Modern, Elegant Philadelphia Wedding

Just about this time last year, our Elegant Events team was working with Duane and Michael on their amazing Philadelphia wedding. What a difference a year makes.

This couple’s love story began when they had a chance meeting at a party and fell in love. Their lives took different paths, and they separated for a moment. They eventually came back together and are inseparable!

Their amazing Le Meridien Philadelphia wedding was full of love and laughter as these two joyfully blended their families along with their children. Duane’s daughter Samantha and Michael’s son Jaden were a big part of the wedding day.

Photo booth - bride and groom taking photos with their children in a Photo Booth - photo booth with a gold backdrop - blended families

The ladies spent the day getting ready together. Duane looked stunning in her classic lace wedding gown with a simple, stylish veil. She carried a bouquet of pink peonies and Dusty Miller wrapped in black ribbon, accented with a unique photo locket.

bride in lace wedding gown - bride with long veil - bride on balcony in a lace wedding gown

bridal bouquet - bridal bouquet with pink peonies, dusty miller and a locket - bridal bouquet with a photo locket

The evening wedding ceremony included a soloist performing some of the couple’s favorite gospel music, including “I Love The Lord’, ‘Total Praise’ and ‘Oh Lord, How Excellent.”

Duane made her entrance, escorted by her brother, to “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” The couple exchanged wedding vows and rings, followed by a blending of their families in a beautiful sand ceremony.

Following the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds snuck off for some photos while their family and friends enjoyed the cocktail hour.

wedding portraits - bride and groom posing for some photos toghether - just married

Inside the hotel’s iconic ballroom, a blend of modern and classic, the final touches were added to the reception. Long reception tables came together, forming an X in the center of the room, joining all parts of their family and friends together.

The tables were draped with shimmering black linens and layered with gold table runners, oversized gold table numbers, and floating candles in modern glass vessels. A gold urn overflowing with white hydrangea and creamy white roses sat in the center of the room.

Finishing touches to the reception included black napkins with custom menu cards and presetting a delicious summery Baby Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Red Onion, Candied Pecans, Blue Cheese, and an Aged Balsamic Dressing.

Le Meridien Philadelphia wedding reception - black and gold modern wedding reception - banquet tables forming an X

black and gold modern wedding decor - floating candles - modern wedding decor - Spinach and strawberry salad

The wedding reception began with introductions of the wedding party followed by the newlyweds who enjoyed their first dance to “You’re All I Need To Get By,” starting with the classic Marvin Gaye version and transitioning into the version by Method Mann and Mary J Blige for a modern twist.

7-Philadelphia wedding – Le Meridien Philadelphia wedding – modern Philadelphia wedding

The evening was filled with delicious food, touching toasts, dancing, dancing and more dancing! In between an evening of dancing, the couple took time for their cake cutting, a bouquet toss, and a fraternity song, Kappa Sweetheart.

Congratulations, Duane and Michael, our Elegant Events team has incredible memories of your modern, elegant Philadelphia wedding!