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Farm Fresh // Farm-to-Table Weddings

Farm-to-table, also known as farm-to-fork, is essentially a consumer practice that promotes the utilization of foods that complement seasonal availability and on purchasing from local and family farms that greater employ environmentally friendly practices. It also includes promoting local community and school gardens.

Farm-to-table cuisine is based on a movement that actually started decades ago to counter the overly-processed and imported foods that were taking over the market. Restaurants like Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California set the standards for locally and sustainably-sourced, seasonal and organic ingredients. Other select restaurants followed suit, however within the last ten years, the farm-to-table movement has seen a brand new and robust following.

In the wedding world, we’re definitely seeing Read more

July 21st, 2020

by Kristi Chapman

in Tips & Ideas

What Great Things Love Can Do // Catherine + Tyler

Once again, we were blessed to be able to work with such a sweet couple and a wonderful family on this beautiful wedding day!

Catherine and Tyler met at the beach in Belmar, New Jersey in the summer of 2014. They had no idea when they started talking that they grew up just five minutes away from each other, as they went to different schools. They did really enjoy their conversations that summer and decided to meet up again just before Thanksgiving since they would both be in their hometown for the holiday. By that time, Catherine was unattached, and as she put it, their “flame sparked!”! The two have been inseparable since then.

And now, Catherine and Tyler were getting married… And we loved how Monsignor Richard LaVerghetta so perfectly told their love story during their ceremony that day!

Catherine and her bridal party got ready on the morning of her wedding at her parents’ home. Catherine’s maids of honor and bridesmaids wore beautiful light periwinkle blue gowns in mismatched designs and all looked so pretty! They carried such heavenly floral bouquets in white, overflowing with fresh greenery, from Angela Nicole Design. Once the bridal party was all dressed and ready, they, along with Catherine’s mother, helped her dress into her gorgeous wedding gown.

Catherine’s sleeveless wedding dress from Martin Thornburg had lovely scalloped lace shoulder straps, and was covered in lace and shimmering beading from head to toe. It had a fit and flare silhouette and featured a stunning chapel length train. Catherine wore a breathtaking cathedral veil for the ceremony and had fastened lovely white roses in the back of her hair. She was an absolutely stunning bride! And the tears were definitely flowing all around as her bridal party watched Catherine’s dad see his beautiful daughter for the first time on the wedding day as she descended the stairs of their family home.

Meanwhile, Tyler and his groomsmen prepared for the day at Catherine and Tyler’s own house, dressing into their handsome and bright blue suits. Tyler’s white floral tie differed from his groomsmen’s ties with their bright blue flowers. And they all wore standout, whimsical socks for the occasion!

Monsignor LaVerghetta celebrated a wonderfully passionate and very personalized Mass at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Hamilton, New Jersey, where Catherine and Tyler “promised to love each other the way God loves us: unconditionally, faithfully and forever”. The two recited their vows to each other, exchanged rings and were now ‘husband and wife’. As they exited the church, they were saluted with celebratory bubbles and headed to their photo shoot via a party bus with their bridal party!

Photos of the couple and their bridal party were taken at the Merchant Exchange and at several other historic sites around the city of Philadelphia by photographer extraordinaire, Mike Morby. We love working with him and his team and had such a blast as formal and candid photos were taken all day.

Cescaphe’s modern and luxurious venue, The Lucy, was the site of Catherine and Tyler’s fantastic reception, and it was decorated exquisitely for this special event. Catherine and Tyler arrived and entered the ballroom and danced their first dance together. Then, Tyler shared a sweet dance with his mother and Catherine with her father… until the two switched it up with a fabulous, fun choreographed dance! It was simply marvelous!

There were lots of wonderful toasts to the bride and groom this evening as Catherine’s father gave a touching welcome speech, followed by toasts from Tyler’s brothers, from Catherine’s two maids of honor and from Tyler’s best men. And as Catherine’s maids of honor said, this moment is just “the beginning of a love-filled lifetime of happiness together” for Catherine and Tyler.

Band of Gold was the entertainment for this party and they were so fantastic… and look at what a great time everyone had! During the evening, Catherine’s father’s band even got on stage and played for everyone while Catherine sang! It was so wonderful and so much fun!

Congratulations and best wishes to Catherine and Tyler on what is just the beginning of a lifetime of love and happiness together!

Photographer: Morby Photography – Pottstown, PA

Floral Design: Angela Nicole Design – Allentown, NJ

Hair Stylist: The Beauty Room – Bordentown, NJ

Makeup Artist: The Beauty Room – Bordentown, NJ

Wedding Dress: Martin Thornburg – Mon Cheri Bridals

Entertainment: Band of Gold – Toms River, NJ

Cake: Cescaphe Cakes – Philadelphia, PA

Wedding Planner: Cescaphe Event Group – Philadelphia, PA

Lighting: Beautiful Blooms Events – Philadelphia, PA

Photobooth: Gifadelphia Photobooths – Philadelphia, PA

Officiant: Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta – Evesham Township, NJ

Church: St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church – Hamilton, NJ

Venue: The Lucy – Philadelphia, PA

November 11th, 2019

by Kristi Chapman

in Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wedding Film

Butterflies // Kelli + Greg

Kelli and Greg met through a dating app…eventually! See, when one of Kelli’s good friends saw Greg and read his description in her list of matches, she questioned why Kelli hadn’t reached out to him yet! Her friend actually wrote to Greg for Kelli and set them up for a date the following day. During their first date, Kelli and Greg both knew they had truly found their perfect match (thanks to some help from Kelli’s friend and bridesmaid!) and it wasn’t long before they knew they would be together forever.

One evening, Greg had made plans for them to go to dinner with friends from out of town. Kelli wasn’t feeling very well and actually almost refused to go out that night. But Greg convinced her to get ready and promised her that she would have fun. As they walked to the restaurant, Greg steered them past the first apartment they shared to see if anyone was living there yet (an exercise they did almost every day!). When she walked by the building, Kelli noticed the words, “Kelli, will you marry me?”, outlined by a heart, written in chalk on the sidewalk. Greg got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife (he also said some beautiful things that Kelli can’t remember because of all the shaking and crying!). And those “out of town” friends at the restaurant were really Kelli’s friends and family waiting to celebrate with them!

This brings us now to their beautiful wedding day. Kelli and her bridal party got ready at The Logan Philadelphia while Greg and his groomsmen were getting dressed into their classic black tuxedos a few blocks away at the Loews Hotel. Kelli’s bridesmaids dressed into their beautiful long gowns, all in burgundy and lovely floral patterns and were so genuinely overjoyed to see Kelli enter the room in her fabulous wedding gown.

Kelli’s dress was a gorgeous Hayley Paige gown with such intricate ivory beadwork. It featured a fit and flare silhouette, delicate spaghetti straps, a sweetheart/subtle V-neckline and a low scoop back. Kelli completed her look with a mid-length veil attached to the back of her long locks. She was such an amazingly beautiful bride! Perhaps the best thing was how relaxed and natural Kelli was all throughout the day. It was truly so apparent how much fun she was having! And Greg was definitely over the moon as well! Joy was certainly the theme for this day!

Kelli and Greg’s ceremony was set to begin at six o’clock in the evening, so we had plenty of time before then for a first look and photos in the city. The two met up in the park by the First Bank of the United States to see each other for the first time on this special day. The first look is always both an exciting and touching moment and we loved how Kelli tickled Greg to have him turn around… and how many little kisses they shared!

After their first look, we traveled along with the wedding party for their fantastic photo shoot. The team from Shari DeAngelo Studios were wonderful to work with as they photographed the couple, their bridal party and family at various locations across Philadelphia. We ended at Kelli and Greg’s venue, Cescaphe’s glamorous Down Town Club, where both their ceremony and reception would be held.

Kelli and Greg’s ceremony included several beautiful Jewish traditions. They had a gorgeous chuppah decorated with lovely, gauzy fabric and a romantic, blush and white floral arrangement designed by Beautiful Blooms. Officiated by Kelli’s brother-in-law, their ceremony was also very personalized (and funny!) as he told of their history and their love story and included their special, personal vows to each other. Their ceremony concluded with the traditional breaking of the glass as Kelli and Greg were presented for the first time as “Mr. & Mrs.”!

There at the Down Town Club, Kelli and Greg’s entrance to their reception was announced to the cheers of everyone! They led into a beautiful first dance together, one that concluded with a shower of flower petals, before all their guests were invited to participate on the dance floor. Their wedding celebration wouldn’t be complete without dancing the Hora! What fun it was to see the newlyweds honored and celebrated!

After the dance floor was warmed up, it was time for Kelli’s father’s beautiful welcome speech and perfect toasts from Kelli’s matron of honor, her sister, and from Greg’s best man, prompting tears both from laughter and from heartfelt recollection.

Following the toasts were Kelli and Greg’s parent dances, then another fun dance set. EBE Talent’s Milan 77 were amazing as always and guests had so much fun singing along and dancing the night away! Before the evening was over, the couple cut their beautiful four-tiered wedding cake from Cescaphe Event Group, complete with blush and burgundy blooms and adorable little cats!

This wedding day was the perfect blend of heartfelt emotion and of energy and fun! And Kelli and Greg were such a dream to film on their special day. We wish them all the best today and always!

Photographer: Shari DeAngelo Studios – Haddonfield, NJ

Floral Design: Beautiful Blooms Events – Philadelphia, PA

Hair Stylist: The Studio CL – Lauren

Makeup Artist: Blush Bar LLC – Trevose, PA

Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige

Entertainment: EBE Talent – Milan 77 – Philadelphia, PA

Cake: Cescaphe Event Group – Philadelphia, PA

Officiant: Tim Lawson

Venue: Down Town Club – Philadelphia, PA

Accommodations: The Logan Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA; Loews Philadelphia Hotel – Philadelphia, PA

January 4th, 2019

by Kristi Chapman

in Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wedding Film

To Dream With You // Alexandra + Eitan

Alexandra and Eitan met during their junior year while they both were attending the University of Pennsylvania. However, it actually wasn’t until a spring break trip to New Orleans that they officially met each other! Mutual friends brought them together and when they started talking, they hit it off immediately. After about a month back in the city, they were officially dating. Even though they had to spend a summer apart, emails and Skype came to the rescue and kept their relationship alive and growing! After graduation, they had another year together in Philadelphia before they had to begin a four-year long-distance relationship while attending medical schools (Eitan for people and Alexandra for animals!). After a special New Orleans-inspired wedding proposal in the fall of 2016, they found out that they both matched into residencies in Philadelphia in the spring of 2017, finally together for good and enjoying each moment as they planned their amazing wedding event!

On this special day, Alexandra’s beautiful bridal party donned floral robes, with Alexandra looking so radiant in her white robe, as they had their final touches of hair and makeup applied in her family home by CE Facial Artistry. Meanwhile, Eitan and his groomsmen dressed into traditional tuxedos at their home, looking dapper and ready to go!

Her bridal party, all dressed in their coordinating long blush gowns, helped Alexandra as she put on her wedding dress. She was such a gorgeous bride, wearing a strapless Liancarlo gown with a sweetheart neckline and a subtle fit and flare silhouette. It featured lovely Alencon lace appliqués and was belted at the waist with a delicate sash. Alexandra wore her long hair down, and fastened in it a beautiful brooch and a long veil for the ceremony. Her final accessory was her full, lush bouquet from Beautiful Blooms in romantic watercolor shades of pink. So beautiful!

Alexandra had a sweet, emotional first look with her father as she descended the staircase of her family’s home before they got into a vintage Rolls-Royce to travel to the combined ceremony and reception location. It was so touching to see just how proud he was of her on this most special day!

Alexandra’s father had his first look and now it was time for Eitan’s! Alexandra met up with Eitan at their venue, Water Works, the most recent addition to Cescaphe Event Group’s lineup. They saw each other for the first time that day outside on the terrace overlooking the Schuylkill River. It was such a tender moment, one we were so happy to be there to witness. Afterwards, we filmed their terrific photo session by the team at Alison Dunn Photography outside at Water Works, with the couple and their wedding party so relaxed and having such a great time! Be sure to see photos on her blog!

Alexandra and Eitan had a wonderful interfaith ceremony with both Jewish and Catholic traditions celebrated. Before the ceremony started, the couple and their witnesses signed the Ketubah with their family looking on in a private room inside the venue. Then it was time for the ceremony to begin in the open air Grand Pavilion at Water Works. Alexandra’s father walked her down the aisle to meet Eitan, and they stood under the beautiful chuppah along with their officiants, Rabbi Julie Greenberg and Reverend Monsignor Donald Leighton.

During the ceremony, we were thrilled to hear Alexandra’s sister sing such a beautiful song for the couple. Alexandra and Eitan both participated in the circling ceremony as well, and they recited such wonderfully penned personalized vows to each other. No one could keep a dry eye when Alexandra read about her promise to keep dreaming of Eitan, to dream along with him and to make their dreams a reality. Soon, the glass was broken, they were pronounced ‘husband and wife’ and the couple shared that special first kiss!

The couple had a grand tented reception onsite in the Mill House. After introductions, they danced a very sweet first dance together as their guests all looked on. When the dance floor opened to all, of course the Hora was danced as part of the celebration!

A heartfelt welcome speech given by Alexandra’s father and mother (again, tissues needed!) and wonderful, thoughtful toasts from Alexandra’s sisters (her maids of honor), Eitan’s father, sister and his best man. There were also beautiful blessings given, including the traditional blessing over the challah.

The floor opened again and the music was hot as Modern Luxe from East Coast Entertainment kept everyone on that dance floor all evening! And before the reception was over, Eitan’s father arranged for a surprise performance and Alexandra’s father had a surprise for the couple too, an exciting, dazzling fireworks display!

Alexandra and Eitan’s wedding day was a wonderful mix of warmth and romance and of laughter and fun! Congratulations to the newlyweds and best wishes from all of us!

Photographer: Alison Dunn Photography – Philadelphia, PA

Floral Design: Beautiful Blooms – Philadelphia, PA

Hair Stylist: CE Facial Artistry – Bridget – Philadelphia, PA

Makeup Artist: CE Facial Artistry – Charlotte Erace – Philadelphia, PA

Wedding Dress: Liancarlo

Wedding Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Entertainment: East Coast Entertainment – Modern Luxe – Philadelphia, PA

Cake: Cescaphe Event Group – Philadelphia, PA

Officiant: Rabbi Julie Greenberg – Philadelphia, PA and Reverend Monsignor Donald Leighton – Gladwyne, PA

Venue: Water Works – Philadelphia, PA

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August 16th, 2018

by Kristi Chapman

in Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wedding Film

My Only // Carly + Glenn

We were so thrilled to be able to meet this sweet couple long before their wedding day! Most of our consultations for couples booking our services do take place over the phone for the convenience of our clients, however Carly and Glenn wanted to visit us here in New Jersey after their work day to meet with us in person. We had such a wonderful evening with them and were so happy they chose us to film their wedding… and that we’d be seeing them again on their magical wedding day one year later!

Carly and Glenn met by chance at Morgan’s Pier one day, as mutual friends they were with recognized each other and started to catch up. They began talking as well and truly felt an instant connection. The couple then found out that they lived on the same street and only about 5 blocks away from each other! Although Carly felt right away that she had found the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, she was on guard because he simply seemed too good to be true! She discovered over the following weeks that he was honestly as amazing as she thought and everything that she was looking for in a partner.

Carly had suspected that Glenn’s proposal would take place when they were on vacation in Florida, but Glenn had other ideas. He asked Carly after work one day if she wanted to go for a walk by the museum of art and then visit the AMOR sculpture for photos. Glenn had a photographer there waiting for them, ready to document the moment in photos as he got down on one knee and asked Carly to marry him. She said ‘yes’!

When their much anticipated wedding day arrived, the couple got ready for the day’s events in separate suites at the Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia. Glenn’s father, who was also his best man on this special day, helped Glenn put on his monogrammed jacket and fasten those stylish new cufflinks. The guys all enjoyed a beer as they continued to celebrate and get dressed to the nines for the occasion.

Carly also celebrated with her bridesmaids as they toasted to the couple during their time together that late morning! After hair and makeup was professionally styled by Flawless Finish Artistry and Ashley Bohl, her bridesmaids changed out of their matching floral robes into beautiful, long flowing dusty rose gowns with coordinating necklines. We loved the message they held on separate cards for Glenn to see via photo message: ‘…just wait until you see your bride!’.

And they weren’t kidding! Carly was such a gorgeous bride in her Kitty Chen Couture strapless dress. It featured a lovely lace overlay and intricate beading in the bodice. Carly carried a beautiful bouquet from Beautiful Blooms with white flowers and lots of fresh greenery, held together with long silk ribbons in that beautiful, soft dusty rose. With a long, lace-edged veil attached to the back of her hair for the ceremony and a dazzling hair brooch, Carly was just about ready to head outside to let Glenn see her for the first time on their wedding day!

Their exciting first look took place near the hotel at the Rose Garden on the grounds of Independence National Historical Park. It was so romantic! The couple hugged, kissed and gazed into each other’s eyes until it was time to pull them away and bring the bridal party over for their photo shoot! Before the ceremony was set to begin, we traveled along and filmed as the bridal party traversed the Philadelphia cobblestone streets from the Rose Garden for their photo shoot at the Second Bank, the Merchants Exchange and at Morgan’s pier, the place where Carly and Glenn first met. It was such a pleasure for us to film alongside, and truly so great to work with the team at Artistic Imagery!

Then it was on to Tendenza for their ceremony and reception! This glamorous, industrial chic venue by Cescaphe Event Group features exposed brick, stainless steel, modern chandeliers, spectacular uplighting and lots of high-style urban appeal! Glenn was awe-struck as he watched Carly walk up the aisle to meet him with her parents by her side. The couple wrote their own wonderfully personalized vows, their sincere promises to each other, and recited them before their family and friends. It was such an emotional and touching ceremony. At the conclusion, Rev. Bob Devine made it official and pronounced Carly and Glenn ‘husband and wife’!

The reception continued there at Tendenza, where Carly and Glenn’s arrival was announced to the cheers of their guests and an exciting sparkler salute! The couple proceeded then to the center of the room for their first lively and romantic dance together. Later in the evening, we were glad to capture the heartfelt moments when Carly and Glenn shared lovely dances with their parents before dinner was served. Then, the dance floor opened again to all their guests who were eager to get out there and dance the night away! DJ Jason Roy definitely rocked the house that night!

It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to film this beautiful couple and to share in their magical wedding day! Congratulations to Carly and Glenn!

Photographer: Artistic Imagery – Fairless Hills, PA

Floral Design: Beautiful Blooms – Philadelphia, PA

Hair Stylist: Flawless Finish Artistry – Philadelphia, PA

Makeup Artist: Ashley Marie Makeup Artistry – Ashley Bohl – Blackwood, NJ

Wedding Dress: Kitty Chen Couture

Entertainment: DJ Jason Roy – Philadelphia, PA

Cake: Cescaphe Event Group – Philadelphia, PA

Officiant: Reverend Bob Devine – West Chester, PA

Venue: Tendenza – Philadelphia, PA

Accommodations: Hotel Monaco – Philadelphia, PA

January 19th, 2018

by Kristi Chapman

in Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wedding Film

Happy Surprises // Alicia + Alex

We were blessed with another wedding for the family of a friend of ours and another gorgeous wedding at Cescaphe Ballroom! Our bride’s mother actually taught Violet’s English class when she was in middle school! We were to thrilled to receive a call from her, asking if we could be a part of capturing her daughter, Alicia’s wedding day. Alicia and Alex are such a wonderful couple and it was such a pleasure to be able to both film and photograph their wedding day.

Alicia and Alex met through Alicia’s sister when he worked with her at a bank, before he switched careers and became a police officer. One day, he was working at an event at Alicia’s mother’s school and both noticed each other. Neither knew it at the time, but as Alicia later asked her sister, Lexi, about Alex, he was asking Lexi about Alicia! When Lexi gave Alex Alicia’s number, he arranged for two dates in one day!

Alex’s proposal was so awesome! He arranged for Santa to stop by her parents’ house on a fire truck on Christmas Eve, a town tradition so not out of the ordinary. He told her he was sending Santa over to visit with Alicia’s five year old niece who would be over at that time for a holiday dinner with all of Alicia’s family. Santa arrived on schedule and provided gifts for her niece and cousin, then Santa brought out a present for Alicia, a pair of sneakers. As she wondered what was going on, Alex came out from behind the fire truck, got down on one knee and proposed. His family also came out from behind the truck and watched with all of Alicia’s family as she said ‘yes’! We’re sure this was the best Christmas present!

Their wedding day arrived and even though it was a rainy, somewhat chilly day in March, the weather didn’t put a damper on anything at all. Alicia got ready with her bridesmaids at her family’s home, with friends perfecting her hair and makeup for the big day. We loved the pretty floral robes that the bridal party wore as they were getting ready… and those fun socks designating each’s important role for the day! The bridesmaids wore long dark sequined gowns, Lexi’s dress in the color of champagne. Alicia’s exquisite bouquet from Triple Oaks Florist was filled with lush, white flowers and her bridesmaids carried coordinating lovely bouquets with dusty rose accents.

Alex got ready at his family’s home with his groomsmen there to help out and enjoy the moment. They dressed in matching classic black tuxedos while Alex stood apart in his white jacket with black satin lapels. And all the guys wore stars and stripes socks for a fun and patriotic touch! They all looked so sharp!

As they were getting ready, Alicia and Alex read from journals that they had exchanged earlier, journals that each has kept since the day of their engagement. We loved having the opportunity to capture each reading their love’s words for the first time. It was so touching to hear and such a meaningful keepsake for them both.

Then it was time for Alicia to put on her wedding gown. Her dress was a gorgeous mermaid silhouetted gown with sparkling spaghetti straps and lots of full ruffles in the skirt. She accented with a dazzling headband and earrings to match. What an absolutely beautiful bride!

Alicia and Alex’s ceremony was held at the Church of the Nativity in Franklinville, NJ. We loved seeing the cute little flower girl (Alicia’s niece) and ring bearer coming down the aisle! And Alex was all smiles and excitement as he watched Alicia walk with her father to meet him at the altar. It was a beautiful, traditional Catholic ceremony where their officiant, Father Jaromir Michalak reminded them that their marriage, their pledge of love on that day, is a new beginning.

When the ceremony concluded, we had the pleasure of photographing them and their families in the church, then followed along as Alicia and Alex had a police escort over the bridge to Monument Park and the Lightning Bolt statue. We also stopped at a studio in Philadelphia for more delightful photos with them and their bridal party.

Then, it was on to the luxurious Cescaphe Ballroom for their grand reception! We all had so much fun that evening… their toasts were both heartfelt and funny and DJ George Passante from A and G Entertainment really kept the party hopping! That dance floor was really packed all evening long!

In Alicia’s father’s welcome speech, his wish was for Alicia and Alex’s life together “to be filled with happy surprises, the simple life and a lifetime of love.” We couldn’t agree more! Congratulations to Alicia and Alex!

Cinematographers: Glen Elliott // Violet Elliott // Dan Sawyer

Editor: Lisa Skala

Photographer: Love Frame Photography – Wenonah, NJ

Floral Design: Triple Oaks Florist – Franklinville, NJ

Entertainment: A and G Entertainment – George Passante

Cake: Cescaphe Event Group – Philadelphia, PA

Officiant: Rev. Jaromir Michalak – Clayton, NJ

Church: Church of the Nativity – Parish of St. Michael the Archangel – Franklinville, NJ

Venue: Cescaphe Ballroom – Philadelphia, PA

May 26th, 2017

by Kristi Chapman

in Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wedding Film

Grand Slam // Amazing Reception Entrances

If you want to make a statement at your wedding, perhaps the best, most memorable way is to make a grand entrance! Choosing a very elaborate or unique way to enter the reception when announced as the new Mr. and Mrs. is definitely Read more

March 2nd, 2017

by Kristi Chapman

in Tips & Ideas

Classic Cakes // Tall, Traditional Wedding Cakes

After quite a few years of seeing unique dessert offerings such as doughnuts, cupcakes and pies substituted for the wedding cake, the traditional cake is back in! Experts are saying we should expect to see a return to the prototypical wedding cake for many more weddings in 2017.

Cakes stacked in three or four tiers (or even more to serve the largest guest lists!) mainly in classic white buttercream with just the right amount of refined embellishment are what this year’s brides and grooms are requesting. And it’s easy to see why… these wedding cakes are time-honored and appreciated by everyone, fit perfectly with every style of wedding and are easy to dress up with subtle hints of your wedding theme or colors.

Tall, tiered white cakes also are the perfect medium for adding very imaginative, dramatic touches to a wedding reception. Everything from fresh flowers to fondant lace appliqués to jewelry or even feathers are stunning when graced along multiple tiers and make breathtaking statements on display.

In addition to so many wonderful bakeries in our area, we’re lucky to have two local wedding venues who always craft such gorgeous classic cakes! The Merion and all the venues owned and managed by Cescaphe Event Group have renowned pastry chef teams that create the highest quality and most beautiful custom wedding cakes around. Need examples? Be sure to check out Sarina and Richard’s elegant wedding event at the Merion, Olivia and Justin’s beautiful wedding at Tendenza and Kaitlyn and Michael’s glamorous Down Town Club wedding for just a few of these delightful and delectable desserts!

February 17th, 2017

by Kristi Chapman

in Tips & Ideas

Forever Starts Today // Jessica + Scott

Jessica and Scott’s first encounter was through a friend’s introduction just before Jessica was set to take a trip to Israel. Scott, who had already traveled to the beautiful country, talked all evening with Jessica about the upcoming trip, convinced she would have a wonderful time. And he was absolutely right! Right after she returned home, Scott messaged her to meet. Again, they talked for hours about the past and the future, and it was during that day each knew they had found the one they would marry. Almost a year and a half later, friends and family were all gathered to witness, in the words of their officiant, Rabbi Eli Freedman, the day Jessica and Scott “came together to pledge to one another their hearts”.

Jessica and Scott started their day at the Hotel Monaco where each got ready for the big event with help from their attendants. Before they headed out for their first look, the two exchanged beautifully written love notes to each other. We couldn’t help but feel their energy as both were truly beaming with excitement!

Then, Jessica put on her wedding gown. She was such a gorgeous, radiant bride in her amazing fit and flare wedding dress! It featured a beautiful lace overlay and a delightful lace up detail in back. In her long hair, she wore a sparkling hair band and completed her bridal outfit with a mid-length veil for the ceremony. Absolutely stunning!

We traveled across the street for their first look in Thomas Jefferson Garden near Independence Hall. We loved how the bridal party looked on and cheered, still in their pink robes! We enjoyed filming their full photo shoot by our friend, the incomparable Jeff Tisman and his terrific assistant, not long afterwards at nearby historical sites in the city.

Jessica’s bridesmaids finished getting dressed into their long blush gowns and carried lush, lovely ivory bouquets from Beautiful Blooms that complemented Jessica’s larger bouquet, filled also with pink florals. It was now time to head to the venue for the ceremony!

Jessica and Scott’s ceremony and reception both were held at the glamorous Atrium at the Curtis Center, with its grand marble columns, beautiful and massive Tiffany mosaic mural and romantic fabric draped walls. Accompanied by her proud parents, Jessica walked down the aisle that was lined with flower petals and surrounded by fresh floral arrangements. The couple stood before a gorgeous chuppah abounding in white florals and gauzy fabric for their traditional Jewish ceremony. Scott broke the glass followed by cheers of ‘Mazel Tov’ and he and Jessica were now husband and wife!

Then it was time for the party to begin! Jessica and Scott made their grand entrance into the light-filled 12-story atrium, once again to the applause of their beloved friends and family, while flower petals rained down in celebration. Everyone had such a ball dancing the Hora and then continuing to dance the night away with help from the lively horns and tight rhythm section of the dance band, Jellyroll!

What a wonderful wedding event this was! Congratulations and best wishes to Jessica and Scott, a sweet couple and a truly perfect pair!

Cinematographers: Glen Elliott

Editor: Dan Sawyer

Photographer: Jeff Tisman Photography – Princeton, NJ

Floral Design: Beautiful Blooms – Philadelphia, PA

Hair Stylist: Cescaphe Event Group – Dawn Mullan – Philadelphia, PA

Makeup Artist: Dylan Michael Cosmetics – Jenkintown, PA

Entertainment: BVTLive! – Jellyroll – Chadds Ford, PA

Cake: Cescaphe Event Group – Philadelphia, PA

Officiant: Rabbi Eli Freedman – Philadelphia, PA

Venue: Atrium at the Curtis Center – Philadelphia, PA

Accommodations: Hotel Monaco – Philadelphia, PA

December 2nd, 2016

by Kristi Chapman

in Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wedding Film

Everlasting Love // Courtney + William

We were over the moon when we found out we’d be working with this terrific family once again! We’ve filmed a few weddings for members of Will’s family already (and have another one coming up later this year!) and Courtney and Will were a dream to work with on their own wedding day.

The two met in high school and became very close in their junior year. Their relationship continued to blossom despite four years apart at separate colleges. After nine years together, the time had come to get engaged… and Courtney and Will’s engagement day was certainly a memorable one! They spent the day in Sea Isle cleaning the beach house to get it ready for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Courtney never complained as she mowed the lawn, pulled weeds and cleaned the outside shower. This was not the day to suspect a proposal! They made reservations to go to dinner that evening at the restaurant where they had their first date and on the way, they drove past the back bay. Will asked Courtney if they could get a picture with the bay in the background and when they walked down to the bay, Will got down on one knee and popped the question! Surprised but overjoyed, Courtney said ‘yes’! At the restaurant, Courtney was surprised yet again to find their friends and family waiting to celebrate with them.

On their fabulous wedding day, Will and his groomsmen had a lot of fun as they got ready at his mother’s house. At her own parents’ house, Courtney and her bridesmaids started their preparations by having their hair styled and makeup expertly applied by Sandy and Candice from Douglas Arthur Salon. A glimmering headband and long flowing veil adorned Courtney’s hair as the perfect finishing touches (and we loved how her proud mother looked on). Her beautiful bridesmaids dressed in long, matching cheerful violet gowns for the big day. Before getting dressed herself, Courtney took a moment to read Will’s love note to her where he beautifully professed his true and everlasting love for her. What better way is there to start the day?

Courtney then got dressed in her gorgeous trumpet fit-and-flare wedding gown with a strapless sweetheart neckline and a sparkling jeweled belt. Courtney’s skirt had such beautiful tiers edged with delicate lace. She completed her ensemble with a delightful white bouquet with shimmering accents by Martine’s Countryside Florist, and we just couldn’t get enough of her… she was such a radiant bride!

We were then off to the church for the ceremony. Courtney and Will were married in a lovely traditional Catholic service at the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii (part of St. Padre Pio Parish) in Vineland, NJ. But Courtney didn’t arrive via limo or classic car… she chose to be brought to the church in an awesome John Deere tractor as a nod to their family farming business! (Of course, the classic car would take them to the reception!) During their beautiful ceremony, she and Will were challenged to be an example to others through their own expression of love. The two then exchanged their vows and became ‘husband and wife’.

Before heading to the ceremony, there was plenty of time for formal and candid photos of the wedding party and their family…and of their cute pup, Winston! Our good friend and an amazing photographer, Ron Soliman, captured images of the day for Courtney and Will. Be sure to check out some of these photos on his blog!

One of our favorite venues was chosen for this wedding reception, Vie in Philadelphia. Vie is one of now six gorgeous locations owned and operated by Cescaphe Event Group. Courtney and Will made their grand entrance to the cheers of their guests and to a burst of white petals, guiding them into their first dance as a married couple. Guests then continued to have an incredible time dancing the evening away with help from the high energy and “big” sounds of CTO 5th Avenue!

Congratulations, Courtney and Will! May you always remember the love and joy shared on this special day.

Cinematographers: Glen Elliott // Violet Elliott // Lisa Skala

Editor: Dan Sawyer

Photographer: Ron Soliman – Philadelphia, PA

Floral Design: Martine’s Countryside Florist – Vineland, NJ

Hair Stylist: Douglas Arthur Salon – Sandy Pincosy – Vineland, NJ

Makeup Artist: Douglas Arthur Salon – Candice Caruso – Vineland, NJ

Entertainment: CTO – 5th Avenue – Philadelphia, PA

Cake: Cescaphe Event Group – Philadelphia, PA

Officiant: Father Peter Saporito – Vineland, NJ

Church: Church of Our Lady of Pompeii (St. Padre Pio Parish) – Vineland, NJ

Venue: Vie – Philadelphia, PA

March 24th, 2016

by Kristi Chapman

in New Jersey Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wedding Film

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