Monthly Archives: May 2022

This is “The Love List” by our DeeJay Shelly & photographer Stephanie Nolt. Combined we have over 30 years experience in the wedding industry. We want to be the resource for our newly engaged couples! As experts in the industry, we thought we’d share our list of favorite WEDDING VENUES with you. Each Wednesday, we’ll feature one venue we love. If you visit one of our featured venues, please let them know we referred you!

This week’s review? PAFA! Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

What we love…

• Two unique buildings available for rental! The Historic Landmark building and the Samuel M.V. Hamilton building. 
• The History! It’s America’s first art museum and first art school!
• Your rental fee dollars help fulfill PAFA’s mission of educating tomorrow’s artists.

Check List!

Look & Feel:

Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building – Sophisticated, urban, loft

Historical Landmark Building – Stunning architecture 

Location: Center City Philadelphia

LGBT Friendly: Yes!

Outside Ceremony: There is outside space that is open and can be tented. However, I urge you to take a look inside the Historic Landmark building. You may decide the best ceremony option is inside!

Staff & Service: Very Friendly & Accommodating

First Impressions:

      Historic Landmark building: You just walked into the 1800’s and you arrived as royalty! 

      Samuel M.V. Hamilton building: Free flowing open space, modern, sophisticated, art gallery.

Parking: Ask you event planner for details.

Hotels Close By: Numerous premier hotels within walking distance.

Corporate Meeting Planners: Perfect for a corporate gala, or a VIP

cocktail party. 

Michelle Lee’s Summary:

Are you having trouble deciding between a modern sophisticated wedding, or the magical old world? Do you think finding a venue which could offer both is just a dream? It’s not. I’m about to pleasantly awaken you to PAFA. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has not one, but two unique buildings available for your big day!

One step inside the Historic Landmark building and you’ll feel like the stress of today’s world just disappeared. You’ve arrived to your royal castle. What is there to worry about? UH OH. I forgot. There is that one daunting task… where to take your wedding photos?! With all of the amazing photo opps, you’ll want to book your photographer the extra hour – or two! 

In The Samuel M.V. Hamilton building, you and your guests will love exploring unique art pieces, while sipping on delicious cocktails and dining on one-of-a-kind cuisine. The ceiling to floor windows overlooking North Broad street provide the perfect city backdrop, including a view of city hall.  

If a historic Philadelphia museum, with an unique mix of the old world and modern city life, seems perfect for your wedding, schedule your visit to Pafa today!

For more information, and to rent these unique venue spaces at PAFA, you can contact:

Kate Young
Venue Sales Manager 

Email: KYoung@pafa.org

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
office:215-972-1609 │ email:KYoung@pafa.org

For the photo gallery and rental capacities, you can visit their website: Pafa.org.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s Wedding Venue Wednesday Review! Thanks for reading! – Michelle Lee (aka DeeJay Shelly)

After performing as the DJ for Pafa’s Spring Mixer last year, I received this amazing review. Thanks Pafa!

– Michelle Lee (aka DeeJay Shelly).

“Words I use to describe DJ Shelly / Michelle Lee Entertainment; Stunning!  Fabulous! Professional! Amazing!.. just to name a few.  I was beyond ecstatic with the amount of accolades and positive feedback I received regarding DJ Shelly’s performance at my event. The music she selected fit the event perfectly. She knew how to best read the audience and keep the energy upbeat and professional. If you haven’t already booked DJ Shelly what in the world are you waiting for? Do you want your boss to compliment your successes? Do you want your guests to have an incredible event experience?  Then put Michelle Lee Entertainment on your speed dial now!”

– Don Blyler III, previous venue sales manager at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.