When Love Comes Knocking...

A Serendipitous Encounter That Led To Love

Fresh out of college and settled into their brownstone in Chicago, Marley and her roommates found themselves in a new city with few familiar faces. In the unit above lived a group of boys around their age.

One Friday evening, with the boldness of post-grad youth on their side, Marley and her roommates arrived at the boys’ apartment, case of beer in hand, knocked on the door, and asked if they wanted to hang out. Among the boys was Thomas, and before they knew it they were planning their big day. 

“We wanted something that felt elegant and timeless but still fun and fresh,” Marley explains. The couple found themselves torn between three cities meaningful to their journey—Chicago, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

Ultimately, it was Philadelphia, Marley’s hometown, that they landed on. “It was so personal for me. Having my mom close by during the planning process was such a lifesaver. We couldn’t have done it without her” she shares.

The wedding took place at the storied Crystal Tea Room, an iconic Philadelphia venue with historical elements that really capture what makes Philly such a unique place.

With soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and a rich sense of history, it was the perfect setting for the couple. It also came with a personal connection: “My grandmother used to take my mom and aunt there for afternoon tea,” Marley says. “It felt like she was with us.”

Honoring heritage was a defining theme. Marley, who is Jewish, and Thomas, raised Catholic, were deeply intentional about blending their traditions in a way that felt authentic.

The ceremony, which was co-officiated by both a rabbi and a priest, was written by the couple themselves, weaving together the threads of two faiths. “It was incredibly personal,” Marley recalls. “We wanted every word to reflect our shared values and the families who made us who we are.”

As for the dress, Marley’s vision was clear from the start. “I wanted something timeless but still fun,” she says. The gown she chose perfectly captured that vision: an A-line silhouette with pearl accents tracing the neckline, and, perhaps the bride’s favorite feature, pockets. “It was elegant, functional, and completely me,” she shares.

A veil adorned with matching pearls, gifted by her aunt and worn during fittings, became an heirloom in the making. “I hope to pass it down to family one day, along with the purse my mom made from her wedding dress,” she says. “They remind me of how much fun my mom, aunt, and I had searching for the perfect dress and accessories together.”

When it came to the decor, the ballroom exuded with romantic elegance. Working with floral designer Jamie Rothstein and stationery artist Emily Gray, the couple curated a palette of soft whites, blues, and lilacs, mixed with deeper purple tones for richness and depth.

The florals were lush and sculptural, while bespoke invitations and a monogram crest gave the celebration a custom finish. Gold accents seen in the chairs and charger plates added a bit of sparkle.

With guests traveling in from across the country, Marley and Thomas prioritized creating a celebration that felt intimate and full of gratitude. Instead of a traditional seating chart, the couple wrote personal notes to each of their guests.

“You don't really spend a lot of time thinking about why you love all of the amazing people in your life. Reflecting on all of that love the weeks before our wedding just made us even more excited. It was such a special way to reflect on all the love we’re surrounded by,” Marley shares.

When it came to the party, the couple made sure no one stayed seated for long. To set the tone for the evening, they started the reception with The Hora—complete with sparklers, and their guests rarely left the dance floor for the rest of the night. 

What began as a spontaneous introduction between neighbors became a celebration filled with meaning. When asked to reflect on their day, Marley shared, “It was everything I had hoped for, and I feel so lucky to have started out our marriage with such a beautiful weekend filled with so much love.”