Chelsea and Stephan @Le Meridien ~mkPhotography, Philadelphia Wedding Photographer
Chelsea grew up in Kansas, attended Kansas State University, and is known for her obsessive love of all things relating to the Wildcats and the color purple. Stephan spent his childhood between the East coast and France, appreciating his mother’s midwestern roots and his father’s French heritage. He attended Georgetown University.
Upon graduating from college in 2009, they both joined Deloitte Consulting; Stephan was in Philadelphia and Chelsea was in Kansas City. Training followed in Florida in July, and although they sat in the same room for six days, they didn’t speak until two hours before leaving for the airport on the final day. Fortunately those hours were enough to start a friendship and after months of abusing work e-mail, they started dating! The next few years were spent racking up frequent flyer miles meeting in Philly, KC, or wherever their consulting lives took them. Beginning in the fall of 2012, both began business school at the University of Pennsylvania: no longer a long distance couple.
In November of 2013, Stephan planned a surprise evening to propose to Chelsea under the guise of celebrating their anniversary. Due to many business school-related commitments the date was repeatedly delayed! Finally both were able to clear their schedules and on the evening of the proposal Chelsea came home to flowers, candles, and a note to meet Stephan on the rooftop of their apartment building. After preparing a proposal speech (that promptly was forgotten in the moment), Stephan proposed with a speech on the fly. Of course, she said, “Yes”!
The wedding date was set and they had six months to prepare. Chelsea and Stephan wanted their day to represent them as a couple so making the decisions that were most important to them came easily – mainly, the decision to celebrate their family and friends.
The couple chose Philadelphia for their wedding location. It had become their home. The wide geographic spread of family and friends also made it as central of a location as any. Chelsea and Stephan shared many of their Philly favorites through restaurant recommendations on their wedding website and welcome bags for guests with the best of Philly’s snacks (TastyKakes were a huge hit!). The chosen venue was Le Meridien Hotel. It was selected for many reasons: classic beauty, central location, and great food and drink options. Great food = happy guests!
Chelsea and Stephan wanted their wedding to be romantic yet chic, with personalized touches to symbolize them and their relationship. The wedding planner (Chrissy Lehman of Truly You Events) turned their ideas and tastes into beautiful decor and ambiance. Favorite personalized touches to represent Stephan’s French side included bilingual invitations and programs, as well as bilingual readings during the ceremony, delicious macarons as escort cards and favors, and a French croquembouche cake to serve as the groom’s cake. Chrissy also helped to create a personalized Fleur de Lis monogram serving as a theme throughout the decor. Chelsea’s love of Kansas was seen in the loose, flowing flower arrangements, purple lighting, and sprigs of lavender accenting drinks and table settings. The live band also added a few country songs to their repertoire, including “Are you gonna Kiss me or Not” as the couple’s first dance, and “Honey Bee” as the cake-cutting song.
The day was absolutely perfect. The guests had a blast, continuing the after party in the hotel lobby until past three in the morning!
Favorite Memories from the day:
–Sharing a private moment after the ceremony, allowing them to breathe, get a bite to eat, and spend a short moment alone as new husband and wife.
–Walking into cocktail hour and seeing all of their favorite people in one place.
–Family members’ speeches
–Stephan’s Mother-Son dance
–Chelsea’s Brother-Sister dance
These are moments captured in time forever.
“Reflecting on our magical wedding day, we would not have changed a thing. The team of professionals who ensured everything ran smoothly allowed us to relax and enjoy every moment of the day. One regret–we cannot do this every year!”
Some details:
Wedding Planner: Truly You Events
Groom’s attire designer: Henry A Davidsen
Groomsmen attire designer: Henry A Davidsen
Bridal Gown and Veil designer: August Jones, purchased at Ready or Knot Wedding Chic in Omaha, Nebraska
Bridal Hair accessory designer: Sara Gabriel, purchased at Ready or Knot Wedding Chic
Bridesmaid Gown designer: Jenny Yoo, purchased at Ready or Knot Wedding Chic
Engagement & Wedding Ring designer: Simon G, purchased at Govberg
Stationary designer: Chick Invitations
Macarons (Escort Cards / Gift): Whipped Bakeshop
Wedding Cake: Felix’s Caketeria
Groom’s Cake / Croquembouche: Au Petite Delice
Hair: Jason Michaels Salon
Makeup: Face the Occasion (Janet Indorf)
Florals: Papertini (Tanti)
Video: Rosetree Films (David Rosenzweig)
Transportation: Global Limousine
Catering / Venue: Le Meridien
Lighting / Equipment Rentals: Eventions
Band: Monte Carlo (EBE)
Ceremony Music: Hot Club Philadelphia
See the Photographer’s Picks Slideshow HERE
Don’t miss the photo set from Chelsea and Stephan’s engagement session with us HERE
