As most of us event professionals know, today’s brides and grooms are inundated with wedding planning books, magazines, apps and videos, as well as an endless supply of photos and images on the web.

With all that inspiration thrown at them, how delighted were we when this hip bridal couple walked into our design studio with just a couple photos to share? Particularly when they are photos of our work!?  We LOVED IT, of course, and when they also uttered those amazing little words “take this and run with it, we trust you” we knew we were blessed with another true Evantine client. Nothing inspires us more than a client who not only appreciates what we do but also trusts us to create something perfect just for them. Leigh and Marc gave us that gift and it’s hard to believe it has been a whole year since their light and dreamy hotel wedding at the Loews Philadelphia.

{Photos courtesy of Michael Zorn}

Before we dive deeper into the event design aspects of Leigh and Marc’s glamorous wedding, we must first touch on their elegant attire!  Beginning with Leigh’s Monique Lhuillier “Candy” bridal gown with its embroidery and light- as-air tulle skirt. Of course there was plenty of feminine sparkle on her feet too with her open-toed Jimmy Choo platform sandals! Her bridal suite was filled with laughter and emotion throughout the day, right up until she stepped outside for her romantic “first look” with her handsome waiting groom. Marc chose to wear a dark tuxedo for the formal photographs and ceremony, but then later changed into a summer white jacket for the celebration.

Their photographer, Michael Zorn, used the shooting time wisely, getting romantic and bridal party photos of the bridal couple all over historic Society Hill, Old City, City Hall and Independence Square before heading back to the Loews Philadelphia for family photographs in the air-conditioned hotel. Michael must have loved shooting Leigh and Marc as they really let their emotions and playfulness show in all the images.

Of all the possible locations in Center City Philadelphia, the bride and groom chose the Loews Philadelphia Hotel for its art deco architecture and grand, modern spaces. Once Leigh saw the ballroom at the Loews, she knew it was the one! Since the Loews has such high, dramatic ceilings, we knew we needed to create a setting with the right visual impact. Basically, go big or go home.

Starting with the ceremony, which would take place in the Millennium Ballroom at the hotel, we designed the space to take advantage of the beautiful marble wall.  In front of the wall we placed our custom-designed 15 foot white square Chuppah, with soft swags of white gossamer fabric draped cleanly on crisp white poles. A mixture of clear lucite reception and glossy white dining chairs were placed in neat arcing rows on opposite sides of an extra wide ceremony aisle. The aisle itself was dressed with a white linen aisle runner that was framed by two large arrangements of fragrant white Lilies, Orchids, Roses and Hydrangea that we placed on tall clear pedestals. The entire room and ceiling was awash in blue lighting, all except for the aisle and stage, which were lit in soft candlelight tones.

Our 16 foot placecard table would serve two purposes throughout the wedding day. First, as a dramatic floral and candlelit display to flank the draped entrance to the aisle that we created to give the bride and her bridal party a magical ceremony entrance. Then, after the ceremony, we created one long table that floated in the space, and which offered guests traditional calligraphed place cards with their seating assignments. {see below}

Of course, as you can see, white Phalaenopsis orchids were a MUST for our sophisticated bride! Even her bridal bouquet contained the gorgeous tropical blooms and were mixed with Ranunculus, Mini Calla Lilies and Stephanotis. We even added a little extra sparkle to the Stephanotis blooms!  The bridesmaids’ bouquets were designed in deep pinks, raspberries and purples, and those same rich tones were used here and there throughout the floral centerpieces in the party room as well.

After the ceremony, while guests were enjoying delicious cocktails and hors d’oeuvres overlooking the Philadelphia skyline on the 33rd Floor of the hotel, we removed the ceremony draping and re-set the ballroom into a stunning dinner dance celebration. By placing the band on the window wall  to the left upon entering the Millennium Ballroom, we were able to design the space in a style not often used at the hotel.  We created a chic lounge area at the back of the room and draped off the glossy black marble columns to make it more intimate.  This glamorous room had everything, from different sized dinner tables and sparkling table cloths, to lush floral arrangements, romantic candelabra, floating candles, crystal accessories, and tall modern crystal tower centerpieces. All set against the stunning blue and purple lighting!

The bride and groom loved the idea of a sweetheart table facing the band and dance floor, including a white love seat just for the two of them!

The dinner tables were dressed in layers of crystals, candles, silver accessories and shining details — all better to reflect all the lovely blue lighting we added to the space. The whites, silvers and clear glass details let the light shimmer through everything in magical ways!  A truly light and dreamy wedding…