Ashlyn and Connor’s wedding at Artesano Gallery in Manayunk was the perfect outflow of their personalities and desires for their big day. From Ashlyn’s beautiful dress, to all the golden details, and the monsteras at the ceremony, it was a day of modern elegance.
Getting Ready at the Hilton City Ave
The day began in a somewhat unusual fashion. Ashlyn and the ladies were in a conference room finishing hair and makeup. When we arrived and said hello, Ashlyn gave us a room key to her room upstairs where all the details were waiting. We opened the door to a spotless and empty room! It was a little strange at first, not to hear all the hubbub and excitement, but it was a perfect space for details.
Ashlyn and the bridesmaids, along with her parents, did eventually come upstairs as well to get dressed. Ashlyn was eager to get on to Artesano Gallery, so she quickly slipped into her dress and was halfway zipped before her mom jumped in to help finish the job. She put on her sparkly shoes, and packed the hand painted Keds she would wear during the reception.
After a quick couple of photos with mom and dad, and the bridesmaids, we waited for the limo to come back from dropping off the gentlemen at Artesano Gallery. Then, it was go time.
Meanwhile, Connor and the guys were getting ready as well. Thanks to one of the hotel staff who frequently wore bowties, and the eagle-eyed groomsman who spotted him, they all had perfectly tied bowties. Connor was definitely a little edgy as we headed towards Artesano Gallery, but we knew it would all melt away when he was with Ashlyn. On to the first look!
First Look at Artesano Gallery
Manayunk was quite lively that day, so we set up Ashlyn and Connor’s first look outside the ceremony space of Artesano Gallery with lots of plants and sculptures to help block the traffic and passersby. It worked. When Ashlyn tapped Connor’s shoulder, he turned back to see her and his jaw hit the floor. It was everything they ever wanted, and more.
We hung around the area for portraits as the towpath was still blocked off from the historic flooding following Hurricane Ida. Wedding party and family joined us and then it was time. Guests were beginning to arrive and the time was nigh to get these two married. Well, sort of. They were already married. But this was the public ceremony for everyone and we couldn’t wait.
Ceremony & Reception at Artesano Gallery
Inside a lovely brick building, against a wall lined with big and beautiful monsteras and works of iron, Connor and Ashlyn were united in marriage in front of family and friends. Then it was the time everyone had been waiting for for a year: party time!
Back across the street, in the main gallery at Artesano, delicious cocktails and food were served for all the guests. The sound of laughter and cheerful chattering filled the air. Everyone was soon invited upstairs for the formal reception dinner.
Once guests were seated, the new Mr and Mrs Kettles were announced in and shared their first dance. Everyone watched them spin and twirl. Connor and Ashlyn couldn’t have been happier.
Parent dances followed and Ashlyn’s father welcomed everyone. He spoke of when he first met Connor, and the talk he gave him. He said, “Connor, it’s nice to meet you. And I don’t mind going back to jail.” Thankfully, Connor never gave him a reason to pull that line out again.
The rest of the night wore on in a blur of fun and dancing. What a lovely celebration at Artesano Gallery!
