ABC Member Planner: Lynda Barness, ABC™, I DO Wedding Consulting, Philadelphia, 215.262.8188, lynda@idoplan.com, www.idoplan.com Non-member business involved: Spencer House (venue, catering, desserts); Micaela Scimone Photography, Quintessentially TV (videography); John Carter Flowers; Strong Sensation Band; inGenius Productions Ltd. (chuppah structure); Peppers Marquees; Focus Lighting and Productions Ltd.; Mount Street Printers; Peggy Porschen Cakes Ltd. 
The Couple: The bride is American and the groom is from London. They met in London and had known each other for almost three years, when they decided to wed. They were married seven weeks after the groom’s formal proposal. The venue and date were chosen immediately, and the planning began. The couple knew they wanted a very small, intimate, and formal English wedding. Inspiration: The venue was a source of inspiration. Spencer House is an 18th century private palace built for the first Earl Spencer, which features a stunning collection of 18th century paintings and furniture. The overall theme was traditional natural English, with soft flowing lines. Color Palette: The overall colors and flowers used included purples, blackberries, soft grey herbs, snowberry, purple anemones, and soft green hydrangea with soft grey silver foliages. Guest Count: 72. Most Unique Elements: The wedding celebration encompassed many rooms, so guests were treated to a tour of the mansion—arriving in the entrance hall to the sounds of a violinist; walking to the ante room and library for canapés and cocktails; heading to the dining room for the ceremony; then, up the main staircase through the music room and Lady Spencer’s room to the great room for dinner. After, guests went downstairs to the palm room for a dessert buffet and then out to the terrace for dancing, since it is not permitted in the mansion. Plus, the wedding was a wonderful mix of English and American traditions—the couple walked down the aisle to a Marvin Gaye song and had an American-style dessert buffet, but they also had English touches such as a toastmaster and a formal dinner prior to dancing. Biggest challenge: Planning a wedding in 
seven weeks—from the time of engagement to 
the wedding. 
Hindsight: I will urge couples to trust their “guts” more and stop shopping after they find a particular wedding professional they click with and who is within their budget.