When Malinda Colella of Cinnaminson and Mike DeCrescio of Philadelphia, both federal government employees, took a trip to Italy, she thought for sure Mike would propose. Then her birthday passed, and Christmas—still nothing. “I kind of put the idea out of my mind,” she says. But on a February 2007 trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Mike surprised Malinda by dropping to one knee in the sand and popping the question. “We were the only ones on the beach, the sun was setting, and he looked so handsome,” Malinda says.

For their October 3, 2008, ceremony, held at Malinda’s childhood church in Riverton, the bride wore a strapless ivory silk Judd Waddell gown with a platinum silk sash and detailed beading. “It was classic, yet had its own unique glamour,” she says. Her four bridesmaids wore silver silk Jim Hjelm dresses that featured detachable lower skirts, which they removed for the reception.

Malinda, 28, and Mike, 27, looked at several different reception locations before choosing the Empire ballroom at the Merion for its “big city, Art-Deco flair,” Malinda says. The bar had a vibe reminiscent of a speakeasy, and the room featured an ice replica of artist Robert Indiana’s “Love” sculpture in Philadelphia. The tables were adorned with tall vases, each hand-decorated by the couple with twenty gray and white flower appliqués and topped with puffs of white carnations.

Menu choices included chicken, filet mignon, and Chilean sea bass. The three-tiered red-velvet cake was covered in ivory fondant and featured a city skyline design. A cookie rendition of the couple replaced the traditional cake topper. Guests enjoyed complimentary shoe shines, a photo booth, and favors such as silver picture frames and glass coasters featuring the word “love.”

The only glitch during the wedding happened when Malinda came down with a virus shortly before the rehearsal, so she had to whisper her vows at the church. Her new husband, though, was there to help her enjoy their big day. The morning of the wedding, “Mike was so sweet,” she says. “He went out and got me every type of thing that he thought would make me feel better.”

For their honeymoon, Malinda and Mike embarked on a Mediterranean cruise, stopping at ports in Italy, Sicily, Greece, and Turkey. The couple is currently living in Philadelphia.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Faith West Photography, Philadelphia, 215-554-3907; faithwest.com