boxes and more; however, there was a catch — it hadn’t even been built yet! Emily and Matt took a leap of faith and booked The Lucy solely on the design renderings. The Lucy promised an air of mid-century modernness; it’s moody romantic color palette offset by cool brass fixtures and marble details differentiated itself from other venues. The couple knew The Lucy would be something special. November in Philadelphia can be a stunning contradiction: Center City, where the Lucy is located, is a gray bustling metropolis, however, just a few blocks over in Old City there is liveliness in the fall foliage that surrounds you.

The couple wanted to honor both facets of the city for their big day, and so, chose the Lokal Hotel as their venue for intimate time with family in the hours leading up to their ceremony. To the bride, a successful wedding was all in the details; and details were the last thing she wanted to be thinking about on her wedding day — cue the wedding dream team! “While the food, music, and drinks are the most important aspects for our guests, for us, we’re spending most of our wedding day with our photographer and coordinator so it was so important to get the dynamics right”, stated the bride, “We had already met Haley, of Haley Richter Photography, during our engagement shoot and from the moment we met her she felt like family. When Haley referred us to Polka Dot Events for our coordinator we were quick to take her referral but couldn’t have imagined how wonderful Allie Beik would be. The two of them truly were our dream team!”. The couple photographed in several Philadelphia landmarks including the Merchants Exchange Building, Washington Square and of course, Broad Street. Carrying the warmth of autumn inside to their venue, the couple hired Belovely as their florist.

Belovely materialized the bride’s vision by bringing in softer elements like pampas grass, linen runners, muted greens and pops of jewel toned flowers throughout the venue for their early November wedding. The bride’s gown was a custom design featuring a clean modern silhouette as an ode to her New York style; paired with statement earrings from Olive + Piper and designer Jimmy Choo shoes, she radiated confidence walking down the aisle. The couple was accompanied under their chuppah by their parents as well as the Bride’s twin sister and Groom’s brother who officiated their ceremony. Putting family first has always been a shared value between Matt and Emily; they opted to only have their siblings in their bridal party and even their rescue dog Winnie made a cameo as the namesake signature drink – the Winnie Woo! Emily, Matt, and Matt’s mom were especially excited about their band (LA Starz from EBE), and they did not disappoint! The dance floor was packed the entire time, from the minute the Cescaphe flower cannon went off after the new couple was introduced to the end of the final song. LA Starz included some of Matt’s parents’ favorite songs which really got this local crowd going, including (of course) Bruce Springsteen’s Rosalita and Bon Jovi hits.

Emotion Packed Wedding at a Philly Greenhouse

So many couples nowadays are looking for a really unique wedding venue. It can make the experience incredibly fun for all your guests. Yesterday we were in New Orleans at a delightful historic venue and today, we’re taking you to Philadelphia to the Horticulture Center. Makes it pretty fun for us, too! We know you’ll enjoy a look into today’s emotion-packed wedding film from NST Pictures with photography by Brianna Wilbur Photography. Let’s start with a quick look at the beautiful spring cherry blossoms that provided the perfect backdrop for these pre-wedding shots.

From NST Pictures… Jill and Zach’s wedding color palette centered around the blush pink of Philadelphia’s cherry blossoms at the Horticulture Center Highlights, blending beautifully with ivory and sage green. The bridal bouquet was wrapped in Jill’s mom’s veil, adding both a little “something old” and “something borrowed” to the bridal look. As you’ll see in their wedding highlight film, a festive donut stand awaited the guests instead of the traditional cake at the reception!
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/286196417 600 338]

A Bit of Advice From Style Me Pretty

DO – BUDGET FOR A WEDDING FILM: If funds are tight, pull a little $ from every line item on your budget sheet and put it toward a film! We PROMISE… you won’t regret the decision. Videographers usually offer a wide variety of coverage options.
DON’T – SCRIMP ON QUALITY: Choose a high quality cinematographer. Again, if funds are tight, opt for less coverage time from a highly recommended cinematographer who you know will provide a film you will cherish.
DO – ASK FRIENDS, FAMILY, WEDDING PLANNERS [and SMP (lol)] for RECOMMENDATIONS: Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a high quality videographer. And… We’re not tooting our own horn, but the videographers that we have listed in our Little Black Book – listed under VENDORS WE LOVE – were screened by our professional-peer-based-advisory board before being invited to be a member. NST PICTURES is one of our highly-recommended cinematographers. They have been credited on more than 25 features on Style Me Pretty going back to 2013!
DON’T – JUST LOOK IN YOUR IMMEDIATE LOCATION: The vast majority of cinematographers LOVE to travel and many have offices set up in multiple locations. Case in point, if you look at NST PICTURES’ website, you’ll see that they cover all 51 states plus Japan, The Phillipines and will meet you wherever your romantic heart leads you for your Destination Wedding.
DO – LOOK AT THE ‘ABOUT’ SECTION ON WEBSITES: We believe strongly in researching each and every vendor team before you sign on the dotted line. Meeting in person, talking on the phone, of course, are vital. But start with the ABOUT section on their website. It’s usually a quick synopsis of what’s important to the vendor, what they do when they aren’t working, and can give you insight into their core values. Choosing teams that have the same-ish values as you do is key. {Reading about NST Pictures reveals that they are a team of about a dozen extremely artistic women with talents going above and beyond cinematography – with a lone man in the middle. Kudos to him!}

And one last DO… Do let the experts have some say in the day. You may have a difficult time letting go of each and every detail… your must-have-shots, the-posed moments, the-exact-timeline-your-way-your-day, etc, (and that IS so important!) but be sure to let the talents of all your carefully chosen wedding professionals shine through. Meet with them all (or speak with them) and allow their recommendations to curate the finished product of #yourweddingday!

Looking back on their wedding day, Jill and Zach are sure to remember the big moments. But it’s through the expert lenses of Briana Wilbur and NST Pictures that they will feel all the moments they didn’t get to see… or the moments they were too excited to remember! Their film and their photographs will remind them of each and every snuggle, the full emotional impact of their first look ~ as well as all the spoken words. Their vows, the toasts, the songs they danced to – the whispers of love, wiping the tears off of each other’s faces, the emotion when Jill and her father walked down the aisle to Zach. One of the cutest things I saw on the highlight film was when all of the bridesmaids gave a little wiggle as they lined up under the cherry blossoms before the wedding! So, so fun!

From the Bride, Jill … Zach and I knew each other in High School, ran with the same crowd. It wasn’t until after college that we reconnected. I was living in West Chester, Pennsylvania and Zach was in Baltimore. I went to Baltimore for the weekend with ten of my girls and stayed with our mutual guy friend, Ryan, who just happened to be Zach’s roommate (at the time). Zach and I reconnected and bonded over an upcoming music festival that we were both attending in the summer. I gave him my number and, well, you know… history. We dated long distance for three and a half years but eventually, Zach moved back to the area for a job in Philadelphia. By Christmas Eve, we were engaged… and married two years later on April 28th!

We hope we’ve given you a few more reasons to schedule your favorite cinematographer, today. And remember, no matter where you find that special spot for your wedding, NST Pictures can be right beside you to capture and create a film that will bring the whole day rushing back on the big screen for years to come. In their words, “While we highlight the tangible details of the day, our expertise lies in focusing on the emotional details–like the way your fiancé squeezes your hand during the ceremony or the look you share with your mother while you’re getting ready… the hug that neither of you want to let go of… that rejoices in knowing that TODAY is your wedding day!”

We’d love for you to take some time with your sweetheart to watch more films from NST Pictures right here: Wedding Films from NST Pictures

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid Dresses

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

View All Collections

Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

View All Collections

Wedding Dresses

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Spring 2016

Blush by Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige Occasions

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

View All Collections

A Modern + Chic Wedding To Inspire + Entertain!

Looking for some fresh, modern inspiration? Look no further. This Philadelphia wedding is sleek and chic and just so, so good. With lots of greenery among the black and white setting, it’s a feast for our hungry eyes and we can’t stop soaking up Rachel Pearlman’s pics. So no wonder it’s our LBB Wedding of the Week. We’re in love, no doubt about it!

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

From Rachel Pearlman…

Alexa and Chris’ day was sleek and classic with a touch of whimsy (think air plants and hand-written signage). Lou Nolan, the notable voice of the Philadelphia Flyers, announced the bridal party as a surprise for everyone (arranged by the bride’s father!). This fun loving couple legitimately DANCED down their aisle after being pronounced husband and wife!

The Curtis Center is known for its Tiffany Mosaic. Alexa and Chris allowed for its black, white and green architectural details to determine the decor for the day. Lots of lucite details and an incredible mod cake designed by Jen Roach at Cescaphe flanked with succulents were notable touches.

From the Bride… Chris and I were surprisingly introduced to each other by both of our parents! From that moment forward, we enjoyed doing everything and nothing together. Although Chris and I have conflicting styles, we agreed our wedding should be fun, memorable and uniquely ours. Adding personality to the wedding was a must, so I did most of the calligraphy and decor myself and also let the bridesmaids choose their own dresses. We kept the color palette and decor modern, simplistic and classic. We wouldn’t change one thing about our wedding day – it was perfectly “us.” While it’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced activities of the day, I can speak for the both of us that remaining relaxed allowed us to enjoy every second of our amazing and memorable wedding day.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid Dresses

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

View All Collections

Wedding Dresses

Martina Liana

Fall 2014

Spring 2017

Fall 2017

View All Collections

We’re All Smiles Seeing This Philly Wedding

As someone who got her M.A. in English Literature in Philadelphia, seeing this affair at the Free Library of Philadelphia captured by Alison Conklin Photography definitely gave me all the feels. And while I Do Wedding Consulting did an amazing job with the vintage feel to this rooftop celebration, what makes this wedding truly unforgettable is not the awesome views, but that gorgeous smile plastered across the bride’s beautiful face throughout the entire today. It’s literally impossible not to start smiling yourself.

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Academic Venue Settings

Styles

Classic Weddings

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

View All Collections

This Black-Tie Wedding is Putting a Fresh Twist on Classic

Lucite and greenery are the perfect pair for this black-tie affair at Front & Palmer in Philadelphia. I use the term greenery loosely. In reality, it’s stunning white blooms intertwined with green garlands and all fashioned into statement making installations hanging from the ceiling. It’s a wow moment crafted by Wild Stems that fits right in with this modern take on a classic, fancy affair. See it all unfold through the lens of Rachel Pearlman Photography.

From the Photographer… This elegant black tie wedding is best described as classic with a modern twist. Despite getting married in mid -October, the elements and color scheme that guided Courtney and Jeremy’s day transfers to any season, and Courtney wanted her wedding to be timeless – no matter the weather prediction! After meeting the first week at Amherst College and discovering that they both had roots in Philadelphia, Courtney and Jeremy began a long courtship of love and friendship, culminating their engagement with a modern and fresh event at Front and Palmer, a former barrel factory in Philadelphia’s fishtown neighborhood. Courtney chose an intricate long sleeved gown by Amsale, and with her bridesmaids in grey she knew that her wedding would remain classic with a soft palate. Florals were black and white with hints of greenery – think white berries, lush white roses and anemone. Courtney wore her grandmother’s vintage diamond ring on her right hand and borrowed diamond earrings from her family’s jeweler in New York. The space at Front and Palmer is industrial yet inviting, and Courtney and Jeremy used the blank slate to create their dream wedding – a modern ceremony held under a floating chandelier of florals and greens, flanked by candles and acrylic ghost chairs. Guests entered the ceremony to Bittersweet Symphony and Canon in D. While they did not have a traditional Chuppuh, the couple broke glass underneath the floating centerpiece. During the reception, American Deluxe kept the party going all night while guests danced underneath market lights. Courtney and Jeremy describe their wedding as a fresh and modern fairytale!

The Cutest Idea for an At-Home 1-Year Anniversary Shoot

Celebrating your one-year anniversary with a photo sesh is always a good idea. But when you add in a cute idea like this? It becomes so, so meaningful. Lauren and Grant read their message-in-a-bottle notes written by friends and family from their wedding, how sweet?! Trousseau Style added their pretty touch and Celia Ragonese snapped it all up, right here.

From Celia Ragonese Photography… For Lauren and Grant’s first-year anniversary session, Philadelphia’s rich and vibrant architecture in the Old City neighborhood created the perfect backdrop for their classic style as husband and wife. From the iconic columns of the First Bank of the United States to the cobblestone streets in Old City, the city’s dusky summer hues created a warm and neutral color palette that went perfectly with Lauren’s millennial pink dress and Grant’s chambray blue shirt. During their early morning session, they shared laughs as they remembered their wedding day in Oregon and reminisced about their favorite moments with friends and family. For their home session, we continued the warm neutral vibe with pops of pink and blue that was highlighted by a beautiful vintage bottle and flower motif that Lauren created in their bright and airy home. With their wedding cake 2.0 from Nutmeg Cake Designs at the ready (traveling 3,000 miles with cake is a tricky endeavor) and a bottle of rose, Lauren and Grant read their message-in-a-bottle notes written by friends and family from their wedding. I love photographing married couples and one of my favorite aspects about Lauren and Grant’s anniversary session was watching their faces light up and their warm laughter fill the room as they shared stories and read these advice notes together. I always say it’s an honor to capture memories for couples, and it was truly a special day with this wonderful couple that will be remembered for a long time.

From the couple… Most of our love story takes place in Philadelphia – we met, dated, fell in love and live in the city. However, after getting engaged on vacation in Oregon, we decided to return to Oregon for our wedding and engagement photos. We thought our year anniversary would be the perfect opportunity to capture a little bit of our Philadelphia love story.

We started by visiting some of our favorite neighborhood locations in Old City. We had so much fun walking about the city and remember our first year of marriage! Next, we headed home for some cake, rosé and to read the “messages in a bottle” our guests left for us at our wedding. We laughed and cried reading through the funny, thoughtful and some cryptic messages (too much wine?). It was such a meaningful way to celebrate our first year of marriage and we’ll cherish these photos forever.

Photography: Celia Ragonese Photography | Wedding Cake: Nutmeg Cake Design | Fashion Stylists: Trousseau Style

The Perfect Garden Party Affair in Philadelphia

The term “classic beauty” is not only the perfect way to describe this radiant bride but also her entire wedding. Set at the Glen Foerd Mansion, the couple’s Philadelphia venue laid the foundation for an idyllic garden party affair and the every detail followed suit. Lovesick kept the post-vows party going and Emily Wren Photography documented the entire day from beginning to end.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/226538391 600 338]

From Emily Wren Photography… Cortney and Greg held their sweet and elegant wedding at the always enchanting Glen Foerd Mansion in Philadelphia, PA. The classic architecture and pristine rose gardens were the perfect backdrop for this spring wedding.

Cortney was a classic beauty in her Corsica gown by Eddie K and a simple yet elegant updo by Nicole Drouillard let her natural and radiant beauty shine. Pops of blue could be found in details throughout the day including beautiful hand painted signs, her dip-dyed cake by Jamie Hollander gourmet, and a few subtle but perfectly placed blue bonnets in the gorgeous bouquets by Devon & Pinkett Floral Design. Her bridal party also wore a beautiful shade of blue which just completed their perfect spring color palette!

During their reception, Greg surprised Cortney by performing an original song dedicated to his new wife, accompanied by all his groomsmen. And as the evening drew to an end fireworks were set off over the water – a perfect end to a perfect wedding day!

Part Modern, Part Classic This Inspo Session Has Something for Every Bride

Between its historic, neoclassical Water Works venue and the bridesmaids in light blue attire of different styles (including a jumpsuit!), this Philadelphia wedding inspiration shoot reimagines traditional elements by giving them an unexpected twist. A team of local vendors – including Rachel Pearlman Photography, Trousseau Style, Cottage Flowers, and Laurel and Elm – created this masterpiece, which is one part modern and one part classic. So whether you’re a modern or a traditional bride, visit this stunning gallery for endless inspiration!

When the opportunity presented itself to shoot at Philadelphia’s Water Works, our vision of reimagining traditional elements with a fresh, modern twist using a local team of talented vendors became possible.

The Fairmount Water Works, historically and architecturally speaking, is a classic and unique venue, famed for its neoclassical style and its location with views of the city and the water. Our aim was to create something that was one part classic and one part modern, appealing to both the traditional and modern bride. By changing either the color or the design of an element, we demonstrated multiple ways that brides can easily recreate this look on their own. We also wanted to highlight in the design the blues seen in the skyline and river, and our bridesmaids’ gowns by John Paul Ataker were the perfect way to do this.

Clear details like vellum pieces for the invitation suite and handwritten calligraphy by Lewes Lettering Co. on acrylic slabs brought a freshness to the overall vision. For the jewelry, L. Priori mixed timeless jewels with contemporary pieces. The bride’s classic, six-prong solitaire was made new with a v-shaped wedding band and mixed metals. Her right hand sparkled with estate pearls worn with an edgier pinky ring. The bridesmaids wore a mix of heirloom quality estate pieces and modern jewels – we think that family jewels look coolest when styled with fresh diamonds!

We concentrated on having all of our metallics match perfectly, so the flatware, napkins, and centerpiece vessels were all the exact same shade of gold, as if they were all from someone’s personal collection. As a rule of thumb for real weddings, according to Laurel and Elm, never have the linen color match the bridesmaids’ dresses to allow your special guests to truly stand out when seated for dinner! Since all of the bridesmaids were in different dress styles of the same color, we planned to make blue an accent on the table. The color looks like it belongs there, but it doesn’t overwhelm. Pops of soft blue in the floral design also help to tie in the color of the skyline, the water, and the bridesmaids’ attire.

Incorporating soft and natural elements is something that will always be timeless, and we continue to see these elements in lots of modern designs today. The natural leaf place card and the watercolor plates were a great way to join those two worlds – modern and timeless! The traditional layout of the table and shape of the centerpieces mixed with the faceted vases (a nod to the geometric bridesmaid’s dress), modern flatware, and unique salad plate also worked to balance our theme well while keeping everything looking cohesive.

For the florals, Cottage Flowers focused on bright colors and fresh designs that blended traditional elements – think classic gold urns filled with punchy pinks and standard whites and greens. To go with the acrylic chivari chairs, a sweet collection of cascading greenery (mixed with pinks and blues), tied everything together. To add a modern look to the tabletop, geometric pieces accented with floral elements were used as decor. We complemented the classic jewelry created by L. Priori by adding some gorgeous florals to the gold cuffs, mirroring the bridesmaids’ bouquets!

Hair and makeup for our bride was classic, but a poppy pink lip elevated the look and blended with our bouquet perfectly. Each bridesmaid showcased a different, yet tailored beauty style – from the bridesmaid wearing the geometric gown to the bridesmaid wearing the pantsuit.

We hope couples will continue to incorporate a mixture of styles – from classic to modern – to make their day as truly unique as they are!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

View All Collections

A Picture Perfect Philadelphia Engagement Session

The sign of a perfect engagement session? Photos that feel totally and completely you, which is what we have here from Jordan Denike. From their favorite bakery to their favorite bar, and all their other favorite Philadelphia neighborhood haunts, this engagement session perfectly captures Jordan and Patrick’s relationship and we’re totally in love.

From the bride… Jordan Denike did an amazing job taking our engagement photos around our neighborhood in Philadelphia! We spent an evening walking by the places we frequent most often, including Metropolitan Bakery, Rittenhouse Square, and even our favorite bar – Black Sheep! We also took photos in the gardens of the Colonial Dames Society, a picture-perfect location tucked away in Center City Philadelphia. We are so excited to work with Jordan Denike again next year for our wedding, and are looking forward to all of the celebrations and planning to come!

Photography: Jordan Denike | Venue: National Society Of The Colonial Dames

A Philadelphia Wedding That’ll Go Down in History

Elfreth’s Alley, lovingly referred to as “our nation’s oldest residential street,” is also quite possibly our nation’s cutest. Just look at this darling duo photographed by Elizabeth Nord while walking arm-in-arm down the charming, cobblestone road on their wedding day! We can’t think of a better place to start your marriage than in a location as rich with the history of past loves as it is beautiful. Take a stroll through this Philadelphia wedding, in the Vault.

<

Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Settings

Ballroom Weddings

Styles

Classic Weddings

From Elizabeth Nord Photography… Leo and Sarah chose to celebrate their beautiful wedding in downtown Philadelphia at the Ballroom at the Ben. They decided on this location so that friends and family from New Jersey, Miami, Brazil, and everywhere in between could join them on their special day. For months they had anticipated snow and cold temperatures, but everyone was surprised with sunshine and 40 degree temps on the wedding day, which was absolutely beautiful! We were like frolicking little kids once we went outside, we were so happy!

I absolutely loved all the special attention that was put into their wedding day details. Their stationery featured a drawing of the Philadelphia skyline, which incorporated the famous Liberty Bell, City Hall, and even the LOVE statue! Sarah gifted a pair of cufflinks to Leo that had the Alabama map on them. Alabama us special to them both since they first met at a wedding in Alabama, and it’s also where Leo proposed to Sarah a few years later. I’m also particularly fond of the florals Sarah chose for the bouquets. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers, and who doesn’t love a classic, white bouquet?

Believe it or not, Sarah is the very first bride I’ve ever had wear a fur wrap on her wedding day, and I hope to see more of them – so pretty and cozy! The bridesmaids wore stunning, navy sequin gowns, and the groomsmen wore the most dapper navy suits. I had so much fun working with this group of friends at the top of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and also on Elfreth’s Alley! Sarah had two first looks – one with her dad and one with Leo. There’s something so unique about a daddy-daughter first look, and they never cease to give me all the feels!

Leo and Sarah were married at the Saint Augustine Catholic Church and celebrated with a travel themed reception at the stunning Ballroom at the Ben. I totally geeked out when I found out that it’s the same ballroom where they filmed the dance competition scene from “Silver Linings Playbook”! Each table was decorated to feature a different city where they had traveled together, including Seattle, New York, Paris, and Cairo. The place cards were luggage tags with each guest’s name printed inside, and the head table featured a globe with “Leo and Sarah” written on it. It was such a beautiful day, and I loved seeing the love that they share for one another. Nothing makes my heart happier than to photograph such genuine emotion and the kind of love that can move mountains.

The Most Romantic Ballroom Wedding Draped in White

If you looked up Classic and Crazy Romantic Ballroom in the dictionary, I’m convinced the Hyatt at the Bellevue would pop up. It truly sets the stage for a gorgeous affair and this one draped in white and gold with florals by Russell Anthony is just that. Pore through the beauty of the day captured by mkphoto with even more in the vault.

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Ballroom Weddings

Styles

Glamorous

From the Photographer… We have worked with quite a few of the couples’ close friends over the years and were absolutely thrilled when they contacted us to capture their engagement photos in Philadelphia. We had an incredible time and were event more thrilled when they decided to have us capture their super romantic Hyatt at the Bellevue ballroom wedding. Their vision of traditional tastefully combined with classic white elements resulted in a classy, modern wedding. All the details came together beautifully.

A Summer Cricket Club Wedding With Dusty Lavender Bridesmaid Gowns

Let me set the scene – a summertime soiree set at a Pennsylvania cricket club with bridesmaids dressed in dusty lavender and a bride who’s an absolute vision in her Rosa Clara gown. Pair that with the floral design of La Petite Fleur and invitations by Chick Invitations and you’ve got a wedding made for our pages. Head to the gallery for more pretty captured by Unique Concepts Studio.

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Ballroom Weddings Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Al Fresco

From La Petite Fleur, Weddings and Events…For their summer wedding at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Rachel and Logan collaborated with wedding design studio La Petite Fleur (LPF) to create a floral and décor plan that married their chic, garden style with their venue’s regal atmosphere.

The couple thoughtfully considered the emotion and sentiment of each detail as they planned their day— beginning with deciding to blindfold Logan for his ride from the hotel to the Cricket Club, so a true first-look could be captured by the photographer in front of family and friends! Including and honoring their families was so important that they also displayed several generations of family photos throughout the club.

A breathtaking bride, Rachel carried a romantic bouquet of garden blooms, including garden roses, sweet peas, anemones, ranunculus, peonies, spray roses, jasmine vine, and a touch of curly willow— with ivory satin-wrapped stems. And lovely in dusty lavender, the bridesmaids processed through the Cricket Club’s courtyard with bouquets of peach garden roses, scabiosa pods, café au lait dahlias, mauve astilbe, amnesia roses and mini green hydrangea, which were finished with specialty greens and twine-wrapped stems.

Rachel and Logan exchanged vows beneath a birch chuppah, which LPF draped along the top and front with asymmetrical swags of lace and floral garland, which included coral and blush peonies, peach Alejandra roses, sword fern, spray roses, bush ivy, silver dollar eucalyptus and other variegated greens.

And just as personalized hankies (for tears of joy!) greeted well-wishers at the ceremony, a truly special seating chart display welcomed guests as they entered the reception. A carefully-curated collection of vintage plates presented the seating assignments, which had been hand-lettered by Rachel’s grandmother. The plates were perched upon a moss tablescape— complete with cloches and clusters of blooms.

LPF carried the warm, romantic look of Rachel and Logan’s day through the reception with a décor plan that infused the ballroom with an unexpected majesty (a candle-lined entryway staircase), and hints of whimsy (elevated tablescapes) that were balanced by sophisticated touches (lots of gold accents).

As a focal point for the reception décor was the extra-long head table adorned with a lush garland across the front that included spray roses, seeded eucalyptus, feather willow and Queen Anne’s lace. Flanking the garland on the tabletop, were floating candles amidst a ‘hedge’ of birch bark vessels arranged with specialty greens and blooms, including green hydrangea, seeded eucalyptus, garden roses, ranunculus and spray roses.

The look and feel of the reception was significantly impacted by the floor plan, which included a variety of table shapes—dressed in light gold linens— and corresponding, varied tablescape designs. Some long dining tables were designed with elevated floral tablescapes— from which glass orbs filled with tea lights and floating blooms were suspended. Beneath the elevated, lush display was a ‘runner’ of greenery and mercury gold julep cups votives. Other long tables featured a ‘hedge’ of bloom-filled birch bark vessels, brushed gold candle holders, floating candles and mercury votives.

Square tables were also incorporated into the floor plan and were adorned with one of two coordinating tablescape styles. One tablescape featured a gold lantern atop a reclaimed wood pedestal accented with ‘trailing’ blooms, including green hydrangea, roses, spray roses and buplerum. Finishing this presentation was a trio of elements, including a petite gold mercury stand with a coordinating arrangement, and two gold pedestals of varying heights— one topped with a cascading arrangement; the other, a floating candle.

Meanwhile, other squares featured a tall, brushed gold vase with a lush, cascading arrangement of textured blooms including hydrangea, garden roses, ranunculus, spray roses and variegated greenery. A birch bark ‘folder,’ with coordinating foliage, as well as mercury gold julep votives completed the look on the tables.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Justin Alexander

Spring 2016

Spring 2018

Justin Alexander Fall/Winter

View All Collections

Modern Meets Traditional in This Historic Philadelphia Wedding

If you were to ask me to pinpoint the perfect combination of modernity and traditional, I would direct you to said celebration captured by Rachel Pearlman Photography. It’s basically everything and then some and we just so happen to have it all waiting you to fall madly in love with in The Vault!

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Country Club

Styles

Classic Weddings

From Rachel Pearlman Photography … A combination of modern meets historic is the best way to describe this stunning summer wedding in historic Philadelphia. Jess and Mark met at the University of Pittsburgh, and once engaged they knew that a wedding in the City of Brotherly Love was not negotiable. Jess is from Philadelphia, so the couple had spent a lot of time in the area and were drawn to the architecture and charm of historic Old City. Once they saw The Downtown Club, founded in 1897 in true Georgian Revival Style, their vision of a neutral color scheme – complete with modern additions- started to come together beautifully. Luxurious details included mixing ghost chairs with golden urns and neutral linens for an unexpected twist. Their cake included cascading sugar flowers dusted in gold. As Mark and Jess were introduced, a canon of rose petals was released on the dance floor. During their ceremony, the couple’s wedding bands were hidden under the chair of a ‘mystery guest’, who was called to act as their ring bearer during vows!

A Romantic Garden Wedding at the Rodin Museum

Something magical happens when two college sweethearts with a love for art wed at the perfect museum venue, as captured to perfection by Alyssa Maloof Photography. Set in the picture perfect gardens of the Rodin Museum complete with a center fountain, lush gardens, gorgeous sculptures and a string quartet, all the beautiful details are waiting for you in The Vault!

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Museum Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Al Fresco

From The Bride…Eric and I met five years prior at The University of Maryland College Park. He was about to graduate and leave to go to law school in Philadelphia and I had another two years to finish my Masters. We reconnected a year later and after I moved to Philadelphia we started to think long term. We got engaged shortly after in New York City.

After we got engaged we took some time to look for the perfect venue. We knew we wanted something small and intimate. Once we stepped into the Rodin Museum we knew it was meant to be. Perfectly situated in the center of Philadelphia, with a beautiful center fountain complete with lush gardens and famous sculptures from Auguste Rodin it was the perfect setting for our special day. Plus Eric’s father is an artist and Eric hold his undergraduate degree in art history so it all felt so perfect for us.

The day of our wedding could not have been more beautiful. A variety of flowers were in bloom and the sun was shining bright. Eric and I planned to have a string quartet play throughout the ceremony and reception with a mix of classical and contemporary songs. The cocktail hour was set outside in the gardens where guests enjoyed speciality his and her cocktails. Once inside for dinner, guests enjoyed viewing different sculptures on display such as “The Kiss”. After dinner was complete, Eric and I opted out of the traditional wedding cake and went for a local ice cream company that served tasty and unique flavors for our guests to enjoy. The wedding day was completed outside with lighted candles and ice cream under the stars.

See Why This Wedding Wins the Award for Most Unique Venue, Ever

When it comes to unique venues, we’re confident in proclaiming that this stunning celebration takes the cake. Because honestly, when you choose a greenhouse inspired Horticulture Center as your space, you’re guaranteed uniquely you results. Complete with the majorly talented Mary Dougherty Photography behind the lens capturing it all, we’ve got it waiting in The Vault!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/165905318 600 338]

Colors

Seasons

Spring Weddings

Settings

Outdoor Weddings

Styles

Modern

From The Bride…After getting engaged, I was excited to start wedding planning but wasn’t sure where to begin. I had no idea what I wanted for the color scheme, decor, venue or any of the major elements that go into a wedding. So after many bridal magazines, and hours spent on Pinterest and Style Me Pretty I finally began to create a vision for our wedding.

Sean and I started by touring wedding venues in Philadelphia. We are both from Maryland but have called Philly home for the past 4 years and knew it was the perfect place. It was an easy decision for us to book the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park. We loved the outdoor feel of the greenhouse venue and how magical it looked at night with all the hanging lights and candles. A huge plus for us was that their exclusive caterer was Starr Events, since we were familiar with their numerous restaurants around Philadelphia.

Sean and I found Uncommon Events through a recommendation at our Venue and are so happy we did. We used them for planning, design & floral decor. Their creative vision and planning helped to create such an amazing day. I was blown away by the flowers and decor and seeing all the ideas we had come to life. They did such a fantastic job.

Since we were getting married in April, we knew the weather would be unpredictable. We ended up getting really lucky with it raining in the morning then suddenly clearing up right before heading outside to do pictures. The cherry blossoms outside the Horticulture Center also bloomed earlier than normal so we had a gorgeous background for our pictures.

From the beginning of our day getting ready at the Monaco to ending the night with a packed dance floor (thanks to our band!) our wedding was like a dream and one of the best days of our lives. It was absolutely perfect and we’re so thankful that Mary Dougherty and Cinemacake were able to capture all of these memories in such an amazing way!