A Wedding at a Museum with Vintage Elegance and Classic

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Setting: Museum
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 150
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Vintage, timeless, classic, traditional.

Olivia and Teddy first crossed paths during their undergrad days at the University of Pittsburgh, where a shared class led to their first date—a thrilling rock-climbing adventure. It wasn’t long before they discovered their mutual passion for academics, hiking, and cherished family times, which cemented their bond. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, with Teddy diving into cancer immunology in Boston, health metrics in Seattle, and Olivia navigating a finance internship in New Jersey before kickstarting her career in private banking in Philadelphia, their connection grew more assertive.

When it came time to tie the knot, Olivia and Teddy yearned for a wedding that captured the essence of classic, old-fashioned romance. They drew inspiration from the timeless elegance of traditional ceremonies. Their vision was clear: celebrating their love with a nod to the past while starting their exciting new chapter together.

The vintage and classic styling of their wedding influenced Olivia’s bridal look. She chose a Cinderella-style dress that perfectly highlighted her beauty and added a touch of vintage flair with delicate pearl accessories. The morning of the wedding was filled with laughter and joy as Olivia prepared for her big day surrounded by her closest friends. They helped her with every detail, adding to the excitement and festivity of the morning.

Olivia opted for an elegantly styled updo with soft tendrils framing her face, enhancing the romantic vibe of her ensemble. Her sister, who knew exactly how to bring out Olivia’s natural beauty, applied her makeup subtly and expertly.

Teddy’s morning was as lively and enjoyable as Olivia’s, filled with friendly banter and laughter with his groomsmen. He had always envisioned himself in a classic tuxedo on his wedding day, and that’s exactly the look he chose—an elegant black suit paired with a bow tie, epitomizing timeless style. His friends also donned black tuxedos, creating a perfectly coordinated ensemble that complemented the groom.

The wedding ceremony occurred in a magnificent church that stunned everyone with its grandeur and beauty. The gentle and beautiful bride entered the church escorted by her father, who led her down the aisle to the awaiting groom at the altar. Upon seeing his stunning bride, Teddy couldn’t hold back his emotions.

For Teddy and Olivia, it was profoundly meaningful that a priest who knew them personally officiated the ceremony. This added a touch of individuality to the entire ceremony. Perhaps the most touching aspect was the couple’s wedding rings; Olivia chose her grandmother’s ring, and Teddy wore his grandfather’s. This gesture beautifully honored their family heritage, making the ceremony a celebration of their union and a tribute to the enduring love of the generations before them.

Olivia and Teddy chose the renowned and talented photographers Nik and Dona, founders of Morina Photography, to capture their wedding day. Known for their artistic approach, Nik and Dona beautifully and delicately photographed Olivia and Teddy’s wedding, fully immersing themselves in the day’s atmosphere. They conveyed the couple’s refined beauty and the elegant ambiance of the wedding, capturing every detail with the talent of true artists. The couple’s portraits after the ceremony are particularly striking, showcasing their beauty in stunning clarity.

Family values are fundamental to Olivia and Teddy, and they wanted to ensure their grandparents were remembered on their special day. To honor this, they arranged a unique “love table” during the cocktail hour to display wedding photos of their grandparents and parents. Ensuring their guests were entertained was very important to them, so having the reception at the Franklin Institute ensured there were exhibits to look at throughout the cocktail hour.

The reception held at the museum was truly magnificent and impressive. Round tables draped in white tablecloths added a festive and elegant touch to the room while glowing candles created a romantic ambiance. The aesthetic beauty was further enhanced by floral arrangements in vintage vases, which added a refined and picturesque element to the setting.

The newlyweds made a spectacular entrance at the reception. Guests greeted them by waving sticks with white ribbons, setting a joyful and exhilarating tone for the celebration. The couple made their way to the center of the hall, and as a soft melody played, they danced their first dance as a married couple. This moment was unforgettable for everyone present, marking a highlight of the wedding that encapsulated their love and the day’s festive spirit.

The reception was filled with congratulatory speeches that moved the guests and the newlyweds. After these touching addresses, Olivia and Teddy participated in a beautiful wedding tradition by cutting the wedding cake. This act, often seen as a symbol of their first shared task as a married couple, was not only a significant moment but also one of joy and celebration.

The evening continued as guests hit the dance floor, joining Olivia and Teddy in a night filled with dancing and revelry. All of them shared the joy and happiness of this significant occasion as Teddy and Olivia reveled in the company of their loved ones. Not a single guest remained seated; everyone danced, making the night a perfect ending to this magical wedding.