When thinking about Lauren and Joe’s Cescaphe Downtown Club wedding, we can’t help but smile about their love for each other and how that love shined on their wedding day. Lauren and Joe’s wedding was an exquisite event with carefully planned details. It was also a great party and we are delighted to share it with you!
Getting Ready at the Hotel Monaco
Lauren and Joe started their day getting ready in their respective rooms at the Hotel Monaco. The hotel’s unique blue and white curtains created a nice backdrop for the morning photos, adding to the celebratory tone of the day. In Lauren’s suite, she and her bridesmaids were enjoying their pampering while hanging out in their colorful robes. After their having their hair and makeup done, a small dance party ensued with the bridesmaids and flower girl – practice for later in the night! When they were all ready, Lauren’s mom and bridesmaids helped her into her beaded sheath dress. Lauren’s mom was beaming and Lauren was all smiles while she added the finishing touches with her accessories.
Down the hall, Joe was enjoying his morning with his groomsmen, accompanied by some bourbon sipping. Once they were all dressed in their navy blue tuxes, they took turns playing video games with the ring bearer and toasting the day.
Their First Look in Historic Philadelphia
After getting ready for the day, we headed over to the historic Jefferson Signing garden for Lauren and Joe’s first look. Joe was grinning ear-to-ear when he heard Lauren walking up the brick pathway. She tapped him on the shoulder, and their shared smile said it all: they were elated to be marrying each other. Their joy was contagious as we continued to take photos in the garden and as we made our way over to join their families and bridal party on the steps of the Second Bank of America.
Their Couple’s Portraits at the Cescaphe Downtown Club
After taking bridal party and family photos in historic areas of Philadelphia, we boarded the trolley with Lauren and Joe and their bridal party. On the way to the Downtown Club, their bridal party cheered the happy couple as we drove through Philadelphia to our final destination of the day.
Once at the Cescaphe Downtown Club, we were able to sneak off with Lauren and Joe to take pictures of them in the Georgian Revival style lobby and the reception Grand Ballroom. It was fun to capture them in the space where they would soon be celebrating with their guests, and it gave them a chance to view and appreciate all of their wedding details on their own before the busyness of the rest of their day.
Their Downtown Club Wedding Ceremony
Lauren and Joe’s wedding ceremony was backdropped by the drapery details and floral arrangements placed artfully around the Downtown Club’s ceremony space. It was also enhanced by the sweeping views of downtown Philadelphia. But the main attraction of the ceremony was Lauren and Joe’s commitment to each other.
As guests entered the ceremony space, they were greeted by glasses of champagne and music from the pianist at the white baby grand. Throughout the ceremony, it was evident how much planning went into the details of the event. Everything from the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses to the programs were coordinated with elegance to enhance the occasion. Lauren and Joe’s exchanging of vows shared their love and promise with their guests as witness. They then walked back up the aisle, hand-in-hand, as husband and wife.
PARTYING ALL NIGHT AT A DOWNTOWN CLUB RECEPTION
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the bar space of the Cescaphe Downtown Club, followed by seating in the Grand Ballroom. The ballroom was set to perfection, with each detail chosen carefully and coordinated in a way that added to the elegance of the space.
The party started with the bridal party entrance, announced by the band. The band for the evening included trumpet, saxophone, and trombone players, along with guitarists and a lead singer. They welcomed guests and the bridal party with enthusiasm and helped get the party started.
Lauren and Joe followed their grand entrance with their first dance, then speeches were made. As guests finished dinner, the bride and groom each took a turn dancing with their respective parents. Then the dance floor opened up for guests to join Lauren and Joe in enjoying the band’s lively music.
Dancing was briefly, but pleasantly, interrupted by a gourmet dessert bar and cake cutting. Lauren and Joe’s cake was a four-tiered stunner with gold accents and blush pink flowers. Guests enjoyed the treats of the evening and continued partying with the couple until the end of the night. Guests were sent home with Philadelphia style soft pretzels to commemorate the event.
Lauren and Joe, we loved being a part of your wedding day. Thank you for allowing us to capture your love, joy, and beautiful wedding details. We hope you had a fabulous honeymoon at the Grand Canyon, and that you enjoy an abundant life together!
Their special day was made possible by these great vendors: Photographer – Ashley Gerrity Photography – Videographer – Kaantulger Productions – Venue – Downtown Club – Catering: Cescaphe – Florist – Beautiful Blooms – Stationery – CZ Invitations – Entertainment – Jirks Events – Hair/Makeup – Philly Hair – Dress – Bijou Bridal – Shoes – Schutz Shoes – Bridesmaid Dresses – Dessy Group / Aleanas Bridal – Engagement Ring – Victor Canera
