When you train with someone as amazing as Denise at Leigh Florist, you learn a thing or two. Rachel brought all her skill to bear on the florals for her stunning Osteria wedding. Oh, and married her very best friend, Greg, in the process. And just wait until you see the father daughter dance!
Getting Ready for the Osteria Wedding
When we knocked on Rachel’s door at the Notary Hotel, we were greeted by her nine months pregnant matron of honor, Arissa. She let us into the room where Rachel sat in the makeup chair. Her hair was perfectly fitting for her Osteria wedding: a beautiful bouncy party pony tail. She was already wearing all her jewelry, but we made her take it off so we could photograph it. It was too pretty not to! Her magnificent bouquet sat in a vase of water, waiting for its time to shine. She also showed us the beautiful ring boxes that had been made by her soon to be father-in-law. Once the details were captured, it was time to get Rachel into her dress.
She’d chosen a dress with minimal train, which was perfect for the smaller space at Osteria, and after a moment of zipping, she was in! We’d gotten word that Greg and the groomsmen were on the way after a whirlwind 15 minutes of prep, so we began to coordinate their first look.
First Look and Portraits Around City Hall
Before we could head up Broad Street for the Osteria wedding ceremony, Rachel and Greg wanted to see each other, and take as many of their pictures before the ceremony as possible. This started with their first look. The arches that covered the sidewalk of the Notary allowed for about a private first look you can have on the streets of Philadelphia. Greg’s groomsman, Frank, held onto the bouquet while Rachel made her way to Greg.
When she touched his arm, he turned and they basked in mutual joy. Greg is a little more introverted, but Rachel brings out all his feelings and charm. We wandered over to City Hall where we photographed the wedding party with the almost-weds. Before leaving for Osteria and family pictures there, we kept Rachel and Greg and walked around City Hall, stopping at Dilworth Park for some beautiful portraits. Then it was time. We hopped in the limo and cruised up Broad Street.
The Osteria Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Rachel and Greg’s Osteria wedding couldn’t have been prettier. The marble tables had a beautiful dusty blue crepe runner, lined with bud vases with all kinds of colorful blooms. The natural decoration of Osteria with all its hanging plants, plus the golden light coming in through the glass, set a beautiful stage for Rachel and Greg to finally tie the knot.
Their ceremony was short and sweet. Greg vowed to stop questioning Rachel’s Taco Bell cravings, and Rachel ended her vows with, “I love you 3000”. Then it was time to hang out for a lovely wine cocktail hour before coming back in for dinner, some formal dances, and the toasts.
Rachel and Greg’s first dance was so sweet, but it was her dance with her dad that really tugged on the heartstrings. He was bravely doing his best to not cry, but seemed to be fighting a losing battle. As the chorus proclaimed, “I just want to dance with my daughter tonight”, we could feel tears stinging our eyes. These are the moments we live for!
Their Osteria wedding was capped off with the most delicious looking dinner served by the fabulous staff there. Congratulations, Rachel & Greg!
