This Fitler Club Wedding Had a Dog Dressed in a Tuxedo and an Enchanting Floral Installation

Philadelphia couple Amanda DiChello and John D’Arcy had a Fitler Club wedding during which their dog, Seamus, wore a tux. Photography by Afrik Armando

No matter how you slice that wedding cake of yours, Fitler Club is a popular choice — for those planning future Big Days amid its many exclusive spaces and couples looking to hold their micro-wedding outdoors on a quicker timeline. Here, we share how one couple took advantage of its offerings for a fall wedding photographed by Afrik Armando that came complete with a moody floral installation that made a statement during the ceremony and reception — plus a dog dressed in a tux and a Rocky impersonator who the couple couldn’t get enough of.

There’s nothing better than a dive bar on a snowy night — particularly when it’s Dirty Franks, and you meet your future partner-in-life here amid it all. Such is the case with Philly couple Amanda DiChello, an attorney with Cozen O’Connor, and John D’Arcy, a professor of management information systems at the University of Delaware. The duo, who initially clicked on Match.com, had initially planned for a fancier locale but favored the local haunt for its casual, friendly digs. They both showed up in jeans and snow boots, and talked all night.

While their first date was low-key, their engagement one and a half years later was anything but. The couple was in London for their friends’ wedding (at the Swan restaurant in Shakespeare’s Globe). John proposed several days later after the two toured the city — in the evening, on a balcony overlooking a river.

A quick three and a half months later, the couple planned their “I do’s” for November 15th, 2019. “It was a short engagement,” says Amanda, “but we figured, why wait?” Despite the timeline, they pulled off a sophisticated, romantic affair at the Fitler Club. There were moody jewel tones and a gorgeous floral installation with bright pinks, deep maroons and plenty of greenery that did double duty as a statement piece in the ceremony and reception. (Thanks to Kate Boyle of Sara Rea Design and Kate McManus of Devon & Pinkett.) “It added an organic, impactful element,” says Amanda.

The mirrored head table, sourced from Vision Rentals (the rentals were custom), was placed in front of the ceremony location and reflected the installation above while also highlighting the deep velvet runner, floral chargers and black acrylic name cards. And a glow filled the room thanks to warm lighting, candles and elegant candelabras.

While the floral installation was a favorite for Amanda, so was their dog Seamus, who was dressed to the nines in a tuxedo (complete with a cummerbund). And the Rocky impersonator (Mike Kunda) was a highlight for both the bride and groom. The biggest surprise? The game room. The doors were closed during the wedding, so most of the guests didn’t expect it — or the bowling alley, which they enjoyed toward the end of the evening, along with a full bar, Philly-focused food and drink, and music.

By the way, the couple’s first dance was to “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera. And live band Philly’s Finest was amazing, according to Amanda. “They kept the party going all night.”

THE DETAILS
Photographer: Afrik Armando | Venue & Catering: Fitler Club | Planning/Design: Kate Boyle of Sara Rea Design | Florals: Kate McManus of Devon & Pinkett | Bride’s Gown: The Wedding Factor | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Varied black dresses | Hair & Makeup: Han Ly | Groom’s Attire: Trussini from Boyds | Entertainment: Philly’s Finest from EastCoast Entertainment | Cake: Termini Bros. Bakery | Invitations: Paper on Pine | Rocky Impersonator: Mike Kunda

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