A beautiful wedding in Philadelphia at Osteria that is charming and simply romantic, with potted plants swinging overhead and market lights illuminating the greenhouse space. Amanda & Andreas actually had multiple wedding celebrations (this was their third!) – check out the feature to see their story of coming together and planning their amazing day!
This feature is part of the White Wren Volume 6 Print Magazine. To purchase your copy, click here.
from the photographer: “This intimate Philadelphia wedding at Osteria is charming, simple, and romantic, with potted plants hanging overhead and string lights illuminating the greenhouse space. This well-styled wedding is sure to inspire with clean white details that are bright and elegant and contrast beautifully with the green accents and darker colors at Osteria. Industry talent from the Philadelphia region came together to make the perfect intimate celebration. The bride is wearing a strikingly simple white gown with delicate lace cuffs from BHLDN. Soft, white Calla Lily and Dahlia blooms by Jill Lewko set the stage for an unforgettable day while the groom’s tuxedo from The Black Tux provided a classic, timeless feel. This feature is the perfect fit for a couple seeking natural, elegant, and modern inspiration with a hint of rustic charm for their intimate wedding day.
Amanda and Andreas dressed separately before meeting in front of the First Bank of the United States for their first look and portraits. Dating back to the 18th century, Old City, Philadelphia is one of the most charming photo locations in the region and made for the perfect backdrop to highlight the elegance and juxtapose the olden charm with the modern sophistication that Amanda and Andreas brought to the day. Eventually, Amanda dawned a long cathedral veil that was her ‘something borrowed’ from her sister and maid of honor’s wedding. This veil, also from BHLDN, added an extra level of glamour to an already beautiful silhouette of Amanda’s wedding dress.
Amanda and Andreas met at Penn State through mutual friends just one month before the end of their senior year. Andreas was moving to Ithaca, NY and Amanda still had a semester left, and so they pushed through long distance for the first few years of their relationship. When it came time for the proposal, Andreas had it all planned out. While on their way to brunch in Philadelphia, Andreas took Amanda on a detour through Elfreth’s Ally, the oldest residential street in Philadelphia. It was here that Andreas proposed. They then went to brunch where Amanda’s entire family were waiting to surprise her.
This was the third wedding day celebration for Amanda and Andreas. They first were legally married at the courthouse. Their second wedding celebration took them across the Atlantic to Belgium where they celebrated with much of Andreas’ extended family. November 5th was their third celebration back in the states for 60 of their closest friends and family, including a few who came from Belgium for the wedding day.
Amanda & Andreas knew they wanted a smaller wedding because they are both pretty introverted, so to match their personalities they kept it to 60 people. Osteria is so gorgeous even without decorations. They wanted the charming greenhouse space to really shine so they kept all of the extras to a minimum. The style is really understated, but truly elegant.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met in college (at Penn State!) through mutual friends and it was NOT love at first sight. Dre actually didn’t remember meeting me the first time so we had to do a reintroduction. After that first impression, we both saw a kindred spirit in the other pretty quickly. We graduated not long after but kept in touch which soon led to meeting up between Philly and Princeton, NJ regularly and eventually dating long distance for nearly three years before we moved in together and got engaged.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
We are both introverted and private people so a funny story our families and friends always like to tell is how we had been dating for months before sharing it with people and posting anything on social media. It’s not that it was a secret, we just preferred to keep things to ourselves until we knew if it was serious or not. Of course, close friends and family members found out on their own and we eventually made our Instagram debut after one of our first trips together to Niagara Falls.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Initially, we were planning to have just ONE wedding celebration but once we started planning we realized that trying to plan one event that would cater to guests local to Philadelphia and Dre’s extended family in Belgium would be nearly impossible. So we decided to pivot and hold a small event in Belgium during the summer that would include Dre’s extended family, and most importantly his Oma and Opa who wouldn’t be able to make a trip to the US. In the fall, we hosted an intimate dinner party ceremony in Philadelphia. Both events ended up being beautiful, fun and inclusive of our favorite people.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
In our US wedding ceremony and dinner, we included a few fun Belgian wedding traditions we learned there. Our favorite was playing Le Connemara, a song that switches between fast and slow pace while guests swing their napkins and dance along. Our Belgian guests appreciated the nod to their traditions and the US cohort LOVED it and had so much fun dancing along. We also incorporated photos of the bride’s dad who passed away in the bridal bouquet.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
It was so important to us to do our wedding our way. We didn’t incorporate a lot of typical wedding traditions – instead of a typical reception, we held a family-style dinner party and then rented out a bowling alley for the after party. We knew we wanted something small and non-traditional but it can be hard to block out the noise of what your wedding “should” look like. We had so many guests tell us that our event truly felt like US and that meant so much.
Something special that happened during the day?
We were both so nervous for the actual ceremony. Even though we wrote the ceremony together and practiced the vows, we knew we were going to mess them up. We definitely did fumble the words but it made us laugh and our guests laughed along with us which completely eased our nerves. It made the ceremony more fun and helped us realize everyone was right there with us.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Amanda: Dre has taught me to be more confident and to trust in my own instincts. He has helped me a lot when it comes to work and how I want to shape my career. I appreciate and value his opinion so much.
Dre: Amanda has opened up another side of my personality that is lighter and more carefree. I have so much fun with her, I really did marry my best friend.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Amanda: Dre is an honest, trustworthy person with so much integrity. I look up to him and respect him and those are qualities I value in a partner. Someone who inspires me and pushes me to be better. He shows who he is with actions more than words.
Dre: Amanda is whip smart, hilarious, and down to earth. We laugh every single day, she just makes life all around better. She also knows who she is and doesn’t worry about what others around her are doing.
We’ve learned together that it’s not just the big things that matter most, it’s all the little things in life. We’re genuinely best friends and spend so much together. It’s not just about the trips we’ve been on or the major life moments. It’s about making dinner together, taking our dogs on their many walks, and enjoying each other’s company no matter what we’re doing!
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
The best part of planning was having a vision of what the day would look and feel like and seeing it come to life. We were thrilled with how everything came together and are so thankful to our incredible vendors for see our vision just as we did.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Stay true to you! Only you know what is right for you, whether that’s on your wedding day or over time throughout your marriage. There is no right or wrong way to do anything so drown out the noise and listen to yourself and your partner. The best advice we can give is to do what makes you happy and not to get caught up in what everyone else does. We went a little non-traditional with our ceremony, had cocktails and dinner at Osteria and then had our reception at a bowling alley. It was the best night, but it definitely isn’t your typical wedding! We really wanted our wedding to reflect who we are and I think we did just that!
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Having love in your life is a true gift. The love we felt on our wedding day from each other and from our friends and family that came to celebrate – both in Belgium and Philadelphia – was the most palpable, special feeling. It’s something we both feel so grateful for and will never forget!
Photographer: Josiah & Steph Photography
Venue: Osteria
Floral Designer: Jill Lewko
Dress Designer: BHLDN
Makeup Artist: Jazmin Rae & Co
Hair Stylist: Jazmin Rae & Co
Mens Formalwear: The Black Tux
Stationery: Zola
Film Lab: Rewind Film Lab
Bridesmaid Dress: Reformation
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Rings: Honey Jewelry Co.
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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