PHOTOS: 46 Stunning Flower, Cake, Dress and Decor Ideas for Your Fall Or Winter Wedding
We’re all spiffed-up and ready to party! Please join us as we celebrate the union of the most gorgeous gowns and dapper formalwear; the lushest flowers and the sweetest treats; the sparkliest embellishments and the most creative details. This is how Philadelphia puts on a wedding—and we hope you’ll come along for the ride.
When your dress is all the jewelry you need. Beatrice by Kate McDonald, a silk Mikado gown with full skirt and beaded metallic collar, $2,420 at Lovely Bride, Old City. Sapphire and diamond three-stone ring and earrings, $2,500 each at J.M. Lichterman, Washington Square West. Black plain tuxedo jacket, pants, shirt, shoes and bow tie, $799, all at Suitsupply, Rittenhouse. Groom’s boutonnieres throughout provided by Papertini Floral and Event Design, Old City.
Take some time to relax the morning of your wedding surrounded by your nearest and dearest ladies, and a few of your favorite treats. Cosette Kimono robe, $110, camisole, $65, and shorts, $40, all at BHLDN.com. Kimberlin Brown freshwater pearl and opal cluster earrings with pearl drop, $750 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse. Royal Crown Derby Darley Abbey teacup, $105, and saucer, $65, both at Manor Home & Gifts, Rittenhouse.
Sour cream vanilla and Dutch chocolate oversized cupcakes with handmade flowers, $5 to $8 each, created by Brown Betty Dessert Boutique, Northern Liberties. Waterford Town & Country two-tier server, $125, and Lismore Diamond Platinum champagne flute, $75, both at Bloomingdale’s, King of Prussia. Assorted macarons, $2 each or $1.80 each for orders over five dozen, created by ICI Macarons & Café, Old City. Waterford Diamond crystal tray, $275 at Macy’s, multiple locations.
Sour cream vanilla and Dutch chocolate oversized cupcakes with handmade flowers, $5 to $8 each, created by Brown Betty Dessert Boutique, Northern Liberties.
Ariane by Etoile, a blush tulle gown with ball skirt and floral appliqué, $1,400 at BHLDN.com.
A little something sweet, from your sweet. Arrangement of ‘Campanella Peach’ garden roses, ‘Cappuccino’ roses, burgundy and peach ranunculus, chocolate cosmos, scabiosa, Queen Anne’s lace, bunny tail grass, rose hips and poppy pods, around $250, created by Cottage Flowers, Malvern. Haviland Symphony Gold dessert plate, $80 at Manor Home & Gifts, Rittenhouse.
Assorted macarons, $2 each or $1.80 each for orders over five dozen, created by ICI Macarons & Café, Old City. Waterford Diamond crystal tray, $275 at Macy’s, multiple locations.
A detachable skirt lets you pump up the drama for the day’s biggest moments. Alonda by Ines di Santo, a beaded illusion trumpet gown with embellished tulle overskirt, $8,393 ($6,190 without overskirt) at the Wedding Shoppe, Wayne. Kimberlin Brown freshwater pearl and opal cluster earrings with pearl drop, $750 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse. Five-row gold and diamond ring, $4,945 at Cooke & Berlinger, Haverford. Jimmy Choo Kyra studded d’Orsay pumps, $975 at Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia.
All the pretty details that make up your day. Judith Leiber Ritz Fizz crystal clutch in Rhine, $2,695 at Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia. Jewelry, clockwise from top left: Kimberlin Brown Japanese kasumi pearl earrings, $620, and brushed white gold men’s wedding band, $1,100, both at Egan Day, Rittenhouse. White gold and diamond ring, $1,395, and hydrangea necklace, $3,120, both at Cooke & Berlinger, Haverford. Diamond necklace, $13,000 at J.M. Lichterman, Washington Square West. Loriann Stevenson amber diamond slice ring with pavé diamonds, $8,100 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse. Richard Ginori Vecchio square platter, $160 at Bloomingdale’s, King of Prussia.
The prettiest flowers—for her and him. Various boutonnieres with astrantia, astibe, scabiosa, spray roses, dusty miller and muscari, $19.50 each, created by Papertini Floral and Event Design, Old City. Large gold aluminum rectangle tray, $165 at Home Grown, Haverford.
Bouquet of anemone, spray carnations, Fritillaria persica, hellebore, sweet pea vine, flannel flower, peonies, garden roses and lilacs, around $475, created by Sullivan Owen, Old Kensington.
Fiona by Mira Zwillinger, a strapless blush layered tulle dress with white hand-embroidered guipure lace flowers, $9,350 at Elizabeth Johns, Ardmore. Kimberlin Brown Japanese kasumi pearl earrings, $620 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse.
Because a full-coverage gown doesn’t have to mean buttoned-up. Roxy by Rue de Seine, a high-neck, long-sleeve gown with raglan design lines, leaf appliqué and a keyhole back over a structured bustier base, $3,200 at Lovely Bride, Old City. Gabriella Kiss faceted aquamarine earrings, $1,980, and oval green-toned diamond ring, $9,680, both at Egan Day, Rittenhouse.
Everything is made better by a little shine. Jimmy Choo patent ivory Ivette sandals, $775, and Edie Parker Jean striped box clutch, $1,195, both at Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia.
Letterpress invitation in gray and gold ink with hand-painted embellishment and a laser-cut sleeve featuring a vintage map grid of Philadelphia, starting at $2,500 for 100, created by Two Paper Dolls and printed by Paper Meets Press, Wayne. Rectangular glass and gold tray, $215 at Home Grown, Haverford.
We know you’ll avoid each other before your first look—but sneaking a peek can’t hurt. Navy tuxedo jacket and pants, $3,150, Royal Oxford tux shirt, $395, and bow tie, $125, all at Commonwealth Proper, Rittenhouse.
Behati by Hayley Paige, an ivory geometric organza ball gown with draped V-neck bodice, full skirt and Moroccan beaded back, $2,970 at the Wedding Suite at Nordstrom, King of Prussia. Diamond halo drop earrings, $4,000, and diamond band, $7,900, both at J.M. Lichterman, Washington Square West.
Savanna by Ian Stuart, a tulle and lace ball gown with sequined taffeta underlay, $5,100 at Nicole Bridal & Formal Shoppe, Jenkintown. Nicole Landaw 14-karat yellow gold mabe pearl and rose quartz ring, $5,400, and Kimberlin Brown Japanese kasumi pearl earrings, $620, both at Egan Day, Rittenhouse.
Sometimes even the lightest wisp of a dress can have a big impact. Cameo by Claire Pettibone, an aquamarine floral-embroidered gown with sweetheart neckline and illusion lace back, adorned with guipure lace, seed pearls and spun gold thread, $5,200 at Nicole Bridal & Formal Shoppe, Jenkintown. Gabriella Kiss faceted aquamarine earrings, $1,980, and oval green-toned diamond ring, $9,680, and Kimberlin Brown anemone bracelets, $3,200, all at Egan Day, Rittenhouse.
Your first look: A moment as big as any other on your wedding day, made even more special since it’s just the two of you. Inbal Dror beaded sheath dress with a deep V neckline, $8,970 at the Wedding Shoppe, Wayne. Rosanne Pugliese rock crystal Navette earrings, $1,100 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse.
Navy tuxedo jacket and pants, $3,150, Royal Oxford tux shirt, $395, pocket square, $65, and bow tie, $125, all at Commonwealth Proper, Rittenhouse.
Sometimes a simple pattern can be the prettiest nod to the season. Oscar de la Renta ivory Chantilly leaf lace gown with sweetheart neckline and cascading snowflake lace appliqué, $9,490 at Elizabeth Johns, Ardmore. White gold inside- outside diamond hoops, $12,000 at J.M. Lichterman, Washington Square West. La Spalla navy suit, $999, brown seven-fold tie, $79, graphic blue pocket square, $49, and shirt, $99, all at Suitsupply, Rittenhouse.
A gift to yourself on your wedding day: a dress that’s easy to move in. Beckett by Sottero and Midgley, a sheath gown with Swarovski crystal-and-pearl-embroidered tulle and an illusion bateau neckline and back, $2,150, and Boutique de Voile Priscilla mesh flower hair piece with Swarovski crystals and pearls, $135, both at Philly Bride, Old City. Rene Caovilla crystal-embellished cutout sandals, $1,595 at Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia. Diamond studs, $30,000 at J.M. Lichterman,Washington Square West. Black plain tuxedo pants, shirt, shoes and bow tie, $799 (including black jacket, not shown), with burgundy velvet Manhattan tuxedo jacket, $399, all at Suitsupply, Rittenhouse.
Marion by Sabrina Dahan, an A-line gown with illusion deep V neckline and brocade and lattice beading, $8,20 at the Wedding Shoppe, Wayne. Rosanne Pugliese rock crystal Navette earrings, $1,100, Gabriella Kiss 18-karat gold teardrop diamond ring, $12,320, and Kimberlin Brown anemone, $3,200, pussy willow, $1,600, and Icelandic twig, $1,100, bracelets, all at Egan Day, Rittenhouse. Plain black tuxedo jacket, pants, shirt, bow tie and shoes, $799, shown with burgund velvet Manhattan tuxedo jacket, $399, all at Suitsupply, Rittenhouse. Boutonniere by Papertini Floral and Event Design, Old City.
Take a quick moment for yourself before the ceremony begins. Tulle and lace gown by Ashley & Justin Bride, $1,700 at Unveiled Philadelphia, Washington Square West. Nicole Landaw 14-karat gold nested double teardrop diamond-beaded earrings, $2,585 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse.
As quickly as the day might pass by, you’ll never forget when you were first pronounced husband and wife. Camilla by Vera Wang, an ivory gathered stretch illusion mermaid gown with French tulle skirt accented by hand-appliquéd silk flowers and hand-pieced Chantilly lace, $7,900, and veil, $1,490, both at the Wedding Suite at Nordstrom, King of Prussia. Eighteen-karat yellow gold hydrangea earrings, $1,615 at Cooke & Berlinger, Haverford. Black plain tuxedo jacket, pants, shirt, shoes and bow tie, $799, all at Suitsupply, Rittenhouse.
Eve of Milady A-line gown with sheer hand-beaded bodice and sequined horsehair ball skirt, $3,729 at Bridal Garden, Marlton. Eighteen-karat white gold and diamond flower earrings, $2,690, white, rose and yellow gold roll-on bangle, $18,275, and white gold triple-row diamond ring, $4,800, all at Cooke & Berlinger, Haverford.
Set a beautiful scene for your guests as they find their tables. Die-cut escort cards with gold metallic ink, starting at $70 for 100, created by Casa Papel, Northern Liberties. Arrangements of garden roses, ranunculus, anemone and brunia berry created by TableArt, Wayne.
Die-cut escort cards with gold metallic ink, starting at $70 for 100, created by Casa Papel, Northern Liberties. Arrangements of garden roses, ranunculus, anemone and brunia berry created by TableArt, Wayne.
Arrangements of garden roses, ranunculus, anemone and brunia berry created by TableArt, Wayne.
A toast to the new Mr. & Mrs.! Reem Acra strapless tiered panel lace gown with blush underlay, $7,995 at Elizabeth Johns, Ardmore. Nicole Landaw double Brazilian-cut moonstone earrings, $1,080, and 14-karat yellow gold mabe pearl and rose quartz ring, $5,400, both at Egan Day, Rittenhouse. Platinum diamond three-stone ring, $16,125 at Cooke & Berlinger, Haverford. La Spalla navy suit, $999, brown seven-fold tie, $79, graphic blue pocket square, $49, shirt, $99, and brown monk strap shoes, $249, all at Suitsupply, Rittenhouse.
Bridal separates let you play around with your look—and give you pieces you can wear again. Watters ballerina antique ivory lace and silk charmeuse Anais top with cap sleeves and illusion tulle, $425, and silk taffeta and matte organza Anita skirt with chapel train, $1,775, both at the Wedding Pavilion at Van Cleve, Paoli. Akoya pearl trio earrings, $1,290, and five-row yellow gold diamond ring, $4,945, both at Cooke & Berlinger, Haverford. Rene Caovilla ivory lace and pearl slingbacks, $1,125, at Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia.
Just because everyone’s eyes will be on you doesn’t mean you can’t get lost in your own little world. Lake by Lela Rose, an anemone fil coupe plunging V-neck gown with open back, $5,995 at Elizabeth Johns, Ardmore. Boutique de Voile Willow Gold hair comb, $194 at Philly Bride, Old City. Eighteen- karat white, rose and yellow gold roll-on bangle, $18,275, and five-row yellow gold diamond ring, $4,945, both at Cooke & Berlinger, Haverford. Black plain tuxedo jacket, pants, shirt, shoes and bow tie, $799, all at Suitsupply, Rittenhouse.
Centerpiece of fritillaria, ranunculus, anemone, hyacinth, sweet pea and eucalyptus, around $210, created by Love ‘n Fresh Flowers, Chestnut Hill. Table settings and linens provided by Jeffrey Miller Catering, Center City.
Watters by Willowby Irene gown with ivory beaded bodice, spaghetti straps and fitted skirt, $1,550, and Twigs & Honey Pearly Dreams halo, $380, both at BHLDN.com.
Centerpiece of fritillaria, ranunculus, anemone, hyacinth, sweet pea and eucalyptus, around $210, created by Love ‘n Fresh Flowers, Chestnut Hill. Table settings and linens provided by Jeffrey Miller Catering, Center City.
Fill your baker in on your party’s palette and style, and let her incorporate both into your Big-Day confection. Vanilla bean cake filled with an ombré of fresh raspberry buttercream and decorated with marbled fondant and handmade sugar flowers, $11.75 per serving, created by Cake Life Bake Shop, Fishtown. Annieglass Edgey platinum glass pedestal cake plate, $378 at Bloomingdale’s. Waterford Lismore candlesticks, $180 for two, and Kate Spade Take the Cake server, $65 for the set of two, both at Macy’s. Assorted dessert plates, Manor Home & Gifts, Rittenhouse.
Display a few of your favorite sweets during your dessert hour—after you’ve cut the cake. Arrangements of ranunculus, scabiosa, echeveria, hellebore, astrantia and roses, around $95 each, created by Flowers & Co., Rittenhouse.
Desserts, from left: Lattice-topped cherry pie, $26, yellow cake sandwiched with strawberry buttercream, $6 per slice, Key lime and chocolate puddings, $6.50 each, and raspberry tart with shortbread hearts, $24, all created by Night Kitchen Bakery, Chestnut Hill. Wedding “cake” of seasonal fancy doughnut flavors, $20 per dozen plus $275 for tier delivery and setup, created by Federal Donuts, Center City.
Tabletop, from left: Linen cocktail napkins, $29.95 for a set of four at Williams-Sonoma, multiple locations. Dessert plates provided by Jeffrey Miller Catering. Kate Spade Rosy Glow server, $85 for a set of two at Bloomingdale’s. White beaded pie dish, $59.95 for a set of three, and white marble stand, $39.95, both at Williams-Sonoma. Entwined gold leaf candlesticks, $22 each at Anthropologie, multiple locations. Michael Aram Bittersweet oval tray, $175, and round plate, $140, both at the Little House Shop, Wayne. Agate coasters, $136 for four at Home Grown, Haverford. Marin white cake stand, $34.95 at Crate & Barrel, King of Prussia and Cherry Hill. Gien France Assiettes à Themes Marriages à La Campagne dessert plates, $120 for a set of six at the Little House Shop. Greyson pastry server, $14.95 at Crate & Barrel.
See above for credits.
Arrangement of ranunculus, scabiosa, echeveria, hellebore, astrantia and roses, around $95, created by Flowers & Co., Rittenhouse.
See above for credits.
Surprise him with a cake in his very favorite flavors—with a design made just for him. Red velvet groom’s cake filled with old-fashioned vanilla buttercream and adorned with a fondant racquetball design, $10 per serving, created by Whipped Bakeshop, Fishtown. Slate cheese board, $29.95 at Crate & Barrel, King of Prussia and Cherry Hill. Caspari clear charger with gold rim, $24 at the Little House Shop, Wayne. Vietri Elegante double old-fashioned glass, $65 at Scarlett Alley, Old City.
Make sure to steal a moment away from the crowd before the night sweeps you by. Kimura by Watters, an embroidered lace gown with English netting and illusion tulle, $2,700 at the Wedding Pavilion at Van Cleve, Paoli. Navy tuxedo jacket and pants, $3,150, Royal Oxford tux shirt, $395, and pocket square, $65, all at Commonwealth Proper, Rittenhouse. Eight-millimeter brushed white gold wedding band, $1,100 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse. Pebble stacking rings, $1,765 each at Cooke and Berlinger, Haverford. Garland of olive branch and seeded eucalyptus created by TableArt, Wayne.
When your reception’s over and many guests have gone home, it’s time to let loose and get that (second) party started. Adella by Carol Hannah, a silk organza constrained ball gown with leather macramé strapping, $4,090 at Lovely Bride, Old City. Eight-millimeter brushed white gold wedding band, $1,100 at Egan Day, Rittenhouse.
Custom “Love” and “Thank You” sugar cookie favors, starting at $4 each, created by the Flour Pot, Ambler. Anna Weatherly Powder Blue charger, $110, and pastel dessert plates, $16 each, all at Anthropologie, multiple locations.
Catherine corded floral lace cut-out gown, $585 at Nicole Miller, Manayunk. Jimmy Choo Kyra studded d’Orsay pumps, $975 at Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia. In both: Diamond and emerald earrings, $6,450 at Cooke & Berlinger. Diamond band, $7,900 at J.M. Lichterman, Washington Square West. Tan Estrada three-piece suit, $3,185, shown with Grant vest, $445, Oxford shirt, $165, and tie, $125, all at Commonwealth Proper, Rittenhouse.
Shot on location at the Rittenhouse Hotel and the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. Photography by Trevor Dixon. Fashion styling by Lauren Kozakiewicz. Still-life styling by Barbara Botting. Hair and makeup by Alayna Rakes. Models: Annie G/Elite NY; Sean Myrie/Wilhelmina.
This article originally appeared in the fall/winter 2016 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
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