The religious and historic aspect of the National Museum of American Jewish History evoked the feeling of Jewish pride and modern glamour that this couple envisioned for their Philadelphia wedding.  {Photos: Cliff Mautner}

After a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony at the historic Rodeph Shalom Synagogue, guests made their way across Philadelphia to the contemporary National Museum of American Jewish History in Society Hill. As one of the first weddings ever held at the then newly-opened museum, the couple was excited to see the event spaces were neutral in design. Which meant, they could transform the white walls of the Fifth Floor into their own champagne and lavender dinner dance celebration. Working closely with the groom’s mother on the design, we layered the room with elegant-but-updated elements such as mirror-topped tables, black crystal candelabra, clear Chivari chairs, cozy love seats, purple-toned floral arrangements, sheer drapery panels and dramatic lighting. Not too contemporary. Not too traditional. But with styles and features that appealed to the couple’s cozy, chic vision of their wedding reception.

{Photography: Cliff Mautner Photography; Cinematography: DNK Productions; Invitation Designer: Pen & Paper; Cake: Ann’s Cake Pan; Catering: Peach Tree & Ward Catering; Wedding Gown Designer: Elizabeth Fillmore, Amelia Gown}