Fall Wedding Feature: Modern Industrial Meets Romantic

If you are looking for more fall wedding inspiration, look no further than Colin and Alex’s wedding at Front and Palmer. Held last October, these handsome grooms paired moderns elements with romantic touches, and the result was a beautiful combination of colors and textures.

Soft white flowers balanced the bold leafy greenery, and warm wood tones balanced the crisp charcoal gray linens. Floating floral table runners added depth to the space, and Edison string lights tastefully incorporated modern whimsy and warmth.

We were honored to work on this wedding and to have had the opportunity to work with side by side with some wonderfully talented vendors, like Grace D Photography who captured these lovely images.

 

 

 

 

Photographer: Grace D Photography

Flowers: Petals Lane 

Venue: Front and Palmer 

Catering: Feast Your Eyes 

Wedding Planner: Kyle Michelle Weddings 

Lighting: Synergetic Sound & Lighting 

DJ: Lovesick 

 

Greek Wedding Traditions

In April 2002, an independent film starring an unknown actress was given a limited release. That film, which was made on a 5 million dollar budget, went on to earn 368 million dollars in box office revenue, making it the highest-grossing independent film ever and by most standards the most successful romantic comedy in movie history! What movie, you ask? My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

 

Filled with endearing characters and witty, comedic dialogue, it is easy to see why this film was a hit. But, what turned it into a worldwide phenomenon? Some of it had to do with timing – the movie went ‘viral’ before that word was part of our collective vocabulary – but we believe its enduring success stems from its universal themes surrounding love, family, friends, and they ways in which traditions are used to represent the things we value most.

 

As wedding florists and designers, we are granted the opportunity to learn about and witness so many beautiful wedding traditions. We recently helped design not one, but two Big, Beautiful Greek Weddings, so we thought it would be fun to share the history behind some of these time honored traditions. 

 


Image Courtesy of Ron Soliman Photojournalism

 

The Stefana  

According to The Knot, the Stefana is the focal point of the wedding ceremony. It represents the joining of the couple, and it acknowledges their role as the King and Queen of their home. It also symbolizes the hope they they will ‘rule’ their home with wisdom, justice, and integrity. In the same vein as the exchange of rings, the stefana, or wedding crowns, are blessed by the priest and passed between the almost-newlyweds three times before being placed on their heads.

 

Images Courtesy of Sarah DiCicco Photography

 

 Lambades

Widely known as lambades, the wedding candle is a very symbolic element of a Greek Orthodox ceremony.The candles that are used during the sacrament of the wedding serve as a symbol of purity and the way God will light the way for the couple.  The bride and groom each hold a lit candle during the sacrament to show their willingness to receive God’s blessing.

 

Images Courtesy of Ron Soliman Photojournalism

 

 

Koufetta

Another very popular tradition is to offer koufetta—fresh almonds with a sugar coating. The almonds themselves, which are hard, represent the challenges the couple may face in life, while the coating represents the sweet times and happiness the couple will share. According to Greek Weddings and Traditions, These almond treats are always given out in odd numbers because an odd number is indivisible, just as the bride and groom should always be undivided. Historically, they were placed on the marital bed the day before the ceremony; Today, they are often given to guests as a wedding favor – called a Bomboniere.

Image Courtesy of Sarah DiCicco Photography

 

Rice Shower

In the same vein, rice is also used in many Greek weddings. Rice, a symbol of fertility and prosperity, is often thrown at the couple as a way to wish them a happy and blessed life together!

 

    

Images Courtesy of Sarah DiCicco Photography

Image Courtesy of Ron Soliman Photography

 

Dancing

It’s not a Greek wedding without lots and lots of dancing!  Whether it is The Bride’s Dance, also known as the Kalamatianos, or the Sirtaki, these circle dances bring together friends and family to celebrate the union of the bride and groom.

One of the most famous dances is The “Money Dance”.  In some regions of Greece, money is pinned directly to the bride’s gown throughout the evening, but in most Greek American receptions, the money is commonly thrown on/near a dancing couple to wish them good fortune and prosperity.

 

 

Images Courtesy of Ron Soliman Photojournalism

Images Courtesy of Sarah DiCicco Photography

Bobby and Maria’s Wedding:
Reception Venue – The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
Reception Caterer – The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
Ceremony Venue – Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Event Lighting – Petals Lane
Band – Power Station Entertainment
Wedding Planner- Lauren James Events (LJ Events)
Event Designer – Petals Lane
Photographer – Sarah DiCicco
Cinematography – CinemaCake Filmmakers
Makeup Artist – Julie Kate & Co.
Hair Stylists – Jason Matthews Salon
Floral Designer – Petals Lane
Wedding Cake – Van Earl’s Cake

George and Amalia’s Wedding:
Reception Venue – Ballroom at the Ben
Reception Caterer – Finley Catering 
Floral Designer – Petals Lane
Photographer – Ron Soliman
Cinematography – Ron Adams
Wedding Cake – Finley Catering

Beautiful Wedding at the Union League

A amazing over the top fall wedding at the Union League.  The wedding decor featured an elegant natural palette of Whites and Ivories with slight pops of very light pink, using a full assortment of Hydrangeas, Stock, Roses and Draping Phalenopsis Orchids.  It was great working with the coordination team at Proud to plan, who kept the day running smooth.  Synergetic Sounds and Lighting provided lighting accents to the room and the nights entertainment.  Thank you Jennifer Childress www.jennchildress.com for the amazing photos provided below.

 

Ashley & Michael

A beautiful wedding at the Hotel Du Pont.  After asking Ashley to share about her wedding day she said:

“We picked Hotel du Pont simply because we fell in love with the ballroom. The ballroom was so elegant and warm… and it felt romantic to us. One of my favorite moments of the night was walking into the ballroom where we were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Michael Giunta… and seeing all of our friends and family out of their seats, cheering for us as we entered. The look of the room was breathtaking! With all of our guests gathered around us on the dance floor, we had our first dance where Michael’s sister sang our wedding song. It was such a special moment. We had all of the people we love gathered around us while I danced with my best friend… it was a moment I’ll never forget!”

Photos taken by: Joe Pulcinella Photography  www.photojoe.com 610-572-3790

Hotel Du Pont wedding

Congratulations to Ashley & Michael.  Following the ceremony this past Saturday, at  St. Joe’s Church on the Brandywine was a beautiful wedding reception hosted at the landmark Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington.  With a loose arrangement style and a neutral palette, the flowers and candlelight centerpieces created an elegant evening.

Coming Soon May & John

We will be bringing to the portfolio gallery May & John’s July wedding at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia soon.  It was truly an elegant affair with the white overtones provided by lush White Dendrobium Orchid Sprays with sparkling accents of crystals and candlelight.  Photos Taken By:  Asya Photography  www.asyaphotography.com

Coming Soon Emily & Aaron’s Wedding

At the end of April Emily and Aaron married at Loew’s Hotel in Philadelphia. This beautiful wedding featured Orchids, lively color and a contemporary feel to the floral centerpieces. Thank you Amanda Young of Swoon Over It Photography www.swoonoverit.com 215-839-9472 for the great shots and we are looking forward to bringing the full set of photos to our portfolio soon.

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