Alex Baptiste and Tom Plotkin met at work in 2010. Alex was working at a not-for-profit organization that shared a floor and a founder with the law firm where Tom was a paralegal. “We became good friends at work, and then became best friends. We started dating a little more than a year after we met and have been together ever since.”
In August 2016, Tom planned a day checking out some of the vineyards outside of Philadelphia, where they were living at the time. “After the first vineyard, Tom drove us to a nearby botanical garden where we walked the grounds and chatted and just enjoyed the beautiful day. When we got to the lily pond on the back of the property, Tom proposed. It was a perfect moment – just the two of us, no one else around – it was incredible.”
The couple had 130 guests in attendance at their outdoor September wedding ceremony, including five bridesmaids, one bridesman, and six groomsmen. Coming from different backgrounds (Alex was raised Presbyterian and Tom was raised Jewish) the couple knew they wanted something that would be respectful of their faiths but also reflected their personalities and relationship. “The officiant did a beautiful job of weaving small elements of our backgrounds with stories and observations about us as a couple. The ceremony was lighthearted and fun but also meaningful and respectful of the relationship we’ve built over the last seven years.”
The couple decided to play off of the beauty of the vineyard and kept their wedding decor simple and understated. “We wanted to accent the incredible backdrop of the vineyard rather than detract from it with over the top decorations so we kept it clean and classic with white linens, greenery, and touches of blush and gold.“ Alex incorporated the crown that her grandmother had worn on her wedding day into her bouquet. Tom carried on a tradition of the men in his family wearing red socks at their wedding.
‘The best part of the planning was the excitement, love, and support we received from our family and friends. Planning is not always a stress-free experience but knowing that so many people were so excited to celebrate with us was the best motivation to make the day the best we possibly could for us and our guests.”
Alex and Tom are both attorneys and currently reside in Washington, DC.
First dance: “You are the best thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Honeymoon: Belize
Advice to other couples: “Take it one task at a time and stay focused on the end goal, which is your marriage.”
Vendors:
Venue: Big Cork Vineyards**
Caterer: Eleven Courses Catering**
Photographer: Lucent Lux Photography
Coordinator: Occasions by M & K
Jewelry: Made by the father of the groom
Dessert: cake made by mother of the bride
Florals: Vintage Floral Design
Rentals: Grand Rental Events**
Hair & Makeup: Alison Harper & Company
Entertainment: DJ TKO Entertainment
Transportation: Metropolitan Shuttle
Officiant: Rev. Kirsten Westbrook
