Philadelphia Wedding at Ellis Preserve | Annie + Brendan

There’s sunshine in every nook and cranny of Annie and Brendan’s Philadelphia wedding, and not just because the day was a beauty! It could have been overcast and still their beaming faces would have brightened every moment.

These two got engaged in 2018 and planned to marry the summer of 2020…but then covid. So, they rescheduled, and rescheduled again. The third time really was a charm, though—their final wedding day happened to be exactly three years and one day from the evening Brendan proposed.

As for her stellar wedding gown, Annie found Camille at Maddison Row South in Charleston, SC. After her first fitting in 2020, they postponed their date for the first time, and then she didn’t try her gown again for ages! But it was worth the wait—says Annie, “I remember feeling so excited when I put my dress on for the first time in 15 months—it made it feel real.”

Read more about their day, why their band was so important, and how Brendan’s white jacket came to be from our delightful bride below.

 

How did you guys meet?

 

“We met through a mutual friend of mine from college, and his from high school. We grew up about 5 minutes away from each other but didn’t go to the same school so our paths never crossed.”

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Camille via Maddison Row South | photographer: Love Me Do Photography | full vendor list at bottom

How did you and Brendan get engaged?

 

“We got engaged on August 12, 2018, 3 years and 1 day before we were finally married! Brendan planned a dinner at Buddakan, the restaurant where we celebrated our first anniversary, and proposed in Washington Square Park in Philadelphia on our walk to the restaurant. When we arrived, our families were waiting with champagne ready to celebrate!”

 

Tell us about your outfits!

 

“I selected my gown at Maddison Row South in Charleston, SC while on a trip in December 2018. My mom and my mother-in-law were both there with me, and it was really special! I also had a veil made by Lea-Ann Belter to match the lace on my dress. Brendan had his tuxedo custom made by Enzo Custom. The white jacket started out as a joke—Brendan would tell me that he was going to wear white and try to upstage the bride—but I actually warmed up to the idea because it made him stand out from the groomsmen.”

 

Tell us about your day!

 

“We were married August 13th, 2021—it was our 3rd wedding date (thanks, COVID!). We originally planned for May 2, 2020. I had my first dress fitting on March 15, 2020, which was the day before we had to postpone our first date. I didn’t see the dress after that until June 2021 when it was time to get fitted again! I remember feeling so excited when I put my dress on for the first time in 15 months—it made it feel real.

Despite a very long engagement, it was worth the wait. All our vendors were available for our second date, and it was truly perfect. We had an incredible team of vendors, wedding planners, and awesome friends and family that helped us navigate the uncertainty.”

 

One detail you couldn’t live without?

 

“Our band. They were incredible. Kept us dancing all night long and truly made it a party!”

 

What was the most important aspect for you in terms of planning your wedding?

 

“Good food and lots of dancing‚—guests don’t usually remember every detail, but they remember if they had a good time!”

 

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?

 

“My something old was a pair of diamond earrings that were my mom’s, something new was my dress, I borrowed a ring from one of my bridesmaids that she wore on her wedding day, and something blue was my shoes!”

 

Three words that best describe your partner:

 

“Brendan is determined, honest, and funny.”

 

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

 

“We went to Maui, Hawaii. It was the perfect combination of lounging by the beach and activity/adventure. Honeymooner’s paradise!”

 

Any tips for couples getting married?

 

“Make sure you have fun and take it all in! It really goes by faster than any other day.”

Annie + Brendan’s Philadelphia Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Camille via Maddison Row South | photographer: Love Me Do Photography | planning team: Kristin Phalines + Sam Iraldi of Kyle Michelle Weddings  | venue: The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve | planner: Kyle Michelle Weddings | groom’s suit: Enzo Custom | groomsmen suiting: The Black Tux | bridesmaid dresses: Amsale | hair + makeup: True Beauty Marks | florals: A Garden Party Florist | band: Elevation, part of BVT Live

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.