The vivid blend of history, diversity and modernity is what makes Philadelphia one of the most creative and unique cities in the world. The strong historical prevalence in each neighborhood, paired with the cutting-edge level of urban sophistication continues to make the City of Brotherly Love a fashionable wedding destination with ever-growing popularity.
Many local businesses were built on roots that have been growing there for generations. Robertson’s Flowers & Events, still family-owned and operated in the heart of Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill area, is in its 96th year of setting the standard of excellence in their industry.
With a diverse team of talented designers, a private greenhouse, and world-class service, Robertson’s remains the go-to provider of unique floral and plant designs for all occasions, holiday decor services, and plant rentals to residents and businesses in the greater Philadelphia area. Not surprisingly, they’re also one of the most celebrated florists at the Philadelphia International Flower Show, winning numerous “Best in Show” awards throughout their 45+ years of participating.
Although the team values the global diversity and talent that sets them apart, the level of customer service is equally important. “During my 20-year tenure at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Robertson’s was one of my preferred florists,” Camille Focarino, Director of Corporate Events & Client Relations told us. “They have always been competent in design and installation. My experience as an event planner enables me to be ‘client oriented’ and be understanding of the priorities that each client has. I truly believe that it is as important for a client to enjoy the design and planning process as well as the final floral product.“
To showcase the versatility that each installation can bring in the same event space, we teamed up with Robertson’s Flowers & Events, Photographer Afrik Armando, Casa Papel, and Eventions Productions to create several new looks at Fitler Club. Designed to be a diverse, members-only lifestyle club, Fitler brings a modern touch to previous generations of social clubs, allowing members to work, stay and play all under one roof.
Along with a 14-room boutique hotel overlooking the Schuylkill River, members enjoy 34,000 square feet of shared working space with private offices, bars, restaurants, a fitness center and spa, a movie theater, plenty of art to admire, and several event spaces including bowling and arcade games.
“What is unique about the Fitler club is that it is contemporary, both in its architecture and the materials that they used to design each space. I like that you can see that you are in the City, and I love seeing the different views of the river or the skyline.
My style is very contemporary and streamlined, so when I go to the Fitler Club, I am inspired by the sleek lines and finishes used within the space. The art collection is also very inspirational as you wander through the building. Around each corner, you discover something very different from the next, from the dark corridors of the theater to the expansive balconies overlooking the city, the variety of meeting rooms, and not to mention the restrooms are well-appointed.
The hotel rooms are a wonderful addition to the club and make it convenient for guests to enjoy luxury accommodations.”
Camille Focarino | Director of Corporate Events & Client Relations | Robertson’s Flowers & Events
Look #1: Terrace Room | Contemporary Monochrome
Get This Look: Cava Chair, White Goblet 16 oz., White Goblet 12 oz., Berlin Goblet, Loft Dining Table 8’L x 36″W with Grey Distressed Insert, Ceramic Coupe Platter Round 10.75″, White Church Linen 18″ Square Napkin, White Handled Flatware Collection, Lucite Napkin Ring Square Flower Vessels: Ceramic Coupe Tray Rectangle
Every client and event comes with a defined set of parameters; sometimes it is a financial, or brand colors, or the preexisting color of the room, and others have a visual in mind. So I gave myself a set of parameters, to honor the Pantone colors of the year, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow. I selected the Terrace room.
Afrik, our photographer had a very good eye, and he was able to capture the light of the room without forfeiting the details of the dinnerware or florals.
Camille Focarino
Alternate Look: Grey Church Linen 18″ Square Dinner Napkin, Contempo Coupe Dinner Plate 12″, Brushed Stainless Salt and Pepper Flower Vessels: Ceramic Freeform Bowl 8″, Ceramic Freeform Bowl 5.5″
Look #2: Ballroom | Modern Opulence
Fitler Club has so many great things to offer! The Ballroom is the perfect place for a wedding because it has tall ceilings which leave room for you to do elevated centerpieces or even suspended arrangements, but with the warm brick accent wall and dark trim around the room, it still feels full and intimate with low centerpieces. Making it the best of both worlds for any client!
Stephanie at Fitler gave us a tour of the whole club and I was inspired by the on-site hotel rooms they have. A few themes I picked up on throughout were velvet upholstery, jewel-toned colors (such as magenta, sapphire, and amethyst), and accents of gold. I took all of that into mind when creating the design. I wanted it to feel modern, opulent, and purposeful.
Bryce Donnon | Events Coordinator | Robertson’s Flowers & Events
Get This Look: Rectangular Table 8’L x 42″W x 30″H, Champagne Velvet Linen 156″ x 102″, Cross Back Chair Black, Velvet Cushion Black, Smoke Glass Dinner Plate 10.75″, Aster Matte Black Lunch Plate 8″, Pandora Smoke Glass 12 oz, Eleanor Gold Rim Red/Water Glass 12 oz., Eleanor Gold Rim White Wine Glass 8 oz., Black Irish Linen Dinner Napkins, Hearst Votive Smoke, Gramercy Gold Hammered Flatware Collection
Look #3: Ballroom | Urban Chic Meets Classic Romance
I’m happy to say I am seeing more clients feel confident with adding color to their designs!! As for a composition, I see a lot of couples wanting more structural, art-like, designs reminiscent of ikebana flower arranging.
In this look, gold and blush tones were incorporated to make the look more romantic.
Bryce Donnon
Guest Tables: Round Table 72″, Miro Chair, Metallic Glass Charger 12.5″ Copper Sand, Crest Glass Dinner Plate 9.5″, Pandora Orchid Glass 12 oz, Riedel Wine Series Cabernet Glass 22 oz., Riedel Wine Series Riesling Glass 13 oz., Flax Irish Linen Dinner Napkin, Vanderbilt Gold Flatware Collection, Marsala Velvet Linen 132″ Round
Sweetheart Table: Mason Dining Table Walnut 8ft x 36″, Miro Chair, Metallic Glass Charger 12.5″ Copper Sand, Crest Glass Dinner Plate 9.5″, Pandora Orchid Glass 12 oz, Riedel Wine Series Cabernet Glass 22 oz., Riedel Wine Series Riesling Glass 13 oz., Flax Irish Linen Dinner Napkin, Vanderbilt Gold Flatware Collection, Marsala Velvet Linen 132″ Round
Look #4: Terrace Room | Urban Garden-Inspired Cocktail Hour
Get This Look: Market Bistro Cocktail Table, Market Bistro Bar Stool Pewter, Bar 6′ Grey Distressed, Berlin White Wine Glass 12 oz., Honeycomb Pillar
The Terrace and the Restaurant are some of my favorite spaces due to the access of being outdoors, or just visually seeing thru the expansive windows, and based on the weather, the space feels as if it is everchanging.
The cement floors and industrial ceiling provided a neutral backdrop for the bold colors to compliment the space. My sense of design is monochromatic; I like to have the tone on tone play off of each other. Using the same floral color palette, I select flowers, vegetables, and herbs that can provide textures to create shades within that color palette. I truly enjoy the details. Whether it is color details or the shapes, that is what I am most inspired by.
During the pandemic, the private clubs were able to continue to have members “ meet” virtually or at a social distance. Given this, we responded with several DIY programs for members to participate in. Post pandemic, I believe that the clubs will continue with these fun programs which include making succulent gardens, patio pots, and holiday wreaths. People like coming together and learning something new in a cool and relaxing place, not to mention with a good cocktail!
Camille Focarino
Special Details
Our special thanks to Robertsons Flowers & Events, Afrik Armando, Casa Papel, Eventions Productions, and Jack, our botanical wreath model. Fitler Club is a pet-friendly establishment, which is in line with its membership standards that embrace diversity and inclusivity.
For more information on Robertsons Flowers & Events, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.