what's up ang?: Ballroom at the Ben

I absolutely loved Gigi and Jamal from the first time we met last year. Gigi, a full-time grad student in nursing , needed help with her planning process. They hired us for full service planning from beginning to end, including all of their print needs. Gigi and Jamal, both laid back and fun loving were a delight to work with during the design and planning process. The couple chose the exquisite Ballroom at the Ben, nestled in the Ben Franklin Hotel in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. This turn-of-the-century venue featured large crystal chandeliers, marble hallways and baroque mill-work throughout the ceiling and columns. You truly felt transformed, going in back in time.

Their ceremony took place at the Calvary Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Not one pew was empty, as all 190 guests witnessed Gigi and Jamal's nuptials. Gigi wore a stunning bustier dress, delicately beaded with a criss cross pattern. Her dress was from the Jewel Collection for Priscilla of Boston. The best part - it had POCKETS! She carried a beautiful bouquet of Vandella white roses and calla lilies. After the couple said "I Do," everyone gathered in front of the church for a group photo, that was something very important to the couple. Phil Kramer - photographer, that shot perfectly.

Capitalizing on the wedding reception location in Center City, Phil took the entire bridal party to the steps of the Art Museum for a few photos. It was a perfect backdrop and way to end the afternoon. While photos were being taken, Eric (my FABULOUS assistant and stylist), headed over to The Ben for a final walk through. Everything was PERFECT! The room was set to perfection. The couple's table-scape was design was a team collaboration. Tiffany blue satin overlays were draped over each table, completed with perfectly folded ivory napkins topped with custom designed menu cards, designed by Angela MALICKI events. Each menu card was adorned with three Swarovski crystals. The centerpieces ranged from high to low, containing white roses, hydrangeas and orchids. Each centerpiece was precisely pin spotted to give the tables that extra POP!

The couple's first dance was touching, their song was "That's How Strong My Love is"by Alicia Keys (I love that song). After the toasts and dinner, the crowd packed the dance floor. Their DJ flew in just for the event from Virginia Beach. I felt like I was in a club, listening to all my favorite jams, from old school hip hop to new age dance,not to mention the oldies but goodies of smooth R & B. We had so much fun, and we thank Gigi and Jamal for letting us be part of their day. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

We love you both and wish you the best!

Check out the bead work on her dress. This Priscilla of Boston Gown fit Gigi like a glove, and did I mention - it had POCKETS! It is yet another trend in bridal wear that has made a comeback.

Gigi looked STUNNING, a birdcage veil, which she replaced with a beautiful Swarovski headband at the reception. Her jewelery was her mother's pearls

The bridesmaids wore beautiful Tiffany Blue taffeta dresses with a rose florweret trim. Each girl carried a floral arrangement of Mango calla lilies and coral roses, completed with long stems of Bear Grass, tied with coral satin ribbon.

Jamal's boutonniere was designed with a rose and calla lily

All 190 guests posed for this beautiful group shot in front of their church

A picturesque backdrop taken by the Schuylkill River.

LOVE the LOVE ice sculpture

What a great idea. The couple chose a seating chart that had a favorite image from their engagement shoot. No placecards here. With 190 guests, this was perfect. Thanks to Eric's monitoring of this area, there were no wedding crashers here!