The Night Before

Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

Wedding Day

Thomas Jefferson Garden

Ceremony

Stratus Rooftop Bar @ Hotel Monaco

Cocktail Hour

Reception

After Party - TBD!!!!!!

The Day After

Our Wedding

Philadelphia was a no brainer when we talked about where we wanted to get married. Not only is it the City of Brotherly Love, but there is so much to do and holds some of our favorite places and memories. We are passionate about this section so bare with us! (Names are hyperlinked!)

Places to Eat

We will always recommend for everyone to check out the <a href="https://readingterminalmarket.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reading Terminal Market</a>! You can find EVERYTHING from coffee to dessert to cheesesteaks here! It's iconic!

Breakfast & Coffee

<a href="https://www.lacolombe.com/pages/cafes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Colombe Coffee Rosters</a> is everywhere and is based in Philly! You can't go wrong here! <a href="https://bagelsphilly.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Philly Bagels</a> (Multiple Locations) and <a href="https://schmearit.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Schmear</a> (Multiple Locations) <a href="https://www.harpersgardenphilly.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harper's Garden</a> (31 S 18th St.) has a delicious brunch and their ambiance is unmatched! <a href="https://www.greeneggscafe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Green Eggs Cafe</a> (Multiple Locations) - never fail spot for brunch. Cash only! <a href="https://www.sabrinascafe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sabrina's Cafe</a> (Multiple Locations) - another great brunch spot!

Cheesesteaks

We won't judge you if you get Geno's or Pat's, but we won't not judge you if you get Geno's or Pat's. Here are some other choices. :-)<a href="https://www.eatishkabibbles.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ishkabibble's</a> try saying this 5 times fast. They have 2 locations, a GREAT choice and in a convenient locations. Less touristy than Jim's but just as good. (Open until 12AM on weekends!)<a href="https://jimssouthstreet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jim's</a> ok... honestly safest spot. If you are ordering on Doordash, order from here. They are consistently great. (Open until 2AM on weekends!)<a href="https://johnsroastpork.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">John's Roast Pork</a> do NOT laugh at the appearance of this spot. You roll up thinking, how is this place one of the best? You just wait. It is a little bit out of the way though.<a href="https://dalessandros.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dalessandro's</a> unfortunately, Allison's favorite is outside of the city (I know). If you happen to be southwest of the city, this is an iconic cheesesteak spot. But any of the spots above are just as good to get!<a href="https://angelosphl.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Angelo's</a> Allison and Brian have not dabbled but Steff says it is a MUST try if you are in South Philly. The bread is crispy and soft and perfect ratio to meat and cheese. It has the right amount of grease without feeling too wet. Note: they close at 7PM!

Lunch and Dinner

<a href="https://parc-restaurant.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parc</a> if there is anywhere you NEED to go to, it is Parc. They have incredible dirty martinis and the most hearty breadbasket. Their French Onion soup is world renown (unverified) and a comfort spot for the bride. It is also located in the famous Rittenhouse Square area. <a href="https://www.doubleknotphilly.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Double Knot</a> is Brian and Allison's favorite sushi spot. It's a dark and moody spot and just... DELISH! <a href="https://elvezrestaurant.com/?utm_source=GoogleBusinessProfile&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=MapLabs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">El Vez</a> is our choice for Mexican. Their taco flight is so fun and you get to choose all sorts of flavors! Be careful of the margarita pitchers... <a href="https://continentalmidtown.com/?utm_source=GoogleBusinessProfiles&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=MapLabs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Continental</a> ... another impeccable spot for a martini. More American classic menu and you kind of feel like you are in an Austin Powers movie. Their burger is TO DIE for. <a href="https://buddakan.com/#menu-section" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buddakan </a>Asian-fusion with a huge Buddha presence in the room. So delicious and make sure you book a reservation in advance! <a href="https://www.giorgio-on-pine.com/menu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giorgio on Pine </a>another Philly staple for Brian and Allison. BYO, so many memories here. Save a table in advance for the best italian food ever. If you are lucky Giorgio will be working the host stand himself. <a href="http://budandmarilyns.com/Menus/DINNER%2010.10.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bud &amp; Marilyn's</a> perfect spot if you are looking for comfort food! GET THE FRIED CHICKEN! <a href="https://talulasgarden.com/?utm_source=Google%20My%20Business&amp;utm_medium=Website%20Button" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Talula's Garden</a> another staple Old City spot known for their farm to table! Classic American menu!

Bars / Drinks

<a href="mcgillins.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">McGillans</a> need I say more? The most pub you can get in Philly. An iconic spot. <a href="https://www.morganspier.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Morgan's Pier</a> right under the Benjamin Franklin bridge, fun and great spot to grab drinks and food! <a href="https://www.drinkersrittenhouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Drinker's Pub</a> cheap beers, fun dive bar! <a href="https://philadelphia.victorybeer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Victory Beer</a> a Philly based beer brewer, great food and ambiance! Gets very crowded on game days! <a href="https://www.assemblyrooftop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Assembly Rooftop Bar</a> upscale cocktail bar, great views of the parkway and the city! <a href="https://www.oldcitybeergarden.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Old City Beer Garden</a> fun outdoors area and right around the wedding sites! <a href="http://www.paddyspuboldcity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paddy's</a> another Old City staple, divey Irish pub! <a href="https://www.bobandbarbaras.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bob and Barb's </a>the infamous spot for $2 PBR's! Live music on weekends and great place to close out your night.

The Philly Taste

Weekend Events

Travel to and From Venue

Our venue is at the same location of our hotel block. The ceremony will be at a garden across the street. Please see the map below!

Room Blocks - Hotel Monaco Kimpton

<a href="https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=asearch&amp;brandCode=KI&amp;localeCode=en&amp;regionCode=1&amp;hotelCode=PHLPM&amp;checkInDate=10&amp;checkInMonthYear=052027&amp;checkOutDate=12&amp;checkOutMonthYear=052027&amp;rateCode=6CBARC&amp;_PMID=99801505&amp;GPC=LK4&amp;cn=no&amp;adjustMonth=false&amp;showApp=true&amp;monthIndex=00" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotel Monaco Kimpton Link</a>GROUP CODE: LK5The booking link will be active until the block has filled or the block cut-off date (5/11/2027) has expired.Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-Kimpton. Reference Group Code LK5.

AirBnb & Vrbo

We also highly recommend a short-term rental for large groups! Philadelphia has plenty of great affordable options.

Getting into Philadelphia

We recommend the following methods of transportation for our out-of-town loved ones:- Fly into PHL International Airport-Amtrak into William H. Gray III 30th St. StationUbers and Lyft's are very popular and heavily used in Philadelphia.

Travel

All photos were lovingly taken and edited by Allison's brother, Andrew :)

Photos

Like any great love story, ours starts with a bit of uncertainty. We're not exactly sure when we first met, but it was sometime between 2015 and 2016 at the University of Delaware. We ran in the same friend circles, and that's where our friendship first began.Life eventually took us in different directions. Allison was busy chasing her career in Operations, which led her to Philadelphia, and we lost touch for a few years. Then, Brian happened to be visiting friends in Philadelphia and worked up the courage to send Allison a text asking if she'd like to grab $2 PBRs and tacos. (Fun fact: Brian also had his first-ever margarita—a red flag that thankfully didn't last long!)Over the next four years, we made long distance work as Allison's career took her from Philadelphia to Connecticut, before we finally closed the distance and moved in together in 2024. After countless miles on the road and air, we were thrilled to trade weekend drives for everyday life together to spending our time exploring Boston and making new memories.In March, Brian convinced Allison to go out for tacos after she HARD turned down the Aquarium. Instead, he surprised her with a proposal at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park in Boston. We celebrated the only way that felt right: tequila shots followed by dinner at our favorite North End restaurant.And the rest, as they say, is history. We can't wait to celebrate the next chapter of our story with all of our favorite people. Thank you for being part of it!

From Blue Hens to 'I Do'

Our Story

When should I RSVP by?Our wedding invites will be sent out early 2027! RSVP details will be on there.What is the dress code?Our dress code is Summer Formal. We can't wait to see everyone dressed up and ready to celebrate! We have also added a section of the website dedicated to Dress Code.Will the ceremony and reception be indoors or outdoors?Our ceremony and happy hour will take place outdoors and reception will take place indoors!Are plus-ones invited?Due to venue capacity, we are only able to accommodate the guests listed on your invitation!Are children invited?While we love your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only celebration. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating with you!Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies?Absolutely! Please include any dietary restrictions or food allergies when you RSVP so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.Where should I stay?We recommend staying at an AirBnb or Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, where we have reserved a room block for our guestsPlease book by May 11, 2027 to receive the group rate, subject to availability. Additional details can be found on our Travel page!Is parking available at the venue?Yes! Valet parking is available at Hotel Monaco. Are there things to do nearby?A huge part of why we picked a downtown wedding is that we'd love for you to make a weekend out of it! Check out "The Philly Taste" or "Click if Nerd" for some of our favorite local restaurants, bars, and historic things to do while you're in town.

Q + A

Registry

We invite you to dress to impress! Summer-friendly fabrics and seasonal colors are encouraged! Feel free to embrace the season with soft pastels, vibrant summer hues, floral prints, or classic neutrals. We encourage you to have fun with color while keeping things elevated and wedding-ready. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Dress Code

Welcome to Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence!For those who prefer their sightseeing with a side of Revolutionary history, we've put together a little itinerary of historic sites worth exploring while you're in town for our wedding. Consider this your official permission to nerd out.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehall.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Independence Hall</a> Address: 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106Hours: Generally open daily, 9 AM–5 PM. Morning open-house access is available without tickets, requires tickets later in day.The birthplace of American independence! This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and the Constitution was debated in 1787.<a href="https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/hours.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Liberty Bell Center</a>Address: 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106Hours: Daily, 9 AM–5 PM. Free admission!See the famous cracked bell!<a href="https://www.amrevmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Museum of the American Revolution</a>Address: 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106Hours: Daily, 10 AM–5 PM. Admission fee applies.Museum has artifacts, exhibits and a ton of you guessed it, HISTORY!<a href="https://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Betsy Ross House</a>Address: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106Hours: Daily, 10 AM–5 PM. Admission fee applies.Visit the home associated with the traditional story of Betsy Ross and the first American flag!<a href="https://www.elfrethsalley.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elfreth's Alley</a>Address: 124–126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106Hours: The historic street is open to walk through at any time! Take a stroll down one of America's oldest continuously inhabited residential streets, lined with charming historic homes. It's a great spot for photos and a glimpse into colonial Philadelphia!<a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/museum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Constitution Center</a>Address: 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM. Admission fee applies.

Allison & Brian

Allison & Brian

Travel

Travel to and From Venue

Room Blocks - Hotel Monaco Kimpton

AirBnb & Vrbo

Getting into Philadelphia