Romantic Philadelphia Wedding at Union Trust

Julie and Ross’s love story began like any budding romance in college: Julie walked into a summer party Ross was already enjoying, and she caught his eye immediately. After he scrounged up enough courage to chat with her, they found out they both were attending George Washington University in DC. Realizing you couldn’t get any more serendipitous than that, Ross asked Julie out on a date and the rest was history. With an epic wedding proposal at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Temple of Dendur exhibition, the duo followed it up with more amazing architecture and chose to wed at Philadelphia’s Cathedral of Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and hosted their reception at Union Trust. Julie donned a stunning Berta wedding gown with vine detailing and Ross was the spitting image of a classic Hollywood leading man in his J. Hilburn tux. Kristin Weaver Photography’s captures show us all of the glitz and glam of the day and it instantly transports us to this fun fête.

Badgley Mischka Bridal Shoes
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Blush Bridesmaids Dresses 1
Pink and White Bridesmaids Bouquet
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Hydrangea and Peony Tall Wedding Centerpiece
Wedding Table Numbers
Gold and Radiant Orchid Wedding Reception
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In their own words

How did you meet?
We first met in the Summer of 2008 at a mutual friend’s party in Philadelphia. Julie caught Ross’s eye as soon as she entered the room and Ross immediately walked over to talk to her. After a few games of Flip Cup and some casual conversation, they found out that they were both coincidentally attending The George Washington University. By night’s end, they shared their first kiss and Ross asked Julie out on a date.

What is your proposal story?
Ross hired a tour guide to do a private tour of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The tour ended at the Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian Room and Ross proposed.

What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
We wanted everything to have our own personal touch to it. Julie is an architect so design was extremely important; focusing on the intricate details. She designed a geometric heart logo that became a theme for our wedding; being incorporated into the invitations, seating chart, cake topper, lighting displays, cocktail napkins, etc. The photography, band, and the flowers were very important to us so we splurged on those items. We chose to skip a videographer but we had a Poser photobooth at the reception with Great Gatsby props and extended wedding photography hours

What were your favorite parts of the day?
We wrote “To My Bride” and “To My Groom” letters to each other the morning of our wedding. Reading those was a special moment for both of us. Our first look before the wedding ceremony that was very emotional and we both cried. We had a first dance with two special dips. We had taken lessons for 2 months and were thrilled we pulled it off. The wedding speeches were very touching and incredibly done. Ross’ father and Julie’s mother gave heartfelt speeches as well the the best man (Ross’s brother Alex) and the maids of honor (Julie’s sister Jamie & best friend Jena). The Best Man had everyone laughing with some comedic moments in his speech There were 8 groomsmen and 7 Bridesmaids and 1 Bridesman. The wedding party was announced in pairs at the reception and everyone planned a fun entrance with a little flair or dance.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
If in your budget, hire a wedding planner/coordinator. Susan & her team from The Styled Bride were amazing throughout the whole wedding planning process but specifically made the day of 100% stress free. Also don’t forget to include personal details like designing a special logo, cake topper, and signature cocktails.