Last fall we received a call from Andrea, one of the sweetest girls we have ever worked with. Andrea was wondering if we could help plan her wedding in the Philadelphia area for Labor Day weekend 2010. She remembered us from way back in 2000’ when we helped plan her brother’s wedding!
Well of course we wanted to work with her and her fiancé Andre! But we had to be honest with them; we are not that familiar with the area and would have to make several trips for vendor research. Being a part of NACE helped us tap into the Philadelphia area’s industry network. Best of all, some of our local vendors were more than happy to travel up for the day.
Andrea’s first inclination was to host her reception in a very Grand Ballroom type venue with crystal chandeliers and high ceilings. But as we researched venues, Andrea saw a few other options that would fit her budget and benefit all the out of town guests. Andrea changed her mind and chose the beautiful Holly Hedge Estate in New Hope PA for the site of her wedding. It was the perfect place for her and Andre.
Andre is from Philadelphia and had recently relocated to Germantown, so he had a few contacts in Pennsylvania that he hoped would contribute to his wedding. So after several trips up to New Hope (which sits along the Delaware River), we found all the vendors that would make Andrea’s vision become reality.
Andrea’s colors were kelly green and navy blue. As we were talking flowers and décor, Andrea realized that she wanted to incorporate peacock feathers into her wedding. They were perfect since they had both of her colors in them. Andrea’s invitations were created by Classic Calligraphy and each pocket invitation was sealed with a peacock feather. Peacock feathers were in Andrea’s bouquet as well as floral arrangements; even her broom for the (jumping of the broom) ceremony had some feathers.
September finally brought us a break from the summer heat and Andrea and Andre’s wedding day was picture perfect. After spending the morning at a nearby spa, it was time for the girls to get dressed and begin photos.
At 3pm, guests began arriving from Maryland, Michigan and Philadelphia to witness Andrea and Andre exchange their wedding vows. After the ceremony, guests gathered in the courtyard for hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Then into the Ballroom they went for dinner and dancing. Guests enjoyed a delicious Holly Hedge prepared meal and dancing to the music of Blue Funk and Deejay William.
At the end of the night, Andrea and Andre headed to the Honeymoon Cottage. Some of the guests went to their rooms at Holly Hedge while others boarded a shuttle destined for their hotel in Philadelphia. And others just made their way back home. |
