Coronavirus Front Line Workers Could Win a Wedding Package From Four Philly Vendors
But you must apply by May 15th.
One lucky couple could be the recipient of wedding vendors’ response to coronavirus wedding giveaway. Photography by Magdalena Studios
Magic happens when communities come together to support one another. Nowhere is this more evident than the Philadelphia wedding industry in the wake of coronavirus. Vendors have rallied to help couples postpone their Big Days; bridal salons introduced virtual appointments; and venues began finding ways to accommodate new dates for those impacted. And new programs sprout up daily. One of the latest? The Gush, a wedding giveaway that’s valued at about $25,000, combines the talents of four local vendors and is open to a couple who is working on the front lines of the crisis. Health care professionals, grocery store clerks, members of the police force, firefighters and other crucial figures could qualify — but you must apply by 1:59 p.m. May 15th.
Here’s what you get (in short): planning and styling, floral and event design, branding and photography from Clover Event Co., Fête Urbane, House of Catherine and Magdalena Studios, respectively. They dreamed up the contest via weekly Zoom or Instagram Live brainstorming sessions (de rigueur during the outbreak), which they called The Gush. A fitting name: They did exactly that about the industry, from sharing strategies to answering questions from couples. “We also started discussing what we could do to help give back to those who are currently working on the front lines while we are able to safely work in the comfort of our own homes,” says Caitlin Maloney Kuchemba of Clover. “Giving our creative time and energy to elevate someone’s wedding day felt like the least we could do.”
RELATED: A Guide to Philadelphia Weddings During the Coronavirus Outbreak
There are a number of requirements to be eligible (click here for the full list and to apply or nominate a worthy duo). For example, at least one partner must be employed as an essential worker facing the crisis. You both must be 18 or older and already engaged. Only one application will be accepted per person; current clients are not able to qualify. The wedding must take place on or before December 31st, 2021 and can be held anywhere around the globe (though we like Philly best). Once the applications are received, the group will review and select a winner based on a number of factors, such as date, location, style and personal story. The winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond; the happy duo will then be announced on social media May 20th.
The full perks range by vendor but include services like partial planning and on-site, day-of coordination by Kuchemba and Clover; complimentary personal blooms for the couple and ceremony, plus floral design by Angie Rayfield and Liz Barrella of Fête Urbane; a custom escort display and full branding experience by Meghan Papiano and her House of Catherine team; and up to eight hours of wedding-day photography by Magi Kernan and husband Scott of Magdalena Studios.
And there could be more on the way — since the contest’s launch, the four initial partners have received numerous inquiries from other local wedding businesses about how they can participate. Kuchemba notes that the group is likely to offer other worthy applicants additional services from vendors that want to support the most giving among us too.
Need more incentive? Scroll down to see some of their work.
A seating installation by House of Catherine
Bright, springy bouquets by Fête Urbane
A midwestern-boho celebration with planning and styling by Clover Event Co.
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