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Bride and groom kissing in front of Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia main entrance

Yi-Cai + Naum

A RITTENHOUSE ROMANCE

An unexpected meeting + happily ever after

These two met by chance in a Rittenhouse Square nightclub. They explain, “It was the classic story of boy meets girl, and the rest is history.” Since their dating years were spent eating their way across this city, attending concerts and baseball games, and walking from Old City to Center City, to Rittenhouse and back, they knew they wanted to get married here. Not only did many important relationship milestones happen in Philly, but they also felt the city’s history would prove the perfect backdrop for their wedding. The duo fell in love with Hotel Monaco, thanks to its breathtaking lobby, its “right combination of upscale and whimsy” and the delicious food served by Red Owl. Learning that the hotel would welcome their dogs—their self-proclaimed “children”—at no extra cost, truly sealed the deal.



Memorable Details

The day started early in the corner suite for the bride and bridal party, as Beautiful Brides Philly stopped by to do hair and makeup. The suite was large enough to accommodate everyone, including the couple’s adorable dogs. The groom and groomsmen readied themselves in another part of the hotel, before heading to the lobby for photos and drinks. The couple’s first look—“a really magical moment”—took place at Mist on the rooftop.

Bride with 3 dogs on hotel bed
Bridal wedding dress hanging on door
Bride pouting lips at cute dog

The day started early in the corner suite for the bride and bridal party, as Beautiful Brides Philly stopped by to do hair and makeup. The suite was large enough to accommodate everyone, including the couple’s adorable dogs. The groom and groomsmen readied themselves in another part of the hotel, before heading to the lobby for photos and drinks. The couple’s first look—“a really magical moment”—took place at Mist on the rooftop.

Groom in suit looking at himself in mirror
Bride in wedding dress
Bride and groom looking at one another

“Even a year later, we still have friends and family tell us how great our wedding was.”

Bride and groom on Broad Street in Philadelphia in front of City Hall building
Bride and groom embracing at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

The bride said that walking into the room felt like a dream, adding, “Seeing all our friends and family in one room for the first time brought me so much joy.

Bride and Groom on bed with multiple dogs
Bride at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia’s main entrance
Bride and Groom in front of historic Philadelphia building

The ceremony took place in the ballroom, which felt so intimate. (The curtains were left open so that Independence Hall was visible.) Then it was time for cocktail hour, where guests found no shortage of food and cocktails, including signature drinks named in honor of the dogs. Dinner was served, and then the dancing began. For the reception, the tables were set “perfectly.” The couple gushes, ”Desiree and the team set up our centerpieces and made it look amazing.”

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia ballroom set up
Bride looking up from the center of spiral staircase
Bride and groom on ballroom dance floor
Tiered wedding cake with candles on table
Bride and groom cutting cake together

The couple reports that Hotel Monaco made their wedding day an unforgettable one, and the stunning setting provided countless opportunities for cherished photos. The food, which was one of the most important aspects of the day, proved both delicious and plentiful. The couple’s dogs were able to be a part of the festivities, too, which was so important. Above all, the happy couple loved how the Monaco team truly cares about each event—going “above and beyond.”