Wedding Planning: Kaleidoscope Weddings

Venues: Horticulture Center & The Philadelphia Racquet Club

Caterer: Constellation Culinary Group of the Mid Atlantic

Lighting: Revolution Event Production

Rentals: Vision Furniture

Entertainment: EBE Monte Carlo Band

Florist: Fabuflorals

Makeup/Hair: JMA Hair and Makeup 

Hotel: The Warwick

Mary and Brad tied the knot on New Year’s Eve at the Philadelphia Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park. With the help of Jen from Kaleidoscope Weddings, Mary and Brad treated guests to an unbelievable weekend of fun. Is there a better way to spend New Year’s Eve than at an amazing party with an open bar celebrating your friends? Seriously, we love New Year’s Eve weddings.

Our wedding weekend kicked off at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia capturing their welcome party. On Friday we took advantage of our time in Philly. We explored the city, took in the sites, and ventured to all of Saturday’s photo locations. When wedding day arrived we were prepped and ready to kick off the day. Though this was one of our longer weddings, we never had a dull moment. Friends and family came to party and lasted long past midnight!

We met Mary and Brad a year and a half ago while photographing a wedding. Brad was the best man, so we had the opportunity to get to know them both a bit. Actually, we told Brad he would be crazy if he didn’t put a ring on it. Luckily, he agreed and popped the question a few months later! These two are fun, full of personality, and instantly likable. In each other they have found their perfect match. After Brad officially proposed, they reached out to us. With only the date set, we put them in the calendar. When they came back and said Philly, we said, “hell yeah!” 

Mary got ready for the day at her suite in the Warwick Hotel. And Brad prepped for the day at The Racquet Club just a block away. Despite a less than stellar weather forecast, there were only smiles. Even when the plan changed a bit, Mary and Brad rolled with it. A little rain arrived, so we used The Racquet Club for the first look. Fortunately the rain was light, so we were still able to stop around the city. From Broad Street to the art museum’s historic steps to the Rodin Museum to the Horticulture Center, there were so many beautiful locations. Although used many of Philly’s best places for photos, the venue was by far our favorite. 

The Horticular Center is a truly unique venue that we think might be even more beautiful in the winter. While we are sure the grounds of Fairmount Park are lovely in the summer, we think the greenhouse is actually more magical in the winter. Since evening arrives early in the winter, guests entered a glowing venue filled with warm candles and hundreds of hanging blubs. There is nothing more romantic than warm lights everywhere except for warm lights that are also hanging from plants growing all around around the venue. Andrew and the team from Revolution Event Production lit the greenhouse to perfection. The centerpieces and florals were gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the Monte Carlo band kept everyone on their feet all night. A ballroom in a greenhouse is a one of a kind place for a dance floor.  

Mary and Brad were so clear on their vision for their wedding. They wanted all their friends and family to be treated to an amazing New Years’ experience; and they wanted a day they could not possibly forget. We hope it was even better than they dreamed. Also, I cannot possibly finish without mentioning the wardrobe. Yes, Mary had not one, but three amazing dresses and two sets of stilettos that never left her feet. The dress Mary chose for her vow exchange was a family heirloom. Her grandmother wore it first and then her mom. Mary personalized it just a bit, and she looked stunning paying homage to the women who wore it before her. Also, let’s take a moment to recognize the groom. We know Brad would be sad it we did not mention his two looks as well. He swapped his white tuxedo jacket and shoes to ring in 2023 as well. 

Photographing a wedding is both fun and stressful. Time doesn’t stop. There are no do overs. It was so nice to have a perfect vendor partner in Jen. She thought of everything. Not only did she make our job much easier, but she assembled an incredible team of vendors and made the day seamless. We have worked with many great planners through the years, but Jen exceeded all expectation. Philly brides, do not hesitate! If you are planning near or far, reach out to the team at Kaliedoscope Weddings. Thanks to Jen, the rest of the vendors, and most importantly, the family and friends who came to party, there were so many amazing moments for us to capture. It was impossible to choose just a few photos for the post. We tried. We promise. We tried. It was incredibly hard to choose. So…sorry, not sorry, but there are lots to see. Mary and Brad are too gorgeous. This day was too pretty to skip any of it.

Mary and Brad, thank you for taking us to Philly and trusting us with your wedding day. We loved you both the moment we met you, and we had such an amazing time. Enjoy reliving every moment.