By: Katy Hunt
We are thrilled to be back in action with another wedding spotlight! This month, we have the privilege of celebrating Jess and Jesse’s love story. These Mechanicsburg and Philadelphia natives, respectively, initially met in 2010 while participating in a speed dating game at the University of Pittsburgh. “We weren’t able to exchange numbers so I thought I would never see him again,” Jess explained. Luckily, the pair reunited when Jess was late to Biology class and just so happened to choose a seat next to Jesse. Could it be fate, coincidence perhaps? Or did Jess calculate her move accordingly and simply play it off as chance? Jesse seems to think the latter. “At the end of class, Jesse turned to me and said ‘This is awkward but I think we know each other,’” and then proceeded to invite her out that very same night. The rest is history – and the day after their twelfth anniversary, Jesse popped the question surrounded by candles, balloons, and close friends and family!
The Free Library of Philadelphia served as the perfect setting for Jess and Jesse to celebrate their love. A true Philly icon, the library showcases impressive Beaux Arts architecture as well as breathtaking views of the glittering cityscape. The lobby of this historic building boasts a soaring, ornate ceiling, marble floors, and dramatic pillars, which made it the ideal location for the ceremony. “We just fell in love with it! I was going for an elegant vibe!” Jess explained. Elegant, and impressive indeed, as the lobby was quickly transformed from ceremony to reception space while guests enjoyed cocktails above on the mezzanine.
Guests were fortunate enough to witness not one, but two ceremonies on Jess and Jesse’s big day, as the couple chose to perform a traditional Korean Paebaek ceremony surrounded by their family and friends. This Korean unification tradition is historically performed after the main wedding ceremony to symbolize the couple coming together into one family. Paebaek features traditions such as bowing, a tea ceremony, and even piggyback rides! Truly, “it was a memorable moment!”
The reception proved to be full of fun – and games, too! In addition to the Paebaek, one of Jess’s favorite moments from the day was during her and Jesse’s introduction, when the bridal party and the couple engaged in a lively game of Flip Cup. “Of course the girls won,” Jess exclaimed. After a quick change back into their main ceremony attire, the festivities continued with the couple trying out the TikTok photo challenge. The goal: to get a photo with every single table of guests before the song ends. The result: resounding success, lots of laughs, and memories to last a lifetime!
After such an enchanting and purely exciting day, we asked our couple what advice they would give to other couples planning their happily ever afters. “Our BIGGEST advice is hiring the Divas with the Details! They were able to help keep everything in check for our big day and made sure we had everything ready. They thought of things that we didn’t even think about. It was like having your best friend making sure you had everything ready for the big day, and helping you execute it.”
We are incredibly honored to have played a part in your love story, Jess and Jesse, and we wish you nothing but the best as that story continues!
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Hasier