Kristin & Isaiah’s Beautiful Ballroom Wedding in Historic Philadelphia

Featured in the Winter 2019 issue of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine!
View the digital magazine format here, and click here to order your print copy today – while still available! 

College sweethearts Kristin and Isaiah met on the campus of Hampton University towards the end of their undergraduate degree program. Being apartment neighbors they were each other’s boy and girl next door. Their connection was instantaneous, quickly becoming close friends; talking long into the night, discovering new music together, sharing meals – almost always at each other’s side. With a connection as close as theirs it seemed destined to blossom into love, and before long they were planning their first date.

Bride & Groom: Kristin Simmons & Isaiah Calvin
Wedding Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wedding Date: September 15th 2018
Photographed by: Sheronda Seawright

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC would come to hold a special significance to Kristin and Isaiah, not only being the location of their first date, but also the place in which their love was set on the path to happily ever after. Informing their family and friends about his intentions, Isaiah had them flown in to celebrate the event. And, while enjoying the beauty of the art around them, Isaiah found his moment, presenting Kristin with a ring and asking her to spend the rest of her life with him as husband and wife. Their engagement was soon followed by a cookout surrounded by their loved ones.

For Kristin, she knew Isaiah was the one because they “were able to build a solid foundation of friendship and had an understanding of one another that I never had with anyone else. We grew with each other over the years, and that consistency kept me intrigued and sure of him.”

Kristin and Isaiah’s beautiful ballroom wedding in historic Philadelphia was timeless in its elegance with a modern touch. Isaiah handsomely awaited his bride at the altar, while Kristin lit up the room in a spaghetti-strap, mermaid-style gown with sheer paneling and hand-beading – complete with a cathedral veil. With the love and support of family and friends, they were joined together forever as husband and wife.

Best Memories: Isaiah’s best memory from our wedding was saying our vows in front of our friends and family who’ve prayed and supported us since the beginning. Kristin’s favorite memory was the rehearsal dinner which was an all white affair, and having all of our loved ones share special stories of Isaiah and I. My father did an impromptu speech that was really special and made my weekend.

Advice for Engaged Couples: Don’t forget to focus on your relationship while you plan for the wedding. Your wedding will only last a day, but your marriage, prayerfully, will last a lifetime. Also, remember to do exactly what you want to do regarding your wedding. So many people will have thoughts and suggestions, but it’s important to ensure your wedding day, and ultimate marriage, is a reflection of your unique love story.

Vendors:
bride’s dress: Martina Liana, style 906
bridal salon: Lovella Bridal
bride’s shoes: Aquazurra
bridesmaids dresses: (Bridesmaids’ choice, in pink or gold)
cakes/desserts: Bredenbeck’s Bakery
catering: The Bellevue Hotel
ceremony venue: The Bellevue Hotel, Rose Garden Ballroom
event decor/design: Eilena Mercier-Ehmann, Event Loft PA
entertainment: DJ Premonition
event planner: Randi Martin, Trilogy Event Design
florals: Eilena Mercier-Ehmann, Event Loft PA
groom’s attire: Tom Ford tuxedo, Bowtie by the Bold Tie
groomsmen attire: The Black Tux
Groom’s haircut: Jared Scott, HIS Grooming DC
hair: Kiera Ashley
linens: Eilena Mercier-Ehmann, Event Loft PA
makeup: Bride’s: Alana Wright, Bridesmaids: Sheena Marie
photography: Sheronda Seawright Photography
reception venue: The Bellevue Hotel, The Rose Garden Ballroom
videography: Chip Dizard
Soloist: Zuri Reed
Violinist: Jennifer Reid, Jenviolin