Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center was a befitting venue for this organically romantic wedding.  The natural backdrop of the space combined perfectly with vibrant florals designed by Vault + Vine (one of the many highlights of the day).  But nothing could compare to how beautiful this bride was in her BHLDN gown that was fit for a queen.  Emma and Pat have an enchanting love story, and the beauty that unfolded on this special day is all below thanks to Brae Howard Photography.


From the Bride: “We could not have been luckier to start off our wedding day with sunshine and 60-degree weather in November! Although the whole day was filled with great memories, one of the best feelings was having my mom zip up my dress for the last time and see the reactions of my bridesmaids.  It was then that I realized we finally made it to the day I would never forget, one of the best days of my life, and it was just beginning.  It was such a special moment to have my dad walk me down the aisle and hold me close before he gave me away to my future husband.  All my nerves went away when I could finally stand next to the guy I’ve been waiting to marry since the day we met.  It was small pieces of the day like this that I will never forget.”

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

How They Met:
“My husband, Pat, and I met in college at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  I was a freshman and Pat was a junior.  I decided to row for the crew team my freshman year and Pat’s roommate was also on the crew team at the time. When one of the members of the crew team was having a party, Pat came along with his roommate and we ended up meeting and walking to the party together.  The rest was history!”

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings
 
The Proposal:

“It was a Friday night, September 18th, 2015.  I decided I really wanted to take a trip to New York City for the weekend after I had just started my new job.  I wanted to get away and relax.  When we got to NYC we checked in to our hotel and decided we wanted to go to Central Park since we had never been and it was beautiful out.  From Pat’s side of the story, he had no idea where he wanted to ask me specifically in the park since it was both our first time. As we continued to walk through the park, he finally chose a spot, on Bow Bridge, a beautiful bridge over Central Park’s lake. I had no idea it was coming.  He got down on one knee, pulled out the ring box that was wrapped in his sock somewhere and asked me to marry him.  It was so perfect and unexpected!”

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings
 
Wedding Planning Experience:

“To be honest, it could not have been more stressful! I’m the only daughter in my family so it was our first wedding to plan. My mom and I decided we were going to do it all on our own.  We had very little experience but we took it day by day and tackled the planning head on.  We had just over a year to plan and thank goodness not any longer! I knew no matter what it wasn’t going to be easy, but we did it, and we were so happy with how everything turned out. In the end, it was 100% worth it. Our day could not have been more perfect.  I can’t thank my mom and dad enough for being so supportive.”

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Wedding Planning Advice:

“Please, don’t stress the small stuff.  We as brides, seem to get quickly caught up in the moment and want every detail to be perfect.  But, in the end, these little things are not what matters, and nobody notices the little things anyway! What’s important is that you’re happy, you feel beautiful, and you get to have the best day of your life and spend the rest of your life with your favorite person!

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

About the Venue:

“When looking at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center for the first time, I knew it was exactly what I wanted and it had the feel I was looking for.  I loved that the Horticulture Center was a greenhouse and filled with beautiful foliage everywhere you looked.  What I loved most about this venue was that it was unique and we didn’t have to add much to make it look beautiful, it was already there.”

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Wedding Inspiration:

“I wanted our wedding to be unique, that’s why we chose the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.  I would say our inspiration came from choosing our venue.  Being that it is a greenhouse, I didn’t want to add too much, because it wasn’t needed. I loved the glass windows so as the night came upon us I wanted to keep the room dark yet glowing.  We used lots of candles, with deep pink floral arrangements among all the tables with gold accents. We even hung large white paper lantern stars all behind our main table, to create a glowing backdrop behind us. I wanted it to feel romantic, and I think that’s exactly what it was.”

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Best Memory:

“I think my best memory was being able to have all of our family and friends together to celebrate and dance.  There are not many times you can have the people that matter most to you all in the same room.  The day was filled with so much love and laughter.  Also, let’s be honest, another favorite memory of the day was wearing my beautiful gown! My dress could not have been more perfect and if it was socially acceptable I would wear it every day!”

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center Brae Howard Photography Philadelphia Photographer Philly In Love Philadelphia Weddings

Wedding Vendor Experience:

“All of our vendors were wonderful, our wedding would not have been so beautiful and memorable without them. Our photographer, Brae Howard Photography, could not have captured our day more perfectly.  Brae was so easy to work with and truly understood our vision.  We could not have been happier with how our photos came out.  She captured the most special moments of our day that we will forever hold on to. Our florist,  Vault + Vine (formerly known as Falls Flowers), created the most beautiful florals for our day.  From the bouquets to the centerpieces, they were exactly what I envisioned.  We worked with Alyssa every step of the way and she could not have done a better job.

The Vincent James Band was our wedding band and I cannot say enough about how fantastic they were. They were so easy to work with leading up to our wedding and made the day so stress-free.  The dance floor was packed from the second they started playing right up to the last song.  To us, a live band was important, and we definitely chose the right one for us! Diana DuHaime from ONLO did my hair and makeup for the day.  I loved working with Diana because I wanted a simple look and she respected that and helped me achieve that look.  I felt like myself, just a better version of myself.

Our cake, being that I love sweets and desserts, was something pretty important to me. We got our cake from Bredenbeck’s Bakery in Chestnut Hill, the town I grew up in.  I wanted something simple, white buttercream icing with vanilla pound cake. Our florist placed delicate fresh flowers along the layers and we topped it off with my grandparents’ bride and groom cake topper from their wedding day.  It was beautiful and delicious!”


Vendors | Photography: Kelly Giarrocco, Brae Howard Photography | Ceremony Venue: Old St. Joseph’s Church | Reception Venue: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center | Floral/Decor: Vault + Vine | Stationery- Etsy (Lisa Singer) | Bride’s Dress: BHLDN | Bridal Accessories: Shoes – Betsey Johnson, Earrings – BHLDN, Purse – BHLDN | Catering: Starr Catering | Cake/Bakery: Bredenbeck’s Bakery | DJ/Band: Vincent James Band | Hair/Makeup: Diana DuHaime, ONLO Beauty | Hotel: Sheraton Society Hill | Groom/Groomsmen Suits: JCrew | Bridesmaids Dresses: JCrew | Favors: Lore’s Chocolates | Transportation: Philadelphia Trolley Works | Rentals: Maggpie Vintage Rentals | Lighting: Eventions Productions