Happy #WeddingWednesday! This beautiful wedding has one of the cutest stories ever behind it. Jade and Wilmon met on the Millennial version of a blind date. They’d seen pictures of each other on social media with approval from several friends but hadn’t formally met. Within a span of one month, their three mutual friends who didn’t know each other recommended they connect. Keeping an air of mystique, Wilmon opted they get together for a blind Sunday-Funday date on May 18, 2014. Their museum scavenger hunt turned into an all-day affair and they’ve been inseparable since.
Wilmon enlisted the help of Jade’s sister and two best friends to trick her into thinking she was going to a pre “Dîner en Blanc” brunch. While she was busy finding the perfect white outfit, Wil snuck into town waiting to surprise her at the Washington Omni Hotel’s courtyard. As violinist Chelsey Green played, Jade surprisingly walked into a beautiful garden surrounded by breathtaking florals. As family and close friends watched on with bated breath, she said “yes” on August 27, 2016. Our amazingly talented #PrettyPerfectPartner Kanayo Adibe Photography captured their wedding day perfectly:
The Ceremony
The wedding and reception were held at the historic Memorial Hall in Philadelphia, PA, which is now a children’s museum. Jade and Wilmon chose a classic-contemporary theme, a mix of traditional Christian nuptials with modern details, over-the-top surprises, and outrageous fun, to fully utilize the venue. Guests were attired in creative black tie, enjoying the juxtaposed ambiance of the museum’s lavish Beaux-Arts architecture and its more bright, airy and whimsical interiors. Navy and gray were the dominant colors, accented with gold and pops of rich purples, orange, and green. As a special touch, Wilmon’s father served as the officiate and Wilmon’s childhood friend, Grammy Award winning Pianist Darryl Woodson was the musical director.
The Reception
Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour against the backdrop of the country’s oldest carousel, a three course plated dinner and a full out dance party capped off with fries and milkshakes as a midnight snack. For the grand finale, pyrotechnics shot up to the evening sky, and Jade and Wilmon have whisked away to the Logan Hotel. With the wedding being the center of a three-day event that included a welcome cocktail party and farewell brunch, it was truly the event of the summer and a magical going away party before the newlywed’s departure to the west coast.
