You could almost hear the Vespa wheels and smell the lemon blossoms drifting on the breeze—except this wasn’t Tuscany, it was the patio at Osteria on a golden June afternoon. You could say Carolyn and Tim’s story begins, and begins again, in the heart of Philadelphia. What better place to host the East’s intimate summer wedding day than this beautiful gathering place less than a mile from where they first met? Check out the details of their gorgeous, intimate wedding at Osteria and get inspired for your own Philly wedding photos!

An Italian Love Story In the Heart of Philly

The first reaction people have when they hear Carolyn and Tim’s love story is “they’re just totally meant to be.” These college sweethearts have a storybook “timing is everything” twist. Here’s the backstory:

Carolyn and Tim met at a party in September 2014 at Temple University. Carolyn swooned. Tim swooned back. They exchanged numbers, but their paths quickly diverged once Tim graduated and Carolyn was looking ahead to four more years of college. Those four years flew by, and, like clockwork, their paths crossed again at Oktoberfest on South Street in Philadelphia. Tim & Carolyn instantly connected as they did that first night. But this time, the timing and stars aligned. They shared plenty of margs and nachos on their first date at Jose Pistolas, moved in together in Philadelphia, and realized that timing truly is everything!

Hosting a Philly Restaurant Wedding at Osteria

A normal Friday night at Osteria is full of bustling wait staff, happy chatter, clinking glasses, and the delicious smell of gourmet Italian fare wafting through the patio doors. This summer Friday looked much the same—except this time, imagine an authentic Italian family dinner with 80 of your closest family and friends, and the entire restaurant reserved just for you.

If you’re searching for wedding venues, ceremony, or reception locations nearby in the heart of Philadelphia, Osteria is such a unique option to consider. Of all the places to have a wedding in Center City Philadelphia, a gourmet restaurant like Osteria offers impeccable service, a thoughtfully designed space, and an atypical setting that sets your Philly wedding photos apart from the rest.

Summer Wedding Florals, Design, and Theme

The East’s Philly restaurant wedding at Osteria was inspired by soft summer pastels, perfect timing, multi-generational family bonds, and, of course, Italian food. Their vision? an Italian garden party, al fresco, romantic and relaxed—right in Philadelphia.

Some of my favorite details of their day:

• Carolyn’s wedding gown from Louvienne via Lovely Bride Philly
• Tim’s tailored and modern look from Indochino
• Pastel summer wedding flowers by Red Seeds Floral: lush, natural, and Italian-inspired
• Gorgeous custom stationery designed by Julia Kay (my designer’s heart squealed when I saw this colorful invitation suite!)
• Carolyn’s reception dress—so fun, unexpected, and adorable!
• The chic, monochrome white bow cake from Whipped Bakeshop

The East’s also had the most creative seating chart concept, incorporating compass place cards as a nod to their last name.

Wedding Ceremony Space at Osteria in Philadelphia

A wedding at Osteria gives you the convenience of an indoor venue with all the charm and color offered by an outdoor venue in center city Philly. And even the location right off a main road doesn’t interfere with the ambience. Magically, Osteria’s outdoor pergola creates a private barrier and a charming ceremony backdrop all in one.

Some of my favorite design details of Osteria’s patio space include:

• Market lights glowing overhead
• Texture and greenery offered by hanging plants
• Floor-to-ceiling glass enclosure
• Glass ceiling to maximize the light
• Cafe tables and chairs that transport you to Europe

Wedding Photography In Philadelphia

As always, I have to sneak some iconic Philadelphia City Hall wedding photos into your gallery. You don’t have to have a city hall wedding ceremony to capture these beautiful urban wedding pictures—I’ll always stop for the perfect shot!

The East’s wedding at Osteria Philly was a dreamy, delicious detour from the ordinary. The intimacy of a restaurant wedding allows for personalized service, exquisite food, and that perfectly imperfect magic of a lived-in space. Shoutout to Osteria’s incredible team and how they helped this day flow seamlessly!

Osteria Wedding Philly Vendor Team

• Venue: @osteriaphilly, @osteriaphillyweddings
• Photographer: @lindseyfordphoto
• Florist: @redseedsfloral
• Makeup: @glambyjennad
• Hair: @Jamiewiththegoodhair
• Stationery: @juliakaydesign
• Bridal shop: @lovelybridephilly
• Gown designer: @louvienne
• Groom Suiting: @indochino
• DJ: @smootheventgroup
• Cake: @whippedbakeshop

Booking Your Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

If you want a venue that looks, feels, and photographs like a dream, Osteria Philly might be your answer. I would be honored to capture elegant, ethereal, and deeply romantic photos of your love story here!

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Lindsey Ford is a Pennsylvania and Delaware wedding photographer capturing weddings all over the East Coast, including Philadelphia, PA, and is ready to help document your special moments. If you’re ready to book your Philly area wedding photography, inquire here to reserve your wedding date!

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