Real Wedding: Shana + Marvin 9.10.11

Hey there! My name is Orien and I am a wedding coordinator with the Always Fabulous Events team. This is my first blog post! I am especially excited because I get to write about Shana and Marvin's wedding. We worked with them for 16 months prior to the event and I think I was as excited and as nervous as they were.

On a gorgeous Saturday in September, Shana and Marvin were married at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Paulsboro, NJ. Father Rene Canales presided over a bilingual mass that included "Jumping the Broom", the "Lazo", and the "Harras". Shana is African-American and Marvin is Nicaraguan. It was important to them to observe customs that celebrated both of their cultures.

The reception was held at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. After a lovely and lively cocktail hour, the guests moved into the beautiful River View room for dinner.  The bridal party was introduced and once the bride and groom entered the room, they shared their first dance to “Stay with You” by John Legend.  Emotions were high as the bride danced with her father and the groom danced with his mother. Toasts by the best man, father of the bride, and the groom were touching with dashes of humor to set a perfect mood for the rest of the reception. With a striking view of the sunset over Penn’s Landing, dinner was served.

Once dinner was over, the party began!

This is my favorite part of the wedding day. The couple can finally relax and enjoy the party and the family and friends can get to know each other. The DJ was awesome and he kept everyone on the dance floor for hours.  Just when the guests were ready to sit down to rest, a new song would come on and they would get right back up again. As the party continued, the couple danced, laughed and celebrated with their newly blended family and friends.

At the end of the evening, the bride and groom were spent but most importantly, they were happy. They, along with their families, and the AFE team, all worked together for close to two years to ensure the day was perfect. And it was.

We wish Mr. and Mrs. Garcia the best of luck, love, and happiness. It was our pleasure to share in their special day.

Many , many thanks to the wonderful professionals who helped to make the day complete! 


Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing (Emily Elling)
Florist: Papertini (Tanti and Mandy)
Photographer: Michelle LaBrake Photography
Cinematographer: Hulik Video Productions (Walt Hulik)
Entertainment: Silver Sound DJs (Jean Jacques and Kyle Jordan)
Transportation: Secrets Limousine (James Quinn)
Hair: Tah Skeeters (formerly of Chroma Hair Gallery)
Makeup: Blush + Brushes