Friday, September 30, 2011

Wedding Crashing: Effortlessly Chic and Modern

Wedding-palooza continued on August 20, 2011 with our dear friends Mandy and Evan's wedding in Lancaster, PA.

The ceremony was held in a beautiful church with a ceiling to die for.  


I have to say, this church is nudging it's way to the top of my favorite ceremony venues.  It  didn't feel like you were in a church-- there wasn't the usual gilded figures or tall stain glass windows.  It was very simple, modern and chic with a slight rustic flair.


The ceremony included beautiful music and a lovely sermon from the priest-- there may or may not have been the dropping of a ring too (but I'll never tell ;)



The bride looked amazing (as always) in a strapless mermaid gown that ruffled at the bottom and gathered at the hip with big bold flowers.  Her hair was pulled back in a loose chignon and accessorized with a classic fingertip length veil.  She looked, exactly how I thought she would--effortlessly chic and modern.

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The gentlemen wore three piece, gray suits with a slight herringbone pattern and gray ties.
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The ladies went with a simple black cocktail dress in varying styles and carried beautiful bouquets of white roses, daisies and hydrangeas 

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The reception was held at the Eden Resort and Suites in Lancaster, PA.  Since it was over an hour drive for us, we decided to stay the night.  As we checked in, I opened the curtains to our room and immediately found the reception



The reception was held in a ballroom like I have never seen:  it had a two-story high ceiling and it felt as though you were in a outdoor courtyard, even though you were inside.  The sun shone through skylights on the ceiling and at night, hanging twinkle lights made it feels as if you were dancing under the stars. Instead of the usual wooden dance floor, there was a stone patio facade.



I cannot continue without mentioning the invitations.  As soon as we received them in the mail, I fell in love.  First off, they were letterpress.  I die.  Plus, you all know I love a good monogram, so add that it with some modern typography, and I am lusting.

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The monogram was echoed in their escort cards with their last initial.  I loved the pictures of the cow for steak and chicken for the marsala.  I'm not 100%, but I believe the balloon is a child's plate.


The centerpieces continued the easy, breezy outdoor feel with hydrangeas and daisies in simple vases.


Their cake had alternating tiers of off kilter, swiss-dotted squares, accented with a black ribbon.


The cake topper were the same blooms from the bouquets and centerpieces, but the monogram on the top layer is what I really loved.


The bride and groom shared their first dance to Ingrid Michaelson's "The Way I Am", and we sat down to eat a wonderful meal of chicken marsala or steak.


As the sun went down, the party really started--  the boys got on the dance floor.
Yes, that is my husband doing the chicken dance.
..and it ain't a party till the ties are around the head.


Congrats to the happy couple.  We had so much fun, and wish you many many years of love and happiness!

Always & Forever,
  ME

1 comment:

Cynthia said...

I assisted my friend who photographed a wedding at that hotel. I recognized that room immediately, so different and pretty!!