Wedding Archives - Laurel Wedding Co.

Real Weddings

March 13, 2021 By Erin Bacon

Jamila & Noah
November 14, 2021

This wedding, where can I begin?! Jamila and I, like all of our sweet brides, hit it off right away from our first consult! Covid hit right after booking so our planning season like so many others last year was full of conversations about planning, re-planning, game-planning, and then planning again!

Jamila might have had some of the biggest transitions of all of our brides last year! More than just a covid-impacted guest list, Jamila & Noah navigated changing venues, changing catering, changing style and theme entirely, in addition to navigating new work-from-home schedules, a new job, two puppies, and more! And yet, Jamila and I’s conversations were always surrounded with excitement, laughter, and JOY! This girl keeps perspective unlike any other and by the time her wedding day came, it was truly bittersweet for us to see our planning come together, and then conclude at the end of the night!

Jamila & Noah, I can’t believe your wedding day was 4 months ago this weekend! I hope you two continue to celebrate and navigate life with all the positivity and joy you brought to your wedding day, our planning season, and more! We wish you every happiness, and can’t wait to see you BOTH again soon!

Vendors:
Venue: Hertzog Homestead
Photography: Philter Photo
Videographer: Chad Bowditch Films
Livestream: Ben Reeder Photographer
Catering: Global Flavors Catering
Rentals: A to Z Event Rentals
Rentals: Caroline’s Rentals
DJ: Mixed-Up Productions
Florist: Petals With Style
Cake: House of Clarendon
Dress: WONA Bridal NYC
Make-Up: Vero Leigh
Officiant: An Enchanted Engagement

Real Wedding

February 13, 2021 By Erin Bacon

Brittney & Pietro
October 11, 2020

It’s the week of LOVE and I am so excited to share this wedding with you because not only does it involve the cutest pup, but let me tell you, sparks flew! Literally.

Brittney had a vision for this day from the moment she booked, and let me tell you, it was gorgeous, and she stuck to it! Bringing their families together around a gorgeous outdoor, creek-side ceremony followed by an amazing cocktail hour under a patio (with an amazing Italian spread), complete with a beautiful reception, amazing desserts, and dancing the night away!

Rain plans are a funny thing. We always have one (or two or three) depending on the time we make the call, and this one we held out to the last minute for our bride and it TOTALLY was worth it! The ceremony and cocktail hour were still able to be outside, and ALL the credit goes to our brave bride who knew the right thing to do was wait. The rain did come, and let me tell you we were all soaked during breakdown, but as you’ll see below, it was 100% worth it!

Brittney & Pietro, it was SO fun re-living your wedding day today, we wish you ALL the best and send you all our love! Especially with the best GIFTS on the way! Cheers to you both!

And, be sure to give this AMAZING vendor team a shout and a follow!
Venue: The Barn at Creek’s Bend
Photography: Sarah B Fotography
Catering: Catering by Wickey
DJ: Klock Entertainment
Florals: Sweet William Floral
Invitations: Minted
Rentals: Caroline’s Rentals
Hair: Paden’s Salon
MU: Rock, Paper, Scissors
Desserts: Beauty & The Sweets Bakery
Desserts: La Bella Sicilla Bakery

Styled Shoot

January 3, 2021 By Erin Bacon

Summer 2020

In the Spring of 2020 (you know the one I’m talking about, when the world changed and wedding vendors weren’t sure which way was up!), I took a leap of faith on a sweet friend and with some extra time & office hours on hand, invested in Renee Nicolo Group Coaching! I learned SO many great business tools, tricks, and efforts that not only serve my business well – but connected with amazing fellow vendors, all trying to do the same thing! A couple of months later, those connections became LIVE as we put our talents together and created the most beautiful Late Summer’s Dream Styled Shoot at Cairnwood Estate!

Morgan approached me to join her on this shoot, which was the greatest compliment ever! She had the eye and the vision, and this one was truly my pleasure to help bring to life. Masks on and distancing efforts in place, we had Cairnwood Estate to ourselves for the day for a small group of highly talented wedding vendors to safely come in and let our work speak for itself. This Styled Shoot was about more than the pretty colors and theme (which you are about to fall in love with!) – it was a moment for all of us creatives to get out of our offices, away from our computers, and just be in a venue, in a place, where we could bring a touch of wedding magic to life! There was no better way to kick off our 2020 wedding season, a little later than planned but still better than ever!

A Late Summer’s Dream,

as featured in Contemporary Weddings Magazine!

Vendors:

Venue: Cairnwood Estate

Planner: Laurel Wedding Co

Photographer: Morgan Taylor Artistry

Photography Assistant: Melissa MacDonald Photography

Florist: Fabufloras Event Design

Vintage Rentals: White Glove Rentals

Invitations/Calligraphy: Elephant Limbo

Cake: Bredenbecks

Dress: La Bella Moda

Tux: The Groomsman Suit

Hair/Make-Up: Capelli & Trucco

Calligraphy/Mirror Table Chart: AlliCat Calligraphy

Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes

Coffee Chat Q&A: Ask a Bridal Shop!

July 22, 2020 By Erin Bacon

Coffee Chat Q&A with the one and only, La Bella Moda!

First question, tell us about YOU! How did you get into the wedding industry, and La Bella Moda/all things wedding dresses?!

My grandmother is an immigrant from Italy who came over at the age of 18 with a dream to open her own dress shop! Her dream came true April 1, 1981 when she opened La Bella Moda! She has been celebrating brides saying YES to their dress for over 39 years now! I always remember growing up at the shop, I would come and try on the gowns and watch all of the brides look so beautiful and I knew I wanted to get into the wedding industry! I am not even kidding, I signed the papers to take over the business the week before we were ruled a Pandemic! What great luck! I used my time to completely renovate the store! It has looked the same for the last 20 years! I felt like Joanna Gaines!

What is your #1 TIP for Brides shopping for a wedding dress?

I think a lot of my brides do not fully know the actual timeline of ordering a wedding gown! A wedding gown is custom made for you, the bride! We send in your measurements and depending on the designer, any other customizations you would like to make as well. My biggest tip is do NOT wait too long before you start looking for a wedding gown and show up to your bridal appointment prepared, and open!

I also tell everyone, do not start dress shopping until you are ready to say YES to your dream dress! It can get overwhelming and it can seem fun trying on dresses, but I have brides all the time who get confused because they have tried on too many!

Timing! When is best for a Bride to shop/order/plan for alterations? (In a world without COVID, the normal timeline you would suggest!)

A wedding gown can take about 6-8 months to come in, with everything going on with COVID, it can be slightly delayed! We start your alterations, two months before the wedding, so you want to allow enough time for that as well as finding all of your accessories too. Coming prepared to your appointment helps you as the bride and your bridal consultant!

Any other advice or tips for brides shopping and trying to decide on their wedding dress?!

Come in with an open mind! I cannot tell you how many times brides come in saying they want a ball gown or a fitted dress and they know they do not want the other, and I make them try on the gown they do not want, just to be sure that they have ruled it out! I have so many brides who say they do not want a ball gown and fall in love with it when I put them in a ball gown! Be open, but stick to what you want! It is your day and some people in your entourage may want you to get something else. I feel like a therapist, part photographer, part mediator, and part gal pal during my brides’ appointments! I like to make sure I can be there for YOU in any way I can!

Last question: what is your coffee drink & favorite coffee shop of choice??

I LOVE coffee houses! Fun fact, my sister and I have always talked about when we retire, we would love to open a café! I am also such a coffee fiene, I could literally drink anything! I would say right now, I never underestimate a regular latte with Oat Milk and a dash of cinnamon! But you know I am SO ready for the Pumpkin Spice Lattes to come back 🙂

La Bella Moda is a one stop shop for all things bridal!

We have all of your favorite styles by all of your favorite designers, we also have bridesmaid dresses, flower girls, mothers, and other evening gowns! We even have all of the bridal accessories!

Be sure to reach out to La Bella Moda for any questions and ALL of your Bridal Gown shopping! Be sure to give them a follow @la.bella.moda!

Photography: the amazing Morgan Taylor Artistry!

Coffee Chat Series: Ask a Stationer!

June 24, 2020 By Erin Bacon

Happy #weddingwednesday, friends! This week, I am bringing you a highly anticipated blog post for both BRIDES & VENDORS: a Q&A with Elephant Limbo! Owner & Lead Designer Victoria is SO talented and nothing short of amazing when it comes to designing your Wedding Invitations! There is SO much good stuff in this blog, I hope you enjoy getting to know her a little bit like I have, and be sure to give her a shout at the end!

First, tell us about you! How long you’ve been in business, and why you got into all things stationery?

I’ve been in business since 2017! I have a degree in Fine Arts with a specialty in Editorial Design Projects. Weddings have always been so magical to me and I am obsessed (literally) with typography, paper, and printing techniques! My husband and his twin brother Sean jumped into the wedding industry and a year later I decided to quit my jobs and increase my passion for design!

We have to ask, where the name “Elephant Limbo” came from?!

The name (everybody asks about that, lol!) comes from Amanda and me, actually! Amanda is Sean’s wife. We used to spend time together making cards and day-dreaming about opening a card shop. She had the name “Elephant Limbo” in her head since middle school! I happen to love elephants and have a great memory, just like them. So it made sense! Plus, I like that it doesn’t shout out “weddings” 🙂 Now, Amanda owns Greets Card Co. which specializes in greeting cards.

Popular question from Brides: Timing! When should I order my invitations? Save the dates?

Save the Dates should be sent 12-10 months before the day-of! If it’s a destination wedding then 18 months would be the earliest that you should send them out. This gives your guests enough time to see if they’re available to attend, arrange any traveling plans, etc.

Invitations-they should be mailed out 10-8 weeks before the day-of. Sending them earlier (even if your wedding is during “busy season” could (surprisingly) make guests lose track of the actual date and/or RSVP deadline!

*Semi-Custom Suite “Breeze” with “Carmen” envelope liner*

You have SO much design and stationery experience – what is one of your most favorite or unique things you’ve created? OR, what is something that you are dying to create for one of your couples but haven’t had the chance yet?

Thank you so much for your kind words, I love letters, paper, and love <3 I absolutely love vellum! Layered invitations are so beautiful and allow you to increase the experience of your guests when opening your invitations. There is interaction with the layers, materials and it is less likely that they will just “throw it away”.

Photography by Stacy Salvatori Photography
collaboration with Haven & Hasbrook

Any other Wedding Stationery tips?!

Take the time to TALK to your stationer! There is creativity flowing in our heads and if you express your ideas/vision to the artist, your piece will evoke a stronger feeling! It will feel so you even if it’s a semi-custom suite.

Lastly, what is your coffee drink of choice AND favorite coffee shop?

I like black coffee. I had the chance to go to Australia, my brother is a barista at The Boat House- game changer. Never going to Starbucks with the same expectation (or to any other shop!) But if I have to get something at Starbucks get an Almond Milk Vanilla Latte with no foam.

I’m Victoria Perez, Owner & Creative Director of Elephant Limbo! We offer fine art wedding stationery- beautiful, romantic, heirloom editorial pieces that reflect love. I am from Mexico and relocated to the USA in late 2012. I am a mom of 2 little ones ages 4 and almost 2 🙂 My husband Pat also works in the wedding industry, so our home is swimming in weddings at some point of the year, lol! We are currently actively looking for a new location 🙂 stay tuned!

Check out Elephant Limbo online, and give her a follow on Instagram @elephantlimbo! Be sure to tune in next #weddingwednesday for another Coffee Chat Q&A with a vendor!

Coffee Chat Series: Ask a Videographer!

June 17, 2020 By Erin Bacon

I am so excited to introduce you to this week’s vendor in our Coffee Chat series! I connected with Vladimir of Studio Chest Films when we were planning our Central PA Styled Shoot last Fall. His humor is amazing, his energy is fantastic, and his style is absolutely gorgeous! If you are looking for a videographer for your wedding I cannot recommend him enough. Enjoy hearing a little from him, and his amazing work from our Fall Styled Shoot at Linwood Estate!

Linwood Estate Fall Styled Shoot

How did you get into filming weddings?

I’ve been making videos for fun for some time. One of my close friends were getting married and so I offered to film his for free. I really enjoyed it and so that is how I started.

What is one of your favorite moments to capture on wedding days?

One of my favorite moments to capture is the bride and groom portraits. Throw the sunset in there and we are golden.

What is your coffee drink of choice OR favorite coffee shop?

Square One makes my favorite Caramel Latte hot and iced but Starbucks usually has the better vibes.

My name is Vladimir Mashkov and I get sunburned easily.
I am married and we have our first little one on the way.

For more of Vladimir’s work, check out his website and give him a follow @studiochestfilms!

Top 3 of 2018

March 29, 2019 By Erin Bacon

As we are slowly entering into busy season of 2019, we can’t help but look back and share our top 3 weddings of 2018. We are privileged to be a part of each and every wedding day, and these three are no exception!

March Wedding at Stratford Hall

One year ago, we opened our wedding season on 3.3.18 with a sweet and intimate wedding ceremony at Stratford Hall! We have the privilege of serving as the Exclusive Wedding Coordinator for the venue, and it is so fun to be a part of. Stratford offers the perfect blank canvas for almost any wedding theme, all while giving you the perfect balance of historic elegance and southern charm.

This sweet couple brought their families and kids together for a wonderful, intimate ceremony in the Dining Room at Stratford Hall. Their reception of catered local BBQ did not disappoint, and neither did the surprise s’mores bar & blazing fireplace in the middle of the reception!

Memorial Day Wedding in Downtown Philadelphia

We spent Memorial Day Weekend in Philly celebrating a sweet couple from Houston, Texas at Le Meridien Philadelphia! It might have rained on their wedding day, but the smiles and joy on both the bride & grooms faces could not be dampened by any weather. They were even brave enough to get that famous shot at City Hall!

Their intimate ceremony in the Library at Le Meridien gave all guests a wonderful connection to both the bride and groom and their families. Cocktail Hour followed in one of my favorite event spaces in the city – a space full of exposed brick with live music, ending with a wonderful reception where all guests danced the night away!

Venue: Le Meridien Philadelphia
Photography: Aelish Lascoe Photography
Florist = Bride’s Aunt!
Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Blue Line Quartet
Reception Entertainment: DJ Khoa, Eclipse Entertainers
Lighting: Rent My Wedding
Hair & Make Up: Aleksandra Ambrosy Hair & Makeup

Fall Wedding at the Old Mill in Rose Valley

We ended last year with a wonderful Fall Wedding at the Old Mill in Rose Valley. While all our couples are super sweet, these two were shamelessly some of the sweetest (and we’re not just referring to their candy apples 😉 )!

It was a chilly fall day, but the love in the air definitely kept everyone warm during a beautiful ceremony on the Pavillion, Cocktail Hour to follow, and a reception in the ballroom complete with dreamy lighting! From the candy apples to the ice cream bar, this couples wedding was just as sweet as it was beautiful!

Venue: The Old Mill at Rose Valley
Photography: Fuller Photography
Florist: GMK Designs
Cake: Sophisticakes
Videograph: D’Mont Reese Photography & Video
Entertainment: Silver Sound Entertainment
Make Up: Sheena Marie Makeup Artistry
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkov

Stratford Hall Styled Shoot

June 21, 2018 By Erin Bacon

Hi Friends!
With Wedding Season in full swing, I am so excited to catch back up to all that has been happening for Laurel Wedding Co over the last two months! The FIRST thing we have to share is this beautiful styled shoot at Stratford Hall!
This shoot was rescheduled not one, not two, but THREE times due to that crazy, snowy winter we had! The timing was definitely on our side as Spring was just starting to bloom as you’ll see in the beautiful trees & grounds at Stratford. Read on & enjoy this beautiful, neutral palette!

Shout out to the BEST & most loyal vendors:
Venue: Stratford Hall
Photography: Abby Hudson Photography
Florist: Jane Guerin Flowers
Cake: Sorby Sweets
Dress: Ava Laurenne Bride
Hair & Make-Up: Bobby Pins & Blush
Models: the adorable Katie & Chris Myers!