Louisa and Adam’s wedding at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia was a celebration of color, texture, and personality. Their vision of a maximalist, funky, and textural day came to life with vibrant decor, heartfelt moments, and a lively reception. With a focus on local vendors and thoughtful details, their spring wedding perfectly captured the energy of their love story.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Style: Funky, colorful, textural
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Museum
Season: Spring
Adam, a reinsurance broker, and Louisa, a veterinarian, met on Bumble. “I had been on so many dates, deleted and redownloaded the apps multiple times. Adam was my first date, and we instantly clicked,” Louisa shared. Their connection grew quickly, spending only one day apart in the first four months of dating. Their engagement was as practical as their relationship was passionate. They designed Louisa’s ring together and even booked the wedding date before the official proposal. “When you know, you know,” Louisa said.
The couple envisioned a small wedding with a close-knit group of friends and family. Their goal was to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere that felt like “dinner with friends,” complete with personal traditions like party poppers and wigs to ensure everyone let loose and had fun.
Bridal Morning
Louisa started her day with relaxed preparation, staying true to her desire to feel natural and herself. Her classic, minimalist gown was the perfect fit for her personality. Paired with elegant yet practical Sarah Flint shoes, Louisa’s look balanced style and comfort. Her bouquet, crafted by Texture, featured a stunning mix of vibrant blooms that echoed the maximalist theme of the day.
Hair and makeup by Victoria Roggio Beauty and Hair by Natalie complemented her look with a natural, polished finish. “I rarely wear makeup, and Hannah Jo from Victoria Roggio nailed the natural makeup look,” Louisa shared.
Groom's Fashion
Adam embraced a colorful, stylish approach, wearing a green suit from Banana Republic Outlet paired with a floral tie from Brooks Brothers. His understated yet thoughtful choices reflected the playful yet sophisticated vibe of the day.
First Look
The couple shared their first look in the serene gardens outside the museum, creating a moment of pure joy and anticipation. Captured beautifully by Hannah Snyder Photography, Adam’s excitement and Louisa’s radiant smile showcased the love and excitement they felt for their day ahead.
"The best way to describe this day is, two best friends getting married, no pressure of a bridal party, no religious elements, no personal vows, just easeful love in front of favorite people."
Ceremony
The outdoor ceremony at the museum was short, intimate, and heartfelt, embodying the simplicity and ease that Louisa and Adam envisioned. Surrounded by lush greenery, the couple exchanged their vows beneath a stunning floral arch created by Texture. With no bridal party or personal vows, the focus remained entirely on their love and connection, allowing their guests to witness the pure joy of two best friends promising forever.
The atmosphere was relaxed yet filled with emotion, as laughter and smiles rippled through the crowd. Louisa and Adam’s decision to skip traditional elements like religious readings emphasized their desire for a modern, personalized ceremony. Every detail, from the serene setting to the heartfelt simplicity, reflected the couple’s unique bond and their goal of creating a stress-free, love-filled moment.
"Intense nervous excitement of walking down the aisle to marry Adam was overwhelming."
Private Moment
Before the reception, Louisa and Adam enjoyed a peaceful walk with Hannah Snyder around the lush grounds of the venue, soaking in the joy of their day. Hannah’s artistic vision brought their love story to life with a green tint that perfectly matched the wedding’s vibrant color palette. Her ability to capture depth, creative angles, and the essence of the couple added a unique vibe to the photos, highlighting their personalities and the magic of the day in a way that felt both intimate and timeless.
"The smell of flowers was otherworldly, the colors and patterns were so intense."
Decor & Setting
The reception was a vibrant, maximalist masterpiece designed by Kyle Michelle Weddings. A large circular bar anchored the room, dividing it into cocktail and dining spaces while creating a natural flow for guests. The serpentine head table, flanked by two long rectangular tables, was adorned with climbing florals that seemed to weave in and out of the lush green linens. Each place setting featured complementary elements, including whimsical bird-themed plates, patterned napkins, and delicate glassware, creating a textural and layered aesthetic.
“The design process of this wedding was so much fun. My desk was filled with linen swatches and sample napkins to try to match the perfectly mismatched textures,” shared the bride.
The vibrant color palette of pinks, greens, and yellows tied the decor to the couple’s theme of playful elegance. Custom signage and stationery by Chick Invitations, along with party poppers doubling as place cards, added personalized touches to the setting. From the thoughtfully curated furniture to the dramatic florals cascading across the tables, every detail reflected Louisa and Adam’s vision of a funky, colorful celebration that felt both inviting and unforgettable.
"The bird aspect carried throughout the entirety of the wedding design, from the plates on the tablescape, to the custom bar panels, and of course the bird on the ceiling."
Reception
The reception began with a lively cocktail hour as Louisa and Adam were greeted with heartfelt congratulations from family and friends. Guests enjoyed custom drinks by Constellation Catering while mingling in the beautifully curated space. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy as everyone anticipated the evening ahead.
As dinner transitioned to dancing, Louisa and Adam took to the floor for their first dance. Their guests soon joined in, creating an electric energy that lit up the room. The couple also shared touching dances with their parents, showcasing the deep connections that made the evening even more meaningful.
Dinner, served family-style, emphasized connection and comfort, perfectly reflecting the couple’s vision of an intimate gathering. Louisa and Adam carried on a cherished family tradition by incorporating party poppers at each place setting, complete with paper crowns and fun notes to the couple. “No one can take themselves too seriously when wearing a paper crown!” Louisa shared with a laugh.
The highlight of the evening came with the cake cutting. The cake, created by New June Bakery, was a show-stopping masterpiece that perfectly reflected Louisa and Adam’s maximalist and playful wedding theme. The three-tiered design featured a pastel green base adorned with intricate pink piping in ornate patterns, creating a whimsical, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Topped with vibrant red cherries, the cake was both a delightful nod to the couple’s bold style and a centerpiece that caught everyone’s attention.
As the night progressed, the party reached its peak with wigs, laughter, and nonstop dancing. Guests fully embraced the couple’s vision for fun and spontaneity, letting loose on the dance floor. “We wanted everyone to have a good time and feel like they could just enjoy the moment,” Louisa said. It was a perfect conclusion to a day filled with love, celebration, and unforgettable memories.
Advice from the couple:
• Hire a wedding planner. Just being able to hand the reigns and stress over to someone else allowed us to truly enjoy every single moment of the weekend.
PHOTOGRAPHER Hannah Snyder | VENUE The Barnes Foundation | PLANNING & DESIGN Kyle Michelle Weddings | MUAH Hair by Natalie and Victoria Roggio Beauty | FLORIST Texture | CATERER Constellation | CAKE New June Bakery | INVITATION Minted | STATIONERY & SIGNAGE Chick Invitations | BAND Bachelor Boys Band | RENTALS Something Vintage Rentals | PHOTOBOOTH Poser
