UltimatePanhandleWeddings ispublishedby The Journal
1351 Edwin Miller Blvd
Martinsburg, WV 25404
P. O. Box 807
Martinsburg, WV 25402 304-263-8931
Trevor Evans
General Manager & Advertising Director The Journal
Pam Cook
Lori Taylor
Media Sales Consultants The Journal
Geordie Wilson, Regional Publisher The Frederick News-Post
Connie Hastings, Regional Ad Director FNP Events
welcome to the newest edition of the Ultimate Panhandle Weddings magazine, your go-to resource for everything weddings in the picturesque Panhandle of West Virginia.
Whether you are orchestrating an elaborate affair or an intimate gathering, we can guide you to discovering the finest venues, florists, caterers, stylists, photographers, entertainment services, and much more.
Inside, find helpful tips on how to choose the right wedding venue for your big day and discover how one venue creates an overall experience for couples.
Check out all the special ways you can include your “pet” family member into your big day.
Plus, explore stories of four couples who tied the knot in and around the Panhandle for inspiration on creating your own memorable day.
Make sure to check out our social media channel and stay connected all year long: @ultimatepanhandleweddings
WEDDING TRENDS to watch this year Create an
at your wedding
WEDDING DIRECTORY Find the perfect wedding vendor for your big day 9 13 19 36 40
WEDDINGS: Get ideas from couples who have married in the Panhandle
FURRY FRIENDS on your big day
H O S T Y O U R W E D D I N G
W I T H U S A N D
E X P E R I E N C E A D A Y T H A T
W I L L B E C H E R I S H E D
F O R E V E R .
O U R E X C E P T I O N A L S T A F F
I S D E D I C A T E D T O
E N S U R I N G E V E R Y D E T A I L
I S F L A W L E S S L Y
E X E C U T E D , P R O V I D I N G
Y O U A N D Y O U R G U E S T S
W I T H U N P A R A L L E L E D
S E R V I C E A N D A T T E N T I O N .
N O T H O S T I N G A W E D D I N G ? N O
W O R R I E S ! W E C A N H E L P Y O U
W I L L A L L O F Y O U R E V E N T
N E E D S .
C O N T A C T
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D I R E C T O R
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O U R L U X U R I O U S S P A C E
O F F E R S A S T U N N I N G
B A C K D R O P F O R Y O U R S P E C I A L D A Y , W I T H
V E R S A T I L E S E T T I N G S T H A T C A N B E T A I L O R E D T O F I T Y O U R V I S I O N . O U R U N B E A T A B L E
P R I C I N G E N S U R E S T H A T
Y O U C A N H A V E T H E
W E D D I N G O F Y O U R D R E A M S W I T H O U T C O M P R O M I S I N G O N
Q U A L I T Y O R S T Y L E .
Wedding Trends WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2025
Moving into 2025, the only things small about weddings will be the event size. Beyond that, the design will be lusher and more expansive, the food will taste better, and the connection between couples and their guests will run deeper.
REDUCED GUEST COUNTS
Event sizes soared in the pandemic’s aftermath, leading to extra-large guest counts in 2023 and 2024. Rising costs and shifting priorities, however, are driving those numbers down again. Guest lists are being reduced so couples are able to afford a more design elements and increase meaningful moments throughout a weekend – instead of hosting just one huge singular event.
Cutting guest lists – which is oftentimes the best way to reduce a wedding budget – is giving couples the freedom to host pre- and post-wedding events that extend the fun and support the guest experience. That’s right: The wedding weekend is alive and well and about to get even better in 2025. Multiple days of events with less guests also allows for the couple to have more face time with all who attend.
The decision to have a smaller wedding is both a financial and emotional
decision for couples. They want their nearest and dearest to have an incredible time celebrating their wedding, so reducing the guest list allows for extra touches like specialty music, food and beverage upgrades, thoughtful welcome bags, or takeaway favors. Couples are really thinking about how to create a welcoming and fun atmosphere for all.
FLOOR-TO-CEILING DÉCOR
With more budget to throw behind décor, couples will use every inch of a room to tell their story – so be sure to look up (and down!) at weddings in 2025. Designing the space from floor to ceiling is going to be major focal points. Couples are embracing bolder designs and vibrant floral arrangements more than ever with a shift towards rich, colorful palettes.
Verona Sunset
FOOD AS PRIORITY NUMBER ONE
Couples will be stepping away from long sit-down dinners and embracing experiential food stations, instead. There’s a key advantage to this meal style: Guests can mix and mingle through dinner and enjoy many different types of food. Sure, chicken, beef, and a vegetarian option will always be a tried-and-true tradition to weddings, however many couples are taking a more personal approach and bringing their family culture of food into their day. When it comes to menu selections, couples are choosing regional and seasonal ingredients to create menus that reflect the local area.
TRADITION-FREE WEDDINGS
Couples are starting to forgo normal traditions – no cake cuttings, no formal family photos – the list goes on, skipping what generations passed have considered wedding musts. A lot of couples are doing speeches at the rehearsal dinner versus the wedding night – and lots of couples have started doing a ‘parent dance,’ where the couple dances with their respective parent at the same time versus doing a father-daughter or mother-son dance separately.
At weddings in 2025, look for relaxed, welcoming environments to replace rigidly formal ones, creating spaces for genuine connection. What couples want is a celebration that communicates their unique story (romantically, culturally, and culinarily, often outside the confines of tradition.
TIME CAPSULES Wedding
Every couple dreams of capturing the magic of their wedding day forever. At Crown Rose Estate Distillery , we’ve found a way to make that dream a reality — not with photos or keepsakes, but with a private barrel of whiskey that holds your love story in every drop.
CREATING AN EXPERIENCE
This is more than just whiskey; it’s a journey, a celebration, and a legacy. Together, you’ll work with our expert distillers to craft a whiskey blend tailored to your tastes. You’ll explore and select from a range of flavor profiles, customizing the whiskey to reflect your preferences.
Do you want smooth and rich? Bold and smoky? You’ll even choose the char level of the barrel, which shapes the depth of flavor as your whiskey ages.
What sets this experience apart is its timeline. While traditional whiskey takes years to mature, your custom whiskey will be ready in just a few months. This means you can savor your creation during your first year of marriage or even serve it as a highlight at your wedding reception.
A WEDDING UNITY BARREL: A NEW TRADITION
whiskey ages, it becomes a living symbol of your partnership, gaining richness and depth – just like your marriage.
SAVING HISTORY WHILE MAKING YOUR OWN
When you create a private barrel at Crown Rose Estate Distillery, you’re not just crafting whiskey – you’re contributing to history. Our estate, a treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been lovingly restored to preserve its story. By creating your custom whiskey here, you become part of that legacy.
For couples seeking a meaningful and modern unity ceremony, the ‘Unity Barrel’ offers a symbolic way to celebrate your union. Instead of lighting candles or blending sand, you’ll combine your selected whiskey profiles into a single blend, representing the unique elements of your lives coming together. As your
A STORY TO SHARE
Your private barrel is more than just whiskey – it’s a time capsule. Each anniversary becomes an opportunity to revisit the joy and love of your wedding day. Every sip of your custom whiskey is a chapter in your story. From the moment you selected your unique blend to the first taste of the finished product, it becomes a memory you can share with family and friends. Imagine gifting bottles of
your special blend to loved ones or passing it down to future generations – a legacy that’s as rich as the whiskey itself.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE BARREL?
• Uniqueness: Your custom blend is as oneof-a-kind as your love story.
• Legacy: Connect your personal story to a piece of history, blending timelessness with tradition.
• Personalization: Create a whiskey that reflects your shared tastes and vision.
• Celebration: Every sip becomes a reminder of your shared journey.
• Timeliness: Your whiskey will be ready in just a few months, perfect for anniversaries or wedding day celebrations.
MAKE YOUR MOMENT LAST FOREVER
Your wedding day is just the beginning of a lifetime of shared adventures. With a private barrel, you can create a lasting memory that’s as bold, smooth, and unforgettable as your love story.
Start your journey today, and let’s craft a whiskey that tells your story and leaves a legacy. To set up a private barrel tasting, call or text 301-969-0093 or visit CrownRose.com.
TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTED A WEDDING VENUE
1
Location and Accessibility
Ensure the venue is available on your preferred wedding date and that it is conveniently located for your guests, especially if they are traveling from out of town. Consider proximity to hotels and transportation options. Additionally, inquire about the venue’s policies on catering, decorations, and any other preferences you might have.
2
Capacity and Layout
Before you begin your search for the perfect venue, it’s a good idea to have an estimate of how many guests you plan to invite. Consider the layout and how it will suit the flow of your ceremony, reception, and any other activities you have planned. You want a space that feels intimate if your guest list is small or spacious if it’s larger.
Budget
The venue can be one of the biggest expenses in your wedding. Make sure you ask a lot of questions as you tour each venue to get a good handle on what’s included and what features will incur additional costs.
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Style and Atmosphere
Choose a venue that matches the overall theme or vibe you’re going for—whether that’s a traditional church, a rustic barn, a sleek modern space, or a beachfront venue. The venue’s aesthetic should complement your vision for the day.
The Entler, with its beautiful reception room, wide covered porches and lovely garden, has been a favorite spot for weddings and other special events for more than 160 years. A catering kitchen, tables, chairs, and a large buffet serving table are available for your use. We can also assist with information about local businesses that cater, provide flowers, etc.
For more information, rates, and photos, visit historicshepherdstown.com, or call (304) 876-0910.
ellie ANTHONY &
HOW WE MET
Ellie and Anthony were introduced by a mutual friend in the beginning of 2020. They dated long distance for two years and then Anthony moved to West Virginia. “My side of the family tries once a year to make a family trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Although it doesn’t happen every year, 2023 was one of those years, we decided a last minute trip with just the older siblings. One morning when the older couples planned on getting photos at sunrise, Anthony set up a surprise proposal on the beach. I walked out to it all set up,
blanket, candles, flowers, sunrise in the background and a ‘marry me’ sign.
THE WEDDING
One hundred thirty guests, and a 12-person wedding party, that included 4 flower girls, helped the couple celebrate their June wedding at Springvale Farm in Gerraldstown, West Virginia. “I was just trying to find the perfect venue with a rustic looking barn. After going to multiple different venues, and none of them standing out, we found Springvale Farm. The barn was gorgeous along with the flower field and the owners were amazing and very easy to work with.”
The day of the wedding it was 80 degrees outside so their ceremony was simple and quick. “We did have special music and we wanted to do something different for the union besides the regular lighting candles or braiding rope, so we planted a tree.”
One of the couple’s favorite part of their wedding day was the ice cream bar. “They came and set everything up and made it gorgeous, which worked out perfectly since it was very hot.”
THE MOMENTS
FIRST DANCE SONG: “You Make it Easy”
by Jason Aldean
HONEYMOON: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
VENUE
Springvale Farm
PHOTOGRAPHER
A Natural Portrayal
Photography
DESSERT
Sugar Creek Snowy & Sweet Ice Cream
Definitely slow down and enjoy the planning moments together because you only get to do it all once,” the bride shared.
kate &
TOMMY
HOW WE MET
Kate and Tommy first met at a Nationals game after previously matching on a dating app. “We happened to run into each other before our first date was planned, by chance, at the baseball game. We went on a real date the following day and have been together ever since. They began to talk seriously about wanting to spend their lives together after about a year into dating. Tommy began talking with his family about a proposal and worked with his sister to design a ring. Tommy and his sister secretly took a trip to Jersey City and met with a ring designer to get the show in motion. “We had a trip planned to Paris in March of 2023 to run the Paris Marathon, and Tommy knew that was the perfect time to propose. He proposed the first day we were there at the Eiffel Tower.
THE WEDDING
Two hundred guests, plus a 12-person wedding party, including a flower girl and ring bearer, helped the couple celebrate their bright garden-themed wedding. For the ceremony, Kate’s oldest friend, Jose, was the officiant. Kate’s family considers Jose as the third triplet (Kate has a real twin brother) – he spent so much time at their house growing up and remains a special part of their family. Kate, Tommy, and Jose worked to write the entire speech from scratch, and the couple also wrote their own personal vows.
“Our special day was very unique, starting with the wedding at my parent’s home. As soon as they bought the property I knew I wanted to get married there, even before Tommy and I were seriously dating. They were extremely generous to allow us to turn their home into a wedding venue. A wedding is one day, but we will always be able to come back to this property for the rest of our lives and relive our wedding day with our family and friends.”
It was really important to the couple to keep things local and unique to them. Their wine and beer were from local vineyards and breweries. The flowers were from nearby flower farm and many of the flowers were grown specifically for their wedding. “We also had lots of games out and a tap truck to have a ‘brewery vibe’, since Tommy and I are competitive, sporty and love games!
When asked to give other couple’s advice, the couple shared, “the process can definitely be stressful, but do not settle and do not feel like you have to follow tradition. It’s your day, and make it unique to you.” The bride wore a bright floral dress, with no white in it, and felt the most like myself.
THE MOMENTS
FIRST DANCE SONG: “Belong Together” by
Mark Ambor
HONEYMOON: Arctic Circle of Norway
It was really important to us to keep things for our wedding local and unique to us,” the bride shared. ‘‘
VENUE
Private Home
COORDINATOR
Michelle’s Main Event
PHOTOGRAPHER
A Natural Portrayal
Photography
VIDEOGRAPHER
An Affair to Remember Video
CATERING & RENTALS
Six Star Events
FLORIST
Moonflower Farm
ENTERTAINMENT
Bachelor Boys Band
PHOTO BOOTH
Snap n’ Share
Photo Booths
BEVERAGE CART
Tip Top Tap Truck
olivia & MARK
HOW THEY MET
Olivia and Mark are childhood friends. Mark became really close with Olivia’s brother and the rest was history. “We met in middle school and have been friends ever since. It wasn’t until after we graduated college that we started dating. We always said we’d marry each other one day if we were both still single at 30. Interesting enough, we both fell for each other way sooner than 30.
“It was sweet and simple,” Olivia recalls. It was a couple weeks before Christmas. Mark took Olivia out to dinner, then wanted a picture in front of a giant Christmas tree in the middle of town. He had someone take their photo and that’s when he proposed.
THE WEDDING
One hundred and thirty guests, along with a 10-person wedding party helped the couple celebrate their November wedding at Bella Vista in Martinsburg.
The bride wanted a classy elegant wedding and that’s exactly what the venue delivered. The historic farmhouse has original furnishings, which made you feel like you were spending the day in Bridgerton! With a venue so naturally beautiful, few decorations were needed. “We chose eucalyptus green as our color scheme, which tied in beautifully with the vibe of the venue. It was what every bride dreams of a barn wedding!”
The bride’s favorite part of the day was getting ready for the wedding. The venue has a beautiful, historic, stone farm house to get ready that couple’s, their wedding party, and family have for the entire day.
“I loved spending time with my girls getting pampered and anticipating the day together. And I was super excited to surprise the groom with my dress that I waited months for him to see.”
THE MOMENTS
FIRST DANCE SONG: A cover of “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Brent Morgan
HONEYMOON: Jamaica
Remember to not stress the small details. At the end of the day, everything always comes together beautifully!,” the bride shared.
VENUE
Events at Bella Vista
PHOTOGRAPHER
Kiersten Franks
Photography
MAKEUP
XoxoArtistry by Hailey Sirbaugh
HAIR
Bespoke Beauty Loft
CATERING
Kings Pizza
ATTIRE
J and B Bridals & Formals
Men’s Wearhouse
FLOWERS
Depot Florist RENTALS
Something Borrowed
camille TRAVIS &
HOW WE MET
Camille and Travis were introduced by a coworker of Travis’ in early 2020. After they first met at a yoga class, Camille shared some of her sourdough starter with Travis. He began baking with it during early COVID and it was a lovely way to stay in touch during that uncertain time. “We started biking together around Hagerstown during the summer and would watch movies outside at Hagerstown City Park.”
Travis realized he was going to marry Camille while having dinner together at Rik’s Cafe on a cold, fall evening. “In 2022, we moved in together, got a dog, began shopping for rings, and schemed about potential honeymoon destinations. Then Travis proposed in November at our house.”
THE WEDDING
Seventy-four guests, along with a 13-person bridal party, helped the couple celebrate their April wedding at 9030 Rockland Estates. “Once we
found our venue, we were really energized to plan our wedding. It’s a beautiful property with gorgeous amenities that allowed our entire wedding weekend to be comfortable and relaxed. Amanda McCoy, who is both an owner of the property and our day-of coordinator, was very reassuring during the planning process and had so many incredible vendors to recommend. Her handling of the day and logistics allowed us to enjoy time the day with each other, friends, and family.”
One of the couple’s favorite parts of their weddings was planning it together. “It’s an important day with lots of decisions and details. It can be overwhelming. Working together on this big project requires good communication and decision making as a team, which are both needed in marriage. We laughed a lot together during our wedding brainstorming sessions. We discussed outrageous details, things we would never actually follow through on, but it was always a fun conversation.” The couple decided to take dance lessons for their big day. “It was a wonderful way to spend time together and learn a new skill.
The day of the wedding was overcast. “We had breakfast together, just the two of us, at J’s Diner in Hagerstown to have some relaxed time together before the festivities started. The day went by in a flash, but the expertise of our vendors and the love of our friends and family all came together to make the whole experience absolutely fantastic. We have only great memories from the weekend and reminisce often.”
THE MOMENTS
FIRST DANCE SONG: “All Your’n” by Tyler Childers
HONEYMOON: Sao Miguel Island, Azores
We laughed a lot together during our wedding brainstorming sessions. We discussed outrageous details, things we would never actually follow through on, but it was always a fun conversation,” the bride shared about her and Travis wedding planning.
VENUE
9030 Rockland Estates
PHOTOGRAPHER
A Natural Portrayal
Photography
CATERER
Celebrations Catering
ATTIRE
K&B Bridals
Hagerstown
SUITS
Men’s Wearhouse
RINGS
R. Bruce Carson Jewelers
FLORALS
Yours, Florally, Kayla McShea
ENTERTAINMENT
Shew-sical
Entertainment Services
DANCE LESSONS
Fred Astaire
Dance Studio
TRANSPORTATION
On the Town Limousines
ATTENTION PARENTS OF FUR BABIES:
INVOLVE YOUR FURRY FRIEND IN YOUR BIG DAY
If you and your partner have a pet, then you know how important of a family member they are. We’ve compiled some of the most adorable pet wedding ideas so you can incorporate them into the wedding celebrations.
When considering the following pet wedding ideas, first take into account your pet's personality and whether your venue allows pets on the premises. But don't fret – there are still some creative and adorable ways you can include your pet in your wedding, whether they are present or not. Here are just a few:
Pet Cake Toppers
Illustrated Pet Signage
Make your Pet a Wedding Favor
Family Picture Guest Book Alternative
Pose with Your Pet in Wedding Photos
Dress your Pet up for the Occasion
Walk or Carry your Pet Down the Aisle
Make a Grand Entrance Cow-Boy Style
Have a Non-Traditional Ring Bearer
Dance with your Pet at the Reception
Incorporate Photo Booth Props of your Pet for your Guests
PET TIP:
Prepare a grab bag for your pet with their treats, toys, and anything else you think they might need. It’s also a good idea to designate someone to take care of them during the day’s events.
Eco-friendly
WEDDING FAVORS
SEED PACKETS
Give your guests packets of seeds they can plant and watch grow. Whether it’s wildflowers, herbs or tree seeds, these favors symbolize the growth of your love while contributing to a greener world.
FAIRTRADE COFFEE OR TEA
Show your support for sustainable farming practices and fair wages with this ethical choice. You can feel good that your favors will have a positive impact beyond your wedding day.
LOCALLY MADE CHOCOLATE
Locally sourced and ethically produced chocolates make ideal wedding favors. Supporting local artisans reduces your carbon footprint, and your guests will appreciate the delicious treat.
WOOD OR CORK COASTERS
Wooden or cork coasters, engraved with your names and wedding date, make for both a practical and ecofriendly keepsake.
HANDMADE SOAP
Luxurious and eco-friendly handcrafted soaps made from natural, biodegradable ingredients come in a variety of scents and can be customized to match your wedding theme or colors.
539-8995
Just 25 miles from our nation’s capital, Loudoun County, Virginia is DC’s Wine Country ® and an exquisite weddings destination. At no charge, Visit Loudoun is a one-stop shop where you can get assistance in finding just the right wedding professionals to help make your dream wedding a reality.
From romantic B&Bs, gorgeous wineries and rustic barns, to magnificent resorts, historic estates and country clubs, Loudoun is home to the perfect venue for your shower, rehearsal dinner or wedding day.
