As planners, our role is to allow our couples to feel celebrated throughout their engagement season and especially on their wedding day. It’s a role we love. One of the ways in which we help to ensure each couple has an incredible celebration is by building teams of professionals who share in our goals. Each one is so talented in their specific field, and they’re also some of the nicest people in Philadelphia (and beyond). Without the teams lending their talents, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate. And, that’s something we have come back to again and again this year.
When we started to think about the holidays, we knew we wanted to honor people – our people. They’re the creatives behind the businesses we love who have pivoted in ways they didn’t think they ever would as a result of Covid-19. And yet, they have excelled in ways we’re so happy to see and share with you. So, today throughout our gift guide, we’re highlighting the Philadelphia wedding professionals we love and the products and services they’re offering that are perfect for anyone on your holiday list.
Photographers:
You have likely noticed many photographers are offering mini sessions. For those that may not know, these sessions are typically short (15-30 minutes) and their purpose is to provide you with new portraits to use on holiday cards and in frames throughout your home. If you have been eying a photographer’s work, reach out to inquire about a mini session! There’s still plenty of time to mail cards for the new year to those you love.
Love Me Do is working with a local shelter to donate funds through the pet portraits they capture, and we’ll forever support anything that has to do with dogs.
Stationery:
Whether you’re planning your holiday cards or hoping to surprise a friend or family member with a little something unexpected, look no further than Chick Invitations, The Papery, or Papertree Studio.
In addition to designing invitations (and much more!), Chick Invitations is also home to a shop. Through their store, they curate everything from housewares to clothing, stationery, and more. We love them for their selection of unique pieces.
The Papery is one of our go-tos for wedding invitations, and they also have a line of personalized stationery. Consider gifting monogramed notes or a personalized notepad. They also carry great cards and gifts, like these pine candles. There are plenty more ideas on their site and Instagram!
One of the most unique and meaningful gifts you can give to a couple is a custom painting of their wedding venue. Papertree Studio is currently taking commissions, and the paintings we have seen are beautiful.
Jewelry:
Our gift guide would never be complete without jewelry! And, one of our favorite local designers and jewelers is Lauren Priori from L. Priori Jewelry. She’s known for her incredible ability to transform heirloom pieces into designs that are more current and ready-to-wear, plus she has her own line of jewelry you can purchase. Pay her a visit online or at her location in King of Prussia.
Flowers:
Our favorite detail at a wedding is almost always the flowers. We work with a number of different designers in Philadelphia, and a few have been offering new things perfect for the holidays!
If you’re hoping to have flowers or plants delivered this season, purchase from a local designer! Kraft & Co. has a line of predesigned wreaths on their website, and they are also the place to go for anyone on your list who loves plants. They ship everywhere, and we love that they’re based in Easton.
Love ‘n Fresh Flowers is home to our favorite flower farm in Philadelphia, and Jennie’s team creates some of the most beautiful fresh-from-the-garden designs. Now, she’s offering arrangements each week as part of her Porch Petals offering. A bouquet will never be turned down at the holidays!
If someone on your list has been wanting to learn floral design, there is not a better time than now for a workshop! Society Blooms is offering workshops both at home and online.
Candles:
As we have spent more time at home, creating a cozy space has felt even more important. One of the easiest ways to add something new to a room is by adding a candle. We’ve found a local artisan who makes them! Check out Get LIT Candles PHL.
Homewares:
During wedding season, a weekend never feels complete unless we see Maggie and Jason, the owners of Maggpie Rentals. Maggie has an innate ability to find some of the best pieces for couples to rent for their weddings, and now she has a shop! You can visit Maggpie Market on Instagram, or you can pay Maggie, Jason, and their adorable golden retrievers a visit at their store. This is the perfect place to visit for anyone on your list who loves home design and unique vintage pieces that are effortlessly cool.
Restaurants + Catering:
As we’re all aware, restaurants and catering companies have suffered greatly this year. Think about purchasing a gift card to a restaurant you love or one you have been wanting to visit. Plan to use it to enjoy take-out, or hold onto it for a meal once eating out has been deemed safe again. If you’re looking for inspiration for great restaurants in Philadelphia, our blog about rehearsal dinner locations is filled with ideas!
Because area catering companies aren’t meal planning for parties, they’re lending their skills in other ways. Constellation (see above !) and Garces, respectively, have been creating complete takeout menus filled with their gourmet selections. We stand behind both! Plus, the head chef of Sage, Greg Shockley, has been sharing cooking video how-tos on Instragram. All three are worth a try!
Bakeries:
If you’re ordering dinner or even if you’re planning to cook your own recipe at home, dessert is always needed! Whipped Bakeshop has been adding new options for cookies to their website offerings, and we’re letting you know right now that you need to try them. Plus, Nutmeg (above) is selling a collection of small Holiday cakes and macarons that can be pre-ordered. They’ll also be adding some cookie variety gift boxes and cookie decorating kits, which are perfect to do during a winter afternoon at home!
We hope you have found plenty of ways to shop local and with some of our most loved wedding professionals through our holiday gift guide! We’re excited to hear what you purchase. As always, thank you for standing by and supporting small businesses this year. We can’t wait to team up again with these businesses and many more sometime soon!
