Elissa & Thomas’ Wedding @ The Warwick Hotel

If there was an award for rolling with the punches, Elissa and Thomas would no doubt take first place. Like a lot of 2020 engaged couples, their wedding had to be rescheduled – more than once. But by September 2021, Covid cases were down, things were opening back up, and the outlook for their Labor Day weekend wedding looked great.  Then, just 3 days before the wedding, we got THE call from their venue. Recent rainstorms had caused historic flooding in Manayunk and the venue, its kitchen, and all of its equipment were under several feet of water. Most brides would have been hysterical at this news – a total nervous breakdown inevitable. But Elissa had an unexpected calmness and determination about her. She was not going to reschedule her dream wedding – yet again. Lots and lots of phone calls were made and miraculously The Warwick Hotel in Rittenhouse had availability and promised they could pull together a wedding in just 2 days.  

What a wedding it was! Going room to room in the hour leading up to the ceremony felt like being backstage at a world-class music festival. The ceremony featured Thomas performing on his cello with his classical string quartet. Elissa followed, performing with her very talented singing group. The bride and the groom then came together and performed a duet that left no dry eyes in the room.

During cocktail hour, guests were treated to the gypsy jazz sounds of Hot Club of Philadelphia and then York Street Hustle brought down the house during the reception. The night was filled with dancing, great food, and lots and lots of laughter. I still don’t know how the Warwick Hotel pulled it off in just two days – but the event was absolutely flawless. I was so honored to be part of such a special day – that almost didn’t happen! - and to experience the outpouring of love from Elissa and Thomas’ friends and family.

Thank you Inna at Peach Plum Pear Photo for sharing these gorgeous pics from the wedding day.

Venue https://www.warwickrittenhouse.com/
Cocktail hour music: https://www.hotclubphilly.com/
Reception music: https://yorkstreethustle.com/
Desserts: https://www.isgropastries.com/