A Perfectly Preppy Pastel Wedding at the Horticulture Center
Both the koozie favors and soft pretzel snack bags were monogrammed.
Claire Elliott, who married Nathaniel Kramer in a preppy Horticulture Center wedding, poses with her bridesmaids. Photography by Adrienne Matz
What’s more Philly than sending guests home from your wedding with Tastykakes and soft pretzels? This preppy Fairmount Park Horticulture Center wedding, photographed by Adrienne Matz, brought a New York couple back home to Philadelphia to celebrate their love for each other — with tributes to the city where their romance began.
Claire Elliott and Nathaniel Kramer met on Bumble in September 2015, and they engaged in conversation via the app for over a month before meeting in person. “Nate will claim I was blowing him off,” Claire jokes, “but my story is work and the big Pope visit got in the way.”
At the end of October, the pair went on their first date to Bud & Marilyn’s. Claire, who had a rule of never having a full meal on a first date, knew her connection to Nate was the real deal when she found herself ordering dessert. Later in the evening, she and Nate were surprised by Nate’s best friends, who had been sitting at the bar, hoping to embarrass him. “They definitely succeeded,” Claire remembers.
Over the next three years, Claire and Nate’s relationship flourished, surviving long distance due to Claire relocating to New York City for work. After two years of traveling back and forth, Nate joined her in the Big Apple.
In late August 2018, the couple headed to Avalon for their annual vacation with Claire’s family. One afternoon, Nate suggested he and Claire take a bike ride despite the fact that it was only his second time in the Shore town. “I had a hunch something was up but tried to remain as oblivious as I could,” Claire says.
When the duo arrived at 88th Street, Nate asked Claire to take a walk with him to a beach pavilion. Upon arrival, Nate dropped down on one knee and proposed — and Claire burst into happy tears. The pair remained at the beach after the proposal, taking in the moment privately, then made their way back to Claire’s family’s Shore house where they shared the news and toasted with champagne.
After a 10-month engagement, the couple married in June 2019 at Old Saint Joseph’s Church. Following the nuptials, they celebrated with 210 guests at Fairmount Park Horticulture Center; they describe the event as a black tie garden party.
Claire’s favorite details from the Big Day included the horse-drawn carriage — a surprise from her dad — that escorted her to the ceremony, as well as the “absolutely gorgeous” stationery. And despite becoming New Yorkers, they honored the city of Philadelphia at their celebration: Tastykakes and soft pretzels were given out as wedding favors.
THE DETAILS
Photographer: Adrienne Matz | Ceremony Venue: Old Saint Joseph’s Church | Reception Venue: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center | Planning/Design: Confetti & Co. | Florals: Fabufloras | Catering: Constellation Culinary | Bride’s Gown: Carolina Herrera | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Emilia Wickstead, WAYF, Yumi Kim and Jenny Yoo | Hair: Studio DeRose | Makeup: Cheekadee Makeup | Groom’s Attire: J.Crew | Entertainment: CTO Tribeca | Cake: Bredenbeck’s Bakery | Invitations: Ashley D Studio | Transportation: Ace Limousine & Airport Service | Videography: Tweed Weddings | Calligraphy: Write Time Stationery | Favors: Boxed Sourcing + Production | Photo Booth: Clique Bait Photo Booth
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