Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Ties The Knot at Anthony Wayne House
We were first introduced to this lovely couple when we saw their beautiful engagement at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Deonna and Sean are one of those lively couples that have a chemistry that you simply can’t deny. As a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, there’s no surprise that this wedding had a lot of energy and excitement! The pretty ceremony and reception details nestled at the Anthony Wayne House have us totally smitten with this wedding’s decor and color palette. From the pretty pink hues to the gold hints of color this wedding was absolutely gorgeous and inspiring! Bartlett Pair Photography captured yet another special moment for this couple and the storytelling visuals are all below ready for you to swoon over!
How They Met
“My fiancé and I first met in Miami, back in March of 2012. It was a brief encounter, as we were amongst mutual friends at a popular event. It wasn’t until later that year, in July, that our paths crossed again. He spotted me across a local bar on the Jersey Shore where I was celebrating a friends birthday. Amazed that he was seeing the girl he met in Miami, now in Jersey, he quickly ran up and approached me with much excitement. Unfortunately, for him, I had no recollection of our meeting in Miami and was also in a serious relationship. It wasn’t until October of 2012 that we were reconnected in Philadelphia, and this time I was single. It took us three different states and cities to realize fate kept bringing us together.”
The Proposal
“Back in November of 2015, Sean told me we were going to a work dinner. He said I should dress up, as he was being recognized and presented with a sales award. He had a white Bentley pick us up, and when I stepped inside I noticed there were a dozen long stem roses as well as champagne in the backseat. The driver drove us into Center City where he pulled off onto the median. He said the road was blocked off and needed to figure out a different route. The driver then proceeded to get out of the car and opened the door to let me out. Utterly confused, I just went along with it. Sean eventually got out and walked me over to a red carpet, that was custom made and laid out right in front of Philadelphia’s City Hall. It was at that moment and location, where he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together!
When we got back into the Bentley, the night was far from over. Sean said he had another surprise for me! He took me to Square 1682 where we had our first date. We took the elevator up to the top floor, and our server escorted us to a private room. Once we opened the doors, we were greeted by his entire family as well as mine, who traveled from Virginia and Florida to surprise us! He even had the menus customized for us! It was a perfect moment and every detail was perfectly executed to make the night unforgettable. I am truly the luckiest girl in the entire world.”
Wedding Planning
“Most people who know me would say I have a Type A personality; as I am always the one who is making the plans and organizing the details. I am pretty detailed oriented. I think these traits were a true benefit when it came to wedding planning. Reading through many bridal magazines and websites, it can often be overwhelming, however, I took pride and excitement in planning every detail, whether small or big. I had dreamed of this day as a little girl and it was a dream come true being able to see my plans become reality.”
About the Venue | Anthony Wayne House
“When selecting our venue we knew we wanted a location that would be close to home, in Philadelphia. We also have our fur baby, Benjamin, who we wanted to be a part of our special day. We came across JAM Catering, who had outstanding reviews for their organic, fresh, and unique menu options while also having an eclectic mix of wedding venues. After visiting the Anthony Wayne House, we fell in love. The outdoor, yet romantic, elegant vibe, was the perfect combination of what we were looking for.”
Wedding Inspiration
“I definitely wanted a combination of our love for the outdoors to illustrate a romantic rustic feel. We felt that the property and landscape of Anthony Wayne House offered and really met all of our needs. The adorable cottage house, the glass ceiling tent, and customized pergola, truly allowed our imagination to run wild and turn this venue into our own fairytale landscape.”
Best Wedding Memory
“Sean and I had a 2-year engagement, which provided me a lot of time to hone in on every detail. Along the way, there were many pieces of advice I was given, both solicited and unsolicited, of course. Someone had told me to enjoy every aspect, the planning, the stress, the little details, and to soak up EVERY minute. Our wedding coordinator Barbara Rank provided one of the best recommendations, which I highly suggest every bride and groom to take. After you walk down the aisle and become husband and wife, before the craziness with pictures and partying ensues, take a moment with your husband/wife and take it all in. I remember taking many moments throughout the night to hold onto my husband and look around and say, ‘Everyone is here for us and to celebrate our love.’ These moments we had together (even through the craziness around us) allowed us to appreciate and reflect on all the incredible people we have in our lives. As they were there to help us celebrate the first day of our future together as husband and wife.”
Wedding Planning Advice
“Be a team and work together. Some partners might want to be more involved while others might let you take the lead. Regardless of which style your partner may be, make sure to involve them and get their opinion, even if you know the answer already. This isn’t ‘YOUR’ wedding…. it’s your wedding to each other, where you become partners in life forever. Work together, be there for each other, and try to not lose focus on what brought you to this day.”
Wedding Vendors
“I would have to say we got very lucky with having the BEST wedding vendors we could ask for. Between my Type A personality, having ample time to plan, and my OCD, I definitely wanted things a certain way and expected them to be done flawlessly. We had roughly 7 different vendors total and they all worked endlessly together to make sure our day was nothing short of perfection. If I could do it over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Our wedding was everything I imagined and more and I am so beyond grateful for our vendors in helping execute our perfect day.”
Vendors | Venue: Anthony Wayne House | Photographer: Bartlett Pair Photography | Coordinator/Planner: Barbara Rank | Band/DJ: JB ProLive | Florist: Carl Alan Florist | Caterer: JAM Catering | Dress Shop/Designer: Le Bella Donna, Martina Liana | Invitations: Cards & Pockets | Vid