Let us tell you how wonderful was the Philly Downtown Club wedding of Lana and Alex!
What a powerful tool a camera can be. When used at the right moment, it can capture emotions that words just can’t describe. For Lana and Alex, this held true the moment Alex handed a fellow tourist visiting the French countryside his camera and asked him to take a picture. Little did Lana know that he had also whispered something under his breath to the man: “Keep shooting.”
As the tourist happily snapped away, Alex dropped to his knee. Then he took out the most beautiful engagement ring Lana had ever seen and asked her to marry him. And after 17 months of engagement and planning, another camera began capturing this amazing couple… Ours.
The main ballroom at the Down Town Club in Philadelphia has spectacularly high ceilings as well as panoramic views of historic Philadelphia and Independence Hall. Lana and Alex chose this venue for their ceremony and reception because it reminded them of a French summer home… perhaps one that could exist on the countryside where they had vacationed after 7 years of dating and made plans for their future. Something about the room gave them an open-air feeling, and they knew that this was the spot that they wanted to say “I do”.
Sitting in the center of this magnificent space was their chuppah – a very large and very gorgeous piece of art made of moss, green leaves, white hydrangea and white roses. Its roof was made of clear covering with a bed of white rose petals over it. Bouquets of baby’s breath with long tails of ivy lined the aisle.
An opera singer performed the Jewish rendition of “Boi Kala” as the next big moment in Lana and Alex’s relationship arrived. The double doors to the room dramatically opened, and as Alex and their guests looked on, Lana walked down the aisle with her parents. Wearing a Sophia Tolli wedding dress with a detachable train and her hair pulled back in a low, classic bun, Lana perfectly captured the old Hollywood look she had always admired: simple yet elegant. Alex, who wanted to wear something sharp and well-fitted, opted for a classic suit. As their 5 bridesmaids and 6 groomsmen stood by, the couple exchanged vows during the traditional Jewish ceremony that was led by the same Cantor that did Lana’s Bat Mitzvah.
A cocktail hour followed, during which guests enjoyed “Marry Me Martinis” while listening to a piano player and a string quartet. A decadent menu of food choices was then presented, which included over 30 different appetizers and entrees including filet mignon, Chilean sea bass and rack of lamb. The red velvet wedding cake also had a French garden theme, as it was topped with sugar flowers and a center layer of flowers.
Lana and Alex had their first dance to Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E”. Growing up, Lana had loved the movie The Parent Trap – in particular, the opening sequence where Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid got married and danced to this song. It was always Lana’s dream to dance to it during her own wedding. This dream, among many, came true for Lana and Alex. And, thanks to a few cameras, they’ll have these moments to cherish forever and ever.
Creative team:
Venue: The Downtown Club (Cescaphe Group venue)
Videography: MyWeddingWay
Flowers: Fortune Flowers
Officiant: Cantor Mark E. Kushner
Gown: Sophia Tolli Purchased at Simplicity Boutique
Hair: Yana Gapeyeva for ViDa Hair Studio
Makeup: Camila Bravo
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Wedding Rings: Golden Nugget Jewelry
Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell
Groom: SuitSupply
Groomsmen: Calvin Klein
Invitations: Marathon Printing and Graphics Group
Lighting: Beautiful Blooms http://beautifulblooms.com/contact/
Cake: Jennifer Roach Cakes
Accommodations: Hotel Monaco
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