When you get married, it’s easy to get caught up in all the details you could include in your day. Some people are taking a more laid back approach. Gillian and Bradie had their minimalist wedding at the BOK Building in South Philly. They took the wedding traditions they love and left the rest. The result was a moving, high-energy celebration where connection took center stage.
A Minimalist Wedding for Gillian and Bradie
I always ask my clients about their hopes and dreams for their wedding day. Here’s how Gillian and Bradie responded: “We want a non-wedding wedding. Major dinner party vibes – relaxed, fun, and warm. That full belly, tired smile, cup overflowing feeling. We are trying to do away with as many typical ‘wedding’ things as possible while still making things meaningful for us and our families.”
This vision definitely came to life at Gillian and Bradie’s minimalist wedding. They made a great combination of choices about wedding details, their venue, and the rituals to incorporate into their day. It created a balance of “non-wedding wedding” and meaningful moments.
As for wedding details, Gillian and Bradie kept it simple. Gillian found a colorful dress she loved second hand. They had very few flowers with the exception of boutonnieres and corsages for family and a few funky blooms on the cakes. At the reception, Irwin’s provided splashes of color with vibrant chairs and jewel-toned glassware. The minimalist wedding decor let the day’s emotions speak for themselves.
The BOK Building
The BOK Building was the perfect Philadelphia wedding venue for a minimalist wedding. It was originally built to be a vocational school in the 1930s. So many details from the school are still there, including the auditorium and basketball court. Bradie played a game with his friends before his first look with Gillian.
One of the great parts of the BOK Building is all the tall windows. The halls and classrooms let in a lot of natural light. You can even do portraits on the rooftop. There’s an amazing view of the Philadelphia skyline. Gillian and Bradie’s wedding day was so sunny and cloudless that you could see everything.
When a development firm bought the BOK Building in 2013, they embraced the spare look of the pre-existing interior. There are lots of interesting lines in the stairwells and auditoriums. Large blank walls leave breathing room for events like weddings to be as all-out or simple as they choose. It’s a surprisingly welcoming space and fit the atmosphere Gillian and Bradie wanted to create for their guests.
Would you like to learn more about having a wedding ceremony and reception at Irwin’s? Check out this blog post.
A Blend of Modern and Traditional Approaches
Bradie and Gillian have always been nontraditional in some ways. They did an elaborate mutual proposal. They designed their rings in advance then chose a thirty-day window during which they’d propose. Bradie booked a weekend trip to Annapolis and proposed during a very muddy run at the base of the Bay Bridge. Gillian had already planned a scavenger hunt. As soon as they got back from Annapolis, she sent Bradie around the house looking for clues.
Knowing this about them, their desire for a “non-wedding wedding” made a lot of sense! Some of their families’ traditions were important to them, though. They included a ketubah signing before their public ceremony. During the ceremony, they stood under a chuppah. The simple white cloth draped across the frame fit perfectly into their minimalist wedding aesthetic too.
The reception at Irwin’s was everything Gillian and Bradie wanted. The guests enjoyed an incredible dinner. As the sun sank lower, the drinks flowed and dancing started. Gillian and Bradie spent the evening laughing with friends and stealing away for quiet moments together. These photos really portray the lively, spontaneous energy that carried throughout the night.
Are you interested in having me photograph your wedding? I’m a Philadelphia photographer who documents weddings on film and Super 8. Inquire with me here!
Thank you to the vendors who contributed to Gillian and Bradie’s minimalist wedding:
Photographer: Jason Moody Photography
Planner: With Wisdom
Venue: Irwin’s at the BOK Building
DJ: The Other Wedding DJ
Cake: Second Daughter Baking Company
Makeup & Hair: Jessica Saint
Rings: Emily Chelsea Jewelry
