Judy and Steven, who met in 2002 at Shampoo Nightclub in Philadelphia, became engaged following a romantic proposal at the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, also in the city. "Steven rented out the teahouse and proposed there," says Judy. "I was getting ready to study abroad, and I think he wanted to make sure I came home."
Real Weddings
Judy & Steven in Philadelphia, PA
Published on October 19, 2011
For a wedding held the day before Halloween, one couple throws a sophisticated celebration with bright pops of orange and plenty of spooky-chic details.
Ceremony and Reception Site
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
Wedding Gown
Groom's Suit
Invitations
Catering and Cake
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
Ceremony and Reception Music
Photographer
The bride wore a satin trumpet-style Mon Cheri gown purchased from Coronet Bridal Shoppe in Feasterville, PA. "The dress is beautiful and timeless, and I loved the intricate beadwork on the bodice," says Judy.
Judy accessorized with a custom-made fascinator by her friend Rebecca Batt of House of Batt.
"I asked my bridesmaids to wear a black dress they felt beautiful in," says Judy. Her attendants carried bouquets of orange roses, while Steven and his groomsmen sported orange pocket squares made by the bride.
The couple exchanged vows before 80 guests during a 5 p.m. ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. The ceremony was officiated by the couple's good friend Tome Wilson.
Halloween-themed postcards served as escort cards and were printed with guests' names and table numbers on the back. The cards were strung with black ribbon and hung from a display of manzanita branches.
Reception tables were decorated with centerpieces inspired by imagery from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Paper lanterns made by the bride and groom were filled with flickering LED candles and suspended from branches to create a "haunted forest" feel.
At each place setting was a felt pumpkin displaying the guest's entrée choice. Judy made the pumpkins herself, and they were also given to guests as favors. The four-course dinner included grilled beef filet, stuffed chicken, and vegetarian strudel; all catering was provided by the hotel.
The buttercream-frosted cake featured chocolate-chip cake with cannoli filling and was topped with a pink octopus figurine from the movie Finding Nemo. "It's an inside joke between me and Steven," says Judy. "I wasn't sure if it would work as a cake topper, but Steve made a tiny top hat, which was perfect."
The evening also included a hilarious and heartfelt toast from Steven's best man, as well the couple's first dance to "Meant to Be" by the Squirrel Nut Zippers.
Another poignant moment: the father-daughter dance between Judy and her dad Ralph to "Hey Jude" by Paul McCartney.
The dance floor was packed all night long as a DJ from Hi-Society Productions spun the evening's tunes. The newlyweds departed for London the next day for their honeymoon.
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