An Intimate Garden Wedding at a Historic Pennsylvania Bed & Breakfast

Though Erin and Katie first met as freshmen in college — and even lived across the hall from one another as juniors — it wasn’t until two years after they graduated that the two began to fall in love. The pair dated for two years, when Erin got the idea to propose to Katie during a trip to Italy in July of 2009. “We were living halfway across the country from one another,” says Erin. “I visited Katie before our trip, and decided I couldn’t wait until we got to Italy, so I spontaneously popped the question!” Katie said yes, but the women waited until it was legal for them to marry in Pennsylvania before they set a date.

Katie and Erin wanted to give their guests a taste of where they live, so they searched for a Pennsylvania venue that would fit their relaxed, intimate vision. They chose the General Warren Inne and, on May 7, 2016, 32 guests joined them for a mid-afternoon ceremony followed by a celebration on the property’s grounds. With soft watercolor hues, pastel flowers, and sprigs of lavender sprinkled throughout the event, the couple’s wedding was the embodiment of spring. Take a look at these brides’ beautiful garden wedding, photographed by Tara Beth Photography, below.

Katie is Irish-American and Erin was born on St. Patrick’s Day, so naturally the two brides incorporated Irish touches into their celebration, including these Claddagh rings.

Erin wore a structured lace wedding dress by Truly Zac Posen, with a trumpet silhouette and corset-like boning details. “It fit like it was made just for me, and it fit my style and personality without a single alteration,” she says. A pair of pumps with an Impressionist floral print and a colorful bouquet of white, purple, and peach roses, ranunculus, and peonies (with sprigs of lavender, of course!) completed her ensemble.

Katie complemented her in a custom-made jacket with a black and navy checked pattern, which she paired with black tuxedo pants and a grosgrain bowtie.

How sweet was the couple’s first look in the property’s manicured garden?

We love how these two brides incorporated texture and personality into their wedding day looks. Says Katie, “We quickly realized that wedding planning can be a full time job itself. We were happy to have the assistance of Patrick, the venue’s proprietor, and his staff during our months of planning.”

The ceremony took place in front of an old stone springhouse covered in ivy. Programs featured a botanic floral print in soft pastel shades.

The end of the white aisle was flanked with arrangements of white hydrangeas and peach roses. The brides walked down the aisle with their parents, then exchanged traditional vows. Each of their brothers served as best men in navy suits, while the women in their wedding party wore navy dresses of their own choosing.

Inside the historic property, bronze geometric vessels held white flowers, and each place setting was completed with a sprig of lavender. Each guest’s seat was marked with a personalized menu, along with a thank you note from the brides.

After sampling shrimp cocktail, lobster rolls, tenderloin sliders, and chickpea falafel during cocktail hour, guests chose between chicken paillard, filet mignon, New Zealand rack of lamb, and Atlantic wild salmon for their entrée.

For dessert, the brides sliced into a three-tiered cake with lavender and white frosting, decorated with fresh hydrangeas and lavender sprigs.

As guests departed, they grabbed bottles of local honey, finished with a sticker that read “Meant to Bee.” Those who weren’t done partying joined Erin and Katie (in full wedding attire!) as they had drinks at their favorite local pub.

Says Erin, “Keep your wedding simple, and focus on spending time with your guests. Really show them how much you appreciate and love them, and make sure they have a great time. Little things will go wrong, but the details matter so much less than the memories you make that night!”

Venue, Catering & Cake: General Warren Inne || Erin’s Wedding Dress: Truly Zac Posen || Katie’s Suit: Commonwealth Proper || Hair & Makeup: Michelle’s Beautique || Katie’s Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Florist: Cottage Flowers || Invitations & Paper Goods: Paper Source || Photographer: Tara Beth Photography

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Feeling inspired by this beautiful wedding? Then we bet you’ll love watching another couple’s Pennsylvania celebration in the video below.

How Should We Decide Who Sits at Each Table?

Make Your Wedding Tables Look More Expensive

Photo: Posh+Folk

Once you’ve made a guest list, sent out invitations, and marked who has RSVP’d “yes” and “no,” it’s time to start making your wedding table assignments. This is a tall order for a number of reasons, from family politics to the sheer scale of the project (not to mention keeping it all organized!). So how do you decide who sits where? We’ve got a few tips to help you out.

Once you know how many guests will be attending, how many tables you’ll have, and how many seats there will be at each table, it’s time to start assigning guests. A great way to start? If you’re having a head table, choose who is sitting there, first. You could invite both of your families to join you, or keep this for the wedding party only. There you go, first table done!

Next, ask both of your parents to decide who will sit at their tables. Give them the guest list, as well as the number of seats at their tables, and let them choose who they’ll be dining with. This ensures they’ll be happy with their company, and takes a few tables off of your to-do list. Parents are often better versed in family politics, as well, so they are a great resource when it comes to deciding which relatives to seat where.

When it comes to your friends, try to group people who will enjoy spending the evening together. This could be a few couples who already know one another, or those who may never have met but will get along great. Think about their personalities and their interests. Be sure to think about both guests who will be easy to seat and those who might be harder to add to a table. You might want to prioritize the latter guests first, as once you’ve found a spot for them, you’ll be left with guests who will be easy to seat anywhere.

For guests with kids, seat them with guests who have already met their kids, or ones who are great with little ones, and avoid guests who might not like children. This will help make sure everyone has a great evening!

Lil Wayne Officiated a Gay Wedding While in Prison

Lil Wayne Wedding Officiant

Photo: Getty Images

Lil Wayne recently shared news of a one-time gig that we wish we were there to witness — a gig in which he played wedding officiant! Apparently the rapper presided over the same-sex wedding of his two friends, but even more surprising than the officiant is the uh, unique, wedding venue: Prison. Yep…

“I now pronounce you…” You’ve been dreaming of the moment you and your fiancé hear those words on your wedding day, but what if there was a famous face behind them? As of late, it seems like it’s the new in thing for A-listers to add an unexpected role to their resumes — wedding officiant! Celebrities have been becoming ordained to help their best buds tie the knot. Jonah Hill wed new parents Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo back in 2014. Tom Hanks got ordained to wed Allison Williams and her new husband. And Run-DMC fans Nicole Richie and Joel Madden turned to Rev Run to marry them for their December 2010 wedding. But the latest celebrity toting officiant-status is the most surprising yet with the news that rapper Lil Wayne married two of his prison buddies. Wait, what?!

Okay, we have SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. What did the grooms wear? Will prison become the next trending wedding venue? Is orange really the new black? Here’s what we know: In Lil Wayne’s upcoming book Gone ‘Til November, the rapper recounts the time he spent at Riker’s Island in 2010 on gun charges. And besides visits from P. Diddy, Kanye West, and Drake, another major event took place behind bars — a wedding officiated by Lil Wayne himself.

In excerpts obtained by Billboard, the rapper describes how he jokingly married two other male inmates in a makeshift wedding ceremony. “I got the Bible and I’m like, ‘We gathered here today,'” Lil Wayne writes. And the other (incarcerated) wedding guests also pitched in, decorating the prison in toilet tissue and toasting the newlyweds with 13 bottles of Gatorade. “Gatorade is liquid gold in this b—,” explains the rapper. Will Gatorade be the new “I do” beverage of choice, brides-to-be? (Well, it is cheaper than champagne…)

See More: Which Celebrity Would You Want to Officiate Your Wedding?

And what’s a wedding without a reception? “Everybody brought something for the couple,” Lil Wayne writes, adding that he contributed cookies to the reception, where the inmates partied to the couple’s wedding playlist (a.k.a. individual radios all tuned in to the same station — crafty, huh?)

“The s— was too funny!” says the one-time officiant. “Imagine seeing grown-ass men in jail hanging tissue for wedding decorations… AND one of them is Lil Wayne… Crazy!”

That’s for sure!

What to Do if Your Bridesmaid Wants to Change Into a Second Dress

Bridesmaid Wants To Change Dresses

Photo: Getty Images

No matter how trendy or gorgeous you think your bridesmaid dresses are, there is a chance that your girls may not be thrilled with the choice. Some might even be eager to change into something a little bit more fitting with their personal style during the reception. One of the questions you may find your bridesmaids asking is if it is okay for them to change into a second dress halfway through your wedding. While your eyes might bulge at the idea at first, you do have a few options on how you handle the request.

Bridesmaid dresses get expensive, so if your bridesmaids are asking to buy a second dress on top of the first dress, you may want to get to the bottom of the reason. After hearing their explanation on why they want to change into a second dress, it’s best for you to have a chat with them about whether or not you’re okay with this. If you’re completely against the idea, it’s best to tell them before the wedding. If you’re okay with the idea of a costume change, you may want to ask them to make that change at a specific time in the evening.

The best time for your bridesmaids to change into their second dress is of course after the ceremony and the photos. You may even ask them to keep on their original dress for the start of the reception, since that is usually when the wedding party is announced to all the guests.

Either way, try not to take their second dress question personally. They may just want to toss on something a bit more comfortable or they may want celebrate the official end to their bridesmaid duties. Just make sure you communicate what you want so you are all on the same page.

See More: Wedding Etiquette 101: The Bridal Party

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Tom Hanks Photobombs a Wedding and the Bride Totally Loses It

All couples, especially brides, want killer wedding photos. We hope for perfect weather, perfect hair and the most picture-perfect shot to frame and show off above the mantle in our newlywed home. What you don’t hold out hope for? Tom Hanks jumping into your wedding photos, memorializing your big day as the coolest moment in the history of weddings. But for one lucky couple, this actually happened. And yeah, we’re pretty jealous over it.

Bride Elizabeth and groom Ryan were expertly posing for their wedding portraits in New York City’s Central Park when the unthinkable happened — the acclaimed actor and known romantic miraculously showed up and joined in on the photo sesh.

Elizabeth looked ever the gorgeous bride in a classic V-neck wedding dress, wearing her hair in a low up-do with a traditional veil, carrying a beautiful bouquet of cala lilies. The only thing a little out of place on the new wife? Her facial expression, which can only be described as “TOTALLY FREAKING OUT ABOUT TOM HANKS” face — basically a mix of excited, overwhelmed, and starstruck.

In one photo, Hanks, wearing gym shorts, a T-shirt and a zip-up hoodie, is kissing Elizabeth’s hand while tuxedo-clad Ryan looks on, seemingly to be totally understanding if his new bride now wants to leave him for the famous guy from Carly Rae Jepsen’s music video. In another pic, the actor is captured expertly taking a selfie with the newlyweds. No selfie stick needed for this guy.

Photographer I know was taking pictures for a couples wedding and someone special happened to walked by..

Hanks even shared the selfie of him with the newlyweds on his Twitter, congratulating them (and signing it “Hanx.” — so chill).

While we are all well aware of Hanks’ stint as a wedding officiant for Allison Williams’ big day, we didn’t realize he had a history with weddings. According to The Daily Dot, in 1993, while filming Forest Gump in Beaufort, South Carolina, the actor reportedly wished bride Mary Dunning Chapman luck as she was about to walk into the church. “I saw this light blue Lincoln at the stop light just down from the church, and there was a guy hanging out waving and honking the horn,” she wrote (there’s a fabulously ’90s photo of the bride with Hanks here). “I didn’t think anything of it…by the time we got to the front of the church, the car pulled up, and this guy hops out and runs up to me! He says, ‘Hey, I’m Tom Hanks, and I just wanted to say good luck!'”

tom hanks gif

Ben Higgins and Laura Bushnell Celebrate Anniversary with a Serious of Adorable Photos

ben higgins laura bushnell celebrate anniversary

Photo: Getty Images

He’s no longer a bachelor (well, almost) — and loving it. Saturday was the official one-year anniversary since Ben Higgins saw Lauren Bushnell on The Bachelor, and the two commemorated their first meeting on the reality show by doing what any couple would do — enjoying a trip to Las Vegas.

The reality stars spent the weekend in Sin City at the iHeartRadio Music Festival while enjoying the anni of their first meeting (and while simultaneously filming their new Freeform spinoff reality show, Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After), according to E! Online. At the festival, the lovebirds listened to a slew of music artists while hanging out with some friends from the reality show (and possibly some exes*). Jojo Fletcher, Becca Tilley, Haley Ferguson, and Emily Ferguson were all there, but it seemed like the reality duo only had eyes for each other.

“I heart @laurenbushnell #iheartfestival,” Higgins captioned his Instagram photo of himself swooping in for a dramatic kiss with Bushnell. His fiancé posted a matching snap, captioning it, “iHeart @higgins.ben #iheartradio.” Their insta feeds were filled with lovey-dovey shares throughout the weekend, with Lauren also posting a photo of them, writing, “One year ago today my life completely changed. So incredibly blessed to have met this amazing human.” Again with the matching Instas, Ben responded with a sweet message, “Happy one year from meeting you babe! No better way to celebrate than #iheartfestival.” The happily engaged pair also went to a group dinner at Scarpetta inside The Cosmopolitan.

As far as their new reality series goes, it will follow the couple as they plan their wedding and adjust to non-fantasy life in the real world. Ben will also be exploring getting into Colorado politics, so it will be quite an interesting array of happenings.

See More: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

“Ben and Lauren are the biggest Bachelor couple of the last 10 years,” Karey Burke of Freeform explained in a statement according to E!. “Their romance captured everyone’s attention, and we are delighted to continue their story on Freeform.”

Even though they’re still celebrating their “firsts” (including Easter and their first glance post-limo exit this past week), it sounds like the engaged reality stars are already getting ready for marriage and babies. “Neither of us want a long engagement,” Bushnell revealed. Ben chimed in as well, noting, “I want a huge reception. How often in life do all your friends and family gather in one room to celebrate something?” On the topic of babies, they were pretty gung-ho about starting a family stat. “Lauren is a really good caretaker,” Higgins said of his fiancé. “She wants a dog and kids. First we’ll get the dog!” “We want three kids,” notes Bushnell. “I want a girl in the mix.”

One year ago today my life completely changed ???? so incredibly blessed to have met this amazing human.

A photo posted by Lauren Bushnell (@laurenbushnell) on Sep 24, 2016 at 7:06pm PDT

Happy one year from meeting you babe! No better way to celebrate #iheartfestival

A photo posted by Ben Higgins (@higgins.ben) on Sep 24, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

He's so aggressive. #iheartradio

A photo posted by Lauren Bushnell (@laurenbushnell) on Sep 24, 2016 at 4:39pm PDT

Puppies!!! ????

A photo posted by Lauren Bushnell (@laurenbushnell) on Sep 25, 2016 at 11:32am PDT

The Introvert Bride's Guide to Surviving Your Bridal Shower

introvert bride bridal shower survival guide

Photo: Getty Images

Some brides thrive in the spotlight and others, well, they’d rather crawl in a hole and hide than be the center of attention any day. Introverts, don’t fret, we’ve got you! Although bridal showers can be quite nerve wrecking with all eyes on you and people showering you with praise the entire time, it’s also a celebration with the ladies who love you most in the world. Since there’s no way of actually getting out of being the guest of honor, you can avoid drawing too much attention to yourself by following these tips at your own wedding shower.

Don’t open gifts in front of everyone
Fortunately, this tradition is being kicked to the curb by not just introverted brides but modern brides in general. Let’s be honest: boring for your guests and can take a ridiculous amount of time if the shower has a lot of attendees. Give your mom, maid of honor, or future mother-in-law the heads up that you’d prefer to open presents after everyone has gone home. Trust us, everyone will be relieved.

Throw a couples shower
Why not invite the boys too? This inevitably turns the bridal shower into more of a traditional party, which is a win-win for everyone. The best part is you have someone else to share being the center of attention with…your groom!

Choose games that don’t force you into the spotlight
If possible, ask your MOH to avoid bridal shower games that put you in the spotlight — like roasting the couple (AKA you) or forcing you to guess which piece of lingerie came from which guest. Speak up and let the hosts know it’s not your thing beforehand. For instance, have everyone create a wedding dress out of toilet paper and have the guests vote on each one. You can also have everyone write down marriage advice for you that you read after the party.

See More: 14 Edible Bridal Shower Favors That Are Super Easy to Make

Have a drink
One of the best ways for an introvert to loosen up is to have a glass of champagne or two. Just don’t go overboard! The alcohol will help calm some of those nerves and enable you to make small talk with his mom’s BFFs who you’ve met maybe like, once. In fact, a little bit of booze is a must for an afternoon of small talk, as any introverted bride knows.

Keep it short
Instead of just putting a start time on the invites, put an end time too and even consider making it an “open house” event where people can come and go as they please and arrive at a time that’s convenient for them. Think a three-hour time span, that way you won’t get exhausted from so much socializing and know you’ll get to rest soon. The open aspect will also allow you to feel more comfortable and not like all eyes are constantly on you.

Boy Meets World Star Will Friedle Is Married! See His Wedding Day Photos

Will Friedle Wedding

Photo: Getty Images

#BoyMeetsWife! Former Boy Meets World star Will Friedle is all grown-up and officially a married man, letting the world know that he has tied the knot with that on-point hashtag. Here’s hoping Mr. Fee-He-He-Heenay was there to celebrate!

Feeny Boy Meets World

How’s this for a major ’90s throwback? You’d remember Friedle as the cute and comical Eric Matthews (a.k.a. the best big brother ever) on Boy Meets World. Sure, the series was known for setting teenage hearts aflame with the romance of Cory and Topanga — your favorite teen couple ever — but Friedle as the hilarious high school heartthrob often stole the show during ABC’s famous TGIF lineup. And now we’re seriously craving a Boy Meets World marathon with the news that Friedle has tied the knot!

On Sunday, the normally-private Friedle took to Twitter to surprise his followers with the nuptial news, posting a photo of himself all wedding-ready in a black suit. “I’m sorry you weren’t all invited to the wedding,” the groom captioned the snapshot, including the hashtag #BoyMeetsWife. Thank goodness he finally got over Rachel, amiright?

Rachel Boy Meets World

Earlier last week, the actor also couldn’t help but express his excitement over the event, writing, “Flying home for my wedding today…yup…sounds weird even when I type it! #CantWait.” And when the big day finally arrived this weekend, Friedle shared a selfie of himself and his never-before-seen wife at the reception. “Ladies and gentleman… Mrs. Squirrels..,” the groom wrote, embracing his on-screen alter-ego.

Eric Boy Meets World

There’s no word yet on whether any of Friedle’s former co-stars made the guest list, but the Boy Meets World alumni recently had a mini-reunion on the set of the show’s Disney Channel spin-off Girl Meets World, with Friedle reprising his role and appearing on an episode last May, according to Entertainment Tonight.

See More: The Best TV Wedding Dresses

“I still can’t believe I’m married!!!” Friedle told social media this morning, posting a romantic snapshot of himself twirling away with his wife on the reception dance floor. We can’t believe it either, Friedle! (And boy, do we feel old…)

How to Plan a Pinterest-Worthy Wedding for Less Than $15K

Just because you’re on a really tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a wedding that’s really tight! You know, like super awesome — blogs are begging to feature it, your pictures get repinned on Pinterest thousands of times kind of style… All it takes is a little creativity, money management and insider secrets from the pros to achieve a Pinterest-worthy wedding for the books, not to mention for $15,000 or less.

Go thrifting!
Pop in at your local thrift shops regularly and keep your eyes open for unusual items, suggests planner Aviva Samuels of Heartland Celebrates. “Pinterest is all about sharing ideas and my best inspiration comes from keeping my eyes wide open for items that can be repurposed and cost pennies on the dollar. I never know exactly what I’m looking for, but whenever I scavenge my local thrift stores, I always come out with a clever new use for an item that would traditionally have been used for an otherwise simple purpose.”

Scour d&#233cor from friends and family
It can’t hurt to ask, right? If someone you know was recently married, they probably have some cool stuff they’d like to sell or give away, notes Samantha Gieseke, owner of Plan Our Day Houston. “Ask for unused boxes of candles, vases, lanterns and chalkboard signs.”

Keep it small and intimate
Simply put, invite less people. Instead of having 150 guests, why not invite 30-50 of your closest friends and family, recommends Krystel Tien, owner & founder of Elle Bridal Boutique, Couture Events and Confetti Inc. “This way you can really make the event spectacular without having to sacrifice the look of the wedding for your budget.”

Choose a naturally beautiful venue
The easiest way to save money on your wedding without skimping on the overall look, according to Chancey Charm Dallas wedding planner Liz Ise, is to pick a location that is naturally beautiful. “Lush gardens, sprawling ranches sprinkled with large trees or even a building with intricate architecture will need less d&#233cor, especially expensive floral arrangements, but will still give your wedding tons of visual interest.”

Use plenty of color
Monochrome and all-white weddings may have been a thing for a few years, but when you cheat yourself out of using color in your d&#233cor, you increase your costs for flowers and lighting and d&#233cor in general, points out wedding planner Sandy Malone, owner of Weddings in Vieques. “Pops of color on simple things, like ribbons tied around dinner napkins, pretty table runners, etc., make things interesting to look at and totally Pinterest-worthy.” We couldn’t agree more.

Simplify guest tables
Have a big wedding party? Repurpose the bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces by having your florist simply supply the vase, suggests wedding planner Marilisa Schachinger of Martel Event. “To create visual impact without the higher cost of flowers, consider groupings of candles at various heights. The ambiance will be unforgettable,” she says. For brides without a big wedding party, Deborah Lloyd, President and Chief Creative Officer of Kate Spade New York, recommends using bunches of tea candles to enhance your tablescape along with paper flowers en lieu of large oversized arrangements. “Not only is it a beautiful, personal touch, but everyone looks better in candlelight and guests can see across tables which inspires conversation.”

Save with a signature cocktail
Open bar is great, however often costly. Pack a visual punch and satisfy your guests’ taste buds with a crowd pleasing signature cocktail served up in a fun glass instead, offers Lloyd. “It speaks to you as a couple and saves on open bar fees.” So basically it’s a win-win!

Be flexible with your date
This can save you a huge chunk of change! Rachel Jo Silver, Founder of Love Stories TV, says to simply call the venue up that you’re in love with and see what their rates are for a weeknight wedding. The costs may be significantly lower for a Sunday too.

See More: This Is the Most Pinned Wedding Dress on Pinterest

Hit up the dress sales
When shopping for the perfect wedding dress, set a budget and don’t get overwhelmed by the “it’s one day” or “once in a lifetime” cliché, warns celebrity wedding planner Michael Russo of Michael Russo Events. “Many shops have end of year sales, unloading last season’s gowns. Great for you, they can offer up to 70% off!” You can also consider renting your dress and accessories or buying them secondhand; there are so many great online sites out there now to choose from.

Splurge on a great photographer
As Stefany Allongo, founder and chief consultant of The Majestic Vision, points out, the best photographer can turn a good wedding into a great wedding with the right angles and lighting. Amen!

Go green
Don’t be afraid to use greens in your florals! Many brides feel that when they use greens instead of flowers for centerpieces it will look cheap, however, that’s not the case if you’re working with a talented floral designer, notes Jenny Orsini, Owner and Creative Director of Jenny Orsini Events. “Use plenty of natural elements that aren’t as expensive as flowers.” Voila, money saved!

BRIDES Philadelphia: Unique Wedding Venues That Will 'Wow' Your Guests

citizens bank park wedding

Photo: Courtesy of Citizens Bank Park

It’s no secret that the City of Brotherly Love is known for its rich history, gourmet restaurants, and must-see sights — but there are also some very interesting spaces that give Philadelphia that one-of-a-kind flare. While there are a variety of traditional and classic wedding venues, the Philly event spaces that step outside the conventional bridal venue mold are quite spectacular. Check out some of our favorite unique Philadelphia wedding venues.

Citizens Bank Park
Whether you first met at a ballgame, want to embrace true Philly sports culture, or are just looking for a truly never-been-done venue, Citizens Bank Park hosts weddings year round. With options including on-field ceremonies (can you imagine those photos?) and receptions in the elegant Diamond Club. With all catering and beverage service provided by their in-house caterer, Aramark, couples can design the wedding menu with the wide variety of options that include buffets, stations, entrees, sushi, Viennese hour, and cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres. For custom touches sure to wow your guests, you can display photo montages via Phanavision, and even have Phanatic make a special guest appearance. Read real brides’ reviews here!

The Franklin Institute
Rich in history and science, The Franklin Institute is both a museum, and a center of education and research. Boasting awe-inspiring architecture and a rooftop deck with unobstructed views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, you can host your cocktail reception amongst their exhibits, creating a cocktail hour experience like none other. Dreaming of a moonlight reception? You’re in luck — the Franklin Institute can open their planetarium for your wedding reception, or it can also be held beneath the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Combining these options with their high-end in-house catering and event planning team, weddings held a the Franklin Institute are sure to be talked about for years to come. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Nestled in South Street, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a wonderland of art and community combined into one. With both indoor galleries and an outdoor instillation, this space I Isaiah Zagar’s largest form of public artwork — and it can be all yours (to rent) for your big day! With magical, folksy vibes at every turn, this mosaic art-inspired locale has no requirements when it comes to catering, vendors, or hourly rental minimum — enabling the soon-to-be married couple to create their dream wedding with limited restrictions. Your special day will be set amongst vibrant color, sculpture, mirrors, and endless objects-turned-art — not too shabby in the photography department. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Find The Perfect Mode Of Transportation For Your Guests On Our Local Vendors Page

Adventure Aquarium
While this venue is located across the river in Camden, NJ, it’s only about five minutes by car outside Philadelphia city limits, and is well worth the (quick) trip. Whether you have an affinity for aquatic life or are simply looking for a venue that is far from the norm, Camden’s Adventure Aquarium may be just what you’re looking for. Complete with a traditional ballroom (that just happens to have some floor to ceiling aquarium tank views, too) and separate ceremony and cocktail hour options — the aquarium also offers breathtaking waterfront city views for the couple that wants a little bit of everything when it comes to their venue. With buffet and seated dinner options and a convenient location, this venue is a must for the couple seeking an one-of-a-kind wedding backdrop. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Perelman Theatre at the Kimmel Center

It’s your day, and you’re the star of the show — so clearly getting married in a state-fo-the-art theater isn’t that out of the wedding-day realm. This theater and recital hall also doubles as a dramatic wedding venue that can be transformed into the venue of your dreams. The first level theatre seats can be retracted enabling the space to open and offer variety of seating options whether you’re looking for a lavish cocktail-party style reception, or a fully seated formal dinner with dancing. Guests can dine and dance while surrounded by all the intricacies and attractions of a state-of-the-art theatre for a truly exclusive experience.

Not quite sold on any of these gorgeous venues? We have plenty more to choose from on our Local Vendors page!

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