This Haute Modern Barnes Wedding Is Everything

If you’re looking for a modern wedding filled with art, pretty metallics, and geometric-style tablescapes, look no further for inspiration than Jessica Mogardo and Russell Kalbach’s wedding at the Barnes. Check out all of the action from this gorgeous modern October wedding at The Barnes Foundation in Logan Square in stunning photos by The Hursts & Co.

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After they first connected on OKCupid, Jessica Mogardo and Russell Kalbach barely squeezed in drinks during a busy week — Russell was headed out of town, and Jessica had other plans for that night. But even in that brief meeting, Russell was smitten: “I never wanted to leave,” he says. “I knew the parking meter expired, and I didn’t do anything about it.”

He asked for another date immediately after his return. This time, neither could deny the sparks. Jessica, then a chef for Garces Group catering, visited Russell’s home and saw that the bachelor pad was spotless: “His kitchen was so clean!” From then on, she laughs, she was head over heels

Russell popped the question after they moved to San Francisco. It was picture-perfect: sunset on a pier overlooking the Bay Bridge. Eighteen months later, on the bride’s parents’ 45th wedding anniversary, the couple exchanged vows at Old Zion Lutheran Church in Spring Garden.The bride carried a simple bouquet of deep purple ‘Black Forest’ calla lilies. Jessica’s bridesmaids wore mix-and-match dresses from Rent the Runway and carried white calla lilies to complement her bouquet. They headed to the Barnes Foundation for their reception. (They chose Philly for the wedding because it’s where they fell in love.)

Guests sipped signature “Buffalo Sour” and “French Tart” cocktails during the alfresco cocktail hour. Appetizers that night included hamachi tacos and a burrata bar; come dinner, guests enjoyed sea scallops and beef bourguignon paired with wines personally selected by the bride. All 90 guests dined at one connected seating arrangement, which wrapped around a custom sculpture installation by Oleander. “The table layout was the one thing I absolutely had to have,” says Jessica, who first spotted the idea on Pinterest.

 Jessica baked the abstract, sculptural cakes in an Airbnb she rented for the week leading up to the wedding. For the favors, Russell, an accomplished at-home beer maker, brewed and bottled a French saison and designed the custom “Holy Water” label using a blueprint of Old Zion Lutheran. The happy couple still calls the Bay Area home; Jessica directs research and development at catering company Eat Club, and Russell works at engineering firm PAE.

VENDORS

Venue: The Barnes Foundation, Logan Circle | Wedding Planner: Christiane Lehman of Truly You Events | Photography: The Hursts & Co. | Design, Florals, Guilded Picture Frame, Geometric Sculpture & Tabletop Rentals: Oleander | Catering: Starr Catering Group | Bride’s Gown: Daalarna Couture from Spina Bride | Men’s Attire: Indochino | Hair & Make-up: Mack Stylist | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Entertainment: Synergetic Sound & Lighting | Wedding rings, Monica Vinader; engagement ring, Jacob’s Antique Vintage and Estate Jewelry

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