May 17, 2018

Forever Yours // Melissa + Tobi

Melissa and Tobi met each other online but spent months just talking with each other before actually meeting in person. At that first date at a restaurant, Tobi surprised Melissa with a necklace with a charm of Dorothy’s ruby red shoes, knowing that she loved the movie, The Wizard of Oz. It was thoughtful gestures like this that told Melissa early on that Tobi was the man for her, the one with whom she was always meant to be.

Tobi’s proposal to Melissa was so sweet and so exciting, and we were so glad that Melissa and Tobi shared the link to their proposal with us! In it, Tobi gave Melissa a book of photos he put together, showing all the fun times they’ve shared and wonderful memories they’ve created in their relationship so far. He asked Melissa to read aloud each caption under each photo as they reminisced. Before the last page, Tobi had written a beautiful love note to Melissa sharing the many reasons for his love for her. And on the last page, Tobi had created a picture of a man on one knee proposing, with the caption, ‘Will You Marry Me?’ After shrieks of joy and laughter, Melissa said ‘Yes!’

We were so thrilled to be filming their amazing wedding event just as the December holiday season was beginning and all the Christmas decorations were out around town! Melissa and Tobi were such sweet clients from our very first conversation, all through their wedding event and during the months that passed after their wedding day. And their day began in separate suites at Hotel Monaco where they got dressed and ready with their bridal party. We loved the matching floral robes that Melissa and her bridesmaids wore (with Melissa’s standing apart with florals on white) and the socks Tobi wore with their wedding date on them! And we were so happy to be able to capture Melissa and Tobi as they read their love notes aloud.

Tobi’s mother was certainly included in this day as her memory was honored all throughout the wedding event. Tobi wore a lovely pin with her photo on it next to his boutonniere and later at their reception, the couple featured photos and mementos of his mother.

It was then time for Melissa to put on her gorgeous wedding gown. Her dress had a mermaid silhouette with an eye-catching full, ruffled skirt and was covered in intricate beading. She wore a lovely long veil attached to the back of her hair and fastened it with a shimmering rhinestone hair clip. Her bouquet from Lily V Events was all in white with sparkling crystals all throughout. She was such a beautiful and radiant bride!

Melissa and Tobi’s ceremony was held at St. Mary’s at Penn, Hamilton Village in Philadelphia, where Rev. Peter McGuinness delivered such a beautiful message for the couple as they are beginning this new chapter in their life together. They spoke their traditional vows and were pronounced husband and wife!

After the formal photos at the church, we followed along as additional photos were taken by Rut Photography on Broad Street in front of City Hall and at various iconic locations in the city before moving on to their reception venue. It was such a pleasure to work with them for this wonderful event!

The couple chose to have their reception at The Merion in Cinnaminson, NJ. The grand and glamorous venue was beautifully decked out with holiday garlands, ribbons and twinkling white lights and as always, delivered a huge assortment of delicious cuisine. And Lily V Events did a beautiful job adding to the décor with gorgeous towering centerpieces overflowing with white flowers, tall vases with floating candles and an amazing flower wall in front of the sweetheart table that was filled completely with blooms in white and blush.

Melissa and Tobi entered the room to the cheers of their family and friends while The Merion staff gave them a sparkler salute and roses for Melissa, then danced a wonderfully touching first dance on a cloud. It was so beautiful and so moving. This was followed with a sweet dance Melissa shared with her father. And Tobi provided a beautiful, loving formal tribute to his aunts, giving each a gorgeous rose in appreciation of their support and love for him.

The party then was kicked off with tremendous enthusiasm by Posh DJ's who kept that dance floor packed! And later, the crowd would be wowed by an exciting, energetic Hora Loca by Crespita Entertainment! Costumed performers, some on stilts, with drums and white balloons danced with the crowd and brought down the house!

Melissa and Tobi’s wedding was a wonderful event celebrating the love of two soulmates, one that was filled with the love of family and friends. Congratulations to Melissa and Tobi!