This Moody Autumn Wedding Was Inspired by the Couple’s Love for Tattoo Art

While they were stressed during the planning process, Alyssa Capo and Colin Fritz were blown away by how well everything came together. / Photography by Liz Gibbs Photo

You could say Alyssa Capo and Colin Fritz’s love story began online, when he slid into her DMs on Instagram. But Alyssa, a permanent-cosmetics studio manager, ignored Colin’s message for nearly a month. So it’s a bit more fitting to say their journey began when she saw him in person at a Tigers Jaw concert in the city.

“He doesn’t take himself too seriously,” Alyssa recalls of her second first impression. “I think that’s one of the best qualities in a human.” Colin, a carpenter, was in it for the long game: “I knew this was the girl I was going to marry.” They got engaged in 2020, after a year of dating.

The South Philly pair said “I do” in October 2022 at Parque, a historic stone mansion surrounded by lush gardens in Ridley Creek State Park. The ceremony was held in the courtyard adjacent to the mansion, with gorgeous stonework and formal landscaping tinged with autumn hues creating a stunning backdrop.

The moody, romantic event drew on the elegant surroundings and autumn ambience, and the couple made sure to take a moment during the night to appreciate the little details. The decor included mismatched wooden ceremony chairs from Fox & Finch, vintage brass candlesticks thrifted by the couple, and a tattoo-inspired welcome sign (below) by Pat Haney, owner of Forever Valentine Tattoo in the Bok Building. (Alyssa and Colin describe themselves as “tattoo collectors” and wanted to incorporate the art into their theme.)

This vintage mirror was engraved by Morgan Tasi, a friend of the couple, and inspired by tattoo imagery.

But the flowers by Sue Linton were the real scenery showstoppers. “She took advantage of the season and incorporated a mix of warm-toned fall florals,” Alyssa says of the damask roses, carnations, ranunculus, anemones, Russell lupines and greenery that bloomed throughout the Big Day.

This arrangement topped off the fountain in the courtyard.

The ceremony arch was later arranged behind the sweetheart table, surrounding the massive original fireplace.

The tablecloths and textural blooms — arranged to mimic a garland — perfectly suited the mansion’s rich interiors, with lead-paned windows, hardwood floors and wood paneling. 

P.S. & Co. — a plant-based, gluten-free restaurant in Rittenhouse — crafted this Earl Grey cake, which featured lemon-curd filling and cream-cheese buttercream frosting.

Colin’s ruby boutonniere was among the 1,600 stems used.

The bride, a self-described houseplant lover, had the florist incorporate a monstera leaf into her bouquet and create a custom hair clip featuring fresh flowers, for a crowning touch.

Alyssa’s five attendants donned velvet ensembles from Revelry.

As for the couple, they say one of their most sentimental moments was their first look. “We shared our vows privately, and you can really see the love we have for each other through the photos.”

THE DETAILS
Photographer: Liz Gibbs Photo | Venue: Parque | Event Coordination: Grace Mycek of Peachtree Catering and Events | Florals: Sue Linton | Catering: Peachtree Catering and Events | Cake: P.S. & Co. | Gown: Casablanca from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo | Attendants’ Attire: Revelry | Tuxedo: Calvin Klein from Men’s Wearhouse | Rings: Souvenir Jewelry (engagement ring; now closed); Modern Mourning by Margaret Cross (wedding bands) | Hair & Makeup: Tribe | Invitations: Etsy | Officiant: Dennis Schuler | Welcome Sign: Hand-painted by Pat Haney of Forever Valentine Tattoo | Transportation: Limo Today | Music: DJ Ryan Grotz | Ceremony Chairs: Fox & Finch

Published as “Alyssa & Colin” in the Winter/Spring 2024 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.

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