Real Weddings: Beka + Jesse

Today is a special day because I get to show you one of my all-time favorite weddings. Two years ago, the lovely Beka of Styled (formerly Innove Events) married her sweetheart Jesse.  Theirs was a joyous celebration in a gorgeous location, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence.  Of course, since Beka is half of one of the most talented event planning and styling firms around, each and every detail was perfectly thought out!  Another one of my all-time favorites, the wonderful Marie Labbancz, captured all of the beautiful images.

Innove-Events-Wedding-Philadelphia

When planning her wedding, Beka was inspired by Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette.  She incorporated the lush and vibrant colors of the movie but added a contemporary spin and used many of the antiques found in the Governor’s Residence throughout the wedding.

Out-of-Town-Guest-Basket

Pink-Garden-Flower-Arrangements

Blue-and-Red-Letterpress-Wedding-Invitations

Pink-MacaronsElegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-02

Beka and her sister had fun shopping for feathered shoes to wear.  Beka chose Christian Louboutin, and her sister, Manolo Blahnik.

Feathered-Gold-Shoes

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-20

Claudia Seyler created the perfect Marie Antoinette inspired hairstyle – classic and regal at the same time!

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-01

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-23

Gold-Christian-Louboutins

Birdcage-Veil

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-18

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-15

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-24

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Governors-Residence

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-17

Jesse, Beka, and the bridal party set out around Harrisburg to take pictures.  These images next to an antique Pennsylvania Railroad car are too cute!

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-26Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-07

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-06

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-27

Pink-Bridesmaid-Bouquets

The ceremony was supposed to take place in the Residence’s Rose Garden.  But due to the threat of rain, it was moved inside the Residence.  Secret: I love indoor ceremonies and I think this setting is beautiful, so I belive the rain was a little bit of a gift to Beka and Jesse.  :)

Ballroom-Wedding-Ceremony

Petal-Toss-Cones

Floral-Garland-Ceremony-Backdrop

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-10Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-33

Beka shares: “The absolute best memory of the day was right after the ceremony.  Jesse and I stepped into the hallway before all of the guests joined us and we both just hugged each other and cried.  It was really awesome and I will never forget it.  Without us knowing, Marie was there to catch the moment and it is one of my favorites from the day.

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-32Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-34

The reception tent truly shows off a romantic, sweet, version of Marie Antoinette!  Colorful hues of blue, pink, and green pair with gold chivari chairs, chandeliers, and candelabra to create an absolutely magical space. The unique flower arrangements, put together with great care by Nancy Saam, radiated antique French charm.

Marie-Antoinette-Inspired-Wedding

Blue-and-Gold-Tented-Wedding-Reception

Pink-and-Gold-Vintage-Centerpiece

Romantic-Pink-Centerpieces

Blue-and-Gold-Estate-Tables

Escort cards, penned by MJW Calligraphy, hung from ribbons as guests entered the tent.

Ribbon-Escort-Cards

A lush gardenia was set at each place setting.

Gardenia-Place-Setting

Antique-Pink-and-Blue-Centerpieces

Beka’s grandmother passed away just before the wedding.  While the family was going through her things, they came upon several boxes of love letters that she and Beka’s grandfather had written to each other while he was in the Army.  To honor her grandmother and celebrate her grandparents’ love, Beka displayed the love letters under the glass-topped table that held the wedding cake.  They placed the table in the foyer so that suests were able to read the love letters as they passed to the reception.

Classic-Blue-Wedding-Cake

Small bound books were set out for guests to send Beka and Jesse well wishes.

Hydrangea-Chair-DecorHandmade-Booklet-Guest-Wishes

Each guest received a hand-painted handkerchief as a favor, and a box of cookies to take home after the wedding!

Handkerchief-Wedding-Gifts

Cookie-Favors

Tented-Wedding-Reception

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-38

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-16

The beautiful dance floor was handpainted by local artist Alix Jacobs.

Painted-Dance-FloorElegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-35

And one last adorable detail…  Beka knew she wanted to have a shorter gown that she could dance the night away in.  Rather than buying a second gown, she worked with Suky Occasions in Ardmore, PA to customize her Monique Lhullier tiered gown so that the last few tiers were detachable.  Instant party dress!

Elegant-Philadelphia-Wedding-Innove-Events-14

Oh, and did I mention that September 13th is also Beka’s birthday?

Birthday-Cake-at-Wedding

Beka, happy 2nd anniversary and happy birthday!  I’m so glad I have gotten to know you and so thrilled to have the opportunity to share your wedding with EAD.

The following Philadelphia-area wedding vendors contributed to Beka and Jesse’s wedding:

Planning & Styling – Styled
Photography – Marie Labbancz
Location – Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence
Calligraphy – MJW Calligraphy
Stationery – Styled
Hair and makeup – Claudia Seyler
Bride’s shoes – Christian Louboutin
Bridesmaid’s shoes – Manolo Blahnik
Bride’s gown – Monique Lhullier, customized by Suky Occasions
Groom’s attire – Georgio Armani
Bridesmaids dresses – BCBG
Tent – Event Central
Floral – Nancy Saam
Bakery – Dingeldein Bakery (717-770-0466)
Band – UGO
Lighting – Eventions Productions
Catering – Peachtree and Ward
Hand-painting on dance floor – Alix Jacobs