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Offbeat partner: Rasheeda, Digital Advertising Project Manager
Offbeat partner: William, Electrical Engineer
Date and location of wedding: The Philadelphia Wedding Chapel, Philadelphia, PA — April 6, 2018
Budget: Venue, cake, and officiant was $1050
Save money with a cake and punch reception
Once upon a time (okay, mostly in the '40s and '50s), before weddings became huge social events, they were typically held in a church with... Read more
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
There was no theme to our wedding. However, we decided to do an old school Champagne and Cake reception immediately following the wedding in the same space, the Philadelphia Wedding Chapel. The chapel is a decorated, NY-style loft space and you simply show up. We hired musicians on our own as live music was not included. The wedding and reception was ninety minutes total at 3:00pm. Only twenty-six people were in attendance.
Champagne and Cake receptions are no longer the norm these days, but many of our parents and grandparents had Punch/Champagne and Cake receptions. These types of receptions were the standard and sometimes held in the home or a church. We also preferred simple gold bands. My engagement ring was a classic solitaire. I guess there was a lot about my wedding that many would consider retro.
Since our wedding was only ninety minutes, we had a lot of time for pictures before dinner for two at Butcher & Singer Restaurant. We decided to take pictures at our favorite coffee shop, Nook, Rittenhouse Square, and some random Center city Philadelphia street shots.
Tell us about the ceremony:
We performed the basic vows, but instead of walking up the aisle and being given away, I started at the altar with William. I mingled with guests and then made my way to the front. My father is deceased and I really do not like the act of being giving away. I honestly didn't want to walk down the aisle with any other family member other than my dad if I was to do so.
What was your most important lesson learned?
I learned to stay true to what I desire. Small and intimate is okay even when your father is one of eleven and your mother is one of seven. Couples have the right to share who they want to spend their day with. They have a choice.
I also learned that simplicity is very chic. Brides can ditch wedding bouquets, bridal parties, and expensive dresses. My dress was only $100 and I purchased it less than four weeks before my wedding. I wasn't worried about impressing anyone or not feeling pretty. I was marrying the man I prayed for and my focus was on him and I. This focus on intimacy made our $1050.00 wedding look more expensive than it was. I believe this was because I was truly happy and I did not have the planning stress that so many brides have. I concentrated on my upcoming marriage. My time spent was not centered on the production of a wedding.
Vendors
Photography: Black, White and Raw Photography • Makeup: Ira Anthony • Venue: The Philadelphia Wedding Chapel • Dinner: Butcher and Singer
Gallery
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The simplicity of this (+ the authors beautiful words!) was divine.
Thank you, we loved how carefree our wedding was.
The images really do make it seem like they spent more money, like she said the simplicity really shine through beautifully! I can’t believe her dress was only $100, it’s gorgeous! This is what a wedding is all about, focusing on the love you have with your partner and celebrating that!
Love their photos!
Lovely words, and so true. Such a beautiful and elegant wedding.
I really appreciate hearing your philosophy and how it was applied to your wedding. I love how this wedding bucks every trend and has nothing “quirky” about it–and is all the more authentic and beautiful because of that. Congratulations to you both!
This wedding is a delightful, refreshing change from the opulence in the wedding industry. The bride’s dress is so classic and flattering, and their details don’t distract from the day. This Philly couple is lucky to have found Black, White and Raw Photography for their wedding day.
What an Awesome and intimate wedding by Black, White and Raw Photography. Having time to take beautiful photos all Philadelphia is something they will always cherish. We love when couples jsut are themselves and have the wedding they want.
I always love the photo style of Black White and Raw Photography. This makes me want to fly up and shoot a Philly wedding ASAP. Love the classic looks mixed with candids. So much to love in this wedding!!!