Allison + Allen

How did you meet?

Coming home from an exhausting New Years Eve at my girlfriend’s beach house in Margate, NJ, we were debating whether or not to make a pit stop for the Mummers Day Parade in Philadelphia. My girlfriend’s boyfriend, Michael, was driving, and last minute made the decision for us to stop. Now, I couldn’t be happier that he did. When we arrived at Allen’s house, I was tired and only slightly regretting not fixing my makeup or even attempting to do something with my hair. It happened to be a pretty warm day for January 1, so most people were upstairs outside on the deck. As soon as I walked outside and laid eyes on Allen, I knew he was who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. After a few too many drinks and a debatable handhold, it was clear there was a connection between us. After a week or so of social media chatting, Allen asked me on a date. We met in Philadelphia for lunch and have spent almost every day together ever since.

When did you know they were the one?

I knew Allen was the one the moment I met him.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner

Allen is kind, hardworking, and he always puts me first.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I first fell in love with the dress when I randomly found it on a model on either Instagram or Pinterest. I wasn’t even looking for wedding dresses at the time, I just stumbled upon it and fell in love. After finally being able to track down the dress, I was disappointed to find that it was an Australian company (nothing against Australia!!) I just thought to myself, “Aw man, how am I ever going to try this dress on if it’s all the way in Australia??” After doing a little more research, I found that Lovely Bride carried the dress and there was a local store in Philadelphia! I immediately called and they let me know that although they didn’t have the Willow dress, their sister store in NY did and they could have it shipped. We set an appointment for 3 days later after the dress would arrive in Philly. When I tried it on, my mom and I knew immediately, it was the one.

Who proposed and how?

Allen planned a surprise engagement party on June 30, 2018. He planned to go for a walk in the morning and propose. This is something we enjoy doing together, so he did not feel like I would think anything of it. Then all of our closest friends would arrive later in the afternoon at my parents’ house for a BBQ/pool party to celebrate. When the ring arrived on June 10, he decided he just couldn’t wait that long. We were getting together with both our parents for dining under the stars in Media on June 13th and Allen decided this would be the perfect opportunity. Allen let my sister, Molly, know that he was going to propose before leaving for dinner. Typical Molly, she was late arriving home. Allen was starting to panic. He said he put the ring in about 5 different “secret places.” I was getting frustrated that Molly wasn’t home yet and we were going to be late for dinner. I decided to run over to the cottage (a small tenant house on my parent’s property where Allen and I were temporarily living) for a glass of wine to calm my nerves. When I arrived back over at my parents, with two drinks in hand, Allen suggested we go down and take a picture while we wait. I turned around and walked back down the spiral staircase to the outside patio. Putting the drinks down, I turned back around to face Allen and to my surprise, he was on his knee! My parents were able to capture the moment. While I went over to get the wine, Allen let my dad in on the secret, as he could not wait any longer for Molly to get home. We did still have the engagement party on June 30 and celebrated with our friends. It was special to be able to go back into school for the last day and share my engagement with my students. I will remember June 13th, a random Wednesday, forever.

Where did you go to Honeymoon?

Allen and I went to Costa Rica.

 

Details.

MWL Design:

Willow

Venue:

Anthony Wayne House in Paoli, PA

MUA:

Beke Beau

Flowers:

Ilonka Floral Decorator (Ilonka and Keeley Comstock)

Bridesmaids:

BHLDN and Show Me Your MuMu

Rings/Jewelery:

Bride’s ring was bought from Trabert Goldsmiths in California. Description of bride’s ring: solitaire, simple, elegant. Thin band with solitaire diamond. Earrings – Ti Adoro from Lovely Bride in Philadelphia. Necklace was a gift from Allen from last Christmas. Groom’s ring designer: Benari Jewelers in Exton, Pa. Description of groom’s ring: simple gold band.

Suits:

Joseph A. Banks

Shoes:

Badgley Mischka from BHLDN

Photography:

Tinstar Moments (Sarah Hillen)

Your MWL stockist:

Lovely Bride Philadelphia