Between Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day, it seems like everyone and their mother has gotten engaged! While the majority of the Philly PR Girl office consists of ringless, single women, we are single ladies with the inside scoop. To help with the planning process, here’s our list of Philly’s best wedding professionals to book before the word gets out:
The Cake- For a delicious wedding cake, look no further than Bredenbeck’s traditional creations. There is a reason that they’ve been in business since 1889 – they bring decades of experience to the table and have absolutely perfected buttercream. Ah-mazing!
For something a bit less traditional, brides and grooms-to-be should absolutely taste test Cakes & Candies by Mary Ellen. Her cake pops are so moist, they’re more like fudge on a stick. She also makes the most incredible Oreo mini pies, whoopee pies, cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered bananas. Dessert buffet, anyone?
The Invitations- Christy of Papertree Studio is an absolute doll! A former graphic designer at Philly Mag, Christy started her Jersey-based wedding biz in 2012 making gorgeous, handmade invites with the most amazing envelope liners and beautiful handmade calligraphy. Recently, she crossed over the Delaware River to grace Center City with her lovely, vintage designs.
Paper Rock Scissors has also made quite a mark on our city with their innovative creations, like this super cool boxed invitation. (Hellllooooo!?? It comes with a bottle of Jack! RSVP? Yes!) They also specialize in intricate laser-cut detailing, creative escort cards, and beautiful menus like this ultra-unique wood veneer version.
The Dress- With two locations – one on Main Street in Manayunk and one located conveniently downtown within the glamorous Bellevue Hotel – Nicole Miller Bridal brings gorgeous, classic dress options to our city in their chic boutique environment. If you’re looking for something a bit more distinctive, Lovely Bride specializes in Indie designers like Romantique by Claire Pettibone, Carol Hannah, and Rue de Seine. They even have their own exclusive collection, The Lovely One, which features casually elegant dresses perfect for the non-traditional bride. Also, don’t forget to visit our friends at Philadelphia Bridal Company – a couture bridal boutique in Midtown Village. Looking for a couture gown specifically designed for YOU – then check out Philly PR Girl’s newest client NAVEDA COUTURE.
The Jewelry- Like the rest of the URBN empire, BHLDN is based in Philly, but you won’t find a bricks-and-mortar store in this city no matter how hard you look for it. Their nearest showroom is in New York if you’re up for the trip, but your best bet is to order online. Don’t miss their recently launched limited edition jewelry collection that features some industry newbies. And if that rock on your finger isn’t quite enough bling for you on your big day, you obviously know that Steven Singer is synonymous with diamond jewelry in the Philadelphia region. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. We don’t hate you at all, Steven.
The Photographer- There is a reason why Cliff Mautner was named “one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world” by American PHOTO Magazine. If you want the best photo journalistic photographer in Philadelphia, Cliff’s your guy. Warning: First and foremost, he’s an artist and he isn’t always soft and mushy. He’s there to get the job done and 
when you get your images, you’ll know exactly why you hired him.
On the other hand, Gabe Fredericks of Philip Gabriel Photography is a love muffin. He has a heart of gold and has quickly catapulted to the top of his industry with his combination of incredible talent and impeccable attention to client care. Both of these talented professionals book up well ahead of time, so don’t wait until the last minute!
The Hair- Featured on “My Fair Wedding with David Tutera” and “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”, Bella Angel is a talented group of artists who will blow you out, curl you up, and up-do you like your own personal hair fairy godmother. One thing you should know: They did team up with Queen of Heart’s Wedding Consultants to do Raven’s quarterback, Joe Flacco’s, wedding. Try not to hold it against them…
The Makeup- What can we say? B. Wilson of Just B Beautiful is an incredibly talented makeup artist, well known throughout Philadelphia and New York City. Recently featured on Mob Wives and a regular at the world headquarters of QVC Studios, B prides herself in her commitment to excellence and will do anything (and go anywhere!) for her clients.
The Food- Some of our favorite wedding caterers include Feastivities Events, who partner with more area venues than you can count, and Brûlée Catering, owned by the James Beard Award-winning Jean-Marie Lacroix. For two decades, Lacroix served as the executive chef at The Fountain Restaurant in the Four Seasons before opening the heralded Lacroix in the Rittenhouse Hotel.
If you’re thinking of going with something a little less traditional and a lot more fun, Steve and Paul of Kung Fu Hoagies can usually be found cranking out their Vietnamese Hoagies on 38th and Sansom – but you can line them up at your wedding for a fabulous end of the night snack. Perfect for soaking up all of that celebratory champagne!
If this list simply overwhelms you then you might want to go the planner route. Check out our girls at Lauren James Events!
Did you recently get engaged? Are you planning a destination wedding or something local? Tell us your proposal story!
