The Couple
Hope and Nick met on January 10, 2009 – with a rather unusual story. They first met in Iraq – Nick in the United States Marine Corps, and Hope working for the US Department of Defense.
Five and a half years later, the couple were still going strong and about to embark on their next great adventure – Nick enrolling at Wharton Business School and Hope leaving her work behind to start their new life together in Philadelphia.
Nick then proposed to Hope on June 15, 2014 on a romantic evening, in front of the Washington Monument, and they moved to Philadelphia shortly after their engagement – into their first home together after 6 years of dating.
The Dress (Etc)
When it came time to choose the perfect wedding dress, Hope enlisted the advice of her mother, a former Ford Model and stylist.
Hope – a stylist herself – was certain that her gown would be a little different from the traditional white and ivory dresses, so staying true to her lifelong love for pink (and her flare for glamour), Hope found her perfect match in this beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown, with a light blush pink underlay and an intricate white tulle beaded overlay. The bride paired this with pink and gold pumps, a pearl necklace, and tumbling blonde curls.
Her bouquet was small and simple, with an assortment of ivory roses so as not to detract from her stunning dress.
The bridesmaids’ dresses were a gorgeous blush pink, matching Hope’s choice of footwear.
The Groom
The Groom looked particularly dashing in a bow tie from Boyds of Philadelphia, suit from the ever-stylish Hugo Boss, and cufflinks embossed with his new married initials.
The Ceremony
The beautiful ceremony was held in front of friends and family in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia. The Bride and Groom were not only surrounded by their loved ones on this special day, but also stunning stain-glass windows and floor-to-ceilings murals.
The ceremony itself was full of love and laughter, as Nick enthusiastically kissed his new bride as they were wed.
The Reception
For Nick and Hope, the reception venue was an easy choice – The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. Residing next door in the Residential Ritz-Carlton skyscraper, they already knew the Ritz-Carlton – the hotel’s exquisite Grand Ballroom in particular – would be their first choice for the perfect wedding venue.
Hope’s vintage glam inspired wedding slowly came to life, with a gorgeous combination of antique gold, blush pink, and ivory as her chosen colour palette. With gold chairs, candelabras, and table décor. Jamie Rothstein Floral Designs brought the bride’s floral vision to life with single-stalk arrangements in unique, bubble-like vases.
The cake was magnificent – five ivory tiers with beaded patterns running the height of the cake, topped with pink roses and a small banner that simply read “hooray”. Nick and Hope wanted to do something a little different; they cut the cake, together… with a sword! Much to the amazement of their guests.
As the party continued into the evening, the happy couple proceeded to perform some very enthusiastic karaoke for their guests – with Hope donning a fringed leather jacket and heart-shaped sunglasses to get into the mood.
Suppliers:
- Photographer: Tyler Boye Photography
- Venue: The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
- Dress: Monique Lhuillier
- Wedding Planner:Lauren James Events
- Cake Designer:Van Earl’s Cakes
