No detail went unnoticed in Ashley and Mark’s recent wedding at The Four Seasons. Their big day was filled with plenty of exciting moments, stunning décor by Lamsback, and plenty of love to go around.
We enjoyed documenting Ashley and Mark’s special day, and totally loved all of the personal touches they put in (yes, of course we noticed!).
Ashley’s customized “Bride” robe was the perfect wardrobe as she prepared during hair and make up. The personalized initials on the dance floor and customized sunglasses were also two favorites. Mark was sporting the words “Yes dear” underneath his shoes.
All of these little touches added up to make it a fabulous and fun occasion.
Please enjoy a preview from Ashley and Mark’s big day below.
Your wedding is one brief day in time, and although your vows are spoken in a matter of minutes, they are promises that will last a lifetime.
This moment is the anchor that holds your past and your future together. Since it represents your public declaration of your love and marriage promises, it is important to be emotionally prepared.
Why Vows Are Important
Throughout your relationship, you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher. And now, you get to add “spouse” to this ever-growing list.
During your time together, you have both learned that good company and friendship count for more than wealth, looks, power, or position. You have realized that the journey of marriage is a path that is best gone through with a great companion.
The symbolic vows that you make are a way of acknowledging every promise you have made and and every hope or dream you’ve shared, and those you will make and share together for years to come.
Writing Your Own Vows
It is always a nice touch when couples write their own vows. It’s the best way to bring personality into your wedding ceremony, and a great way to engage the audience. Expressing your love on paper may seem daunting, but it’s easier than you’d think.
Take the time to consider the things you love about your partner and write down a few memories that come to mind. Think about the promises that you’ve made and include them in the vows. At the end, remember to include your goals, aspirations, and qualities you want to embrace as a couple in the future.
Check Lauren and Tony’s unique custom vow exchange for some inspiration!
Many couples choose to use standard wedding vows. Traditional marriage vows symbolize your love and commitment and show regard for a tradition or religion. They can also evokes a sense of respect to marriage as a sacred institution that deserves to be revered by your guest.
Capturing The Moment
This monumental moment will come and go quickly – make sure it is documented by a professional. At Allure Films, we understand this better than most. That’s why we take special care when capturing the sights and sounds of your big day.
A couple’s wedding day is a perfect reflection of their personalities, both as individuals and as a couple.
Allure Films was fortunate enough to join a lovely couple, Heather & Seth, on one of their most important days: the day they both said “I do”.
Heather and Seth celebrated both their ceremony and reception at a Philly hot spot, The Down Town Club. Here’s why this gorgeous location was the perfect fit for our bride and groom:
Location & Scenery
The Down Town Club is just one block from Philadelphia’s historic district, which features famous landmarks such as Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, and The National Constitution Center.
It offers many prime formal photo settings, such as Washington Square Park and The First & Second Banks of the United States. We were able to capture several historic settings on Heather and Seth’s big day.
Modern & Luxurious
The building itself is a perfect duet between modern and colonial styling. The classic architecture includes elegant amenities that suited the bride and groom perfectly. The marble floors and hand-carved moldings really give The Down Town Club its own unique style.
Staying Put
Another big bonus for Heather and Seth was that they were able to share their ceremony and reception with family and friends in one spot.
The Down Town Club does an incredible job transforming from a classic formal ceremony site to a modern and exciting reception area, all while maintaining its elegance! This means that Heather and Seth didn’t have to gather their wedding party and guests to head to another location (which can also add a whole new level of stress for some).
Sometimes it’s nice to just “stay put” in one spot and let the professionals transform the location to meet your visions. Please check out a preview from their big day below:
We are so glad this venue turned out to be the perfect fit for Heather and Seth. Congratulations again, and thank you for allowing us to document your special day!
You’ve recently accepted a marriage proposal. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. Now the wedding planning panic is about to set in.
First, it’s time to get your bridesmaids to say “I do” to you! Here are 5 ideas for “proposing” to your future bridesmaids:
1. Something Sweet
Cookies, cupcakes, brownies…You name it, they’ll love it! Head over to your local bakery and customize a delicious treat. Your bridesmaids will not be able to resist this sweet idea!
2. Something Fun
Customize a wine or champagne label with your bridesmaid-to-be’s name on it. This makes for a wonderful souvenir that can be enjoyed as well. Don’t forget to include the date of your big day!
3. Something Personal
Create a personalized box for each bridesmaid. Fill it with photos, memories, a card, and maybe even a personalized wine glass. This box will certainly be a winner, and a keepsake for years to come.
4. Something Wearable
They weren’t kidding when they said jewelry is a girl’s best friend. You can get a necklace or bracelet hand stamped with a message, or choose something they will love and include a unique note.
5. Something Treasurable
Personalized picture frames are a wonderful way to ask the question. They are also great because the bridesmaid can add her favorite photo from your big day!
Whichever way you choose, we wish you the best of luck with popping “the big question” to your bridesmaids. Best of luck with the planning process and congratulations from the Allure Films team!
It’s almost Father’s Day!
This special day, dedicated to celebrating dad, is the perfect time to plan out the moment during your wedding when you celebrate with your dad: the father-daughter dance!
Allure Films knows that there are many ways to make this moment fun, personal, and memorable. When planning your father-daughter dance, be sure to keep the following in mind:
The Emotions
The father-daughter dance can be moving and emotional, both for the two of you and for everyone watching. Dads will often shed a tear at the thought of his little girl growing up and starting a new life. With a little thought, practice, and planning, you can help make this dance a moment to cherish.
The Tradition
The dance itself is a long-standing custom. Traditionally, the father danced with the bride first, and then presented her to the groom to dance, symbolizing their steps towards a new life. It was a beautiful way to express the tender relationship between the bride and the two most important men in her life.
The Song
Some brides chose songs that they have a strong emotional connection with; one that spurs memories of growing up with her father by her side.
If you don’t have a song like this, then there are many favorites to choose from. Search the internet for lists of top father-daughter dance songs, or speak with your dance instructor, DJ, or band leader to ask for suggestions.
Your choice of music can be serious and touching or lighthearted and fun, classic or contemporary… whatever you feel defines your relationship with dad!
The Dancing
Dance lessons will make this tradition so much easier, and can even add to the fun of it!
It is totally normal for the father to be bit nervous regarding this upcoming public display of affection, or regarding their personal dance skills. After just one lesson, everyone is more self-assured and relaxed. Plus, dance lessons offer an excellent bonding experience for you to enjoy with your dad!
The Video
Professional videography is a great way to capture the dance itself as well as the sentiment between the father and daughter.
The moment will pass by very quickly, but an effective videographer won’t miss a second of emotion! Having a video will allow you to relive that special moment with dad for years to come.
Have any additional ideas or advice? Add them to the comments below!
We’ve been asked a lot of questions by brides, grooms, and guests alike, yes the most common question we hear is a difficult one to answer.
“What is the appropriate wedding gift?”
There is no right or wrong answer because of the many factors that come into play when deciding on the amount.
However, we did come across a very helpful site which might be able to shed some light onto this age-old question: TheWeddingEnvelope.com.
TWE is an awesome wedding gift calculator site. After sifting through countless hours of wedding data, TWE finally came up with a formula that calculates the appropriate, approximate amount of money you should give a couple for their wedding gift.
A small sampling of the calculator!
TWE takes into account the most important cost factors of a wedding – time of year, location, black tie vs. casual, etc. – and combines them with personal factors (if you brought a guest, how close you are to the bride & groom) to calculate a unique monetary amount that you should give as your wedding gift to the newlyweds.
Have any advice from your own personal experience? Add them in the comments below.
Is there anything more romantic that getting married in a snowy winter wonderland?
With an exquisite ceremony at Hyatt at the Bellevue, and a room full of family & friends, Diane & John were truly surrounded with all the makings of a fabulous Philadelphia winter wedding.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered on the 19th floor for a unique and beautiful reception at XIX Nineteen. From the bride and groom’s first reveal, to the winter wonderland scenery, Diane and John’s day was magical.
We were glad our good friends from Philip Gabriel Photography were also in attendance to capture each moment in photos. Congratulations and best wishes to Diane and John!
When planning your wedding, one of the biggest steps in the process is deciding where and when your special day will take place. Although many couples opt for an indoor ceremony & reception, outdoor celebrations are on the rise. Outdoor weddings provide a naturally beautiful backdrop.
Here are our favorite Philadelphia-area outdoor wedding venues:
With a breathtaking fountain terrace sitting in front of the wrought iron arbor, this location truly creates a magical scene. The stunning gardens, architecture, and historic-feel truly transport guests to a whole new world.
Greystone Hall offers both indoor and outdoor accommodations, and also has a tent pavilion. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to match your vision.
This gorgeous location offers an outdoor terrace and courtyard that poses as a lovely backdrop. With beautiful greenery and flowing fountains, the Four Seasons is sure to impress.
This outdoor wedding setting also offers unique seating arrangements. Whether you’re going for the traditional centre aisle seating arrangement, or for a round seating arrangement, this locations has it all.
Winterthur offers various outdoor settings to choose from. With a reflecting pool, a stunning meadow, sundial garden, and terrace, this location truly has something for everyone.
Along with setting the scene for the perfect day, this location is also wonderful for wedding photos.
Have a venue to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Grab a tissue and prepare yourself for the father of the bride’s beautiful words during this sweet spring wedding preview!
Stacey and Stuart shared their big day at The Westin Philadelphia. From beginning to end, this lovely day was filled with candid moments and special memories that Stacey and Stuart will be able to cherish for years to come.
We were thrilled to work alongside our good friends from BVT Live! – Jelly Roll, as they kept the dance floor packed and energized throughout the evening!
From the stunning views of Philadelphia outside to the elegant beauty inside the Westin, this spring wedding was filled with the perfect backdrops to mirror the perfect couple. Best wishes to Stacey & Stuart!
Join Allyson and Patrick for a preview of their enchanting Hyatt at The Bellevue Center City wedding!
This adoring couple shared a an unforgettable day amongst family and friends. Their upbeat energy and amazing bond made for a fun and exciting day for all.
After their cheerful “I do’s”, Allyson and Patrick celebrated their reception at Hyatt at The Bellevue. This gorgeous Center City location, with decor by Carl Alan Floral Designs, was the perfect backdrop for this lovely couple.
We were thrilled to team up with Philip Gabriel Photography in capturing Allyson and Pat’s big day. Congratulations from the Allure team!
Your wedding is one brief day in time, and although your vows are spoken in a matter of minutes, they are promises that will last a lifetime.
It’s almost Father’s Day!
