It was the first snow of the season and I was beyond psyched. Winter weddings often need a lot of energy because guests are shuffling in with big black coats and cold fingers. Snow makes things magical, especially when it’s the first snow of the season. There’s a little kid in all of us who still gets a thrill from waking up to those snowflakes that first time.
Dana and Tom held their wedding at the charming Pomme in Radnor. You would never know it was there unless you were looking for it. It’s nestled between trees and across a bridge. Inside is clean and modern with big windows, funky hanging lights, and subtly branch-patterned wallpaper. Dana was already on site with her bridal party.
Dana’s gown was fantastic. The simple, sleek a-line came with a detachable overskirt that was the drama that Dana owned.
My favorite accessories were the shoes she wore. Her grandfather designed and made the slingbacks that have now been worn by her grandmother, mother, cousin, and herself. The strange thing is that they all have different sized feet. The diamond and sapphire bracelet was also this grandmother’s heirloom.
The wedding party, led by uncle and man of honor, Duffy, and special guest, Tudie, the senior Chihuahua in her glamorous black tutu, helped Dana get ready for the day.
With a wee bit of pressuring and a huge amount of courage, we took as many pictures outside as we could handle (easy for me to say in a big puffy jacket). We set the handsome Tom out on the bridge for some pictures while Dana snuck up behind him.
Tell me this isn’t perfectly gorgeous! That snow is so dreamy and it doesn’t hurt that the couple is hot.
The wedding party and family boldly scampered out to participate. Totally worth it!
Dana’s childhood friend, Eddie (of Elise & Eddie), officiated the ceremony with humor and love.
As expected, Tudie had all eyes on her.
Guests mingled and grabbed drinks downstairs as Dana and Tom made their way through cocktail hour. The problem with these two is that they are too kind. I don’t know if Dana got more than two yards down the line. She flitted over to talk with each one of her guests throughout the night. The reception was quickly set with wintry branches and white hydrangeas on grey tablecloths with brown and gold accents.
The reception started off memorably. Mariah Carey’s “I’ll be There” started playing for them and they both froze. This was not their song. They consulted with the dj as he frantically downloaded “You’re All I Need” by Method Man. Word spread through their guests and you could see them chuckling while watching Dana and Tom swaying and eyeing and waiting for Mary J Blige to start in.
They were good sports. Not many couples get two first dances. Dana laughed through it.
Toasts came next and it was progressively more obvious how wonderful this couple truly was. Dana and Tom are giving of themselves. They are kindhearted. They love. They do good. They have a soft spot for aging animals, Tom wearing their late dog’s tag under his boutonniere. (As an aside, the bridesmaids and servers were so friendly and accommodating to this 7 months pregnant photographer. They were checking in with me all night long to make sure I had enough to eat and drink. It was just that kind of group.) The night continued with everyone, everyone, getting on the dancefloor. It was a total party.
Here’s to many more magical snowy days, dramatic dogs, and second dances! Love you two!
I’ll reach out my hand to youI’ll have faith in all you do.Just call my name and I’ll be there. (I’ll be there)~ Mariah Carey, “I’ll Be There”
Like sweet morning dew
I took one look at you
And it was plain to see
You were my destiny
With you I’ll spend my time
I’ll dedicate my life, I’ll sacrifice for you
Dedicate my life to you
~ Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige, “You’re All I Need”
