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Amanda and Jeff are truly a sweet, down to earth and very artistic couple… and it was no wonder that their wedding was such a creative, dramatic day to remember! Even Jeff’s proposal was imaginative! He popped the question in New York City after the couple had just stayed in their favorite hotel.
Amanda was wondering if a proposal was on the agenda when Jeff took her to a restaurant that they visited on one of their first dates. But alas, the evening ended without a proposal. The next morning, they went for a walk, intending to roam through a park, but it was closed due to heavy rains the previous night. So they walked around it and as they did, Amanda noticed a band of street musicians ahead. Then, she realized they were playing one of ‘their songs’, which was strange because it was a bit of an obscure, not super-popular song! When she turned around to remark on the strangeness to Jeff, he was on bended knee. He had recruited the band earlier from a school of music in the city to play their song just as they approached. She was definitely surprised and of course, said “yes”!
Amanda and Jeff’s entire wedding event was held at the historic Hotel du Pont in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. The splendor and opulence of the Roaring Twenties was celebrated for this event, with dazzling Art Deco accessories and lavish red floral displays completing the Great Gatsby theme. And they certainly could not have picked a more apropos venue for their Roaring Twenties wedding than the Hotel du Pont!
The gold sequined table linens, the tall feather centerpieces, the Art Deco font lettering and romantic, flickering candles complimented the opulent venue’s grand chandeliers, gilded ceilings, massive cornices and fluted Corinthian columns. Simply amazing! No detail was overlooked, as even their theme colors in black, gold and merlot were a striking and very fitting choice for this event.
On the morning of the wedding, the bridal party had their hair and makeup done while in their lovely matching baby blue robes, then changed into elegant sequined halter-neck gowns in that beautiful deep shade of merlot. And Amanda’s junior bridesmaids in their gold sequined dresses were so adorable!
And Jeff looked so very dapper on his wedding day! He wore a classic black tuxedo with black bow tie (while his groomsmen wore coordinating neckties) and accessorized with a deep red floral boutonniere and a black Homburg hat. Absolutely impeccable!
Amanda’s hair and makeup was simply perfect… she looked as if she stepped back in time to the glamorous Jazz Age! Her chic updo and the headband she wore low across her forehead were so gorgeous and so absolutely spot on for the overall feel of their wedding day. And Amanda’s Ysa Makino bridal gown was absolutely stunning! It featured a high neck illusion neckline, sheath silhouette and glittering beadwork all throughout. Her bold floral bouquet from Carl Alan Floral Designs overflowed with blooms in white, red and merlot. And look at that dramatic sheer beaded cape! She was so very beautiful.
The two exchanged gifts and cards and read them for us before getting ready to see each other for the first time on their special day. Then, the two shared their first look there on the grand staircase at the Hotel du Pont. Jeff simply couldn’t stop complimenting his beautiful bride, and rightly so! They both looked fantastic!
Their photo sessions took place onsite and also at Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar where the couple had the opportunity to stroll through the enchanting gardens and have cherished photos taken. And a beautiful spot was chosen for their formal photos with their full bridal party as well. It was such a pretty fall day and so lovely to be able to work with Off Beet Productions again!
Back at the hotel, Amanda and Jeff’s ceremony was ready to begin. The bride was escorted down the aisle on the arm of her father and met her groom for the final step up to the stage, where they stood in front of an incredible circular floral arch. Their celebrant, Alisa Tongg, officiated their marriage ceremony, delivering a very moving message about their relationship and of course, about love. Then, the couple recited personal vows that they wrote for each other and soon were pronounced as husband and wife.
Once the cocktail hour had ended and the room set up for dinner and dancing, the couple was introduced to kick off the reception! Amanda and Jeff entered the ballroom to the cheers of friends and family and danced a perfectly choreographed first dance together. Sweet parent dances followed. Then, we were treated to a lovely welcome speech from Amanda’s father and heartfelt toasts from the best man and maid of honor. And City Scape from Elegant Music Group brought the music and entertainment that kept guests dancing all evening long!
Amanda and Jeff’s wedding event was so unique, so beautiful and so memorable! We’re honored to have been a part of capturing it for them and wish them all the best in their lifetime together. Congratulations!
Photographer: Off Beet Productions – Holmdel, NJ
Floral Design: Carl Alan Floral Designs – Philadelphia, PA
Hair Stylist: Kiss the Bride Hair & Makeup – Galloway, NJ
Makeup Artist: Kiss the Bride Hair & Makeup – Galloway, NJ
Wedding Dress: Ysa Makino
Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle
Entertainment: Elegant Music Group – City Scape – Montclair, NJ
Live Event Painter: J. Howard Studios – Janet Howard Fatta – Warwick, NY
Officiant: Alisa Tongg, Celebrant – Stroudsburg, PA
Venue: Hotel du Pont – Wilmington, DE
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