The beauty of weddings is that every event is different. From style preferences and personal touches, to tradition and inspiration – each wedding is a unique product of the couple’s hard work and planning.
Attorneys Adrianna & Stephen met while attending college at St Joseph’s University. During Adrianna’s last year of college in 2011, she told Steve that one day she would get engaged in the courtyard of Barbelin at St. Joe’s, as she always felt it was an intimate and romantic spot. Little did she know Steve remembered these details and proposed a few years later.
We asked them to take us on a visual tour of their wedding day with their amazing vendors. They celebrated their fairy-tale Cescaphe Wedding on April 21st, 2018 at Tendenza. Their wedding style was based on a woodland theme with tons of greenery, candles, and vintage books.
Let’s walk through their day to see how they pulled it all together!
7:30 a.m. – Getting Ready
Adrianna & Stephen both got ready in separate suites at The Hilton at Penn’s Landing. Adrianna had a slumber party with her bridal party the night before, which allowed everyone to wake up ready to go!
The couple’s Photography & Videography Team from JPG Photography arrived for some getting ready content.
2:30 p.m. – Ceremony
Adrianna, Stephen, and their wedding party were taken to St Augustine Church for their ceremony by the Cescaphe Trolley. Stephen and his groomsmen wore tuxedos from The Black Tux, and Adrianna’s bridal party wore mismatched pink, gold, and rose gold dresses from Bella Bridesmaids. Adrianna wore a Maggie Sottero gown from Bridal Garden in Marlton, NJ with Marchesa jewelry.
Their pastor, Fr. Mke Matveenko, and ceremony musicians were from Adrianna’s home church in Sicklerville, NJ. Both Adrianna and Stephen were raised Catholic, and making this sacrament was very important to them. They incorporated readings from the bible, a blessing to the Virgin Mary, and chose traditional music for their Processional, Hymns, and Recessional.
3:30 p.m. – Cocktail Hour
While guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a string duo from EBE Sydney, and an aerialist from Jewelz Entertainment during the cocktail hour at Tendenza, the newly-married couple took some formal portraits at St Augustine Church & the Merchants Exchange Building.
5:00 p.m. – Reception
The reception doors opened at Tendenza, and their guests were ready to party! Adrianna & Stephen were introduced as Husband and Wife for the first time, they shared their first dance to Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur. They took dance lessons with Bianca Gatto & Tiffani Giosa of Chez Dance Studio leading up to the wedding. After their formalities, EBE Sydney was ready to fill the dance floor.
We were able to ask Adrianna & Stephen a few questions about their wedding day… Check it out!
What was your favorite part of wedding planning?
I am all about the details! I loved designing my gorgeous table arrangements and wedding décor with the help of Jackie from Beautiful Blooms and Jessica Hinds of Something Borrowed Philly, who provided gorgeous vintage pieces for our reception. Planning a wedding can be very overwhelming especially when Pinterest exists, but I loved that I was able to make my own ideas come to life for our wedding day.
What was your favorite moment from your wedding?
My favorite moment of the day was walking down the aisle to Steve and seeing him for the first time on our wedding day. I know it is totally cliché, but in that moment it truly felt like it was just him and I. You spend so much time planning flowers, décor, dresses, the cake, that you can sometimes lose sight of the true meaning of the day – to celebrate the love we have for each other and deciding that our story should be a forever story.
Did either of you have any “must-haves” for your wedding day?
We both absolutely hands-down wanted to have a band! We both love to dance and just have an amazing time, so when we found EBE and Sydney we knew that we would in for an unforgettable night!
What was it like working with EBE?
Total peace of mind! Nick Centrella (EBE Sydney’s Bandleader) could run a wedding with his eyes closed. He answered all of our questions and then some during the planning process. He also worked with my family to make very special and personal moments at our wedding day, which we are both so very thankful for!
What made you choose EBE?
They are simply the best when it comes to this industry. The talent, professionalism, and overall enthusiasm made our wedding that much better!
What is your advice to future EBE brides and grooms in regards to the stress of wedding planning and the choosing of vendors?
Choosing vendors is a very time consuming and tedious process, but you are planning this very special day to celebrate the love you have with your partner. I know it gets overwhelming and frustrating, but taking the time to research and to get to know your vendors will absolutely pay off in the long run. Never be afraid to ask questions and do not wait until the last minute to try and book a vendor.
Vendor List Recap
Getting Ready Location: The Hilton at Penn’s Landing
Transportation: Cescaphe Trolley
Ceremony Venue: St Augustine Church
Portraits Location: St Augustine Church & Merchants Exchange Building
Aerialist: Jewelz Entertainment
Cocktail Hour and Reception Venue: Tendenza
Photographer & Videographer: Joe Gidjunis of JPG Photography
Bride’s Attire: Maggie Sottero gown from Bridal Garden with Marchesa jewelry
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Groom & Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux
Music: EBE Sydney
Florist & Decor: Jackie Kemp of Beautiful Blooms and Jessica Hinds of Something Borrowed Philly
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