Check Out the Balloon and Fringe Installation in This Colorful, Tropical Desert-Themed Wedding

Erwin Carrasquilla and Matty Guiliano accented their Richmond Hall wedding with a psychedelic tropical desert theme. Photography by Audrey Amaro Photography

Why not bring a bit of whimsy, color and creativity to your wedding? Take a cue from this couple. They, along with event designer and florist Jackie Burke of Papertini, transformed Richmond Hall into a psychedelic tropical desertscape that felt like their own personal playground — there was a bold balloon installation, toy dinosaurs, cactus sculptures and plenty more fun touches, and we can’t get enough. And we’re guessing that you’ll feel the same after taking a look at their Big Day, all captured by Audrey Amaro Photography.

Kensington couple Erwin Carrasquilla and Matty Guiliano had their qualms about each other after meeting on a dating app in the spring of 2014. Erwin, a software engineer, thought Matty was a little blunt; Matty, a sculptor and designer, thought Erwin might be a bit young. But they couldn’t deny their attraction — Erwin to Matty’s smile and sense of humor, Matty to Erwin’s kindness. Their first date (burgers and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1) turned into a four-year relationship that took its next step during a trip to Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. Matty proposed on a sunset hike. Both of their engagement rings were custom-made by Christine Bates Jewelry; watercolor patterns the two had painted were set inside.

Their wedding ceremony and reception, which took place two years later (that’s November 17th, 2019) at Richmond Hall, was a quirky homage to the site of their engagement. It boasted a psychedelic tropical desert theme, brought to vibrant life with decor by Jackie Burke of Papertini. A fringe and balloon installation, tinsel (in hues such as gold, metallic purple and more), toy dinosaurs and cactus sculptures (the work of Matty) partied next to blooms including protea, ginger flowers and anthurium; monstera and palm leaves; and iridescent metallic spray-painted plants. Matty also made the invitations. 

There were other spunky touches too. The duo wore custom colored designs by The Black Tux. Erwin’s favorite detail was the cocktails named after their two cats: The Panda Bear mixed bourbon, simple syrup, lemon and mint; the Uma Darlin’ was a blend of tequila, orange juice and grenadine. And Catering by Mario’s crafted a playful cake with red velvet and cream cheese icing.

The celebration was emblematic of the warm, fun-loving couple and the crowd (numbering 100) who loves them: The guests let out roaring cheers at the first kiss, recalls the pair, who later traveled to New Orleans for their honeymoon. Their first dance? “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand),” by Irma Thomas. And in case it wasn’t clear that Matty and Erwin were meant to be, their personalized vows both finished with the same line: “You’re my favorite person.”

THE DETAILS

Photographer: Audrey Amaro Photography | Venue: Richmond Hall | Florals & Event Design: Jackie Burke of Papertini | Catering & Cake: Catering by Mario’s | Tuxes: The Black Tux | Music: Philosofox the DJ | Paper Goods: Designed by Matty Guiliano; printed by Moo

Get more great content from Philadelphia Wedding:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | PINTEREST

Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Philadelphia Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.