A Class-Act in Modernity—These Grooms Hosted a Grand Wedding at The Filter Club in Philadelphia
Kevin Fletcher and Mark Switaj’s love story began at a birthday party, where they connected over a shared love for electronic dance music and healthcare. Kevin recalls the moment with a smile, “I thought I was so suave and asked Mark for his phone number to ‘have a chat about healthcare.’” This initial spark led to a deep relationship, with Mark reflecting, “Eleven years later, we’re still chatting healthcare.”
After the pandemic upended his original proposal plans, Mark made a thoughtful switch in the plot. He’d purchased a smart engagement watch for his beloved and selected what should have been the ultimate spot to conceal it: their box of Christmas decorations. “Who goes in the Christmas tree box outside of December?” laughs Mark. “But, a few weeks later, Kevin nearly spoiled a surprise as he was rummaging for lederhosen nestled near the holiday lights!” Mark switched the watch’s location and officially proposed on a faux work trip to Boston later that year. “Upon arriving at the hotel, Mark popped the question in a room filled with over 100 photos, candles and champagne!”
When it came to the essential details they wanted to include, the couple had something specific in their mind’s eye. “Kevin and Mark envisioned a city-chic wedding with exquisite style,” Donielle Warren, their esteemed wedding planner from Elegant Events Planning + Design, explains. Their desire was to intertwine the modern with the traditional, to create a transitional aesthetic that would leave their guests in awe.
The inspiration behind their special day was drawn from the rich tapestry of Philadelphia’s urban elegance, combined with their shared interests. “The chosen color palette for the celebration included navy, dusty blue, gray, white and gold,” Donielle says. This selection was not only visually striking but also symbolized the depth and purity of their love, the gold hues representing the preciousness of their bond.
When it came to fashion, Kevin and Mark’s choices were nothing short of impeccable. “The grooms were incredibly fashionable on their wedding day as they matched impeccably, from their formalwear to footwear, with black tuxedos by Favourbrook and Christian Louboutin shoes.” Their attire perfectly complemented the sophisticated theme of their wedding. After the church ceremony and a photo shoot in the city, they surprised their guests by changing into matching white suits for the reception, a sartorial nod to their journey’s new beginning.
On the day of the wedding, guests began to gather at the historic Saint Mark’s Church, a venue chosen for its picturesque charm and significance to the couple. “The traditional Saint Mark’s Church in Philadelphia served as the picturesque backdrop for the couple’s ceremony,” Donielle notes. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a custom fabric sign on a black stand, a welcoming gesture that set the tone for the day’s elegance.
The ceremony was a beautiful amalgamation of personal vows and traditional rituals. Kevin and Mark, framed by “two tall greenery arrangements, complemented by white floral centerpieces on clear stands and clear acrylic columns,” pledged their love and commitment to each other. The ambiance was further enhanced by the exquisite floral arrangements, which “featured white roses and spray roses, adorned with pillar candles at the base.”
Following the ceremony, guests moved to the iconic Fitler Club for the reception. Philadelphia’s premier urban social club was, of course, a fitting location for the grand celebration. The reception hall was a vision of elegance, with “an array of table designs, ranging from tall greenery centerpieces with pops of roses on clear Harlow stands to round guest tables adorned with low centerpieces in clear glass compote vases.” The decor of the space was a masterclass in simple sophistication accented with floating votives and geometric details.
“Glow bracelets kept the party going all night,” a fun and vibrant addition that reflected the couple’s playful side. A special highlight was the signature drink, “Sophie,” a concoction named after the couple’s late dog, an “iconic blend of peach, bourbon and mint garnish served in a rocks glass with the couple’s branded block ice cube.”
As the evening drew to a close, one last sign reading “More Party Upstairs,” invited guests to continue the celebration at the vivacious after-party, a testament to Kevin and Mark’s zest for life and love.