After meeting Maggie, Mikey, and precious pup Hank at their Philadelphia Museum of Art engagement session, we couldn’t wait to capture their New Year’s Weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding. Not only because of the promise to bring Hank for a few photos, but because these two are filled with so much joy and so much love for one another. With the added excitement of the holiday weekend, we knew we were in for an unforgettable Philadelphia wedding day.
Getting Ready at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott
From the moment we arrived at the Stewart Suite of the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, Maggie’s infectious joy filled the room. Her sparkly New Year’s weekend wedding day details shined almost as bright as her smile. It wouldn’t be a New Year’s weekend wedding celebration without a bit of bubbly, so the girls kicked-off the festivities by popping some Prosecco before getting into their gowns. When it came time for Maggie to step into her wonderful Wona Bridal dress, she and her mom stepped into the next room. With the addition of stunning sparkle studded sleeves, a whimsical wrap, and amazing accessories, Maggie transformed into a beautiful bride. Once her bridal look was complete, her father popped in for a quick first look with his daughter before leaving for the New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding.
At the same time a few floors below, Michael & his groomsmen were preparing for the New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding as well. With a hand from his dad, Mikey put on his Guinness cufflinks, sleek black suit, bowtie, and boutonniere. Before we knew it, it was time to head to the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott skybridge for Mikey’s first look with Maggie.
First Look
As Maggie approached her groom, his smile began to grow even before she tapped him on the shoulder. And when she finally did, Mikey turned around to take in the sight of his beautiful bride. The pair then exchanged handwritten cards and took turns reading them. Before we could start the journey to their New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding, we headed to the Merchant Exchange Building for their Old City Philadelphia wedding portraits.
Old City Philadelphia Wedding Portraits
Friends & family gathered in front of the towering stone columns, posing with the bride and groom for a few formal photos. Bridesmaids and groomsmen, standing out ahead of the neutral marble backdrop in their classic black wedding wardrobes, cheered in excitement as Maggie & Mikey shared a few kisses. Then, the arrival of the most special guest had everyone filled with joy & laughter. When he spotted his paw-rents across the cobblestone, Hank took off for the bride and groom. He planted plenty of slobbery kisses and only tried to eat a few floral bouquets before perfectly posing for a few pup portraits with Maggie & Mikey. We sadly said our goodbyes to Hank, sending him home so we could get his parents married! After a few more moments capturing Maggie & Mikey’s pure bliss, it was finally time for the New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding ceremony & celebration.
Upon our arrival to the New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding, we had to take advantage of the Pub and super stylish lounge area. The bride and groom shared a toast with each of their signature drinks & had a mini editorial style photoshoot before their ballroom ceremony.
Crystal Tea Room Wedding Ceremony
The lavishly lit ballroom at CTR set the stage for the romantic wedding ceremony ahead. Mikey approached the altar on the arms of both of his parents before Maggie did the same. His smile said it all as he watched Maggie make her way down the candlelit aisle. The pair took center stage with their bridesmaids and groomsmen by their sides and listened to readings from their loved ones. Their hands tied together with a figure 8 to represent eternity as part of Celtic a tradition symbolizing the bonding of the two lives. Once their hands were tied, Maggie placed Mikey’s ring with a Celtic engraving on his finger and he did the same with her diamond studded band. The crowd erupted in applause as the newlyweds shared their first official kiss as husband and wife and walked up the aisle in celebration.
New Year’s Weekend Crystal Tea Room Wedding Reception
A New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding celebration wouldn’t be complete without a classic cocktail hour in the atrium. Personal details lingered throughout with our favorite detail featuring the famous Hank on custom cocktail napkins.
Back in the ballroom, the Finley Catering & Carl Alan Floral Artistry teams transformed the ceremony space into a royal reception. White blooms with pops of red filled the room with gold accents adding to the grandeur of the New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding reception. Unforgettable entrances made by both Maggie & Mikey’s parents and the wedding party got the guests going ahead of the bride and groom. When Maggie & Mikey were finally introduced for the first time as husband and wife, the newlyweds ran through the doors with more excitement than we’ve ever seen.
The joy continued as they high-fived their way to the dance floor and put on the performance of a lifetime as they ran and jumped and swayed across the room before taking a blissful bow. But, the heartfelt moments were far from over. Between two passionate parent dances, toasts from the honors of the day, and the passing down of a family tradition, tears and laughter filled the room. Maggie & Mikey took a moment to thank their guests for sharing in this momentous occasion with them before cutting their Master’s Baker masterpiece. Then, DJ Dark Prime of Rythmix Entertainment filled the dance floor as the newlyweds celebrated the rest of their wedding night away.
Sláinte to Maggie & Mikey (& Hank)! We wish you many more years of blissful joy & love.
Cheers to the Philadelphia area wedding vendors that made Maggie & Mikey’s New Year’s weekend Crystal Tea Room wedding a celebration to remember:
Photographer: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Getting Ready: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown | Reception Venue: Crystal Tea Room | Florist: Carl Alan Floral Artistry | Entertainment: RhythMix EntertainmentDJ Dark Prime | Stationery: The Knot | Caterer: Finley Catering | Cake: The Master’s Baker | Transportation: Limo Today Inc. | Videography: Ashley Gerrity Photography | Wedding Dress: Wona Bridal | Dress Boutique: House of Bridal | Wedding Rings: Philadelphia Diamond Company | Hair & Makeup: Glam with Galina |
