Many of us will never forget the first words ever exchanged between ourselves and our true love, right? Well, for Jessica and Josh, it's "Wow, you have soft hair!"! See, the two met when they were at Resident Assistant training at Towson University. They were involved in an outdoor group building exercise where everyone had to find someone close to them and interact with them in directed ways. The first task was to find someone and touch his or her head, and that's when Jessica found Josh and spoke those memorable words! A friendly rapport turned into romance and then a serious relationship, and of course, a proposal was next...
When Jessica and Josh had conversations about a marriage proposal, they both agreed that either both sets of parents would be there to witness it, or neither would be there. Josh was determined though to make his proposal a total surprise to Jessica and a planned trip to visit with Jessica's parents at their apartment in Florida would be perfect... Jessica wouldn't suspect a proposal with only one set of parents around. But Josh arranged for his parents to fly down too and when the moment was right, they would be there at the apartment window with Jessica's parents, ready for their part! Jessica's mother told her to meet them at 11:00am on the dock outside their apartment for a nice lunch out (so she would be dressed up a bit!). With her brother, sister and her sister's boyfriend all there as well (and to film!), Josh turned and got down on one knee next to Jessica, the signal to their parents that this was it! They went out on their balcony and hung a banner that read, 'Jessica, will you marry me?'. So many of the apartment's residents are friends and family, and they knew to watch out at 11:00am to see it all unfold! The plan worked perfectly! Jessica never saw it coming... and of course, she said, 'yes'!
Jessica and Josh's beautiful wedding day arrived in early June. Both Jessica and her bridesmaids and Josh and his groomsmen got ready for the day in separate suites at Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia. During those morning preparations, the two exchanged love notes to each other and we were so happy that they read them for us. We especially loved Josh's words expressing how excited he was for what the future holds for the two of them.
Jessica then dressed into her amazing off-the-shoulder wedding gown. It had a beautiful fit and flare silhouette, a strapless sweetheart neckline and a gorgeous lace and beaded overlay. She was such a beautiful bride! Josh put on his classic black tuxedo, looking ever so handsome, and soon, both were all ready for this exciting day!
It was time then for the couple to share in a first look across the street by the Second Bank of the United States and Independence Hall. It was so sweet to see and be able to film their excitement and joy when Josh turned around and saw Jessica for the first time! The team at Studio K Photography was there to take photos of their family and bridal party in this lovely outdoor setting, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them on this special day.
Jessica and Josh's ceremony and reception were both held at one of our favorites, Cescaphe's glamorous Down Town Club. Before the ceremony was set to begin, the couple's family joined them as the Ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract, was signed. Afterwards, their beautiful, traditional marriage ceremony was held under a gorgeous chuppah draped in gauzy fabric and surrounded by lush, pink and white florals from Carl Alan Floral Designs. Before long, Josh was breaking the glass to shouts of "Mazel Tov!"
Jessica and Josh were introduced at the beginning of their reception as the newest 'Mr. & Mrs.' and danced a wonderful first dance together as flower petals rained from the ceiling. Then, guests danced and celebrated the Horah before the dance floor opened to everyone! Afterwards, Jessica's grandfather gave a beautiful blessing, followed by thoughtful and touching speeches given by each of their parents, thanking guests for attending and welcoming Jessica and Josh into their families.
Beautifully written, personalized toasts by Jessica's maid of honor (her twin sister) and Josh's best man (and brother) followed, then those sweet parent dances. And an open dance floor was announced once again by EBE Talent's Dreamtime. Their professionalism, talent and energetic sound had everyone dancing their hearts out all night long! Before the end of the evening, their friends and family were all surrounding Jessica and Josh in a dance to celebrate their love and their wonderful wedding day.
We always love filming at Cescaphe's venues, Down Town Club being one of our most favorites, but it's always extra special when we have wonderful couples with which to work and such beautiful celebrations to share. Congratulations and all our best wishes to Jessica and Josh!
Photographer: Studio K Photography - Cherry Hill, NJ
Floral Design: Carl Alan Floral Designs - Philadelphia, PA
Hair Stylist: Brides by Valerie Clarke - Mullica Hill, NJ
Makeup Artist: Meghan Jester Makeup - Mt. Laurel, NJ
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridal Shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson
Entertainment: EBE Talent - Dreamtime - Philadelphia, PA
Cake: Cescaphe Cakes - Cescaphe Event Group - Philadelphia, PA
Officiant: Rabbi Aaron Krupnick - Voorhees, NJ
Cantor: Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro - Voorhees, NJ
Venue: Down Town Club - Philadelphia, PA
Accommodations: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA