1. Real Weddings

Melody & David: A Vibrant Wedding in Philadelphia, PA

The theme for Melody and David's April wedding was balance, which they achieved that by pairing the Old World architecture of the club with fresh, mod

The theme for Melody and David's April wedding was balance, which they achieved that by pairing the Old World architecture of the club with fresh, modern colors like mango, raspberry, and lime green. THE BRIDE Melody Kellenberger, a 26-year-old designer THE GROOM David Appel, a 25-year-old pharmacy student THE DATE April 24 David knew he was in love with Melody all the way back when they were sophomores in high school. That love, however, was unrequited. In her yearbook I wrote: 'I am so happy our friendship has turned into this wonderful thing called love. Although it is only one-sided, someday we will look back at this with our kids and laugh,' remembers Dave. And after three years of pining for his true love, Dave finally got his chance to spend some quality time with Melody during a senior trip to Disney World. The two had their first date not long after, and spent the rest of the summer as a couple. Not even a long-distance relationship during their college years could keep them apart, and after seven years of dating Dave proposed.

Because the architecture of the Racquet Club of Philadelphia is so ornate, very little was needed in terms of decorating: Hundreds of candles gave the site a romantic glow, and the couple added fun bursts of color with wheat grass, tulips, and calla lilies.
Melody was resplendent in a custom-designed silk-satin and organza gown by Christos and an imported Belgian lace veil.
Melody's bouquet combined parrot tulips with calla lilies.
Guests sat in a circle around the ceremony site -- a chuppah cloaked in a hand-painted canopy that was inspired by a Mark Rothko work. Each of the four bamboo poles that held the canopy sat in a white planter filled with wheat grass and colorful tulips. Beneath the chuppah stood a modern table with their modern kiddush cup for the wine blessings.
In a nod to balance (their wedding theme), Melody and Dave had planned the reception to take place in various rooms throughout the club so that their guests could sit and eat, lounge and converse, or kick up their heels on the dance floor. We loved the idea of flexibility, and it worked out, says Melody.
Dinner was as colorful as the decor. After a spinach-salad course, guests dined on filet mignon or salmon with purple potatoes and haricots verts. Those who weren't ready to hit the dance floor could visit the dessert bar for wedding cake, gourmet truffles, cheesecake, and chocolate-dipped strawberries. An international coffee station rounded out the spread.