A Whimsical Jewish Socially-Distinanced Picnic Wedding in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: Meg + Jake
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Photos by Heather McBride Photography. Words by Meg.
Number of Wedding Guests:
25
Wedding Date:
June 20, 2020
Tell Us About Yourselves
We met on OKCupid in October 2018. Our first date was at a coffee shop in Center City, Philadelphia, followed by a walk along the Schuylkill River, and our first kiss was on our second date at an Afro-futurist party at the Tiberino Museum in West Philadelphia. Over the next few months, we bonded over our shared love of books, spirituality, art, and travel. A little less than a year later, we moved in together to an apartment in West Philly, and a few months after that, we got engaged just before eating a spectacular meal at Zahav in Old City. After we got married in June 2020, we moved to State College, PA, where we plan to start our family and live a life dedicated to creativity, service, and community.
How Did You Pick Your Wedding Venue?
Freedoms Foundation is a beautiful non-profit center that reflects our commitment to civil service and social justice.
What Did You Wear and Were Any Pieces Especially Significant?
I wore a 1950’s vintage wedding dress from Etsy with vintage-inspired shoes from Modcloth, in addition to a dried flower crown. My goal was to be whimsical, simple, and elegant. Besides appreciating the aesthetic of vintage clothes, I chose a dress from the 1950’s because we are fortunate enough to have our grandparent’s wedding rings from that era. Jake used his maternal grandfather’s gold band, and my ring is a fusion using the white gold and diamonds from both my paternal grandmother’s ring and Jake’s paternal grandmother’s ring. Jake’s dad also proposed to Jake’s mom with that ring!
What Special Elements Did You Include in Your Wedding Day?
The tallis we used for our chuppah was from Jake’s bar-mitzvah. The chuppah sticks were also used in Jake’s cousin's wedding, and our closest friends supported it for us.
What Did You Splurge On?
The elements we believed to be most important for a great party: food and music! We had originally hired a local folk-funk band, but had to cancel due to the virus.
What Did You Save On?
The venues were our biggest saves. Both could accommodate our original 175 guest list, and collectively they cost us $1,600 — including tables and chairs! We also saved on decorations by staying outdoors and appreciating the natural beauty around us. One of my family's best friends, Angela Shronk, arranged our flowers for us — they were bright and wild in all the best ways! And my friends provided most of our decorations from their own homes.
What Worked Out Really Well and Was Totally Worth the Time or Money Invested?
Our caterers and our photographer! Let’s Cultivate Food was amazing — they stuck with us through planning and re-planning as the virus unfolded. The day of the wedding they provided exceptional service and delicious food. P.S. & Co. made us desserts that even non-vegans loved. And Heather McBride not only took beautiful, natural shots of the day, but was a joy to work with — all my friends loved her, too!
What, in Retrospect, Could You Have Skipped?
All the stress I felt during planning! Our wedding and ceremony were all minimalistic, so I can't think of anything we wasted money on. During planning I just hoped to throw the most fun party ever, and was stressed that something would flop. The day of I realized that while the party was a lot of fun, the day was really about love — between Jake and I, and between all our family and friends and us. The rest were minor details.
What Is Your Best Wedding Planning Advice to Other Couples?
Plan a wedding that is true to your spirit as a couple, and fun for your guests! It’s only one day and it goes by fast, so don't let minor mishaps get you down and enjoy every moment.
VENDORS
Ceremony Venue | Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge
Reception Venue | Saint Michael’s Picnic Grove in Mont Clare
Florist | Angela Shronk (Friend of the Couple)
Cake/Dessert | PS & Co
Caterer | Let’s Cultivate Food
Wedding Dress | 1950’s Vintage from Etsy
Bride’s Shoes | ModCloth
Rings | Heirloom Rings Modified by D’Antonio & Klein Jewelers
Hair & Makeup | Done by the Couple Themselves
Flower Crown and Boutonniere | Bridal Wish Designs
HEATHER MCBRIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
I’m a Philly transplant from NYC, and though it took me a long time to change to a PA drivers license, I am proud to call West Philly my home. You might see me around town hitting up pop-up art installments, perusing flowers at the farmer’s market, or walking my dog Tucker in my favorite pair of overalls. I love to be spontaneous and goofy, and I put my clients at ease capturing who they really are!
