This Boho Bride Wore Fringe to Her Vegetable Garden-Themed Wedding

Photography by Tree of Life Films

Vintage-loving souls Jennifer Candeloro and Ronnie Gouger were married on their 10-year anniversary in a bohemian garden wedding filled to the brim with details and decor that we’re 100 percent obsessed with. From the bride’s dress — the fringe! — to their pop-up altar in Bartram’s Garden all the way back to their seed packet seating chart, this Shannon Wellington-designed wedding is one for the books (and Pinterest boards). See below for shots of the Gougers magical day, captured by Tree of Life Films and Photography.

The pair, who met on MySpace wayyy before internet dating was a thing, first met up for coffee off of South Street for their first date, which wound up running 12 hours long. Conversation flowed easily, and they quickly discovered a mutual love of thrifting. Soon enough the two were digging through piles of trinkets in South Philly, where they discovered a collection of vintage games that kept them enthralled for hours. The pair was inseparable from then on. 

Eight years later, the pair returned to the same coffee shop where they first met. Ronnie popped the question by quickly pouring Jena’s coffee in a “#1 Wife” mug with the engagement ring attached to the handle.

Two years later, Jena and Ronnie were married on September 3, 2016, in the beautiful Bartram’s Garden at an equally-as-beautiful and flower-covered altar. The talents of friends, family and even the graphic designer bride — who created the invitations for the day — were put to good use to make the day unforgettable.

Post-ceremony, guests were welcomed to cocktail hour at a quaint cottage in Bartram’s Garden where they sipped on refreshing “Jena Tonics”— the bride’s concoction of gin, lemon, lavender, aromatic bitters,  and tonic (YUM) — and cucumber mojitos.

The garden theme of the wedding runs through every element of the day, from the setting to the seed box seating chart, which used vegetables in lieu of table numbers to direct guests to their places. Lush and vibrant dahlia and garden rose arrangements garnished every corner of the reception, and tables were dressed with vintage linen, napkins china, and goblets (the couple co-owns and operates Old City’s Hoof and Antler Vintage). 

Post-dinner, guests enjoyed three cakes from Nutmeg Cake Design: a lemon-blueberry cake filled with a lemon cream cheese buttercream, a champagne cake filled with raspberry buttercream and covered in vanilla buttercream, and a banana chocolate chip cake filled with a Nutella buttercream and covered in vanilla buttercream. The newly married duo danced to “Such Great Heights” by Iron and Wine, honeymooned in Italy and Greece, and then returned to their West Mt. Airy home where, in addition to operating Hoof and Antler, she works as a freelance graphic designer and he works as a systems analyst.

Vendors

Event Planner: Shannon Wellington Weddings | Photography: Tree of Life Films and Photography | Venue: Bartram’s Garden | Florist: Fresh Designs Flora and Events | Bride’s Gown: Rue de Seine from Lovely Bride Philly | Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN | Groom’s Tux: Joseph Abboud | Hair Dresser: The Cutting Point Salon | Makeup Artist: ONLO Beauty | Wedding Cake: Nutmeg Cake Designs | Catering: Day by Day | Entertainment: DJ Carrie Dangerous | Transportation: Krapf’s | Furniture: Maggpie Vintage Rentals, Fox and Finch Vintage Rentals, and Barnes Handcrafted Farmhouse Tables

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