Lauren + Eric

A love of books and a particular Japanese author brought Lauren and Eric together six years ago. They soon found themselves chatting about the books they were reading by Haruki Murakami. This mutual love of books continued throughout their relationship, and four years later, Eric proposed to Lauren. Wanting to incorporate books into their wedding day, Lauren and Eric spent a year scouring bookstores to handpick meaningful books for each guest, later turning them into a beautiful seating chart display. Other parts of the wedding day included quotes, literary references, and protagonists of the books they read.

Picking a venue to host their wedding came easy to the couple. Welkinweir holds a significant place in their hearts and fond childhood memories. Lauren, who grew up nearby, would come to Welkinweir with her family while growing up to explore the grounds. Eventually the couple even referred to the venue as their “Secret Garden,” which naturally became the theme of their wedding.

Pressed flowers were placed on the cake and used in the table number frames. Wanting to bring the indoors outside, a Victorian-style lounge was set on the lawn along with a few tables and chairs, so guests could mingle and enjoy the scenery. Leaves from memorial trees planted in honor of Lauren’s late father and brother at the venue were included in the bouquets and reception decor. These florals were later donated to be repurposed and given to the patients at the hospice center who cared for her father. Wanting something special for Eric amid all the florals, Lauren surprised her groom with a vintage arcade game with the two of them as the characters.

In honor of their home city, Philadelphia, a soft pretzel station was provided during cocktail hour. Homemade limoncello favors were also made to honor Eric's Italian heritage, which they learned to make while in Italy where they became engaged.

Lauren and Eric went above and beyond to make sure every part of their wedding day was meaningful to them. They incorporated their shared love of books, hobbies, and Philadelphia, and they carefully found ways to honor their loved ones as well. Because of their thoughtful planning, they created an unforgettable wedding day for each other and their guests, and we have to admit we keep returning to it, too.

photographer | delaney dobson photography

videographer | merryweather films

venue | welkinweir estate

floral design | we are wildflowers

floral donations | petals please

catering & cake | jam catering

rentals | lilac & lace

bridal boutique | agnes edmunds bridal & formal

dress designer | lillian west

menswear | suit supply & the black tux

bridesmaids dresses | azazie

shoes | loeffler randall

hmua | aleksandra ambrozy makeup & hair artistry

jewelry | love locked & populant via etsy

stationery | the knot

vintage postage | the little postage house

ceremony music | dan spollen acoustic guitar

dj | dj electra

photobooth | sure shot photobooth

custom arcade game | big day games

transportation | sterling limousine

officiant | reverend sean patrick coady