News
The South Philly destination is full of designers, jewelers, beauty experts and other businesses for the big day.
Kinfolk Brides airy boutique in the Bok Building / Photo by Ed Newton
With its new West Terrace event space and more maker businesses than ever before, the Bok Building in East Passyunk is a nine-story bazaar for your big day. Check out some of the best spots—and click here for more wedding planning help.
Best dressed
Two outstanding studios are known for their cutting-edge style. Related BrideMayana Carter offers goods from indie designers that are both sustainable and inclusive, like Bon Bridé’s elegant ensembles (think a three-piece suit with a jacket, vest and shorts) and Tara LaTour’s romantic silhouettes. You’ll also find The Law of the Bridea dreamy label from Philadelphia designer Megan Lawrence, which won the 2024 Best of Philly Award. Right next door to Kinfolk, her storefront, she designs and makes modern dresses and two-pieces that combine corsets, bandeaux and blouses with skirts, pants and even Bermuda shorts. (She launched Curve, her plus-size line, earlier this year.) Her mix-and-match approach to wedding attire is perfect for people who want multiple looks from the ceremony to the after-party. The Harriette mini dress paired with the puffy Bernadette skirt can be transformed from evening dress to party dress in the time it takes to say “I do.”
Rings by The Tiny Jeweler / Photo by Maricha Genovese
Rings and things
The building’s outstanding artisan community includes three women-owned jewelers that couples should consider when purchasing rings. Former Ralph Lauren designer Bev Beaulieu of Set of objects creates custom fine jewelry from ethically sourced stones, recycled gold and other precious metals, while Maricha Genovese of The little jeweler uses traditional metalsmithing techniques to create custom, floral-inspired bands set with stones. T. Kahres JewelryTeresa Kahres uses recycled metal and conflict-free stones for a collection full of dainty gold rings set with white, grey and even brown diamonds.
Cake by Second Daughter Baking Co. / Photo by Sharyn Louise
Table talk
Stop by Philly’s favorite cafe Mileage tableby owner Michael Lynch, for a relaxed brunch and to learn more about the full-service catering options, including detailed menu selections, event staffing and compostable eating utensils for eco-conscious duos. Next, head to your cake consultation (there is no storefront, so you will need an appointment) with Second subsidiary Baking Co.Semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker and winner of Best of Philly 2021. With a mix of unconventional frosting colors, signature cake flavor combinations, and real floral accents, owners and sisters Rhonda Saltzman and Mercedes Brooks have put a contemporary twist on traditional confections.
A bowl by Remark Glass / Photo by Amber Ruttenberg
Essential elements
Get ceremony and reception decor pieces and eclectic gifts at Note Glass. Owner Danielle Ruttenberg uses recycled glass to create memorabilia like vases and decanters, and specializes in broken glass used in Jewish ceremonies that can be melted down into new designs. And be sure to check out the Middle Eastern artisan collective Minimal chaosthe brainchild of owner Sarah Naji, for gifts like Turkish towels or pillows made from salvaged rug pieces. You can also rent rugs for unique aisle runners or cocktail lounge accents – to match Nicole Rossi’s artistic centerpieces, backdrops and bouquets Texture Flowers.
Beauty Buzz
Christopher Cieri’s clean beauty business, Franklin and Whitmanis known for its high-quality face and body products (all of which are great for pre-I do skincare or as gifts for your wedding party). Soon-to-be-weds can also work with the team to create a custom fragrance for their celebrations. Sabbatical beautyby Adeline Koh offers packages for special occasions and skincare parties. And Allison Shimamoto’s natural hair care brand, Haiama Beautyensures that your curls bounce as you walk down the aisle.
Neighborhood Timeline
Here’s when these wedding companies made their leases official.
2024
The law
2022
Related Bride
Haiama Beauty
2021
Minimal chaos
Second subsidiary Baking Co.
2019
Sabbatical beauty
2018
Set of objects
The little jeweler
T. Kahres Jewelry
Texture Flowers
2017
Franklin and Whitman
Mileage table
2016
Note Glass
Published as “Tour Guide: Bok Stars” in the Summer/Fall 2024 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
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