Olivia and Greg Posey decorated minimally and let the elegance of the Wilmington venue shine.

By Emma Way
Photography by DOLA Photography

Occupations:

Olivia is a consultant in the healthcare industry and Greg works in anti-fraud analysis in Philadelphia.

Wedding date:

Sept. 30, 2017

Number of attendees:

150

How they met:

Greg and Olivia were at the halfway point in their college careers at the University of Delaware when they met at a barbecue. A mutual friend invited them to their house in Wilmington before their junior year on Memorial Day weekend seven years ago. In those years spent together, the pair has learned a lot, mainly to always have fun together and trust each other. “Just don’t take anything too seriously,” Olivia says.

The engagement:

In order keep the proposal a surprise, Greg planned to pop the question while they were out for his birthday dinner at the end of June 2016. It wouldn’t be suspicious that way, he reasoned. He was right—Olivia didn’t see it coming, so much so that she insisted on paying for dinner. After dinner, they walked to Spruce Street Harbor Park in Philadelphia, which overlooks the Delaware River. In front of a fountain in the park, Greg got down on one knee. “He was holding onto me for dear life like I was going to run away,” Olivia says, laughing. “I basically had to say yes, whether I wanted to or not.” They now live in an apartment that overlooks the river, a reminder of that special day.

The planning process:

Nature was the main piece of decoration at Greg and Olivia’s wedding. Greens, whites, and a deep red were present from the bouquets to the invitations, giving the day an elegant, yet relaxed feel. Neither Greg nor Olivia are from Delaware so they originally didn’t consider it when they began searching for a venue. Their search initially began in Philadelphia and in New Jersey. Olivia wanted an outdoor wedding where the landscape could speak for itself with minimal decorations. “I wanted the venue to bring out the different colors of fall and greenery,” she says. After a friend recommended Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the couple knew it was the right place.

The dress:

Brides often spend hours pouring over bridal magazines and watching reruns of “Say Yes to the Dress.” Olivia took that one step further and went to Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City for the full wedding dress shopping experience. “I knew that I wanted something with lace because I love lace,” she says. “I also wanted something that was unique, that wasn’t the same gown you see on everybody.” Maybe most importantly, though, she wanted the dress to feel comfortable and be breathable for a night of dancing. She said yes to a Maggie Sottero gown with a plunging, illusion neckline, fitted bodice and a long train and veil, both elegant and sexy, she says.

Some special touches:

“It was the people that made it special and unique,” Olivia says. They wanted to make sure their day was relaxed so all their guests could share in their excitement. Even with a minimalistic approach to decor, the couple added personal touches throughout, including lots of pictures and renting a photobooth.

Favorite details:

Instead of traditional party favors, the couple opted to make a donation. On each table, they left a note for guests telling them more about the donation they’d be making in lieu of favors to the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation, a local charity that creates “fun zones” in hospitals for children battling cancer or other illnesses. This meant a lot to Olivia as she spent a lot of time in hospitals as a child.

Piece of advice:

Olivia and Greg were engaged for 15 months before their wedding day, and they encourage other couples to also take their time and enjoy the engagement. “There’s no rush,” Greg says. The couple also learned along the way that in the end, it was their wedding day and no one else’s. So many others want to help, but sometimes you can’t listen to all the “noise” and just plan the wedding however you want.

Details

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: Winterthur

BEAUTY: Cheekadee Makeup Artists

CATERER: “We didn’t really get to eat, but
we heard [the food] was great,” Olivia says. Catering by Restaurant Associates

CAKE: The Master’s Baker

TUEXEDOS: Men’s Wearhouse

FLOWERS: Beautiful Blooms Events

INVITATIONS: Britt Larson

MUSIC: Jump Street Band

FIRST DANCE: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE: Olivia’s dad picked “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart

MOTHER/SON DANCE: “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole