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

Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle: The Royal American Bride

Before there was Meghan Markle, before there was Kate Middleton, before there was even Princess Diana…there was Grace Kelly:

 

Photo by Silver Screen Production

          

A Philadelphia born movie starlet, this American superstar became a European princess when, in 1956,  she wed Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Deemed by the press ‘The Wedding of the Century’, their nuptials were an international sensation. Demand for coverage was so high in fact that MGM studios broadcast the wedding live to more than 30 million European households… in 1956!  To say her wedding style influenced an entire generation of brides would be, well, the understatement of the century. 

 

Monochromatic, tailored, natural – these were the signature elements of Grace Kelly’s iconic style. Some sixty years later, as the world watched another American actress join the ranks of European royalty, we saw a return to these elements. From their fashion choices to their floral style, both Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle showed the world that minimalism can be every bit as elegant and beautiful as opulence.

 

So, what influence might the royal wedding(s) have on this season’s bridal trends?  Here are Petal’s Lane’s 4 predictions:

 

 

1. Less is More: Delicate Bouquets

 

Despite the enormous popularity of cascading bouquets in the mid 20th century, Kelly, chose to carry a delicate bouquet of lilies the valley. Markle also chose to carry a very understated bouquet; hers included not only lily of the valley but also also sweet peas, astilbe, astrantia, and Diana’s favorite flower, the Forget-Me-Not. Markle’s bouquet also incorporated a sprig of myrtle, a royal tradition which dates back to the wedding of Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Victoria. Myrtle is known as a symbol of love and of hope, and it has been included in every British monarch’s wedding since the 19th century.

 

Getty Images

 

Getty Images

 

 

2  Bringing the Outside In: Foliage

Rather than wanting perfectly symmetrical bouquets and arrangements, Markle opted for a more casual look that favored seasonal and natural elements – vines, leaves, branches, etc. London-based florist Philippa Craddock worked with both Harry and Meghan on all the flowers for their wedding celebration, and according to Town and Country, she used “branches of beech, birch and hornbeam, along with white garden roses, peonies and foxgloves,” in her arrangements. We predict more brides will be less interested in perfect symmetry and more interested in capturing a plant or flower’s natural shape and form.

 

                                                                                                     

 

3 The Arch

Steeped in tradition, the wedding arch symbolizes the future home of the bride and groom. As if we didn’t already know Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will share a pretty incredible abode (The two will reside at Kensington Palace), the archway at Saint George’s chapel would have been a great hint! The incredible archway atop the doors of Saint George’s was made using pollinator friendly plants and were harvested from the monarchy’s royal parks.  We expect these round archways to make big headway this season. 

 

Getty Images

 

 

4  All White Wedding Decor 

In the words of Billy Idol, it’s a nice day for a white wedding. While royal tradition dictates that flowers should be white, bold colors and multi-hued flowers have long been a popular choice for American brides. As with any pendulum, we are seeing a swing in the other direction. According to The Knot, even Baby’s Breath, that inexpensive stem of tiny white flowers, is making a return in big and small ways. It pairs perfectly with on-trend greenery and works well for flower crowns and other small hairpieces. It seems bouquets, centerpieces, even dance floors are getting a new look. 

 

Sarah DiCicco Photography
MK Photography
Rachel Pearlman Photography
Andrew Graham Todes Photography

Jeff & Sarah

Jeff and Sarah held an intimate wedding at the Loews Hotel in downtown Philadelphia, a staple venue for the area. This location also carries significance for the couple, as they enjoyed their first dates in the heart of the city when they were students at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business! A notable ceremony addition was their chuppah; it was quilted by Sarah’s aunt that incorporated personal messages from their loved ones. We constructed a frame, then added draped ribbon which contributed to the existing romantic ambiance of the room. Sarah’s bouquet was timelessly elegant with several types of flowers, including white roses and white calla lilies, while her bridesmaids carried different arrangements in the same ivory color scheme. In the ballroom of the Loews Hotel, we created unique centerpieces that featured a range of warm colors and lively textures, helping the reception glow spectacularly. We enjoyed seeing the love this beautiful couple shares and were so happy to be a part of their special day!

Photographer: JB Reed Weddings
Makeup: Face the Day NY
Venue and Caterer: Loews Hotel, Philadelphia
Entertainment: Tribeca Grand Entertainment

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All photos courtesy of JB Reed Weddings. For more information, contact (347) 443-6889 or jb@jbreed.com.

Matt & Tania

Matt and Tania shared an elegant November wedding that encompassed an antiquated, romantic theme. The ceremony Mass was located at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. For those unfamiliar, this exquisite cathedral is home to some of the most breathtaking architecture in the city. The celebration continued at the Historic Landmark Building of PAFA, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Tania stated that her and Matt loved each location because they provided both a grand and intimate setting simultaneously. She also loved that her guests could dance around the remarkable art galleries that PAFA exhibits! The flowers were a rustic hue, yet delicate enough to incorporate with the champagne and gold-toned decor. The addition of some warm reception lighting and groups of candlelight on each guest table helped set the mood for this unforgettable evening! Congratulations to this beautiful couple!

Photos courtesy of Shari DeAngelo Photography
http://www.sharideangelo.com/ | (856) 616-9291 | shari@sharideangelo.com

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Ribbon Cutting for the Kislak Center

A reception of 150 guests followed by a private dinner of 64 marked the naming of the Kislack Center on the 6th floor of the Van Pelt Library at The University of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Amy Gutmann spoke during the reception and ribbon cutting.  The design envisioned combined various shades of reds, burgundy’s and antique mercury silver glass; with candlelight to reflect and bounce through the design.  The table settings sat atop a mirrored table top providing a multi-dimension design for the flowing flowers.  With collaboration from Garces Caterings stunning menu, lighting and draping from Synergistic Sounds & Lighting and the linen/dishware/chairs from Party Rental, it was an elegant affair.

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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.

Philadelphia Flower Show

“Brilliant!” Yes, Petals Lane will be back as an exhibitor at the 2013 Philadelphia Flower show. With a combination of realism and fantasy we plan on displaying a beautiful color scheme of flowers, textures, and a exhibit that will capture your eye. After the amazing feedback we received at the 2012 Philadelphia Flower show from all of the attendees, clients, friends and family we hope to create another show stopper.

As for 2012 “Islands of Aloha”  it was fun, and we are glad that everyone enjoyed our exhibit so much.  Thank you Pennock’s Floral for contributing flowers to the exhibit.

Photos take by Jackie Bayne:  Love Shack Photo

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF OUR EXHIBIT!

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