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Marianella and Kevin met back in June 2013 after she returned to Philadelphia from college. She was just one internship away from graduating from her university. Kevin was a student at another university, but they had been in the same places several times with mutual friends. Then, one evening at a friend’s apartment, Kevin saw Marianella dancing alone to a bachata song, “Corazón Sin Cara,” which translates to “heart without a face”, and asked her to dance. Their summer romance began.
The couple decided to part ways to focus on school, but two years later, reconnected and began dating again. A work-related, long-distance relationship and five years later, they were engaged!
And this might be the most unique and creative proposal we’ve heard so far! Kevin wanted to incorporate things Marianella loves into his proposal, painting being one of them. He researched artists and scoped out the perfect, secluded location in Ridley Creek State Park for the moment.
On the morning of the proposal, Kevin took pictures of their outfits and sent them to the artist who was already at the location, sketching the scenery. They took a stroll towards the lovely fountain and pool where the painter was at work and Kevin told Marianella he wanted to see what she was creating. They both took a look, and once Marianella finally understood what was going on, Kevin got down on one knee with the ring and reached for her hand, just like the couple in the painting. A true example of life imitating art!
We were so excited for Marianella and Kevin’s wedding day to arrive! For one thing, they were holding their ceremony and reception at a venue we hadn’t visited before, The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve. But even more thrilling to us was the chance to meet in person and film this sweet couple on one of the most important days in their lives together.
That morning, Marianella got ready at their venue in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. After hair and makeup was complete, she dressed into her gorgeous, strapless Eve of Milady wedding gown. It had a beautiful embroidered mermaid silhouette, a deep-v sculptured neckline and a very eye-catching illusion low back detail. In her long hair, she wore a beautiful, sparkling clip and a long veil for her ceremony. What an absolutely stunning bride!
Marianella’s bridal party celebrated with her and joined in for a toast and photos before dressing into their long gowns in shades of coral. They carried such lovely bouquets from Flowers by David, all in pink, coral, blush and ivory. They all looked so beautiful.
Meanwhile, Kevin and his best man and groomsmen prepared for the day at the Hilton Garden Inn Newtown Square-Radnor. Kevin stood apart in a handsome three-piece suit with a white tie, while the rest of the guys wore matching suits and coral ties, coordinating perfectly with the bridesmaids.
The couple then met up on the grounds of The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve for their first look. We loved how Marianella tickled Kevin’s neck to announce she was behind him and Kevin’s “wow”s at the sight of his gorgeous bride! Afterwards, we enjoyed filming while Sarah from Emily Wren Photography took fantastic wedding photos. It was so wonderful to work with the Emily Wren team again. And the couple and their wedding party had a great time posing for those formal shots on this warm spring day.
Then it was time to make it official! Marianella’s aunt officiated their wonderfully personal, beautifully prepared marriage ceremony, which was held inside at their venue. Marianella and Kevin recited their individual vows to each other and exchanged rings. The ceremony concluded with the handfasting cords ritual, with three cords being tied together in a symbolic gesture, as the couple literally “tied the knot”! Marianella and Kevin were then pronounced for the first time as ‘husband and wife’!
Marianella and Kevin’s reception kicked off shortly afterwards, and with an exciting sparkler salute, the couple’s entrance was announced to their cheering friends and family! At the end of the traditional first dance together, Marianella and Kevin then led into a choreographed dance to “Corazón Sin Cara”, that first dance they shared all those years ago. It was so sweet to have that memory included on this special day. And what incredible dancers they are!
Once everyone was seated, we heard touching toasts from Marianella’s father, from her matron and maid of honor and from Kevin’s best men, including his brother. Parent dances took place on the dance floor before all the guests came out to party! DJ Franchize was absolutely amazing, and really knew how to keep everyone on the dance floor having the time of their lives!
In the middle of the celebration, Marianella changed into her incredible sequined white party dress to dance the night away! And the dancing seemed like it was never going to end that evening! But the couple did take some time away to cut and taste their beautiful wedding cake from The Master’s Baker, a fun moment we know they’ll treasure.
This wedding will be remembered for all the fun everyone had that day, and for the love and devotion so unmistakable from this amazing couple. They filled their day with so many very personalized, meaningful moments and really made their wedding day their own. Truly for Marianella and Kevin, as their song says, el amor vive en el alma. Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Photographer: Emily Wren Photography – Philadelphia, PA
Floral Design: Flowers by David – Langhorne, PA
Hair Stylist: Linda Calhoun
Makeup Artist: Brunella Artistry – Scotch Plains, NJ
Wedding Dress: Eve of Milady – Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Formal Wear: Tuxedo Express – Ocala, FL
Entertainment: DJ Franchize – New York, NY
Ceremony Music: Michael Shingo Crawford – Philadelphia, PA
Cake: The Master’s Baker – West Chester, PA
Wedding Coordinator: Finley Catering – Brielle Johnson – Newtown Square, PA
Officiant: Ariana Rosas-Swartz
Venue: The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve – Newtown Square, PA
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Newtown Square Radnor – Newtown Square, PA
Photo Booth: Hollywood Moments Photo Booth – Philadelphia, PA
Seating Chart Mirror: Hillary Carr Calligraphy – Philadelphia, PA
Stationery: Best Wedd Ever
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