philadelphia
Our Philadelphia Story
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My family is spread out across the country, so wherever the wedding was held, they would be flying in from all over. My husband’s family, however, is almost entirely located within a 40-mile radius around Philadelphia, which made it a natural choice for the location of our wedding. Additionally, since my husband was set on returning to live near his family and friends, it would be a perfect time to “introduce” my family to the location where I would someday be settling down and making my own home. However, this meant that I was planning a wedding in a location where I, and no member of my family, had ever lived - in essence, it had become a “destination wedding” of sorts for every person invited off of our side of the guest list.
Because of this, we decided that we wanted to include a Philadelphia feel to our wedding. When it came to picking a location, I knew I didn’t want a traditional ballroom - something that could be located in Anywhere, U.S.A. When we found the Loews Hotel, located in the PSFS Building (the first international-style skyscraper), I was sold. Just look at the views from the 32nd floor, where we held our ceremony, cocktail hour, and brunch the next morning!

Real Weddings: Gabrielle + Matt 5.10.2008
We are so thrilled to welcome a new photographer to EAD today, the fabulous Cliff Mautner. As you’ll see here, Cliff’s photography is truly art. He, along with several of our other good friends, was named one of the 10 best wedding photographers in the world by American PHOTO Magazine.
Gabrielle and Matt were married in Philadelphia at the Urban Outfitters Warehouse, which is located in the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Gabrielle was a stunning bride!

Real Weddings: Darah + Greg 7.3.07
On July 3, 2007 Darah and Greg tied the knot in the Cathredral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Darah is so full of life and fun - and their wedding was no exception! I met Darah while doing another wedding where she was the make up artist. With all of the hoopla in the city of Liberty and the Declaration of Independence around us, we trolleyed through the streets taking pictures on rooftops, beside fountains, in Elfreth’s Alley and in some very unique locations around the city.

Philadelphia Photographers
I’ve had so much fun researching all of the fantastic photographers in the Philadelphia area! There are so many different styles of photography here - I think Philadelphia brides are very well served!
First up, MK Photography. The photos below are from the wedding of Kirstin and Casey. Aren’t the sepia tones magnificent? She looks so elegant and timeless in all of these photos. Portraiture is so important but many of these shots are candids, making it all the more amazing that Mike is able to capture these moments with as much depth and clarity as he did. Find more simply gorgeous images on Mike’s blog.

Old Academy Players
I have just discovered a little gem tucked away in the East Falls section of Philadelphia that I have to share. If you are a bride on a budget, with a flair for DIY projects and want to be a princess for a day, Old Academy Players is the place for you. Get married on the stage that Princess Grace got her start and then turn the adjoining building into a beautiful and intimate affair! This venue isn’t for everyone, but it is worth looking at. I can’t wait to do a wedding there!

Location, Location, Location!
Location is so much a part of a perfect wedding! Here are two venues that I would suggest in the Philadelphia area.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is my favorite venue to work. There are two buildings - one an Art Deco building with a marble staircase and red walls and the other, pictured here, a modern art gallery with hardwood floors and an edgy feel. The staff is marvelous and the food delicious, provided by Duffy’s Catering.

A Few of Philadelphia’s Finest
Every planner has their favorites and my list is growing all the time. Here are a few of Philadelphia’s finest!
Stationery - you can’t do better than Joy at Oh Joy Studio or Bird and Banner. They are the most unique and wonderful around the area and so easy to work with.
Image courtesy of Oh Joy Studio

Guest Blogger Wendy
I’m so excited for this upcoming week - not just because we’re GREEN, but also because we have our first guest blogger - Wendy from Wendy’s Affairs of Heart! Wendy is an event coordinator based out of Philadelphia, so we’ll be focusing a lot on the City of Brotherly Love this week. :)
Wendy says:
Let me just say that I take a very personal approach to my business and I will do whatever it takes to make your wedding the most magical day of your life! My background is unique and I bring many things to the job that others just don’t. My committment to you, the bride, is foremost in my mind at all times. After all, this is about you, not me! If your wedding is a success, then so am I.
We’re so excited to welcome Wendy and we are looking forward to her expertise!
E.














