The enchanting city wedding of Megan and Konrad is a timeless masterpiece that exudes classic elegance. On November 18th, 2017, the couple exchanged vows at Stotesbury Mansion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, surrounded by the rich history of the venue. The grand cathedral ceremony added to the vintage charm of their celebration. To create a romantic ambiance, the pair opted for warm lighting and lush floral arrangements featuring an array of pinks and reds – roses, astilbe, greenery, and berries. The overall effect was breathtakingly beautiful. Megan and Konrad’s stylish attire was perfectly complemented by her bold red lipstick choice. We’re thrilled to share these stunning captures by Mariya Stecklair Photography with you today.
The Proposal
Each Valentine’s Day, my partner Konrad and I prefer to ditch the traditional festivities for an intimate evening at home. Our 2016 celebration was particularly memorable, as we started with a pre-dinner drink at Rouge, a bar in Rittenhouse Square, before walking back to our apartment where Konrad surprised me by cooking dinner and popping the question!
The Vision
As we welcomed friends and family from afar to Philadelphia, many experiencing the city for the first time, we wanted our special day to pay homage to the unique spirit of our beloved hometown. Stotesbury Mansion proved to be the ideal setting, allowing us to bring our vision to life in a historic and iconic location at the heart of Center City. With its rich history and timeless charm, this magnificent mansion served as the perfect backdrop for our vintage-inspired, romantic celebration.
The Planning Process
Our engagement with Konrad was quite extensive, allowing us to thoroughly plan out the details. In hindsight, we’d highly recommend extending your planning period as well. The extra time granted us the opportunity to conduct rigorous research and schedule meetings with various vendors. As a result, we were able to secure all of our top picks, having booked them well in advance. The benefits of a longer engagement period became apparent as we were able to capitalize on the advantages of early planning.
The Venue
Our special day began at the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, where we exchanged vows with family and friends gathered around us. As we envisioned a festive atmosphere for our celebration, Stotesbury Mansion proved to be the ideal reception venue. This historic townhouse, which had hosted Mr. Stotesbury’s own wedding in the 1900s (an impressive guest list included President Taft!), offered three levels of space that allowed our guests to freely mingle and socialize. The grandeur of this mansion perfectly complemented the elegance of our ceremony, setting the tone for a night to remember.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I recall the moment I found my dream wedding dress at a sample sale held by Bhldn, headquartered right here in Philadelphia. The stunning cathedral veil was crafted by Lee-Ann Belter, an expert in her field. To complement my gown, I chose earrings from Bauble Bar and wore my grandmother’s timepiece as a nod to family tradition. For added flair, I incorporated hairpieces sourced from Luna & Stone Co. on Etsy – the perfect finishing touches for my special day.
Beauty
As I prepared to walk down the aisle, Pretty on Arrival’s Marissa worked her magic, transforming me, my bridesmaids, mom, and mother-in-law into stunning versions of ourselves. With her expertise, she brought my vision for a soft, vintage hairstyle to life and confidently executed my bold red lip request, showcasing her versatility and dedication to delivering exceptional results.
Groomsmen
The sartorial splendor of Konrad’s attire was courtesy of a bespoke tuxedo crafted by renowned outfitters Enzo Custom, based in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, his groomsmen cut a dashing figure in their sleek, tailored suits from the esteemed Black Tux.
Bridesmaids
The Readings & Music
A solemn and reverent atmosphere enveloped the Cathedral Basilica as we gathered to celebrate a traditional Roman Catholic Mass. The service began with the majestic sounds of the Trumpet Voluntary, setting the tone for the sacred proceedings that were to follow. The First Reading, taken from Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, and 30-31, was followed by the Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 128, which brought the congregation into a state of contemplation. The Second Reading, Romans 12:1-2, 9-18, served as a powerful reminder of our duties to one another. The Gospel, John 12:9-12, then unfolded, its message of love and sacrifice resonating deeply with all present. As the Mass drew to a close, the Hornpipe by Handel provided a fitting recessional, its lively strains banishing any lingering solemnity in favor of joy and celebration. Meanwhile, Jamie Grimble’s expertly curated reception music further elevated the festive atmosphere, providing a warm and welcoming backdrop for our guests to mingle and socialize.
The Flowers
RAM Floral’s expertise in crafting stunning floral arrangements perfectly complemented the grandeur of Stotesbury Mansion. The three imposing fireplaces were transformed into breathtaking focal points by Rebecca, who infused each mantel with a vibrant, seasonal flair that reflected her impressive knowledge of flowers. Her collaborative spirit and enthusiasm made her a joy to work with.
The Cake
A delectable masterpiece was crafted by Bredenbecks in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia – a trifecta of flavors that delighted the senses. The three-tiered confection consisted of vanilla, rich chocolate chip, and autumnal pumpkin layers, all bound together with a velvety vanilla buttercream frosting. To add an extra layer of elegance to the celebration, we repurposed a bridesmaid’s bouquet as a centerpiece, while florist Rebecca worked her magic to adorn the cake with a lush arrangement of flowers.
Your Photographer
Mariya Stecklair, our photographer of choice, played a significant role in capturing the essence of our special moments. Initially, we entrusted her with our engagement shoot, and later, she was responsible for immortalizing our wedding memories. Her unique ability to put us at ease allowed her to capture our true emotions on camera, resulting in photographs that exude a soft, romantic quality.
Your Filmmaker
Nathaniel David Videography’s skilled videographer, Nate, brought an exceptional level of attention to detail to capturing special moments on film. One of his standout qualities was his willingness to fully customize our trailer, incorporating music that we had specifically chosen. The end result was a truly remarkable video that exceeded our expectations.
The Details & Décor
A chance encounter in law school brought Konrad and me together, setting the tone for a unique celebration. Our wedding stationery was elevated with clever touches, such as custom cocktail napkins featuring the phrase ‘You’ve been served.’ The professional touch came from Minted, which designed our invitations, table cards, and seating arrangements to perfection.
The Honeymoon
Memorable Moments
Advice For Other Couples
When it comes to wedding planning, timing is everything. To avoid last-minute decisions and potential cost overruns, start your planning process early. Don’t be limited by traditional wedding months – consider getting hitched during the off-season instead. Not only will you have a wider range of venues and vendors to choose from, but you may also be able to negotiate better rates due to the slower demand.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Mariya Stecklair Photography captured the essence of Megan and Konrad’s enchanting union. The picturesque Stotesbury Mansion served as the reception venue, while The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul provided a stunning backdrop for their ceremony. Meanwhile, Hotel Palomar played host to the bride and groom’s preparations. Courtney Space Events masterfully orchestrated every detail of the special day. RAM Floral brought the couple’s floral vision to life, while Pretty on Arrival pampered Megan with a bevy of beauty treatments. Bhldn designed the stunning attire worn by the bride, as Jamie Grimble kept the party going with his infectious beats. Nathaniel David Wedding Videography preserved the memories for years to come. We are honored to have been a part of their journey and would like to extend our gratitude to Megan and Konrad for sharing their love story with us.