Just when you thought Wedding Nouveau had just about covered all basis when it comes to fusion style, we’re stumped yet again by another real wedding designed by Vendor J’Adore member – Christina Hill of cHill Weddings, based out of Philadelphia. It’s the charming story told in timeless stills by photographer – Jeremy Evans Thomas. When you pair creatively simple designs with bold photography, you’re bound to have an absolutely gorgeous wedding day.
Setting: Philadelphia, PA
Heroine & Hero: Christian Bride – Angela and her Jewish Beau – Matt
Colors: Garnet, Tangerine & Champagne
Scene #1: A BRIDE’S DECLARATION
To be a bride today, is a delicate balance of resilience, patience, budget savvy and vision. Angela embodies all these characteristics from head to toe in her creative approaches to cutting costs and compromising on price, not style. Take a look:
(Above: Vintage Bridal gown by Richard Glasgow; Bride’s shoes by Nine West; Bride’s Make up by Rebecca Cavitt of Bella by Design; Bridesmaid’s gown via Konja’s Bridal; Bride’s hair by Asya Prosser; Flowers by Leslie White of Whimsical Welcomes)
Angela’s vintage gown was purchased from Bride Power (an expansive online resource for discount designer gowns and accessories), She had it altered to achieve that custom made fit via Nilah & Company. By allowing her bridesmaids to chose the style of dress and shoe, while maintaining a cohesive color, Angela was able to add personality to her bridal party.
Scene #2: PHILLY GROOM
(Above: Suits by Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse)
Scene #3: KETUBAH, VOWS & QUAKER MYSTIQUE
The couple was married by their best friend, Karl Crow who was ordained as officiant for the day. Having a personal friend or family member as officiant always adds a personal touch and ice breaker for any marrying couple.
As mentioned earlier, this wedding is a true celebration of style, faith & personality. Angela and Matt chose to say their vows in a Quaker meeting house that held a lot of significance. Not only do they subscribe to some of the principles of Quaker beliefs including equality and love, the location was actually the graduation site when Matt was in school.
Traditions & Ideas: Angela’s response to how heritage was reflected in the wedding, pretty much sums up why Wedding Nouveau exists: “It was very important to us that we celebrated the ways that we have reached the place that we were on our wedding day.” Angela said. “Our families and culture were integral in making us the people that we are today and in making us people who could come from such different backgrounds but still fall in love and make a life together.”
The couple incorporated elements of Christianity, Quaker & Judaism into their wedding. They found clever ways to fuse all three by omitting terminology that would alienate one faith over the other, as well as choosing somewhat secular readings. They enlisted the help of Jessica Kraft of Ketubah Kraft, in designing a more contemporary version of the traditional Ketubah (or “Jewish marriage contract”) in English and Hebrew.
By saying Christian vows, under a Chuppah in a Quaker meeting house, Angela and Matt totally redefine the term fusion, in a way that’s inspirational.
(Above: Ceremony at Arch Street Meetinghouse; Bride’s shoes by Nine West; Bridesmaid’s dresses by Bill Levkoff via Konja’s Bridal; Suits by Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse; Flowers by Whimsical Welcomes)
Scene #4: ROMANCE IN THE RAIN
(Above: Bride’s coat by Calvin Klein; Rain boots by Coach)
Just because you’ve got a rainy forecast for your wedding day, doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise on style. As a matter of fact, Angela braced the weather head on by adorning her feet for the portrait session in Coach rain boots, obtained at a discount from T.J.Maxx. Smart!…not to mention, practical.
Scene #5: A DOWNTOWN RECEPTION MADE EASY
I can’t stress enough how important it is, to have a wedding planner or support system who understand your vision and priorities and can execute them seamlessly.
“I also firmly believe that it is important to surround yourself with vendors who you can trust and rely on.” Angela said. “Planning was made easier for us because I had great people like Christina Hill who I could rely on and call when I tried to reserve room blocks and found out that all the rooms in the city had been booked by a 30,000 rheumatologist convention.”
(Above: All images by Jeremy Evans Thomas Photography; Event design/ coordination by Christina Hill of cHill Weddings; Reception at Downtown Club; Cake by Ann’s Cake Pan)
Congrats to A & M on your deliciously inspiring story. Thank you to Christina Hill and Jeremy Evans Thomas for your collaboration and generosity.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
really touch me!! The most impressive port is the HILLY GROOM baseball wear :)
you are such a beautiful couple, and your hubby is adorable, you guys actually remind me of myself and my bf i am AA and he is Jewish, i wish both of you much love and happiness
Le’Chaim!
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