This is such a pretty wedding from the Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia in a lovely soft palette of ivory, champagne, blush, and dusty rose. I love that the bride let the the bridesmaids choose their dress using the soft blush tones as their guideline. The result gives the perfect sense of style and personality for each member of the bridal party, not to mention compliments Lindsey’s dusty rose sash and airy organza layering of her Vera Wang White fit-to-flare gown. And it is no surprise that the way Lindsey felt in her wedding dress is once again, a perfect description for this exquisite day: Feminine, Lovely, Ethereal. Enjoy!
Lindsey + Jesse | June 2, 2012 | Knowlton Mansion, Fox Chase, Philadelphia
The Ceremony
William Rhawn bought the 13 acres of ground and built the mansion, carriage house and stables and gatekeeper’s house as their summer estate in the late 1800s. The project was designed by Victorian architect Frank Furness. The ceremony took place outside in the garden and was surrounded by boxwood and hydrangea bushes. The bridal party stood under a large white pergola wearing mismatched dresses they picked themselves. The girls chose dresses according to a palette of champagne, blush, and dusty rose. The groomsmen wore charcoal grey suits with matching grey ties. We had a string quartet perform as my bridesmaids and I processed to an adaptation of “Sweet Disposition” by the Temper Trap. The quartet also played a mid-ceremony song entitled, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, as well as our recessional, which was “Beautiful Day” by U2.
The Reception
Guests were ushered into a cocktail hour that took place both within the main conservatory of the mansion as well as out on the flagstone patio adjacent to the conservatory. The string quartet played for this hour and wait staff served hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The conservatory features the same architectural vision present in the rest of the mansion. It has 30-foot vaulted timber ceilings with glass skylights, poured concrete floors and a beautiful wooden cupola in the center. Jesse and I danced to “Everything” by Michael Buble for our first dance and hosted a cigar bar on the patio for our guests throughout the evening. The mansion also features a wine cellar that we chose to open for our guests. It’s located just off of the main conservatory extension and was part of the original design of the building. Staff of Knowlton Mansion paired chocolates, fruits and cheeses with selected wines for guests when they entered the cellar. We also had them prepare a whiskey tasting for those inclined to try!
Lindsey’s Dress Search
I had found a picture of the Vera White collection in a bridal magazine and really loved it. We shopped around at 2-3 stores (on the first day of the process) before making our way to David’s Bridal. I honestly didn’t have an idea that the White collection was distributed by David’s Bridal. I didn’t pay much attention to the clipping other than I loved the dress design and that it was by Vera Wang. In the end, I didn’t get the dress I had clipped from the magazine; it did come down to it and the one gown I did buy (both were strapless, and drop waist ball gowns). I knew the dress I ended up with was likely “it” from the moment I slipped into it – this gown flowed, bounced and moved in such a way that it made me want to dance right out of the store. It is a fun dress in addition to it being a beautiful dress.
How Lindsey Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Feminine, Lovely, Ethereal
Why Lindsey Decided To Sell Her Wedding Dress
Pictures are sentimental enough for me. I love this dress and loved wearing it, but I don’t need to keep it boxed up in our attic. It should continue to be admired!
