As we enjoy another holiday season, we just couldn’t help looking back to this glittering New Years Eve wedding at The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia!  This stunning celebration was all about sparkle, shimmer and shine!

{Photos:  Tyler Boye}

Brian Kappra designed a stunning hand-tied bouquet for the bride composed of delicate textures and soft fragrance.  The traditional wedding flowers, Stephanotis and Lily of the Valley, were combined with white Akito Roses and Gardenias. The stems of the bouquet were wrapped in silk organdy ribbon and detailed with tiny vintage crystal pins. Little crystals were also added into the heart of the star-shaped Stephanotis blossoms.  Just enough twinkle to catch the romantic lighting in the ballroom as Jaclyn glided down the aisle!

The groom, Neville, as he waits for his bride-to-be to arrive at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for their “first look” photo session.  The day was brisk and cold but you wouldn’t know it from these two lovebirds!  Working closely with their photographer, Tyler Boye, Jaclyn and Neville spent over an hour outside in the Winter chill to get the these fantastic photographs!

As guests arrived for the ceremony they were greeted by long contemporary dark wooden and mirror-topped tables in both the Ballroom Foyer and in the back of the Grand Ballrooom.  Down the length of each of the tables was a collection of glass vases and crystal votive candles to create a beautiful initial setting upon entering the ceremony space.  Each vase was filled with fragrant white flowers such as Casablanca Lilies, Roses, Stock and Snapdragon.

The ceremony setting itself was designed simply with white gossamer drape as the backdrop, a long white line aisle runner, classic white pedestals holding blown glass and crystal lamps, and clear lucite Chivari reception chairs.  The main decor element was the ceiling treatment of dozens of suspended crystals and strung orchids that like the chandeliers, caught the light and added sparkle to the celebration.  After the ceremony, the shimmering crystals remained adding a little extra glamour over the dance floor and head table for the dinner dance.

The bridesmaids were all attired in elegant black dresses and black pashmina wraps. All gorgeous ladies themselves, their bridesmaids’ bouquets of tightly gathered miniature white Calla Lilies were a lovely accessory.  The groomsmen (photographed below in the Boathouse Row Bar in The Rittenhouse) were smartly suited out in classic black tuxedos, traditional hand-tied bow-ties, personalized cufflinks and coordinating boutonnieres.

After the ceremony, wedding guests enjoyed cocktails in the Cassatt Tea Room while the Grand Ballroom was revamped into a silver and white New Year’s wedding reception.  Soft, elegant lighting around the ballroom added warmth and romance to the space.

The round dinner tables were dressed with floor-length pleated white organdy linens, silver satin napkins, silver beaded glass chargers and clear lucite Chivari reception chairs.  On the center of each table, including the long rectangular head table seating twenty-five, we placed a variety of different centerpiece designs which incorporated beautiful glass vases of different heights and stunning collections of white flowers.  Gorgeous imported blossoms from around the globe were used, including: Amaryllis, Tulips, French Stock, Hydrangea, Dendrobium Orchids, Calla Lilies, Akita Roses, Snapdragon, Casablanca Lilies and Cape Green.

In addition to flowers on the dinner tables, candles played an important role in setting the tone for the evening.  Like the glass vases used around the room, the candles varied from table design to table design for visual interest.  Tall crystal drop taper holders were used on some tables, crystal pillar stands on other tables, and crystal lamps and votives on others.

The bride and groom take their first turn around the dance floor together. (above) Later in the evening, Jaclyn and her father share every emotion on the dance floor, from joyous laughter to bittersweet tears.  (we love Jaclyn’s feather and organza flower fascinator!)

But when it was time to ring in the New Year, EVERYONE was on the dance floor with noisemakers, clappers and champagne in hand!

Sneaking out into the night for one last photo session, the bride and groom take advantage of the sparkling holiday lights suspended from the trees in Rittenhouse Square Park.

 {This wedding was featured on Hostess with the Mostess}