classic bride: Rustic Elegant Wedding in Philadelphia Classic Bride: Polished Wedding + Daily Style

I have a lovely Philadelphia wedding to share with you today and just FYI, I am completely taken with Natalie's gorge bouquet! Thanks to Dustin Weiss for sharing these gorgeous photos of Natalie and Tom with us. Enjoy:

Says Natalie, "Tom and I met nearly 7 years ago during a chance encounter at Hollywood Tans (yes, you may giggle!). The comedy of how we first met has played a key part in our relationship in that laughter is an intricate part of our life together. Although we are undoubtedly soulmates, our backgrounds could not be more different - Tom grew up on the coast of Maine and is by all means an outdoorsy tough guy and I grew up outside of Philadelphia immersed in my love of ballet and all things glamorous. When we set out to plan our wedding, we knew our big day would have to encompass all that we are as individuals and as a couple. Granted, at the time we didn’t know how it all would come together – with Tom most comfortable in his L.L. Bean boots with 5-day facial scruff and me most happy wearing 5 inch heels and faux fur – but we knew it would all work out!

When I started looking online for a dress I was a little overwhelmed – I wanted something simple but also something I had never seen before. I am also a hopeless romantic who is a lover of family history and heirlooms so I didn’t want anything too trendy in hopes that one day perhaps my future daughter would love my dress, too, and hope to wear it.

We were married at St. Thomas More Church in Allentown, where I was Baptized and received my First Holy Reconciliation and Confirmation. In fact, the same priest who had performed all those Sacraments also performed our Nuptial Mass which was so special and personal. There weren’t many dry eyes during the homily and vows.

In finding a bridesmaid dress, I wanted something that most brides say they want - a dress the girls can wear again. It was really important to me because all but one of my bridesmaids are either teachers or are continuing their education and I didn’t have it in me to ask them to spend a lot of money for a dress they wouldn’t like and choose to wear themselves. I loved the J. Crew look – but they have all been done before and were too expensive. We looked at department stores and found the girls’ dress at Nordstroms. It is a Suzi Chin dress and the colors were ideal with our black, grey and purple color scheme. I know at least two of the girls have already re-worn their dresses – mission accomplished!

Our reception was at Woodstone Country Club which is undoubtedly the best-kept venue secret in the Lehigh Valley. The beauty of the venue, the caliber of the food and the professionalism of the staff for the cost are unrivaled. My parents rented out the Lodge which is attached to the Club, and we were able to stay there for the days and nights surrounding the wedding – it was so relaxing and really felt like a destination venue. Truly cannot say enough fantastic things about Woodstone – any greater Philadelphia area bride looking for that ballroom elegance without the fussy stereotype should definitely check it out.

In terms of décor and other things - with the help of my parents we pounded the pavement to find the most affordable up-and-coming local vendors available. My mother and I scoured the internet and bought our own vases so we wouldn’t have to pay rental fees (I later re-sold them online and made up some of our cost!). Michael’s Arts and Crafts was my second home. I was a regular that could be found traipsing around the aisles armed with my weekly coupons to find cute and unique accessories to create ambiance in the room. We bought all of our candles at Ikea instead of purchasing them through the florist and dressed them up with some ribbon.

Tom and I wanted to do something special to convey to our family and friends exactly how thankful we were for everyone being there with us to celebrate our marriage so we arranged for a surprise fireworks display at the end of the reception. I will never forget the look on peoples' faces when the first firework went off! The day was, without question, the most amazing day in our lives and we will be forever indebted to our families who made it possible."

Thanks again to Dustin for sending this lovely wedding over to share.

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