As you may or may not know, I recently got married on June 24th, 2017 to Joseph (no middle name) Port. I never understood the “no middle name” thing…like, why not? It’s such a wonderful and easy way to honor passed loved ones or to add a family tradition. Anyway, my husband doesn’t have a middle name. That’s not the important thing here.
We got married at Stotesbury Mansion right in the heart of Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. The mansion was built in the late 1800’s and the ballroom itself was brought over on a ship from Europe in smaller pieces and then put together once it arrived to Philly. As soon as I toured the venue, I knew it was the place we would exchange our vows, say “I Do” and dance our hearts out until they kicked us out. I walked into the ballroom and immediately was so in awe of the gold embellished vaulted ceilings and chandeliers, I started twirling. Legit, twirling. I felt like I was in Sound of Music and was loving every minute of it. Sound of Music is my favorite movie so I can barely think of any higher compliment.
Our wedding was black tie and small. A modest 98 guests, including Joey and I. Each and every person we knew, each face, we recognized and had memories with. I wouldn’t have changed it at all. It really was a carefree, joyful evening that was so FULL of love. There wasn’t anyone sitting in a corner staring at their phone. Which nowadays, you know is RARE. If anyone was, I certainly didn’t notice. Everyone was present enjoying the love filled room. I also happen to tear up the dance floor…I’m not saying I’m the best dancer, but I LOVE to dance.
My husband is Jewish, I was raised Christian. We had a fairly typical Jewish wedding. If you have never been to one, get yourself invited somehow! The hora is a traditional dance in which the person/people of honor sit in a chair and the crowd lifts the chairs up and dances them around. If it’s a wedding, the bride and groom hold a white napkin in the air as they are lifted up and down in their chairs. REALLY FUN AND TERRIFYING!
We incorporated some Philly themed things into the night, Including but not limited to, homemade soft pretzel bites with whiz. (that’s Philly talk for melted Velveeta type cheese) Everyone was so happy those pretzels came around. We also had specialty cocktails, of course. Mine was a gin based cocktail (my fave) and Joey’s was vodka based (his fave). The food was off the charts all night.
My in laws have a very large family. Mine is very small. Our wedding was TAKEN OVER by Ports! However, my family left saying they felt like they gained 60 relatives. Awww!! I don’t mean to sound like a broken record here, but it was such a happy night. No drama, no bridezilla, no catastrophes that I know of. It all worked out the way we planned it. And if any problems did arise, I didn’t care because…IT WAS OUR WEDDING NIGHT! I had worked so hard, along side Marlee at DFW Event Design in Philly, bringing my vision to life and keeping our dream wedding within budget. I drug our guests onto the dance floor and made them dance with me whether they liked it or not. They didn’t have a choice. 🙂 Joey isn’t a big dancer either but he KNEW he didn’t have a choice that night. Smart man…smart man. *Happy wife, happy life*
(Shout out to that stranger in the background giving us a big toothy grin! I see you!)
In closing, surround yourself with positive people that support you and love you. I don’t think Stotesbury will ever had so much love inside that place again. We brought it home. 🙂
Not to mention, photographer Tina Chiou captured each moment so beautifully.
Are you married? What made your wedding so special?
xox Tessa
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