Photo: Asya Photography
A hospital may not be the most romantic place to meet your future spouse, but for Bridget, a nurse practitioner, and William, an orthopedic surgeon, it did the trick! And they more than made up for it three years later at their wedding, decorating the dramatic ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia (it's an old bank vault!) with a timeless, elegant black-and-white color scheme punched up with pops of emerald green.
They worked with Christiane Lehman of Truly You Events to bring their vision to life, choosing to say "I do" on October 25th, 2014 at a church around the corner from their apartment before moving to the Ritz for a fabulous party. Keep reading to see all the photos, taken by Asya Photography, and see how this Philadelphia couple made it from the operating room to the aisle.
Bridget knew that she wanted a ball gown, and knew she wanted one by Monique Lhuillier. An asymmetric satin bodice and full skirt with lace appliques was dramatic, unique and unexpected. "I knew it would fit right in to what I'd pictured for our wedding day," she says.
An all-white bouquet of garden roses was the perfect pairing for Bridget's gown. She wrapped the stems in a piece of lace from her grandmother's wedding gown and attached it with pearl pins.
The bridesmaids' bouquets included succulents and lady slipper orchids, tying in to the emerald green accents of the wedding's color scheme — and perfectly matching Bridget's 'maids' gowns!
The wedding party looked colorful with bridesmaids in green dupioni silk dresses from J.Crew. Black-and-white striped ribbons around their bouquets matched the napkins on the reception tables, as well as the pocket squares worn by Will's tux-wearing groomsmen.
Photo: Asya Photography
The church's gorgeous altar didn't need much decoration, just two small arrangements of soft white flowers.
Photo: Asya Photography
"Planning our wedding wasn't as hard as we'd expected," says Bridget. "We had very strong feelings about every decision, so none were too hard to make. And having a planner kept us really organized!"
The ballroom reception paired the Ritz's chandeliers and vaulted ceilings with white linens, black chairs, and emerald glassware. Warm uplighting (and lots of candles) cast a warm glow over the room, giving it a romantic feel.
Photo: Asya Photography
Centerpieces combined hydrangeas, roses, orchids and tulips with succulents and vibrant leaves. Tables had different arrangements, ranging from tall and sculptural to clusters of vases with single varieties of blooms. The most important part? Sleek black vessels.
Orchids, succulents, and hydrangeas decorated Will and Bridget's chairs at the sweetheart table. Guests sipped a perfectly seasonal cocktail, made with gin, tonic, and rosemary simple syrup. Yum!
Photo: Asya Photography
Bridget and Will fell in love with two flavors at their cake tasting, so they alternated layers of red velvet crunch cake and sweet potato cake with cream cheese buttercream and salted caramel. Quilting and pearl accents led up to the toppers, dressed in green scrubs as a nod to the couple's professions.
Photo: Asya Photography
Says Bridget, "Hire a wedding planner if you can. Some details are best left to the professionals, and Christiane made suggestions we never would have considered that really made our wedding day special."
Ceremony Venue: St. John the Evangelist Church || Reception Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia || Wedding Planner: Christiane Lehman of Truly You Events || Bride's Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier, purchased at The Wedding Shoppe || Shoes: Nina Shoes, Kate Spade || Jewelry: BHLDN || Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew || Groom & Groomsmen's Attire: Men's Wearhouse || Wedding Bands: Diamante Jewelers || Florist: Petals Lane || Invitations: Minted || Programs & Escort Cards: Wedding Paper Divas || Music: EBE || Entertainment: The Event Painter || Catering & Cake: The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia || Cake Topper: Googly Gifts || Rentals: Truly You Events || Favors: Daffy Apples || Videography: Rosetree Films || Photography: Asya Photography
Can't get enough of this Philadelphia wedding? See another couple say "I do" in the very same city in the video below!