Lehigh Valley Style Weddings 2023

TURNING MILESTONES INTO EPIC EVENTS SINCE 1985.

Getting married is a major milestone. Make it epic. We’ll customize your wedding so you’ll get exactly what you’ve always dreamed. A grand event for 350 guests? No problem. An intimate gathering? We can do that, too. You’ll enjoy the region’s best cuisine, served in an elegantly appointed ballroom, a modern fireside alcove, or any of our 11 private dining spaces. Relax knowing our event planners are skilled at managing every detail—whether it’s for a wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. The event center at blue. Milestones made into epic celebrations.

eventcenteratblue.com 610-691-7777

Simple Made Perfect®

When you focus on the details that truly matter, you can make them perfect.

As the newest Marriott location in the Lehigh Valley, we offer the modern amenities, convenience and comfort that you and your guests deserve.

From intimate gatherings to weddings of 500 guests or more, our modern ballroom— paired with our culinary expertise and our all-new guest accommodations—is the ideal place to host your perfect event.

SABINE & JOSE

ALI WHITBY PHOTOGRAPHY

THE PROPOSAL

Sabine Page and Jose Grullon met at Rutgers University, then maintained their relationship long distance afterward, Sabine off to dental school and Jose to podiatry. Sabine’s graduation was cause enough for celebration, but it would also be the day Jose proposed amid friends and family, making her both a fiancée and a doctor.

THE BIG DAY

Their wedding took place at Rodale Institute’s apple orchard, with guests transported to the occasion by tractor wagon. A live painter and sangria bar on site preceded the ceremony, and cocktail hour took place among organically-grown florals and sunflowers—a beautiful setting for photos. At the barn reception, fireplace s’mores and a photo booth followed up incredible food and a mobile bar. Honey jars were the couple’s wedding favor, along with flip-flops to accommodate dancing! The whole event was decked with farm florals: trees, flowers, wild grasses, herbs and more imparting natural elegance to a perfect day.

DETAILS

Venue: Rodale Institute, Kutztown

Catering: Simply Smooth Catering, Allentown

Cake: Custom Cakes by Adele, Whitehall

Dresses/Tuxes: Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth; Men’s Wearhouse, Whitehall

Hair & Makeup: Hair by Gina Pede, Quakertown; Makeup by Aliyah Finkley, Philadelphia

Officiant/Celebrant: A.J. Suero, Life Church, Allentown

Flowers: Shawn Brown of Rodale Institute, Kutztown

Music/DJ: DJ Goof, New York, NY

Videographer: Jahin Patwary, Laurel, MD

Transportation: Limo Today, Bensalem

YURIEM & IVY

JESSICA MANNS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE PROPOSAL

Yuriem Rodriguez and Ivy Maldonado met through Tinder a few days into 2018. Their comfortable date consisting of wine and PlayStation just felt right. About two years later at Yuriem’s birthday party surrounded by family and friends, the happy birthday song ended and their song began playing to accompany Yuriem’s surprise proposal!

THE BIG DAY

Their nuptials were imbued with the deep love and support of a close-knit community. Yuriem’s aunt became an ordained minister for the occasion and her nephew acted as “bridesman,” doubling as flower boy with Ivy’s niece. A violinist played Disney classics “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Kiss the Girl” as the two processed. A sand ceremony symbolized the combining of their lives, and a shower of bubbles accompanied their exit as Mrs. and Mrs. As the father-daughter dances and hilarious toasts concluded, the dance floor was struck by a flash mob neither bride saw coming! The perfect day ended with a sparkler send-off.

DETAILS

MADISON & JEAN CARLOS

ALYSSA JANE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE PROPOSAL

Madison Rizzolino and Jean Carlos (JC) Falcon met at DeSales University in their junior year. After moving to Los Angeles, one of the first spots they visited was a gorgeous cliffside beach, future site of their engagement. Under the guise of a photoshoot, JC surprised Madison on one knee, with family waiting to celebrate.

THE BIG DAY

The couple returned east to host the wedding in Madison’s parents’ beloved backyard in Nazareth. Not just meaningful, the venue also allowed flexibility in catering, so the Dominican food of JC’s culture could play a part.

With a clear-top tent and candle arrangements floating in the pool, the property was transformed into an oasis of foliage on a flawless summer day. Luxury toilets with toiletry baskets and a surprise late-night ice cream truck ensured that guests were treated to everything they could need. Dancing the night away with friends and family, Madison and JC couldn’t have asked for anything more!

DETAILS

KAITLYN & JOSH

ALISON CONKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE PROPOSAL

Kaitlyn Grovatt and Josh Pope were dateless on Valentine’s Day their senior year, perfect circumstances for a mutual friend to introduce them at a party where they quickly hit it off. Years later, Josh surprised Kaitlyn in a rose garden with their dog’s bandanna reading, “Mom, will you marry my dad?”

THE BIG DAY

The wedding was preceded by a white-out welcome party for guests in their snowiest attire, and since they called for Black Tie on the hot summer day-of, they provided a fan for each guest. The dance floor was packed and the black-andwhite photo booth gave both a print and social media boomerang option to share the revelry. After hours, guests were treated to a food truck: McDonald’s cuisine and candy to fuel celebrations that continued at Sky Top Tavern. Beyond grateful for their nearest and dearest, Kaitlyn and Josh supplied hangover kits and their favorite Kahuna Treats in each guest’s room.

DETAILS

Safe, comfortable, cozy and convenient, we offer a wide array of facial rejuvenation services—injectables, peels, facials, at-home skincare, specialized products and more—to provide the perfect solution for personal pampering, pre-event parties and mid-day glam-ups.

CHELSEA & ZACHARY

ADDISON GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE PROPOSAL

Chelsea Harlan and Zachary Merkle met senior year of high school when Chelsea slid into Zach’s Twitter DMs. Chelsea is from Texas, so Zach made the proposal special by popping the question while they were visiting for Thanksgiving so her entire family could be involved.

THE BIG DAY

They held their wedding on a chilly, rainy day, warming family and friends with the glow of candlelight, Christmas trees and trays of holiday cookies. Having lost her father, Chelsea was walked down the aisle by Zach’s father and stepfather, and the couple recreated his grandparents’ wedding photo to display at home beside the original. Their 30-person head table included all their closest people, and a cute vintage telephone recorded personal messages as an audible guest book. As the couple glided into their first dance, the scene was captured by a live painter, creating yet another heirloom treasure from an unforgettable event full of sentiment and style.

DETAILS

Venue, Catering and Cake: Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem

Dresses/Tuxes: Wedding gown: BHLDN; Groom’s Tux: Indochino; Groomsmen tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse, Whitehall

Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Roxy, Catasauqua

Rings: Lehigh Valley Jewelry Exchange, Allentown/ Bethlehem; Etsy

Officiant/Celebrant: Pastor Kris, Union UCC, Neffs

Flowers: Ross Plants & Flowers, Orefield Music/DJ: Wesley Works Entertainment, Emmaus

Videographer: Enchanted Celebrations, West Creek, NJ

JESSICA & RICKY

LISA DENARDO PHOTOGRAPHY

THE PROPOSAL

Jessica O’Donnell and Ricky Gower, Jr. met when Jessica began her new career with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. As the Hellertown/Lower Saucon Chamber liaison, she got acquainted with board member Ricky. The ideal spot for Ricky’s proposal was their first home on Sunset Drive, followed by celebration in NYC by way of stretch limo.

THE BIG DAY

A chance of storms threatened their wedding at breathtaking Pocono Palms, but the sun broke through just as Jessica’s father walked her down the aisle. From gorgeous floral arrangements to custom signage, edible cocktail toppers and his and hers Louboutins, every detail was divine. The ceremony incorporated the couple’s kids, Lena and Nico, and the new family followed up with an official Gower Family Ribbon Cutting.

A lively cocktail hour followed a raw oyster bar, Marry-Me Margaritas and acoustic tunes by local musician Anthony Cubbage. Jessica and Ricky’s wedding vendors teamed up impeccably to create perfection.

DETAILS

Venue: Pocono Palms, Cresco

Catering: Brooklyn’s Catering, Springtown

Dessert: Ice cream truck from Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops, Nazareth; soft pretzel bar from KCK Catering & Events, Great Meadows, NJ

Dresses/Tuxes: Gown: Bridals by Sandra, Nazareth; Jumpsuit from Nadine Merabi; Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids, Allentown; Tuxes: C.E. Roth Formal Wear, Allentown

Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Makeup by Roxy, Catasauqua; Hair by Hello Beautiful Salon & Boutique, Fogelsville

Rings: Cassello Jewelers, Philadelphia

Wedding Planner: Tiffany Sondergaard from ts PR & Event Planning, Lehigh Valley

Officiant/Celebrant: Mayor David Heintzelman, Hellertown

Flowers: Precious Petals Florist, Whitehall

Music/DJ: Reilly Entertainment Group, Hellertown

INTRODUCING THE WILBUR Lehigh Valley's Premier Wedding and Event Venue

A revived setting with deep roots and layers of nuance, whose whimsical charm and grace captivates everyone who steps inside. A special place rife with history and thrumming with energy, where everyone is welcome.

Built in 1864, The Wilbur emerges today, wholly renovated and re-imagined, as the premier landscape for timeless celebrations. Rooted in the spirit of community, The Wilbur is a singular way to celebrate all that life has to offer.

Thi nkPi nk

Whether it’s #barbiecore or just an unapologetic love for the color, pink details and dresses are having a major moment—and we think it’s one worth celebrating all wedding weekend long.

Photography by Alison Conklin

On site at The Wilbur Mansion, Bethlehem

Hair & makeup by Meraki Beauty

Model courtesy of Image International

Welcome, Let’s Party

Following the traditional rehearsal dinner, kick off your wedding weekend with a welcome party where drinks are poured and out-of-town guests feel part of the festivities.

Set by ASOS EDITION

Signage by Lavish Haus

Flower wall rentals by Nicol Floral Design

The Pink Lady

Guests love a signature drink. This one is a classic old-school cocktail made with egg white, lemon juice, gin and grenadine.

Cocktail by Juniper & Grain LLC Glassware by Lovely Luxe Rentals

Whether her gown is white, ivory, champagne, blush or bubble gum pink, every bride commands the attention of the room and needs a dress that will do the same.

Dress by LoveShackFancy Florals by Allium Floral Design

Brunch + Bubbly

Continue toasting the morning after, with pink bites and prosecco, where guests can reminisce over the night before and all the fun that was had.

Bites by The Novel Baker Glassware, plates and flatware by Lovely Luxe Rentals

Getaway Car

Make your grand exit—the honeymoon awaits! And don’t miss a chance to incorporate even more flowery fun by bedecking your vehicle’s wheels.

Dress by BHLDN Florals by Allium Floral Design

BE PART OF THE STORY!

PHOTO BY DANIEL SERRETTE

PATRICIA JOHNSON

Owner, Ornithea House of Flowers

Patricia Johnson’s passion for “all things floral” dates to her time in NYC attending The Fashion Institute of Technology, where she spent significant time wandering the streets of the Flower Market. The visual and sensual stimulation of flowers inspired her work in the fashion industry and later her home garden, where arranging and growing special-occasion flowers quickly became routine. By 2019, the merger of fashion and flowers was complete.

“House of Flowers” is an ode to Patricia’s fashion industry background. Her connections to the NYC Flower Market have given her knowledge and a place to purchase unique florals and greenery from the world’s best sources. Her expertise in color, shape and texture is a cornerstone of the business.

528 Maple St., Bethlehem 646.335.2775 | ornitheaflorals.com

YENDIRA ROSARIO

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has been providing full-service event décor since 2015. In 2020, she shifted gears to learn the art of balloons—it was trending during the pandemic lockdown—and balloons became her passion. Since then, Blueprint Creations has transitioned to a balloon styling company servicing the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.

Blueprint Creations specializes in organic balloon installations. Organic styled, free-flowing balloon installations have become the trending style décor in balloon art: spheres of every size bubbling into an array of abstract balloon art and fun. Blueprint only uses the highest-quality balloons that are biodegradable, made from 100-percent latex and safe for the environment.

Balloons have evolved well past the traditional balloon arch and classic balloon bouquet arrangements. From traditional to contemporary, the Blueprint team is there to demonstrate the incredible possibilities balloons can bring to any momentous occasion. They create amazing balloon décor for baby showers, grand openings, bridal showers, launches, mitzvahs, birthdays, weddings and corporate events and more.

Blueprint Creations takes pride in giving clients a one-of-a-kind experience. The team provides styling for any occasion and makes sure a client’s event stands out and blends accordingly—it’s all in the details. A room full of colorful balloon décor creates a cost-effective way to bring an event up to the next level and Blueprint is ready for the challenge of making their clients’ vision a reality.

Whether it’s balloon décor for an at-home small gathering or a large-scale event, count on Blueprint Creations to help create a fun poppin’ event.

Offering balloon garlands, arches, walls, columns, bouquets, sculptures, centerpieces, prop rentals and many more, a full array of balloon styles is available to meet every event need.

Yendira Rosario, founder and creative designer for Blueprint Creations Co.,

a professionally trained event and balloon stylist who

Founder & Creative Designer Blueprint Creations Co.

Photo by Alex Garcia Garcia Photography

ERIKA BERARDINUCCI

Owner, Bella Bridesmaids Allentown

Time to say yes to the bridesmaid dress! Bella Bridesmaids is located in the heart of Downtown Allentown. The showroom carries designer bridesmaid dresses like Jenny Yoo, Amsale, Dessy and more! Whether the bridesmaids are wearing the same dress or mixing and matching colors and fabrics, Bella Bridesmaids Allentown is the place to shop and have an elevated experience. Recently, the showroom has added Mother of the Occasion and Little White Dresses for the bride-to-be. Erika and her team surely make clients feel like they are in the best care when it comes to planning a wedding.

MONICA YURCONIC-GROFF

Owner, Ross Plants & Flowers

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life. It can also be one of the most stressful. Monica Yurconic-Groff and her talented team at Ross Plants & Flowers take the stress out of it. With years of experience and an understanding of the current floral trends, Monica and her team guide their couples in planning the most beautiful flower accents to the most special day in their lives. From personal flowers (bouquets and corsages) to the ceremony accents (arbors and altar arrangements) to the reception (centerpieces and tablescapes), Ross gently guides the planning process with a confidence and ease that is invaluable in the wedding world. Getting to know their couples is at the forefront of their process as well as understanding the goal and vision for the most beautiful day in their couples’ lives. Locating the perfect flowers to bring that vision to life is a key piece to their success. When planning a wedding, think of Monica Yurconic-Groff and Ross Plants & Flowers for guidance through one of the most enjoyable experiences in life!

645 W. Hamilton St. Suite 105, Allentown 484.221.9897 | bellabridesmaids.com

Photo by Bianca Tang / Bianca Tang

Photography

SARAH PETRYK

Beloved in the Lehigh Valley and beyond, Allium Floral Design creates stunning wedding florals. Director of Operations Coleen Kirby and founder Sarah Petryk collaborate closely with their couples, offering gentle guidance, helping them design their wedding day exactly as they’ve imagined it. For most couples, this is the first time planning a wedding and Coleen and Sarah work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the process feel simple and seamless. And the florals? They are just otherworldly! Allium works with incredible local and international growers to source blooms that perfectly fit their couple’s personal style, everything from simple backyard parties to over-the-top ballroom extravaganzas. A wedding should be a joy to plan and celebrate. Sarah and Coleen make it feel easy. 484.320.2160 | alliumfloraldesign.com

THE CLUB AT TWIN LAKES

THECLUBATTWINLAKES

An ideal setting for a timeless, one-of-a-kind event, The Club at Twin Lakes boasts magnificent views of the 18-hole golf course, historic barn and lakes, and countless spots on this gorgeous property for capturing the perfect photograph. By combining the beauty and charm of the newly renovated venue, exceptional food and impeccable service, Twin Lakes will turn a dream wedding into a reality.

3625 Shankweiler Rd., Allentown 610.395.3369 theclubattwinlakes.com

CAKE AS CANVAS

CAKEASCANVAS

Located in Bethlehem, Cake as Canvas is a custom-order bakery specializing in creating wedding and all-occasion cakes, cupcakes and specialty desserts. Huma Usmani, owner of Cake as Canvas, uses the best ingredients to create beautiful cakes that are delicious and as unique as the individuals ordering them. Cake as Canvas is edible art at its finest!

622 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 215.667.1771 cakeascanvas.com

MADELINE’S FOGELSVILLE

MADELINESRESTAURANT MADELINESINFOGELSVILLE

Madeline’s is where friends gather. Guests will be captivated by the warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether it is a bridal shower or a corporate meeting, Madeline’s has rooms to accommodate events of any size up to 150 guests. Their goal is to make the event planning process easy, with delicious and customizable menu selections and attentive, courteous staff.

1250 Turnstone Dr., Fogelsville 484.277.2250 madelinesfogelsville.com

STEEL CLUB

STEEL.CLUB

Planning a wedding, meeting or special event? With breathtaking golf course views, multiple room options and various bar and food packages, Steel Club is the perfect choice. The ballroom, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, private bar and 96” x 54” media screen, accommodates 200 guests. Many other rooms are available for more intimate functions.

700 Linden Ave., Hellertown 610.838.7018 steel.club

Founder & Lead Designer, Allium Floral Design

Photo by Jillian Paige / Jillian Paige Photography LLC