Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love
Bill and I live in West Philadelphia with our two cats, Rowland and Junebug. Bill works at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and I work as a Social Worker at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. We try to spend as much time outside as possible, either by going on bike rides, hiking, foraging, or camping. We garden and grow a lot of our own food that we use to make delicious meals for our loved ones.
How did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Bill and I met at a South Philly bar on a super hot summer day. We were both so sweaty. We talked for hours and then biked through a summer rainstorm – it was very romantic. It felt so natural to be around him.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
First date. Or maybe after the first month. Bill and I moved in with one another after a few months, which is something I told myself I would never do.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Bill proposed at Solebury Orchards in Bucks County, PA. It was a perfect fall day, and we were apple picking. He bent down to pick up an apple that had fallen, and then he knelt and asked me to marry him!
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
Our vision of the wedding shifted once the pandemic began. We originally envisioned it being a 100-person wedding at a local Philly venue. Once the pandemic got rolling, we knew we had to change course. Bill and I wanted to be able to safely host our grandmas and immediate families without putting anyone at risk. So, we ended up having a more intimate wedding at our home in West Philly just with 20 people. Honestly, I am so glad we had our low key smaller wedding because it just felt like “us.” As far as the vision for our house, we wanted there to be an overgrown romantic feel to our house. I like the look of tall floral arrangements with a lot of greenery mixed in, cut branches framing doorways, lots of candles.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
FLOWERS. My friend Mike is a genius decorator and I trusted him so much. He did an amazing job. He totally transformed our home. Also, I am just so happy we decided to have Hannah, our photographer (@hannahsynderweddings) there to document it all. She did a stellar job, and I will cherish these photos for the rest of my life.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight?
Well, some of the flowers that we ordered did not show up on the delivery truck. It was okay though. Mike made it work with what he had, and he did amazing. Also, it got pretty steamy in our house later on when the dancing broke out. Good thing we planned ahead and had tons of fruit popsicles ready to go.
Tell us about your main outfits?
Honestly, both Bill and I did not get crazy expensive clothing. We both kept it simple and sweet. I almost wore a rainbow jumpsuit, because I didn’t love the whole “white” thing, but at the last minute, I found this cute dress from Reformation that ended up being so much fun to wear.
Ceremony location Private Residence / Reception location Private Residence / Photographer Hannah Snyder / Flora Mike Grady / Catering + Beverages Sazon / Groom’s attire J.Crew / Bride’s dress Reformation / Rings Automic Gold / Bride’s shoes Basalt / Groom’s shoes Nisolo / Bride’s jewellery Moon and Arrow / Hair Tracey Olkus Design Hair
