A Traditional and Formal Pink-Colored Wedding in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James Dunning III and Katie Stuhlemmer met in the City of Brotherly Love, so when it came time for them to tie the knot, these Penn grads returned to the place that brought them together. The result? A romantic to-do that put the town they adore front and center.

The bride wore a sweeping gown by Monique Lhuillier—one of the first she tried on. 

The couple’s initials, along with an imprint of the LOVE sculpture, were letterpressed onto their stationery. Pretty postage from Champion Stamp Co. was included on the envelopes. 

The couple chose a June wedding date because Katie's favorite flower—peony—blooms in late spring. Ranunculus rounded out the petite posy.

His-and-her Cartier bands await the milestone moment on a handmade ring pillow embellished with an oversize silk blossom by Nicholas Kniel.

All seven bridesmaids wore the same Amsale dress (minus a shoulder strap for the maid of honor).

Katie’s attendants carried round arrangements of peonies and ranunculus in light and bright pinks.

Bridal-party bags, from We Heart Philly, included a pashmina, a monogrammed Embroidery by Melissa robe, J.Crew earrings, and a mini bottle of Pommery “Pop” Champagne.

The bride and her father beamed as they made their way to St. Patrick’s.

The groom’s stepmother and father paused for a photo op.

Flower girls toted slender silver vases, filled with the bride’s beloved peonies, down the aisle.

The programs were “served” from a silver Reed & Barton tray.

A 1962 Rolls-Royce decorated with roses and hydrangeas, was the setting for the newlyweds’ post-ceremony Champagne toast.

The newlyweds stole away for a quiet moment before the reception.

Katie wears Christian Louboutin heels. Her earrings were designed by James and made by Empire Diamond.

After the ceremony at St. Patrick’s Church, guests hopped on trolleys for a tour of downtown. Yuengling beer and soft pretzels by Philadelphia Pretzel, both Philly staples, were on offer during the ride.

Instead of designating the ivory-and-pink tables with numbers, James and Katie labeled each with a place that they had visited together, such as Buenos Aires, Tuscany, and Cabo San Lucas.

Each calligraphed escort card included the attendee’s name and a location, including Hong Kong, Dubai, and Maine, that corresponded to the dinner tables.

James kept his bride close as they twirled to David Gray's "This Year's Love."

Partygoers posed on the awe-inspiring grounds of the Water Works.

In lieu of a guest book, friends and family were encouraged to jot down travel advice for the jet-setting newlyweds.

Wedding’s editorial director, Darcy Miller (left), attended with Martha Stewart and Living’s editorial director of decorating, Kevin Sharkey.

A bottle of pink bubbly by Veuve Clicquot was in keeping with the day’s blush-pink palette.

The tented reception at the historic Fairmount Water Works Restaurant had outdoor string lights that cast a soft rosy glow over the water.

At the end of the night, guests took home boxes of Philly-ized chocolate treats by Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates.

Tiny versions of the couple—each sporting their favorite team’s jersey—along with a replica of the LOVE sculpture topped the groom’s cake.

While guests waved sparklers, the happy couple created their own fireworks before slicing into their cake, a three-tier confection with chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet layered inside.

Ceremony Location: St. Patrick’s Church
Reception Location and Catering: Water Works Restaurant Day-Of Coordination: Elegant Occasions by Design, 215-528-3765
Flowers: TableArt
Wedding Photography: Cliff Mautner Photography
Stationery: Two Paperdolls
Cake: Brooklyn Girl Bakery
Music: Dreamtime
Videography: Well Spun Wedding Films
Lighting and Draping: Affairs to Be Remembered
Hair: Amanda D’Andrea 
Makeup: Béke Beau
Bride’s Gown: Monique Lhuillier 
Bride’s Veil: Ansonia Bridal Veils
Groom’s Attire: Mr. T’s Tuxedo & Menswear 
Transportation: First Class Luxury Limo