Sam and Matt aren’t the kind of couple who want all of the pomp and circumstance of a fancy schmancy wedding. It’s just not them. They’re fun and playful and wanted a day that felt true to them. From my point of view, they hit it out of the park. And their friends? Oh, man. Read on.
The ladies were getting ready at the Marriott in Old City while Matt and his buddies were prepping at a fabulous AirBnB nearby. Sam’s wedding dress was a multi-layered, v-neck confection that was boho and gorgeous. It was the very first dress she tried on.
The guys hopped on the trolley early to take them to Bartram’s Garden. The venue was in full fall splendor with greens, oranges, reds, and yellows galore. We waited for Sam’s side to arrive for the first look. And waited. And waited. The trolley never came around to pick them up so a caravan of beautiful women made its way over.
We made up for lost time with the two lovebirds around the grounds. Bartrams Gardens boasts a spectacular display of nature – trails, flora, and the Delaware River.
Truth be told, I’m not sure if Matt even saw any of it that day once Sam showed up.
Sam’s bridesmaids shone in an array of cranberry, blush, and garnet tones, each with her own unique dress. The result was perfection.
As guests arrived to the ceremony, they took polaroids at the lovely seating chart table and grabbed some apple cider donuts (and spiked apple cider) before the main event.
Sam and Matt exchanged vows under a twisted, organic arch that Matt and his father built themselves.
Curly-topped flower girl, Frankie, was my challenge all day, keeping her impish smiles to herself.
Light sprinkles all day finally changed to rain and cut short cocktail hour. No matter. These people were here to party anyway.
Sam and Matt shared their first dance to Magic by Coldplay before inviting their guests out with them.
Toasts had the Mr. and Mrs. alternating between embarrassment and laughter. Matt’s father surprised them with a song he wrote and handed out to all of the guests to sing and dance along while he performed “A Girl Named Sam.”
When the lights dimmed and the reception began, it simply didn’t stop. These guests were dancing machines. At one point I asked if they were professional dancers. Nope. Just good friends who know how to let loose on the dancefloor and take over the whole place. There is not enough space for me to devote to the singing-at-the-top-of-their lungs, limbo-double-dutch, every-body-dripping-with-sweat epic moves I saw that night. Sam danced so hard her eyelashes fell off!
Gotcha Frankie!
If you’ve seen me at a wedding you know that I can’t be held back from shaking it myself and I certainly couldn’t pass up being a part of this crowd.
Just incredible. I hope I see Sam and Matt and their friends at future weddings because their day rocked!
Call it magic, call it true
I call it magic when I’m with you
And I just got broken, broken into two
Still I call it magic, when I’m next to you
~ Coldplay, Magic
Wedding Ceremony: Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia, PA
Wedding Reception: Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia, PA
Engagement Session: Old City
Wedding Photographer: Lindsay Docherty Photography
Getting Ready: Marriott Old City
Flowers: Long Stems
Hair Stylist: Salon NV, Tara Toth
Makeup Artist: Carly Giangiulio
Ceremony Music: Williams Event Group
Cocktail Hour: Williams Event Group
Reception Music: Williams Event Group
Caterer: Jamie Hollander
Wedding Cake: homemade desserts
Videographer: City South Films
Wedding Gown Designer: Willowby
Wedding Gown Shop: Lovely Bride
Hair accessory: Untamed Petals from Lovely Bride
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mishka
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: most from BHLDN
Groom’s Suit: Generation Tux
Ties: The Tie Bar
Bride’s Rings: Garbo Jewelers
Groom’s Ring: Manly Bands
