Elizabeth and Nick prophetically first met while playing characters who get married in a stage production of The Drowsy Chaperone. We think their experience with saying “I do” on stage allowed this dynamic duo to throw the most spectacular party when their very own special day arrived! Drawing inspiration from The Drowsy Chaperone’s 20th century art nouveau decor, Elizabeth and Nick chose a dusty peach and deep cerulean theme and sourced a seriously impressive collection of vintage items like old clocks, compasses, and pearls galore to decorate the venue. The Markows Photography captured every amazing detail of this Pennsylvania Aldie Mansion wedding, including some stunning candid portraits of the couple!
The Couple:
Elizabeth and Nick
The Wedding:
Aldie Mansion, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
I really wanted to look like a romantic painting, and basically drew my dream dress before I even knew it existed. My dress was Lovely Girl from Reem Acra, which I personalized by adding a small jeweled applique to the center of the waist ribbon. I loved the classic buttons up the back, the movement of the layered silk skirt, and how the illusion neckline made it look like tiny jeweled leaves were growing onto my body. I wore my mother’s bridal earrings and turned the charm necklace my father gave to me at birth into a charm bracelet. My shoes were my “something blue.”
Nick and I met playing characters who (prophetically) got married in a stage production of The Drowsy Chaperone, so the early 20th century time period has always been significant to our relationship. Pair that with our love for the outdoors, and you end up with something very art nouveau.
We wanted a historic venue that also felt connected to nature. The autumnal warmth of Aldie Mansion paired with the Tea Garden ceremony space and window-lined ballroom that overlooked the gardens made it perfect for us.
We had specifically chosen not to do a first look, because we wanted to share that moment with our guests. Nick’s heartfelt laugh-cry reaction was everything we wanted it to be and more. In lieu of a first look with Nick, I did a first look with my father. I’ve only seen him cry twice, and the rare emotion of that moment when he was rendered speechless was also a memorable one.
My wedding colors were a tranquil, vintage blue and burnt peach. Early in the planning process, we were looking at some antique maps and fell in love with the weathered pinks and blues. It was the same “cartographer’s colors” that were used in art nouveau and Maxfield Parrish paintings. We had the bridesmaids (and bridesman) carry lanterns instead of bouquets to symbolize love’s flame.
We had Nick’s tux commissioned by St. Laurie Merchant Tailors in New York City. I drew what I wanted and provided the brocade vest fabric, and they worked with us to come up with a beautiful cross between turn of the century gentlemen and modern slim-fit stud.
It was most important that our guests could enjoy our day as much as we did. You can art direct the crap out of a wedding, but if you don’t keep your guests in mind, your carefully-planned details will go unnoticed.
My mom and I are both designers, so we designed our own invitations and menus, sourcing ribbon from a French milliner. We hand-lettered 135 luggage tags with the guests’ names for the seating chart. We also hand-painted the seating chart display.
Processional: “The Flower Duet” from the Opera Lakmé by Délibes
Recessional: “Spring” by Vivaldi
First Dance: “If I Didn’t Care” by The Inkspots
Our photographers were the single best decision we made in the entire wedding aside from the choice to get married. It was very important that the emotions of the day were captured, not just how we looked. Before, during, and after, we really felt that getting to know us and capturing those elusive moments was the Markows’ first priority. They were a positive presence throughout the day while somehow blending seamlessly into the background. Everything they captured was as genuine as it was beautiful.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – The Markows Photography
Event Planning and Catering – Jeffrey A. Miller
Venue – Aldie Mansion
Floral Design – Buttercup
Officiant – Rev. Brewster Hastings
Live Music – Ken Ulansey Ensemble
Invitations – Sandy Gerger
Hair Styling – Salon Zen
Wedding Dress – Reem Acra
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Sposabella
Groom’s Apparel – Saint Laurie Merchant Tailors
Groomsmen’s Apparel – The Black Tux
Rings – Leigh Jay Nacht
Transportation – Sterling Limo
Favors – Domenic Graziano
Congratulations to Elizabeth and Nick, and a big thanks to The Markows Photography for submitting this wedding to Junebug! Did you love this wedding’s gorgeous Pennsylvania venue? Then you’ve got to see this exceptionally elegant Pennsylvania wedding at Crossing Vineyards!
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