Vows with a View takes the idea of micro weddings sky high

In the age of COVID-19, weddings have — for obvious reasons — been shifting from large ordeals to smaller affairs. So, most hopeful romantics are looking for something extra special whether it be the venue, the cake, or the atmosphere overall… And nothing says “marry me” more than reciting your vows with a gorgeous view. Just ask Garces Events.

Garces and the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus recently announced their “Vows with a View” experience, which gives engaged couples and those looking to renew their vows an opportunity to enjoy a micro wedding or vow renewal at the Hamilton Rooftop Garden. The event kicks off Feb. 13th and will include two exclusive hours at the venue, which was voted Best of Weddings 2019 and Best of Weddings 2020 by The Knot.

“It is a pleasure to partner with Garces Events year-round to produce standing-ovation worthy weddings and receptions for couples and their guests; yet through Vows with a View, we present all the exhilaration of a wedding on our Kimmel Cultural Campus,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. in a statement.

The elopement package is a one-day-only event for up to 20 close friends and family members to toast the newlyweds with bubbles and bites from the award-winning Garces Events team while overlooking the Avenue of the Arts in Center City. The package leaves the details to the wedding experts at Garces. Vows with a View includes venue, views, officiant, photographer, florist, vows booklet and refreshments. 

“Now, more than ever, micro-weddings are exploding in popularity as a solution that is unforgettable, intimate and accessible. Couples can leave all the details and planning up to our talented team. We want the happy couple to focus on their special day and starting a new life together — and we’re here to make it as easy and stress-free as possible,” added Garces Events Regional Director Laura Fehrle in a statement. 

She’s right. Since the pandemic hit, most plans for nuptials were virtually canceled or moved. Although some have been able to still tie the knot, for the most part, the nature of weddings have changed. With vaccines, with surges and with uncertainty, micro-weddings have become the solution to many married-couples-to-be’s problems. 

To break down the process even more: The festivities will start in the Hamilton Garden, where the package will include a microphone, sound equipment, mahogany chiavari chairs with ivory cushions, and neutral ceremony decor by florist Devon and Pinkett, according to a release. The florist will also provide one petite floral bouquet and one white boutonniere per couple.

The ceremony will be officiated by a certified minister from Journeys of the Heart, who will also include a meeting prior to the event. Photographs will be taken and provided by Martin Reardon Photography, who will provide each couple with 50 digital high-resolution images following their special day. Vows with a View also will include a personalized vow booklet by Chick Invitations as a special keepsake from the day’s celebration. Following the ceremony in Hamilton Garden, the couple and guests head to the breath-taking balcony and lounge overlooking City Hall and Broad Street for lite bites and a champagne toast provided by Garces Events.

Bites from Garces include imported cheese with truffle lavender honey; roasted garlic dulce de leche; cherry fig preserves; date walnut cake; red grapes and baguettes; seasonal vegetable crudite with green goddess dressing; serrano ham wrapped figs with goat cheese and sherry reduction; Wagyu beef montadito with green chile, idiazabal cheese and romesco; marinated shrimp brochettes with garlic, lemon and parsley; bouchons topped with powdered sugar; and strawberry shortcake verrine with macerated strawberry and vanilla mousse.

The final touch will be photos on the Avenue of the Arts with City Hall in the background. 

This micro-wedding package actually started in 2019, before the words COVID and 19 were ever even put together. But the format has grown in popularity during the pandemic. 

“Vows with a View is a truly unique event for couples looking to elope that affords them the opportunity to celebrate their love with key elements that make a traditional wedding — mouth-watering food and stunning venue — without the long-term planning,” explained Chef Garces. “We’re eager to bring Garces Events’ award-winning cuisine to this year’s lucky couples for an unforgettable experience.”

Each package is $5,000, plus tax and administrative fee. For more information, visit kimmelculturalcampus.org, GarcesEvents.com, or call 267-284-7979.