A West Philadelphia Block Party Wedding: Marina and Julia

Marina and Julia had the first block party wedding that Kyo has ever photographed. They invited about 250 of their friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate with them, first with a traditional Jewish ceremony on the front steps of a beautiful old row house, then with dancing, food, and games up and down the street, and ending as dusk fell with a homemade piñata.

The band was phenomenal. It was the West Philadelphia Orchestra, a balkan brass band that calls themselves “a sweaty dance explosion.” See for yourself in the pictures below — they are not exaggerating. Their unusual blend of East European folk melodies with jazz and even a splash of punk brought out the happy feet at Marina and Julia’s party. It didn’t just bring people to their feet, it brought them off their feet!

In many ways, this celebration had everything that might come to mind when you think “block party”: frisbee throwing; happy, screaming kids; sidewalk chalk; a big, colorful, bouncy house; bubbles; outdoor games; tents; food trays from local ethnic food joints Kabobeesh Grill and Fuh Wah; and plenty of kegs of beer.

But there were little details and moments that made this the ne plus ultra block party. Marina and Julia’s stylishness and the little gold dinosaurs peeking out from the greenery. The heartfelt toasts at the end of the evening. And all the tender moments between Marina and Julia and their guests.

The grand finale of the evening came when Marina and Julia and a parade of friends and family attempted to crush the piñata (a post-modern design made from paint samples). Somebody was a really good paper mache engineer — it was a lot harder than anybody expected! After young and old, male and female, big and small people had taken turns attacking it, it finally fell to the ground, but without dispensing any treats. Marina and her brother had to shake it out by hand. Lickety-split, the kids were on hand to forage for treasure.

As it turns out, a block party is an insanely awesome way to celebrate a wedding. We hope more people follow Marina and Julia’s example!