Thomas Beaman Photography, Camp Hill
Oct. 6, 2012
THE THEME:
Dark elegance: black and white with “a polished-up 'Addams Family' ” look. From the glistening hors d’oeuvres tent, to the 15-piece orchestra stage, to butlered late-night snacks, this extravagant fête was a mash-up of cosmopolitan New York City and Pennsylvania farmland, with JDK stage-managing 12 vendors. The couple, self-identifying as “both a little strange,” wanted swanky “but slightly creepy” for their October wedding.
THE SETTING:
An instant tent city on a family property that the public normally uses for flying remote-control airplanes. Kyle, a graphic designer, chose music-synched lighting to color-wash the black and white theme and illuminate the ice sculptures, including a huge raw seafood ice bar, diamond ice curtain and drink luge.
THE DETAILS:
Texture-rich layers of white in Bryce’s custom dress, the bouquets, a cake dressed in a ruffled “skirt,” patterned lighting and hand-sewn tablecloths. Black candelabras dripping with snowy orchids. A funky white lounge against a sea of black urban chic: carpet, chandeliers, linens and paper. Pops of color in a candy bar and cerise shoes. Monograms and hand-painted words of love. On the menu, upscale met rural, with vanilla-scented sea bass, “jeweled couscous” and micro-sunburst squash, chicken-waffle sliders and torched Fluffernutters. Winning an international catering award, this choreographed event reflected the artistry of the couple and their vendors. Among JDK’s triumphs was serving 315 guests a piping hot gourmet meal simultaneously in the middle of a field.
THE GUEST OF HONOR:
The couple’s bowtied bulldog “son” led them down the aisle, fell asleep during the wedding and was not invited to the reception.
THE DRESS:
A collaboration culminating in an Italian silk peau de soie with a shirred fit-and-flair silhouette, dropped hip line and a surprise inset of ornamented silk chiffon.
THE GETAWAY:
White limos and, eventually, as the Murano bottle stopper favors hinted, Italy.
Vendors:
THE THREADS:
Bride: custom gown and hairpiece from Posh Bridal, Lancaster, www.poshbridal.com; bridesmaids and mothers: In White Bridal Boutique, Lancaster, www.inwhite.com; groomsmen: black European-style suits, Mens Wearhouse.
THE MAKEUP:
Carmina Cristina, Lemoyne, www.carminacristina.com.
THE WEDDING PLANNER:
Wedding producer: David Everett, Weddings by JDK, Camp Hill and Lancaster, www.weddingsbyjdk.com; wedding coordinator: Jonnaysa Kirkham, Planned Perfection, Lancaster, www.plannedperfectionpa.com.
THE REHEARSAL DINNER:
Stock’s Manor, Mechanicsburg, www.stocksmanor.com.
THE RECEPTION AND EATS:
Weddings by JDK.
THE SAVE THE DATES:
Anticipate Invitations, Marietta, www.anticipateinvitations.com.
THE STATIONERY:
Persnickety Invitation Studio, York, www.persnicketyinc.com.
THE TENT:
Event Central, Mechanicsburg, www.eventcentralpa.com.
THE BLOOMS:
Weddings by JDK.
THE CAKE:
The Couture Cakery, Lemoyne, www.couturecakery.net.
THE VIDEO:
Cinemacake Filmmakers, King of Prussia, www.cinemacake.com
THE WHEELS:
Unique Limousine, Harrisburg, www.uniquelimousine.com.
THE IMAGES:
Photographer: Thomas Beaman Photography, Camp Hill, www.thomasbeaman.com
