We’re excited to share that one of our weddings is featured in the new issue of Brides Magazine!  The feature is wonderful, but we can’t stop there!  We have to share more of the memorable day we planned and designed with Jocelyn and James. From the very beginning, the bridal couple had a crystal-clear vision of how they wanted to celebrate their wedding day:  a sentimental Quaker ceremony, followed by a modern garden PAR-TAY in a big white tent.  Simple, straightforward, NO PROBLEM!

Although the bride’s home would have been perfect for the wedding, her sister’s upcoming wedding already had dibs on that idea.  But, the perfect location was just a hop-skip-and-a-jump away.  Having produced many gorgeous tented weddings at Andalusia-on-the-Delaware over the years, where else would we suggest this wedding take place?  Owned by the Biddle family for well over two hundred years, the historic Andalusia estate offers stunning views of the Delaware River, several lush gardens, secluded green walks, romantic arbors, horse pastures, tree-lined drives, wild flower meadows and rolling lawns.  Every square inch meticulously maintained with love, respect and horticultural integrity.

Despite record STEAMY temperatures reaching 102 degrees, the emotional Quaker ceremony took place as planned in the open-air Walled Garden.  It was truly one of the most moving celebrations of love, support, family and community we have ever been honored to witness.  For over 45 minutes (and under a virtual sea of paper parasols and frantic waving fans), friends and family spoke about the couple, gave their views on marriage, offered wishes, prayers and poetic recitations.  After the ceremony, the guests wandered down the Green Walk, past the White Garden, and along the Front Porch to the Great Lawn where lovely CHILLED cocktails awaited.  By then, a cool breeze had kicked up off the river, iced hand towels were offered, and watermelon mojitos were flowing.

A crisp color palette of green apple, flamingo pink and bright white was selected for the reception.  Square tables dressed with green apple dupioni table cloths were placed around a white dance floor.  Lamp shades, votives and hurricane lanterns were covered in a paisley pattern for a pop of “Lilly Pulitzer” freshness throughout the dinner tent.  But, oy vay!  The heat was absolutely BRUTAL for our pretty roses, peonies, viburnum, ranunculus and hydrangea!  Powerful AC units were reserved, yet the family decided to skip their use in favor of experiencing the summer evening as Mother Nature intended.  (Not to mention keeping the scenic view free of white hoses and giant generators.)  And they were right!  Not a single one of their 290 guests stopped dancing or left early to escape the heat!   The party rocked until the wee hours while the bride and groom had a blast right smack in the middle of it all!

(See below for more from the feature in Brides).

Wedding Planning, Melissa Paul; Catering, Culinary Concepts; Video Journalist, Marc Smiler; Photography, Liz Banfield; Tenting & Flooring, EventQuip; Stationery, The Papery.