When Danielle and Kenneth first met in 2009 at a birthday party, they were full of young love and infatuation.
Danielle recalls, “The attraction was instant and mesmerizing. We were 21 and 22 years old.” They did not have much money for dates, so they took advantage of free attractions and Philadelphia tourist sites, such as taking romantic walks on the waterfront and having picnics in the park. But it is easy to be in love during the infatuation stage. The real testament is that Danielle and Kenneth were able to keep their love strong for 10 years.
In April 2018, Kenneth proposed during a surprise birthday he threw for Danielle. A year later, they married celebrating 10 years of love and friendship and a new lifelong commitment to create more memorable moments.
Their wedding theme was “Luxurious, Modern Romance” with a spring-inspired color scheme of pink, rose gold, and champagne. Their nuptials started with a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the center of Philadelphia. Tears welled up in their eyes as they delivered heartfelt vows to each other. During their gorgeous indoor reception, they made sure to rep their love for their hometown. One of the groom’s favorite foods is Philly cheesesteaks and the bride really loves funnel cake. So, they included mini cheesesteaks and funnel cake fries in martini glasses. Yum!
See all of the fabulous details below.
- Couple: Danielle & Kenneth McDuffie
- Wedding Date: Aug 30, 2019
- Wedding Location: Philadelphia, PA, US
How did you meet?
We met in February of 2009 at a friend’s birthday party. The attraction was instant and mesmerizing. We were 21 and 22 years old. We started our relationship by taking many of our dates downtown in Center City Philadelphia enjoying free attractions and Philadelphia tourist sites. This is where the love for the city in the summertime began. Some of our favorite outings included walking near the Philadelphia Waterfront, taking picnics next to the Schuylkill River Drive, and enjoying the city nightlife at Love Park. We ate Cheesesteaks, water ice, and funnel cake. From this love, we dated 10 years and had a beautiful daughter!
Tell us about the proposal.
Kenneth attempted to pop the question several times before April of 2018 but the plans always became foiled. In April 2018, Kenneth threw a surprise birthday party for me and finally asked the big question. I said “yes”, and the rest is history.
Tell us about your wedding!
The inspiration behind our wedding day was the beauty that exists in The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia PA, in the summer. Downtown Philadelphia is home to many beautiful Victorian gardens and buildings which we frequent during summer months. We fell in love in the city, so it was only fitting to have a beautiful Philadelphia wedding. The theme was Luxurious, Modern & Romantic with colors of pink, rose gold, and pink champagne. During our ceremony, we incorporated, the African American tradition of a “Jumping Broom” to honor our ancestors. Because long ago slaves were unable to legally marry. So, to appreciate our future we honored the past.
Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception?
The ceremony space was an outdoor enclosed patio with high green shrubs and trees. Complete with an alter against a brick wall and outdoor chandeliers. The ceremony included white pillars of various heights topped with large flower arrangements in front of the brick wall, to create a sort of vignette. The reception was indoors at dusk. It was candle lit with rose colored ambient lighting. The table clothes were pink champagne and decorated with fresh flower arrangements. There were high and low table decorations, and long stem glass floating candle votives, surrounded by rose petals. To tie all the love together, there was an Ice sculpture replica of the “Philadelphia LOVE sculpture” which is currently standing at “Love Park.”
What were the florals like in your wedding?
There were large fresh flower arrangements in blush, pink, and cream as well as low arrangements in the same colors. The bride’s favorite flower was the rose, which was incorporated everywhere, as well as cream hydrangeas. The bridesmaids held cream rose bouquets to offset their pink dresses and the bride held a larger version of a blush and cream rose bouquet. The flowers played a large role in creating and bringing a romantic effect.
Did you personalize the day in any way?
The day was very personal and subtle hints of personalization were all throughout. One of the funniest and most favorite parts of the day was when I and the groom did a rock paper scissors to see who recited their vows first. One of the groom’s favorite foods are Philly cheesesteaks and the bride really loves funnel cake. So, the night included mini cheesesteaks and funnel cake fries in martini glasses. Yum!
How did you both choose your wedding day look?
The bride wore an Eve of Milady boutique gown. The style was Fit and Flare with a sheer bodice and thin straps. There was all over hand-beaded lace, a low back with roses adorning the low back, chapel train with horsehair in the color blush. The shoes were Badgley & Mischka closed-toe blush ankle-strapped heels. Adorned with glass and Swarovski crystals hand beaded with flower detail. The groom wore a custom-made pearl shimmer paisley tuxedo jacket with black satin lapels, buttons, and detail. For pants, he wore black tuxedo pants with black satin stripes. For shoes, he wore velvet loafers with gold detail.
What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
The most anticipated moment of the day was our first dance. Kenneth and I were super nervous because we are very low-key people and do not enjoy the spotlight. But when we kissed while slow dancing to Usher’s “Here I Stand” rose petals fell from the ceiling and it was super magical.
Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
For planning advice, I would say, if you can afford it, hire someone if you are not a planner or seek advice from someone who is used to planning. There are a lot of small details that you will not realize if you are not used to planning an event. And to save yourself a headache or stress on your wedding day, just hire help or assign a friend or relative for one specific task, because it makes the day smoother. At my wedding, we did not hire help like a planner, but my photographer had a photo schedule that kept us on time, so it made my day way easier. And as far as marriage advice, the day is about the two of you and no one else. So, do what makes you two happy!
Vendors
- Photography: Janelle Jaqueline Photography
- Ceremony Venue & Caterer: Cescaphe Event Group
- Floral Designer: Beautiful Blooms Events
- Makeup Artist: Erica Nikole Beauty Bar
- Bridal Salon: L&H Bridal
- Hair Stylist: N Beauty Inc.
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