World, meet Sara and Jon. Sara and Jon, the world.
This wonderful couple and about 140 of their closest friends and family (though sadly not their pooch, Mia) celebrated their wedding a few weeks ago at the Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia. Their love story started over 7 years ago when they met at the University of Rhode Island where they shared about a million classes together. Though Sara’s not keen on surprises and Jon had promised he’d give her fair notice of the proposal, she had about two minutes when he proposed to her in a Japanese restaurant last January and went out to the car to get the flowers and champagne. (She said yes anyway.)
I met up with the ladies in the bridal suite. The florals by Robertsons Flowers were beautiful. I loved the mix of delicate and vibrant with roses, orchids, waxflower, hydrangea, and lisiantus. The decision not to include Mia was apparently an 11th hour decision (the Warwick is awesomely pet friendly) but she still made an appearance that day in a locket attached to the bouquet opposite an engagement session photograph of Sara and Jon.
Sara’s dress was a vision! It was a soft and sophisticated number with intricate Swarovski crystals and sequins at the neckline and over the skirt with a silk band at the waist.
I loved that Sara’s ‘something old’ was her grandmother’s watch. (FYI, her toes were baby blue.)
After their first sight at the spiral staircase, we all headed out to Rittenhouse Square for family formals and pictures of Jon and Sara. It was a glorious sunny day.
The ballroom looked fantastic. The elegant chuppah fit right in with the crystal chandeliers and gold room.
Their Jewish ceremony was funny and sweet. I won’t mention who, but there were a good number of tears that day.
The party moved down the hall for cocktail hour where a jazz trio serenaded guests. You know I can’t resist food shots when I get the chance…
Meanwhile, the ballroom was transformed for the reception. Stunning gold and pink centerpieces topped every table. Some had candles floating above sprigs of hot pink orchids, others had rounds of fluffy hyacinth.
My favorite were the gilded branches with orchid blossoms and dangling tealights.
The couple entered and shared their first dance – “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.
The night was full of traditions and revelry. The hora was a blast and featured Jon and his father showing off the kitzatzke (don’t worry, they stretched first).
The toasts were lovely. Nicole told us about her big sisterly transformation embodied by Shel Silverstein poems. From ‘For Sale’ (“One crying and spying young sister for sale!”) to ‘Hug O’ War’ (“Where Everyone hugs instead of tugs”).
I am such a sap for father/daughter dances. They get me every time.
And this was my first time witnessing a crowning ceremony (Krenzel and Mizinke) for the mothers as this was the last child wed in both families.
The cake by Bredenbeck’s was fantastic. It featured off-centered alternating layers
All in all, it was a blast. Second Vision kept the crowd on its feet. The room was overflowing with smiles and laughter.
This beautiful wedding almost didn’t make it to the blog – special thanks to Nicole for pulling some strings for me! Sara and Jon, congrats! I hope that the honeymoon in Belize was incredible and the rest of your future together is just as amazing as your wedding day!
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
That ever happened to me
~ Ray LaMontagne, “You Are the Best Thing”
