e winding country roads of New Hope are an idyllic backdrop for this fully updated rural estate surrounded by 12 private acres with extensive landscaping, heated in-ground in nity pool, & pickleball court. 5 bed/5 bath main house; 2 bed/2.5 bath guest house; detached 5-car garage. $6,400,000
Foxfield
One of only a handful of Saucon Valley’s legacy properties, the house & grounds have been proudly cared for and recently updated. e commanding location presents a one-of-a-kind privacy that only time can provide. 4 beds, 3 full baths, heated inground pool. O ered for $4,250,000
West Market Street
One of the few remaining 18th century residences in the city! is circa 1726 5-unit apartment building in the heart of downtown Bethlehem boasts three nished oors and the charm of years past with decorative touches throughout including high ceilings, crown molding, and deep window sills. $1,500,000
Spring
Hill
Spring Hill is a rare and beautiful example of a barn renovation with re-imagined vaulted spaces blended with stunning new architectural details, repurposed barn beams, and antique wood. Main House: 5 En-Suite Bedrooms, 8 Full Baths; Guest Apartment: 1 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath. $4,500,000
Pine Run Farm
A verdant 2+ acre parcel in Bucks County is the setting for this stone home and Pennsylvania bank barn. One of the original settlements in Doylestown Township, Pine Run Farm has proudly stood since the early 1700s. 4 beds, 3 baths in the main house; nished barn o ers 1.5 baths. O ered for $1,550,000
Peaceful and picturesque, Fire y Meadow is a quintessential country paradise. Set on 1.35 acres in upper Bucks County, this idyllic farmette includes a main house, in-ground pool with hot tub, guest studio, and detached garage. e large backyard o ers a view of Mill Trace Creek. $930,000
In health care, there are specific honors – based on objective measures of quality, safety and overall performance – that matter.
St. Luke’s is the ONLY health system in the United States to be recognized for excellence for ALL OF THEM:
Leapfrog Safety Grade – Straight A’s at all St. Luke’s acute care hospitals!
Medicare & Medicaid Star Ratings – Five stars for quality!
Fortune / PINCAI 100 Top Hospitals – 10 years in a row!
50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital – Eight times!
Congratulations to St. Luke’s and the Network’s 20,000+ doctors, nurses and all employees who have made St. Luke’s #1 in the nation.
There can only be one #1.
WRITTEN IN THE STARS
You could say the stars aligned for the making of this edition. As we took down tables, collected flowers and put away props from our styled photo shoot highlighting a celestial-themed ceremony and reception to be featured in Lehigh Valley Style Weddings, the consulting astrologist texted me to look up. We all stopped what we were doing and saw the aurora borealis (a.k.a., the northern lights) in its full glory. What could be more fitting than that? Turn to pg. 82 for inspiring ways to add intention and magic to your special day with insight from Light Space Collective’s Brielle Baker.
Speaking of intention, it’s a pretty great thing to kick off the new year with! On pg. 38, we’ve rounded up 10 local experts sharing their tips and tricks to make 2025 the best year yet. From fitness and nutrition, to finance, to home design, to personal style, to professional goals, put these coaches in and watch your life level up.
This edition also features an affogato espresso martini, tips for cultivating community, Easton’s Agamon Bakery, a local running legend and so much more.
our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com
20
Fresh baked goods from Agamon Bakery!
Learning more about our featured coaches.
Sipping the affogato espresso martini at County Seat.
BTS at our styled wedding photoshoot
BTS with healer Cheyenne Mease
BTS with Bart Yasso
Physical Methods Pilates and barre3 classes keep me moving—and clear my mind!
Power walking on the incline treadmill and whaling on the bag during kickboxing class!
My favorite way to break a sweat is at CycleFit in Easton! Their classes are different every time and I always leave burning so many calories!
I love to walk. Since my heart transplant, I walk at least five miles every day!
President/CEO
Paul Prass
Vice President/COO
Lisa Prass
Publisher Pamela Deller
Editor-in-Chief
Kristen Wagner
Managing Editor
Angela Vennemann
Digital Strategy Director
Jason Chrin
Production Coordinator
Eleanor Anderson
Graphic Designers
Eleanor Anderson, Krystal Honohan Thomas Körp, Nick Reeder, Elaine Wyborski
Corporate Marketing & Events Manager
Jen Fronheiser
Marketing Advisors
Erika Berardinucci, Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor
Contributing Writers
Alison Conklin, Susan Gottshall
Heather Mayer Irvine
Amy Unger, Daisy Willis
Contributing Photographers
Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin
Proofreader
Lori McLaughlin
Accounting
Jobelle Aleño, Donna Bachman, Kim Kressman VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1
My favorite way to break a sweat is…
I’ve been enjoying a variety of workout classes, but I have to say the Body Pump class breaks the sweat!
My favorite way to break a sweat is running competitively. My go-to workout is a speed session at a local high school track. I especially love it when the marching band plays the theme from Rocky.
Dancing with friends is fitness at its most fun.
MAKING THE MAGAZINE
HEATHER MAYER IRVINE
Contributing Writer
It's actually really hard to find workouts that don't cost you a penny! I've come to appreciate groups that offer the ability to sweat, bond and get stronger for free. Hats off to the volunteers who make it happen.
DAISY WILLIS
Contributing Writer
Loved interviewing Christe Konopitski for Ask the Expert this month—her attitude and enthusiasm are absolutely contagious.
ALISON CONKLIN
Contributing Writer and Photographer
Photographing the wedding feature is my favorite feature every year. Collaborating and dreaming this up is such a creative joy!
2024 Cocktails & Collecting
WLEV Little Pink Dress Party
To Benefit Cancer Support Community | Located at The Wilbur
1 | Abby Silfies 2 | Dannielle Hutchison and Miranda McIntosh 3 | Heather Raudenbush, Carrie Hoffstadt, Laura Baylor, MaryLiz Doyle Tadduni, Teresa Manion, Sarah Rennalls and Chelle Benner 4 | Erin Schulberger and Kristin Kemmerer 5 | Jessica Byrnes, Antonella Lopresto, Kathy Attieh, Bridgette Isaac and Camille Clark 6 | Mayra Glick, Stacy Spadt and Amanda Cassium 7 | Kim Muzzin, Franni Monari, Amy Knadler and Heidi Kerstetter 8 | Lori Alfonse and Sonia Aurin 9 | Selena and Crockett 10 | Michael Anthony and KJ Zabala 11 | Kara Hart, Elizabeth Pembleton, Steve Nagy, Chenoa Nagy, Pat Adelmann 12 | Wendy Keim, Kim Pyne and April Bergstrom 13 | Rachel Moyer and Krista Berardinelli 14 | Nina Leatherbury, Monica Martrich, Jennifer DaCosta and Rosemary Marmolejos 15 | Dana Samouhos and Sam Blades 16 | Kendal Conrad and Tiffany Sondergaard 17 | Debbie Kresge and Tina Brown
Wine, Women and Shoes
To Benefit Haven House | Located at Wind Creek Bethlehem
1 | Brenna Ferrera and Christina Smith 2 | Chelsea McAuliffe and Megan McNamara 3 | Chris and Gloria Dellanno 4 | Liz Grant, Patricia Mulqueen, Amelia Kobal and Stephanie Kobal 5 | Michael Stocker, Alex Wiltrout, William Katzbeck, Alan Czysz and Michael Dunsing 6 | Stefanie Nelson, Jessica Katzbeck, Reilly Mitchell, Victoria Mancini, Erin McFadden and Chantel Mayo 7 | Kathy Attieh and Wendy Kalamar 8 | Matt and Dorothy Henderson 9 | Peter and Diane Coleman and Kelly and Joe Cusick 10 | Chad Phillips, Carly Gold, Tessa McNulty and Michael Rhodes 11 | Jada Troutman, Andrea Troutman and Alexa Troutman 12 | Sara Viteri and Syd Stauffer 13 | Carleen Ackerman and Marissa Burkholder 14 | Yesenia Valentin, Megan Sturgill and Kelly John 15 | David Olson and Jacqueline Olson 16 | David and Mitra Wilkenfeld 17 | Melody Bradford and Christy Rose 18 | Malaina Coley, Devon Wolfe, Nanci Emiliani and Lauren Zucco
This year, instead of resolutions, why not focus on cultivating mindful, lasting change? At Evans Counseling Services, we offer transformative somatic practices through our Oasis Room workshops, groups, and classes, helping you integrate body, mind, and spirit to release old patterns, reduce stress, and build resilience.
Rather than chasing quick fixes or external accomplishments, somatic practices guide you to explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, unlocking a new path to personal growth. Whether you’re seeking to reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, or develop emotional resilience, our workshops and classes provide practical, body-centered skills tailored to your journey.
From mindfulness through plants and music as healing to holistic health and gentle movement practices, our offerings are designed to support sustainable growth. Make 2025 the year of intentional transformation—nourish what matters most and start your journey today by visiting our website to explore upcoming workshops and classes.
THIS MONTH’S
A NEW LOOK
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery celebrated its eighth anniversary with a new look. The updated brand is said to reflect Eight Oaks’ dedication to their purpose and recognizes the meaningful, everyday work that goes far beyond just making whiskey. eightoaksdistillery.com
NEW
Grille3501 is offering a unique dining experience for two exclusively at their “Original Bar.” Enjoy a prix fixe menu (with an optional wine pairing) on Fridays and Saturdays. grille3501.com
Extended Hours
The Raven 96 at Easton’s Simon Silk Mill has extended its hours on Fridays and Saturdays! Enjoy their Late Night Menu until 8 p.m.! theraven96.com
EXPANDING
In October, Let’s Go Coffee Company announced plans for a brick-and-mortar location in Emmaus. Go get your gluten-free treats! letsgocoffeeco.com
CONGRATS!
ThreeBirds Coffee House in Easton has been named the second favorite independent coffee shop in the country by USA Today. Grab a double espresso and celebrate! threebirdscoffee.com
REBRAND
Did you hear? Gourmet cinnamon roll shop Cake & Corolla has rebranded as Doughpamine! Now that’s something to feel good about. cakeandcorolla.com
MANE HAVEN SALON
GROWTH & EXPANSION
In July, Mane Haven Salon co-owners Elaine Giering and Danica Honer embarked on a major expansion of their salon, growing from a cozy 800-square-foot space to an impressive 2,000 square feet. “When the neighboring space became available, we seized the opportunity to merge the two areas into one, allowing us to significantly enhance our services and client experience,” they say. The expansion added three more styling chairs, additional shampoo bowls and a spacious new waiting area for clients during their processing time. “What truly inspired this growth was our desire to surround ourselves with more like-minded, creative professionals and to give our talented team the room to thrive. This expansion reflects our commitment to fostering an environment where both our stylists and clients can feel inspired and supported as we continue to elevate our salon experience,” the duo explains. Since opening in 2021, Mane Haven has experienced incredible growth and transformation, welcoming new stylists and team members aboard as well as services and specialized techniques. Offering a “home away from home” atmosphere, the salon is designed to evoke a light, airy feeling, with a bright and inviting ambiance. The décor, furniture and colors are neutral and bohoinspired, blending simplicity with a touch of chic elegance. “Our vision is to become the heart of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley’s hair care community, delivering exceptional service and creating lasting relationships with every guest.”
7619 Tilghman St., Allentown
484.221.8469 | manehavensalonllc.com
IRIYA WELLNESS & AESTHETICS
TECH-FORWARD TREATMENTS
Anfal Ahmed, MPharm, MS, says she always had a natural interest in skincare and all things dermatological while at pharmacy school. When she went on to battle with adult acne in her early 20s, she found the skincare market confusing and realized that the best results came from seeking expertise that drilled down to the science of skin. Care routines based on thoughtfully formulated products alongside in-clinic services drastically augmented her results. Ever since, Ahmed has been on a mission to make expertise as available to the consumer as products are. Enter IRIYA: an in-person experience that allows access to the experts that will help cut through the noise and curate a custom routine that meets one’s unique goals. Ahmed has partnered with her husband, Mohamed Osman, MD, whose work as an interventional pain management physician and training at Harvard give him first-hand experience in utilizing tech-forward, cutting-edge and regenerative techniques to change the lives of patients. “His experiences have directly inspired the ecosystem of IRIYA services, which are rooted in science and technology,” says Ahmed. IRIYA aims to help clients achieve effective results with a natural finish, promoting a glow from within. “This experience is for anyone who has ever felt lost with their skin or wellness concerns and like there is no answer,” says Ahmed, who predicts that their techforward facials from the Clinical Skincare arm of the menu will be an instant hit.
100 Northampton St., Easton | iriyawellness.com
MICHAEL THOMAS FLORAL
NEW LOCATION
After 38 years in business, owner/designer Kathy Slane says Michael Thomas Floral moved to Allentown’s Tilghman Square to “give a new stamp on the business.” Celebrating their grand opening in November, Slane describes the location as open-air and says the design tables are visible to customers. The shop features coolers where customers can go in and choose their own stems of flowers. “We are seasoned florists with a combination of over 135 years of experience,” says Slane, noting that they are full-service and make deliveries within 25 miles. Michael Thomas Floral caters to occasions ranging from anniversary to birthday to sympathy to baby, and they service funerals, weddings and parties.
LITTLE ORCHIDS
NEW TO QUAKERTOWN
“Little Orchids Kitchen & Bar is our flagship restaurant regarding approachability and entryway to Thai and Asian fusion cuisine,” says owner Jeff Virojanapa. He states, “Our focus for Little Orchids is to allow guests to sit down and eat in a casual ambiance that offers easy accessibility to our menu without having to be intimidated or scared of trying something new.” Virojanapa explains that, with 17-year-old roots, White Orchids Thai Cuisine’s menu and clientele are entrenched in the community, maintaining practically its own culture within Center Valley, whereas Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar is the more innovative Asian fusion spot. “We hope that Little Orchids will complement the two as the ‘taste’ of the two brands,” he says. As for the name, Little Orchids is the “lite” version of both establishments with customer comfort and ease of access at the forefront. The menu blends the two restaurants, combining favorite dishes from both into a pricefriendly, approachable take on the brands. “Guests can also enjoy our lighter fusion fare such as handheld items like our crispy chicken katsu sandwich or our wagyu truffle burger as well,” says Virojanapa, who is excited to add one of few family-owned restaurants to the Quakertown restaurant scene and grow roots within the community.
COMEBACKS BEGIN
DIANA’S CATERING & GOURMET MARKET
A NEW TWIST ON AN OLD FAVORITE
Since 1998, Diana Hall-Yurasits has been serving “freshness and love in every bite” at Diana’s Café on Route 309 in Center Valley. But in early 2024, facing labor shortages, she chose a path that would allow her café to live on in a new way. Now operating as Diana’s Catering & Gourmet Market, Hall-Yurasits is still serving up the same fare her customers have grown to love with a new emphasis on catering services for both commercial and private events, and last August she opened a market in her existing location offering ready-made food options for every meal. “The transition is going well. A little different for us, but we are up for the changes,” Hall-Yurasits says. She has worked with executive chef Erin Haas to craft an extensive carry-out menu of quality comfort food like lobster macaroni and cheese, crab bisque and grain and pasta bowls. For nights when you just don’t feel like cooking, full dinner options are available for same-day pre-order. Baker Jane Zinggler rounds out the café’s offerings with handmade pies, quiches, cookies and cakes. For customers who miss dining in, Diana’s offers a weekly in-house brunch on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a menu with a mix of old favorites and new specials. Twice a month, Diana’s hosts five-course sunset dinners (snag a reservation early!), and the dining room space is available to rent for small events. “After 25 years in business, we are excited for this new chapter in our history,” Hall-Yurasits says. “We are so happy to be able to continue to do what we love and still support our community!”
BE PART OF THE STORY!
Tying the knot in 2025? Submit your day-of details at lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us!
DID YOU KNOW?
You can view the entire issue for free online at lehighvalleystyle.com!
WANT TO KNOW WHERE OUR NEXT STYLE INSIDER HAPPY HOUR WILL BE?
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CONNECT WITH STYLE :
Head to lehighvalleystyle.com to check out our favorite local wedding Instagrams of the week! Want to see your post featured? Use #lvstyleweddings to catch our attention.
Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to dine at Yianni's Taverna! Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/ share-with-us to enter!
PHOTO BY ALISON CONKLIN
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Agamon Ba kery & Cafe
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
Agamon Bakery owners John Acevedo Monsalve and Willianson Agamez share what to expect from the Easton cafe.
QTell us about the journey to opening Agamon Bakery! What inspired you to do so?
The idea behind the bakery was mostly a decision between a restaurant or a bakery. We both invest in real estate and decided to look for other avenues. When the venue literally showed up out of nowhere, the bakery was the best choice given the size of the venue in the first place.
Describe the meaning behind the shop’s name!
We wanted to do something simple. Our second last names provided the pathway. Agamez and Monsalve make AgaMon. This was perfect as the middle letters provided for the logo.
Describe the overall vibe/aesthetic of Agamon Bakery!
The combination of soft music, the city of Easton history reflected on the brick wall, the green touch nature provides and the international distinction of our recipes shaped into our offerings in the highly organized displays comes together to resemble a European and New York style.
What can locals expect to find in store? Tell us about your range of offerings!
Our intention is to offer an experience through delicious products and great service. Every product from international recipes created by some top pastry chefs from South America is unique in design and flavor thanks to the high quality and diverse ingredients utilized. Add to it the delicious taste of Supremo Colombian coffee in a stateof-the-art Rancilio espresso machine and the experience is one-of-a-kind.
Is there anything someone might be surprised to find in store?
Our clientele will perceive that even though Easton has several bakeries in the downtown area, our offerings present options that expand beyond the multiple delicious products other bakeries offer. We also like to emphasize that our bakery goes a step further in offering breakfast and lunch. Crepes and sandwiches are tastefully created by international chefs as well with the intention to satisfy a craving.
What are some of the shop’s best sellers and/or customer favorites?
Some of the most-sold cakes are Selva Negra (cherry liqueur, cocoa, chocolate cream, chantilly cream) and Lavender (raspberries, lemon, yogurt and lavender). On the pastry side, brownies (matcha, passion fruit, Nutella and Red Fantasy—pistachios, white chocolate, cream cheese).
And, obviously, our coffee: a strong taste, dark roasted with 22-percent humidity.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to offering?
Agamon Bakery & Cafe is aiming to have a regular changing menu—drinks, cakes, pastries and so on. We will maintain our base line of cakes
and pastries while introducing new recipes including a selection of the finest desserts.
How has the shop been received by the community thus far?
Our experience with our clientele is of a high acceptance. The extended hours of service, the aesthetics and overall vibe have impacted positively on our clients and we have some of them who have thanked us for bringing this initiative to the downtown of Easton.
What do you love about the shop’s location in Downtown Easton?
We could not have chosen a better location, a prime location in the newest building in the area right now. The area will see much more foot traffic in the near future when all the apartment complexes currently under construction experience an influx of residents from out of the state.
Is building a happy, loyal community around your business or nonprofit a mystifying part of your to-do list? Christe Konopitski of Creative Konsulting Exchange has advice for drawing the right people around you. Step 1: stop trying so hard!
DO: ALIGN
To win over public support, nonprofits need to show how the work they do helps supporters live in alignment with their own personal missions. “You aren’t pitching, you’re aligning,” Konopitski says. You’re educating, so folks who share your values know that teaming up with your organization aligns with their goals to make a positive change.
“You want your business to be a genuine piece of an ecosystem,” she says. “Think of a natural pond, self-sustaining. You want your business to be part of that.”
It doesn’t mean you stop marketing; rather, you find a place in the customer’s lifestyle. You know and believe in the nightly moisturizing ritual, the quick yet meaningful gift and the importance of fair-trade ingredients, and the customers who align with that will feel good about making your lotion part of their lives.
DON’T: BE DESPERATE
It’s not fun to put on a strong pitch, and it’s not fun to be on the receiving end. “Even if they love what you do,” Konopitski says, “it’s uncomfortable. People will want to avoid you.”
Instead of scrabbling for a few seconds of an uninterested person’s time, focus on adding value to the experience. Be it tabling at a trunk-or-treat or handing out flyers at Musikfest, show folks a good time!
DO: GET COZY IN YOUR NICHE
We all have an audience, and Konopitski points out that bigger outcomes don’t just come from bigger client pools. To become a jewel in the crown of your community, you just need to attract your people, and you do it by being you.
“People think, ‘I don’t want to go too far and alienate anyone,’” she says. “But if you’re not alienating anyone, you’re probably not getting any strong followers.” Comparing Hotel Bethlehem with Bonn Place illustrates an excellent example. From the formally attired doormen to the lovely shop windows and historic elegance, Hotel Bethlehem is firmly in its lane, and a major attraction. Meanwhile, Bonn Place Brewing on the Southside of Bethlehem looks and feels more casual and rustic, with rough-hewn wood floors, barrels that serve as tables and chalkboards highlighting what’s on tap — the ideal watering hole. “It feels like a tightknit community,” Konopitski says. “Even though you know everybody inside doesn’t necessarily know each other.”
The same people might not be comfortable in both places, but the point is to connect with the people who really vibe with what you do. Drill down on your mission and how to deliver authenticity. Those who resonate will be telling their friends, bringing them into the fold of an experience that helps them live the kind of life they love.
DON’T: DO IT ALL
Whether it’s a nonprofit overextending out of a desire to do more good and ending up with burnt-out volunteers and patchy results or a coffee shop bombing the bakedgoods production, doing too much is a recipe for disappointed customers.
The good news is that while you stick to what you’re best at, there could be an opportunity to build an inter-business community, as when local wineries and breweries bring in food trucks or cafes partner with local bakeries.
...it’s your own strong identity that creates a diverse environment where everyone can prosper.
DO: SHINE A LIGHT ON OTHERS
Don’t we all love walking down a Main Street where the business owners are real people who join forces to throw nearconstant festivals and events? Who care about and are rooting for each other?
To begin sending your feelers out, Konopitski suggests noting the points in your business’s life cycle. What connections do you already have? Accountant, insurance, maybe the bean supplier for your coffee shop. She spins out a scenario where the cafe hosts a coffee talk for their accountant to share financial advice.
Be ready to weave the fabric of the community stronger by making referrals. You may not be able to personally help with needs for a bank or a printer, but the goodwill of lifting as we climb places you in a caring and respectful community. Even if you’re referring someone who does the same thing in a different style, it’s your own strong identity that creates a diverse environment where everyone can prosper.
DON’T: NETWORK WITHOUT FOCUS
A mistake that some people make is being everywhere, at every Chamber event, taking every card. “Especially in the Lehigh Valley,” Konopitski says, “there are all these opportunities to network and partner.” It may feel fun and productive meeting all these people, but always prioritize your mission. Focus on finding points of alignment and folks who have the same customer base.
Rich Mar is a full-service florist for any event or occasion, large or small. Our retail stores offer a wide variety of gift items and fresh flowers. If you are planning a wedding or special event, we have an entire showroom of
Start Your Year with Purpose and Connection
The Junior League of the Lehigh Valley (JLLVPA) is a community of passionate women leaders dedicated to creating meaningful change in the Lehigh Valley. For over 80 years, we’ve empowered women to grow personally and professionally while tackling pressing local issues.
Looking to set goals that matter this year? Join like-minded women to develop leadership skills, make a tangible difference, and form lasting connections. Through volunteering, training, and collaboration, the Junior League helps you make an impact that extends far beyond yourself.
Together, we've launched initiatives including the Marvine Elementary Community Food Pantry and Perfect Fit for Working Women; supplied thousands of backpacks for local students; and supported literacy programs across the Lehigh Valley. The next chapter starts with you.
Get Involved. Grow. Lead.
A new and unique approach to millwork
High-quality cabinetry is an absolute necessity for residential design/build professionals—but the trick is building it quickly and pricing it well. The Job Shop Collective’s roots are planted firmly in the idea that real change is not only possible, it is inevitable for the building industry. Recent challenges presented them with the opportunity to tear up the residential cabinetry rulebook and start afresh.
The Job Shop Collective created a millwork company based on years of experience in the design and construction industry. With each new project, they continue to evolve and refine their process to the satisfaction of their customers.
SIMPLY STATED: They produce high-quality custom cabinetry with a very attractive price point.
The Job Shop Collective welcomes clients’ ideas for their kitchen, bathroom, closets, mudrooms, etc. They will work with clients to create their dream, exactly the way they want it, at a price they can a ord.
Cheyenne Mease
HEALER
Healer, spatial alchemist and inspirationalist Cheyenne Mease lets readers in on the work that she does, helping clients access clarity and empowerment to affect meaningful change in their lives. Mease works at an energetic level, allowing healing from the inside out.
QTell us about your journey as a healer, spatial alchemist and inspirationalist!
My journey began as a child born with a gift that sometimes didn’t feel like a gift. It wasn’t until I experienced a head and neck injury in high school that brought with it daily pain. As an adult not wanting to be on pain medication, I found craniosacral therapy and polarity therapy. It was my saving grace. A new lease on life.
After investing time and energy as well as financial resources in craniosacral and polarity sessions, I began to heal and that is when I really unpacked my gift of being an intuitive, as some refer to me as a healer or shaman. My work is not easy to label or package; it’s best described as complementary with help of others, including classic western medicine.
Describe the work that you do.
I work with clients one-on-one, honoring their needs physically, mentally and emotionally, affirming their strengths, and helping them access clarity and empowerment to affect meaningful change in their lives.
Spatial alchemist was a title given to me from a client who could not only see the change in their home and office, but they could also feel it. I love helping people change the energy of their environment in a positive way to support them. Realtors hire me to help clear and balance the energy of a property/house to open it up to a new homeowner. After a death in the home or hospice, there is an energy left behind. I can feel it and can clear it. Once again, not easy to explain something one must feel to know.
How does the work that you do vary across those services?
Each session is tailored to the client’s needs so no two sessions are the same. I understand the value of being able to integrate the healing process into everyday life. I work with infants through adults. I love working with children because I see the sessions work very quickly to help them through a surgery, a mental barrier or emotional trauma.
When do you find clients often seek your expertise?
Clients find me when they need support, feel lost, need direction or want to ramp things up to enjoy every day to the fullest. Other times it is a diagnosis of illness, a way to avoid surgery, to heal faster and need less medication, an injury (be it sports-related or an accident), loss of loved one, career change, life transitions of all types. Sometimes simply to release stress and relax at a deeper level.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
ST. THOMAS MORE SCHOOL
Often clients are referred to me by a friend, a loved one or the medical professional who understands and respects the process and values the work I offer my clients. They will say, “Go see Cheyenne. I can’t explain what she does. Just give it a try. It works.”
How does your care vary based on the client’s needs?
I work at an energetic level which provides the opportunity to heal from the inside out. I help my clients find the tools that are right for them to navigate their life’s challenges, whether in the now or from their past in a way that allows them to live their best life today.
Be kind to yourself. Be your own best friend.
Talk about the variety of booking options. Everyone is unique, so I offer a variety of ways to work with me. In person one-on-one at my farm, by phone or FaceTime. I also offer a three-month support program that allows for ongoing support with many options.
What is your personal approach to overall wellness?
Be kind to yourself. Be your own best friend.
Describe your morning routine.
I drink a glass of water while I take in the morning from one of the farmhouse windows, letting myself be present in the moment. Next, I am off to the kitchen to grind organic coffee beans. I take a moment to enjoy the aroma and, while the coffee steeps, my cell phone rings and it’s my girlfriend Angie for our daily catchup support chat as she makes her way to work. Then it’s on to my Transcendental Meditation and yoga to set the day.
How about your nighttime routine?
I fill the water glass, brush my teeth and, while I shower, I reflect on the day with gratitude. I connect with my husband with a heart-to-heart hug wishing him a good night’s sleep and a great start to his day in the morning.
What is your preferred exercise routine? Kundalini yoga, Qigong and a joyful walk.
What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal? What do you order?
Playa Bowls in Center Valley is my go-to with my oldest granddaughter. I also enjoy meeting friends at a coffee shop—one here in the Lehigh Valley would be The Joint Coffee Co.
Is there anywhere locally that you love to shop for grocery items?
Whenever possible I support local farm stands.
What’s something that you love to indulge in?
I love spending time with friends who see beauty in the world, sharing a laugh, time with my amazing grandchildren, dancing to country and western music and capturing precious moments in photographs.
How do you relieve stress?
I love to get on my four-wheeler, feeling the wind in my hair as I ride to catch the last rays of the sun as it sets behind the ridge over the farm fields.
What goals do you have for your personal wellness?
Stay young at heart, letting my yoga and meditation lead the way.
How do you stay motivated?
It’s a knowing that I am here and have a purpose. Being here for my family, friends and clients. Witnessing my clients integrating the process they do with me into their lives. Hearing their stories of how the session they did with me supported them in being the person they wanted to be no matter what life brings their way. Being a part of the energy… the magic. The idea of quantum physics… realizing that there is more we don’t know than what we do know. Being privileged to be a part of so many individuals' journeys and witnessing their resilience, their will to live, joy and passion… unearthing that within them is an amazing experience and keeps me wanting more. Even on my worst days I know I am blessed so, if I need to, I just give myself a good talking to, a hug and remind myself I am here for a reason.
610.656.9498 | cheyenneautumnwhitehorse.com
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STEEL FITNESS PREMIER
THE FIT FLOOR
Experience fitness in a totally new way. Steel Fitness Premier’s state-of-the-art fit floor features all the cutting-edge lifting and cardio equipment members need to hit their goals and more! With a multifunctional turf area, stepmills, heavy bags, assault runners and even an indoor track, members will feel motivated the second they walk through the door.
AQUATICS
Cold weather is never an issue at Steel Fitness! Members can swim their way to a healthier self in one of the three heated pools! Offerings include lap swimming, aqua classes and a therapy pool to help with aches and pains. Is there a little one at home? Steel Fitness offers swim lessons to children starting at six months old.
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES
With more than 80 classes a week, the Group Exercise program is the largest in the Lehigh Valley! A full range of in-studio and Zoom fitness classes are available, including strength training, vinyasa yoga, cycle and even aquaticize! Steel Fitness is proud to offer class options for every age and fitness level. View the full class schedule online.
PERSONAL & GROUP TRAINING
Whether a member is new to fitness or has hit a plateau, Steel Fitness’s personal training program is designed to provide members with a personalized plan to help them reach their goals. Every member is given a body composition exam and fitness assessment, so they can track their progress throughout their fitness journey. Steel Fitness also offers small group kickboxing and strength circuit classes.
SPA AMENITIES
True health and wellness happens from the inside out, which is why Steel Fitness offers luxurious spa amenities to all of its members. Indulge in a steam room session or sweat it out in the sauna! With whirlpools, towel service and even an in-house masseuse, members can experience vacation-worthy comforts without the price tag.
FOR THE FAMILY
As a family-owned business, Steel Fitness believes in providing a clean and safe space for members and their families to enjoy quality time. Student and family memberships, designated family swim time, swimming lessons and a state-of-the-art childcare facility are all available. Members can drop their child off at the kids center while getting their workout in.
Bart Yasso
Local Running Legend
BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
But he finished the race, and something had been stirred within him. “[George] did exactly what I needed—he convinced me I could be good at the sport if I really put in my time and wanted to do it,” says Yasso. “That’s what I needed to hear, and that’s what I did.” And about a year later, by the way, George couldn’t beat Bart in a race even with a five-minute head start.
Yasso has spent all of his 69 years living in the Lehigh Valley. A product of Fountain Hill, he played sports when he was a kid, but never felt drawn to running. “Running was always that thing that was punishment if you did another sport,” he says, recalling how he and his teammates on the CYO football team at St. Ursula School used to slack off when they were supposed to be running as part of their warm-up. The only sport he played in high school—he first attended Bethlehem Catholic, then Liberty—was intramural wrestling.
A couple years after graduation, he was living on Bethlehem’s Southside and wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. He did know he wanted to get healthier. “I used to see my neighbor running and I thought, ‘That guy looks like he’s having fun out there,’” says Yasso. He set out for his first run in cut-off jeans and an old pair of Keds, he recalled in his memoir. “I did make it a mile the first time I ran, but a mile felt like a long way.”
But running came naturally to the tall and lean Yasso. It wasn’t long before his weekly mileage totals were deep in double digits. He was winning races, too, and becoming a fixture in the local newspapers. “If there was a local race, I had something to do with it, whether I was running it or organizing it,” says Yasso. He was trying to make a go of it as a professional triathlete, working odd jobs during the week, and competing on weekends, but there wasn’t enough money in it.
Still, he ended up on the radar of Runner’s World, which had relocated from California to Emmaus as part of Rodale publishing in 1985. Yasso began working there two years later. His affable personality and genuine love for the sport made him a natural choice for growing the magazine’s brand ambassador program into a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
As Chief Running Officer, he was constantly on the road, traveling to events around the United States and abroad to offer his wisdom to running clubs, cheer on the athletes and just generally talk shop. He became a fixture in that global community, a mix of elite athletes,
weekend warriors trying to get through their first 5K, and everyone in-between. The Mayor of Running, they called him.
Of course, Yasso often wasn’t just a spectator at those events. He had to walk the walk—or run the run, in his case. Yasso is one of just a few people to have completed races on all seven continents. What other singular runner has stories of being chased by an angry rhino in Chitwan National Park in Nepal, sprinting past penguins in Antarctica, powering through the 56-mile Comrades Marathon in South Africa or braving a 146-mile trek through Death Valley in July? (The last one got him another nickname—Badwater Bart.)
But his most memorable runs aren’t all predicated on geography. Yasso once ran a 5K in the buff. It was outside Spokane, WA, he recalled, far away from the Lehigh Valley. “If you’re going to do a naked run, you don’t do it close to home,” he says. Even more nerve-wracking than the race itself was the speech he had to give the night before at the traditional pre-run pasta dinner. The runners were naked there, too, and Yasso was expected to follow suit. His plan to seek a bit of coverage behind the customary podium on the stage was thwarted by the fact that there was no podium.
Clothed or not (but mostly clothed), Yasso racked up a number of wins and accolades over the years. Among them: he won the U.S. National Biathlon Long Course Championship in 1987. In 1998 he was first across the finish line at the Smoky Mountain Marathon. Yasso is a five-time Ironman, and a member of both the Running USA Hall of Champions and the Road Runners Club of America Distance Running Hall of Fame.
Beyond his personal victories, he’s left his mark on the sport in other ways. He’s the inventor of the Yasso 800s, a system of interval training meant to increase speed and endurance. Some say it’s an accurate predictor of a runner’s marathon time. Here in the Lehigh Valley, Yasso helped launch the Runner’s World Half Marathon & Festival, which ceased in 2020, and the Bethlehem Running Festival, which began in 2023. He also designed the course for the Via marathon, which takes runners from Allentown to Easton and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon (which Yasso has run eight times, by the way).
In the later years of his tenure with Runner’s World, Yasso was attending events up to 40 weekends a year, racking up as many frequent flier miles as a pilot. “The travel was arduous, as much as I loved it,” says Yasso. “It started to
wear on me, healthwise.” It didn’t help that he also suffered multiple bouts of Lyme disease, dating back to 1990, when he started to feel sick after completing a 50-mile race in Connecticut. For a while, doctors were stumped. “Nobody knew what was wrong. It just kept going on and on,” Yasso says. “I knew nothing about Lyme in 1990. I know a lot about it now.” The disease didn’t stop him, but it did slow him down. By the end of 2017, the Mayor of Running was ready to bow out as Chief Running Officer at Runner’s World. “There’s a time for everything, and I was ready to retire,” he says. But he’s still a fixture at races, traveling about six or seven times a year for events, and making appearances in the Lehigh Valley, too. And he is still running, Lyme disease be damned. On the day of this interview, he was raving about a 5.5-
mile run he had completed that morning. “I had so much fun out there,” he says. And he’s still inspiring other runners with the written word. His second book, Race Everything, was released as his time at Rodale was winding down. Now he’s completed his third book, 100 Runs of a Lifetime, which will be released in April. He was approached by National Geographic about compiling a list of the best runs and races around the world. Yasso says he personally has completed somewhere around 92 of them. He hopes to be able to complete the remaining eight. But in retirement, he has other destinations on his mind these days: “There’s a hammock in my backyard,” Yasso says. “It’s been there for 31 years.”
bartyasso.com
Free Heart-Pounding Workouts
BY HEATHER MAYER IRVINE PHOTO BY NUCLEAR_LILY / ADOBE STOCK
There is no shortage of gyms and studio classes in the Lehigh Valley, but if you know where to look, you can get faster and stronger without spending a dime. Check out these gratis workouts that focus on strength, endurance and general fitness, and use your newfound dollars for a new pair of running shoes (or an extra coffee).
1. LEHIGH VALLEY ROAD RUNNERS TRACK WORKOUTS
24th St. and Liberty St., Allentown lvrr.org/group-runs | Wednesdays, 5:15 a.m.
Warm up at 5:15 a.m. sharp before speed sessions designed by local race director Michael Drabenstott. The workouts are open to runners of all abilities, and they target VO2 max and lactate threshold efforts (no worries if those terms don’t mean anything to you right now!). Don’t try to plan ahead: Drabenstott loves to surprise his followers with workout details after the warmup. Bring a headlamp and reflective gear.
2
. GET OUT FOR WELLNESS: WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY + LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK Various | wildlandspa.org/get-out-for-wellness | Monthly
Explore the great outdoors with the region’s expert, Wildlands Conservancy, as part of its hiking and walking program. The group meets about 40 times per year, visiting Trexler Nature Preserve, Bushkill Creek, South Mountain Preserve, Thomas Darling Preserve and Mount Pisgah, to name a few. In addition to the physical benefits of walking and hiking, group members discuss plants and animals, making it a well-rounded adventure.
3. BREAKFAST CLUB RUNNERS
Various locations | Breakfast Club Runners Saturdays, 7:30 a.m.
“We Run. We Eat. We Laugh. Therefore, we are!” exclaim the Breakfast Club Runners. Rise and shine with this running group that’s open to all paces and experiences. Every Saturday the group starts at a different Lehigh Valley location, including the Saucon Rail Trail, the Ironton Rail Trail and the D&L Trail. Follow BCR’s social media pages for location information.
4. AFROS IN NATURE
afrosinnature.org | @afrosinnature
This outdoor group launched in 2020 to create a safe space for marginalized groups. Meetups are limited to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and focus on outdoor activities, including hiking, paddle boarding, bike riding, whitewater rafting, climbing and mini golf. The group has a range of abilities and ensures participants feel safe and supported. Check the group’s social media for meetup information and registration requirements.
5. COMMUNITY CLASSES
Various area locations
Every so often, fitness clubs and studios offer free classes to the public at central locations like libraries and town plazas. Barre3, which has locations in Bethlehem and Allentown, welcomes community members several times throughout the year for a butt-burning workout. The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem also offers community classes for yogis of all levels a few times a year. Lehigh Valley libraries, including Bethlehem and Allentown, regularly have yoga classes open to the public.
SELTZER GROUP PARTNERS
“Changing the Way You View Insurance”
Seltzer Group Partners’ mission to change the way clients view insurance begins with building relationships and educating clients to protect what matters most. Understanding each client’s unique coverage needs is essential to developing plans that best address those needs. By delivering superior risk management solutions and providing the best insurance programs available, Seltzer Group Partners is committed to being the single relationship for all insurance needs.
The organization combines national capabilities with a continued focus on local service and relationships. Through its Seltzer1 model, Seltzer Group Partners serves as a single point of contact for all insurance needs. This innovative and structured approach to the risk management process enables the team to gain a clear understanding of client needs and identify opportunities to strengthen insurance programs.
Seltzer Group Partners executive team, left to right: Rob Schmidt, Pete Krammes and John Campomizzi
THE YURCONIC AGENCY
Comprehensive Solutions for Life, Business and Beyond
John Yurconic Sr. and his wife, Helena, started The Yurconic Agency in 1969. With a focus on customer service and providing the best coverage at a competitive price, the company made a name for itself in the Lehigh Valley.
Today, The Yurconic Agency is still family operated and is one of the leading independent auto, home, business, life and health insurance providers for residents and businesses across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Florida. The name Yurconic is also synonymous with vehicle registration and driver’s license services in the region.
The Yurconic Agency is proud to have a team of employees who care about finding customers the very best insurance coverage to meet their unique needs. And while they can’t promise anyone will have a quote in 15 minutes or less, they do guarantee that the coverage will be what the customer needs, so that they are both fully insured and at a cost that makes sense for their budget.
The Yurconic Agency’s goal is to make sure customers have the right coverage when they need it. Their team of agents works with customers to make important, informed decisions every step of the way, because that ensures their future is protected.
So the next time getting a quote for coverage, “Tell them John sent you.”
MORE THAN INSURANCE
The Yurconic Agency offers more than a dozen services to assist with a driver’s license and vehicle registration. Find out what to bring along to get it done in one of their many convenient locations.
17 Convenient Locations Serving the Greater Lehigh Valley and Beyond 610.770.7227 | yurconic.com
PUT ME IN, COACH
A Coach for Every Part of Your Best Self
By Heather Mayer Irvine
Before you roll your eyes at another “New Year, New You!” cliché, hear us out. Starting fresh doesn’t have to be a big undertaking; in fact, it shouldn’t be. Bite-sized changes can help you reset every aspect of your life—fitness and nutrition, finance, home design, personal style and professional goals— and make them last. These 10 local experts share their tips and tricks to make 2025 the best year yet.
Illustrations by Анна
Stock
A HEALTHIER YOU
The worst thing you can do when it comes to fitness and nutrition goals is be too big and too vague, says Michele Stanten, a certified fitness instructor and walking coach for private and St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest walkers. “Set smart goals,” says Stanten, author of Walk Your Way to Better Health: “specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.”
BE REALISTIC
People think New Year’s resolutions are about overhauling your life, Stanten says. But most people peter out by mid to late January because the ask was just too much. Set yourself up for success; if you’re trying to be more active, don’t start with a 30-minute walk. Start with 10 or even five minutes. The same goes for improved eating habits: Don’t promise to “stop eating junk.” Instead, an “add-nourishment mindset, like how can I eat more veggies, will liberate you from the backlash of restriction,” says Shanon Safi, R.D., of Fuel the Fire.
REFRAME GOALS
Avoid resolving to “lose weight” or “get fitter.” Not only are these goals nonspecific, they miss the opportunity to take those small, achievable steps that will help you get to that end result. “When we make the small, steady changes, they can be better adopted into our identity and [we can] run on autopilot,” Safi says.
ACCEPT IMPERFECTION
Knowing that there will be bumps along the way to achieving your fitness and nutrition goals will make “mistakes” a part of the process, not something to derail your progress. “If a goal fails, reset and determine why,” says Evan Robinson, owner of 36E Fitness and Exalt Jiu-Jitsu. Stanten agrees: “Look at what happened and readjust.” And more importantly, move on.
A FINANCIALLY FIT YOU
Head into the new year with “financial confidence”
as Katie Brown, co-founder and principal of Morton Brown Family Wealth, says. That will look different from person to person, family to family. When you have a better grasp on your finances and a clear path forward, savings, spending and retirement won’t seem so overwhelming.
LOOK BEYOND THE BALANCE SHEETS
To start, anyway. When Brown works with her clients, she wants to understand not just the numbers on the balance sheet but the how and why, in order to help them determine the purpose of their wealth. For example, what are your thoughts around spending and saving, debt, legacy and charitable giving? Brown says that understanding these high-level dynamics can help create an investment plan in line with a person’s goals and values.
AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS
Anything you can do to simplify your finances is a win. Brown advises to automate your savings if you’re still “accumulating your wealth” because it will allow for more freedom with your spending. A good rule of thumb (but certainly not perfect for everyone, she says) is to save at least 10 percent of your pre-tax income strictly for retirement. If you have other goals— a new house or car, college, vacation—set up another automatic savings program either in a bank or a non-retirement account.
ADJUST CONTRIBUTIONS
If you’re expecting a raise in the new year, go you! Treat yourself to a nice dinner and then adjust your contributions accordingly, Brown says. That means upping your retirement contributions, and considering whether you want to increase other limits, including HSA and dependent care. On the flip side, if you’re already in retirement, Brown says to reap the benefits of lifelong saving: “More times than not, I’m helping clients realize that they’ve accumulated and reassuring them it’s okay to enjoy it.”
A TRÈS CHIC YOU
As you ring in 2025, consider using your unique personality to refresh your personal style, says style expert Jillian Daubenspeck of House of Colour West Allentown. Take advantage of accessories, bold colors and proper-fitting clothing to make a fashion statement. The new year is the perfect time to “audit” your wardrobe, says Heidi Lennick, boutique manager for YWCA Perfect Fit Resale Boutique. “This will help you have a closet filled with clothing you like and will wear… donate or recycle the rest,” she says.
DON’T! BE A TRENDSETTER
It’s hard to not follow the latest fashion fad, but Daubenspeck explains that not all trends will work for all people. “And that’s okay.” She works with clients to help them better understand what trends will work for their body type and personality. For example, what were once shunned by millennials everywhere are now in: crew-cut socks. But if you have a long torso, those long crew socks are going to make you look shorter than you actually are, she says. Lennick adds: At the end of the day, whatever you wear should make you feel confident.
ACCESSORIZE!
A few thoughtful accessories can add interest and a refreshed sense of style to your outfits, Daubenspeck says. “Most of us under-accessorize.” She calls accessories “points of interest,” and they can be anything that adds to your look: makeup, jewelry, nail polish and glasses (even non-prescription ones!).
EMBRACE COLOR
Although neutral colors like the everfashionable black are popular staples in any wardrobe, Daubenspeck says black might make you look “cold, drab and unapproachable.” She and her team work with their clients to show them colors that bring out the best in them. “You cannot un-see the power of color,” she says, noting that some colors make people look sickly pale or reflect blemishes that aren’t there. “You cannot disregard the complexion shifts that happen when I put color drapes next to your skin.”
WARDROBE MUST HAVE
Heidi Lennick of the YWCA Perfect Fit Resale Boutique says every person needs a pair of jeans in which they feel amazing. “That may be the hardest thing to find for some people, but it’s one of the most versatile pieces of clothing.”
DRESS THEM DOWN:
With a crisp white T-shirt and an oversized blazer, and a pair of sandals or boots
DRESS THEM UP:
With a silk blouse and a velvet or sequined blazer, heels and a rhinestone belt
AN ORGANIZED YOU
When you walk into a room void of clutter and accented with greenery, there’s a feeling of serenity. That’s how home design experts Wandra Cain, CEO and principal designer for WCA Interiors, and Mary Schmidt, owner of Klutter Queen, want you to kick off the new year. “The new year is a perfect opportunity to evaluate what’s working or not in your home,” Cain says.
CONSIDER EACH ROOM
If 2025 is the year you’re finally going to spruce up your home, Cain wants you to look at each room individually. “This allows for careful consideration of how each space can best serve its function and [contribute to] the overall harmony of the rest of the home.” It also makes the task more manageable by gradually transforming the space, Cain says. “This is also more budget-friendly while steadily working toward the final vision.”
DECLUTTER HONESTLY
In other words, did you really miss that sweater or stack of notebooks you forgot you had? Schmidt tells her clients if they haven’t used an item in the last two years they should rethink whether they need to keep it. Or, if they find something and say, “I completely forgot I had that,” and didn’t miss it, it’s probably okay to say goodbye. This applies to those sentimental gifts, too. “If it’s not useful to you, it’s okay to let it go. No one would want you to hang onto items if you never intend to use it,” she says.
REFRESH INCREMENTALLY
You certainly don’t have to overhaul your entire house for a fresh new look. Cain recommends changing textiles— throw pillows, rugs, curtains and bedding—with different colors, patterns or textures. It’s a simple, relatively inexpensive way to instantly refresh a room. And never underestimate the power of a paint job. Cain also swears by plants and greenery to “bring life to any room.” Plants improve air quality and add a natural touch that makes a space feel more vibrant and welcoming. (An artificial plant is a low-stress way to brighten up any space, too.)
A MORE EMPOWERED YOU
^Don’t use the new year to start over completely or move away from everything that you decided was unsuccessful, says Danielle N. Adams-Wiltshire, PCC, chief empowerment officer at QueenSuite Personal and Professional Development. “Both approaches are recipes for disappointment,” she says. Instead, the new year is a time to have an annual meeting, so to speak, to check in with yourself and determine how you want to feel at the end of the year. “Don’t cheap out on this and answer ‘good.’ Get specific.” This applies to your professional and personal goals.
DEFINE YOUR SUCCESS. AND THEN REDEFINE IT.
Adams-Wiltshire is adamant that the definition of success must come from yourself. “Not your mom, not your dad, not your friends, definitely not from social media,” she says. This way, she says, people meet their own personal milestones and can then redefine what the next success looks like. “People spend a lot of time doing a bunch of stuff without taking a closer look at who they will become in doing those things.”
TAKE STOCK OF LAST YEAR’S WINS
When you’re planning for the new year, whether that’s professional or personal goals, it helps to know what brought you joy and success in the previous year, says Lynn Mull, a holistic career coach and leadership consultant. “Take small steps every month to check in with your current definition of success for 2025,” she says.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY
When people are stressed it can manifest itself physically, with headaches, neck aches and clenched jaws, for example. “Your physical body will usually signal that it is time for a change,” Adams-Wiltshire says, noting that weight gain and loss, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much are also common signs of stress. “You might also feel obligated to do something you used to enjoy or have trouble focusing on tasks.” These might be indications that you need to rethink your professional life or take more time for yourself. “Add 10 minutes of mindfulness, walking meetings, and consider Eastern and Western practitioners to help de-stress,” says Mull.
THE CODFATHER WITH Chef KluemperDaniel
BY ALISON CONKLIN
Chef Daniel Kluemper admits that he was always surrounded by great food growing up, but it was something he never realized. “Well, until I would go to dinner at one of my friends’ homes,” Kluemper laughs. It was a job at Wegmans that inspired him to switch his major at Northampton Community College to pursue the culinary program there.
Kluemper is driven. He is creative and finds inspiration everywhere: traveling, learning, reading
and experiencing. “There’s so much good stuff out there right now to educate oneself in the culinary world,” he says. Kluemper has been the head chef at Social Still for over three years, creating a from-scratch kitchen menu. “I spent a lot of time these past three years working with a local farmer from Blackbird Farms,” shares Kluemper.
“Just walking the fields with him and seeing the care that he has on his organic farm has given me such respect
for the produce and product coming into my kitchen.”
The recipe he is sharing here is one of his favorites from last winter’s menu at Social Still. The Codfather is salted, buttery Atlantic cod with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted broccolini. It is rich and satisfying and a perfect meal during the cold months.
Kluemper’s vision and passion is poured into every dish he serves at Social Still. When asked his favorite thing about working in a kitchen,
he remarks that it is the camaraderie. “The team I have there with me in the kitchen is spectacular. We always work together in creating our seasonal menus and weekly specials,” he says. “Having a group of people that I trust, and knowing we can create and build a wonderful meal for our diners, is so special.”
socialstill.com
TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY
THE CODFATHER
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
½ lb. salted cod
4 Idaho potatoes
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ lb. butter
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. granulated garlic
1 tsp. granulated onion
10 fresh chives
INSTRUCTIONS
Soak salted cod the night before in cold water to get the salt content off.
Fill large pot big enough for potatoes with cold water.
Peel potatoes and cut into a large dice. Put into pot of water and boil potatoes till fork tender.
Combine milk, heavy cream, butter and salted cod in a medium-size pot on low to incorporate ingredients. Once the butter is melted and the cream is warm, take off heat and use a stick blender or blender to make into a cream for potatoes.
Strain potatoes and mash with a hand smasher or hand blender (depending on how chunky you like your potatoes). Add cream and potatoes in a bowl and mix.
Fold remaining ingredients into the salted mashed potatoes with a spatula and enjoy!
BONUS RECIPE
Gin Elderflower Spritz
2 oz. gin
.75 oz. elderflower liqueur or syrup
Top with club soda, Sprite or bubbles!
BY KRISTEN WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CANNON
COUNTY SEAT SPIRITS AFFOGATO ESPRESSO MARTINI
Served in a coupe glass, County Seat’s affogato espresso martini combines their own Zero G Vodka with espresso, coffee vodka, simple syrup and—the best part—a scoop of vanilla ice cream. “The scoop of ice cream is placed into the coupe glass while the rest of the ingredients are poured into your shaker tin with ice,” explains bar manager and events coordinator Shannon Muhlenbruch. The bar team vigorously shakes the cocktail ingredients before straining them into the glass over the ice cream.
Muhlenbruch says the affogato espresso martini was inspired by the classic Italian dessert. “You can find a variation of it in one way or another at several bars,” she says. “For ours, we went classic, keeping things simple and letting our spirits shine through.” The cocktail mellows out the bold, sweet and slightly bitter flavors of a classic espresso martini with the sweet creaminess of vanilla ice cream.
Simple, delicious and “just a little elegant,” Muhlenbruch calls this drink a dessert cocktail that’s not a lot of fuss: “You can enjoy it on a night out and it’s easy enough that you can replicate it at home.”
669 N. 13th St., Easton | 610.438.2531 countyseatspirits.com READY TO TRY IT?
Looking to elevate your dessert cocktail with a dessert?
Muhlenbruch recommends their chocolate chip cookie sundae, prepared in a little cast-iron skillet. “We host a silent book club on the last Wednesday of the month with the Easton Public Library and I find that to be the combination of choice among some of the attendees,” she says.
Another dessert cocktail that should definitely not be missed is County Seat’s After-School Special. “It tastes like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and it’s topped with whipped cream,” says Muhlenbruch. “We had taken it off the menu for a while but brought it back due to popular demand.”
JUST MARRIED weddings
6 couples say “I do”
PICTURE-PERFECT EVENTS
Celebrate your wedding, engagement party, bridal shower, and more at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Enjoy upscale amenities, a luxurious spa, after hours nightlife, world class gaming, and group activities, all in one place. TO GET STARTED, PLEASE CONTACT OUR TEAM AT (484) 777-7497
President/CEO Paul Prass
Vice President/COO Lisa Prass
Publisher Pamela Deller
Editor-in-Chief Kristen Wagner
Managing Editor Angela Vennemann
Digital Strategy Director Jason Chrin
Production Coordinator Eleanor Anderson
Graphic Designers
Eleanor Anderson, Krystal Honohan, Thomas Körp, Nick Reeder, Elaine Wyborski
Corporate Marketing & Events Manager Jen Fronheiser
Marketing Advisors
Erika Berardinucci, Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor
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Contributing Photographers Christina Campbell, Alison Conklin, Jillian Paige
Proofreader Lori McLaughlin
Accounting
Jobelle Aleño, Donna Bachman, Kim Kressman
PHOTO BY HAILIE D PHOTOGRAPHY
photo by Alison Conklin Photography
“I’m so grateful that I have my perfect smile back, thanks to McGill Orthodontics. I was on the fence about fixing my teeth before my wedding day but after finishing my Spark Aligners, I’m glad that I made the decision. My smile looked amazing in my photos and I felt like the best version of myself. Thank you to the team at McGill Orthodontics for working with my timeframe to make sure that I was ready for the big day!” –BROOKE
Dr. Jean McGill and the team at McGill Orthodontics strive to provide state of the art orthodontic care in a friendly and relaxed setting. For more information about our services, please visit our website.
BY DAISY WILLIS
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The Proposal
Hannah Posocco and Nathan Hoenl met with mutual friends gathered at Brü Daddy’s in Allentown and the very next day commenced dating. While vacationing with Hannah’s family, she and her siblings planned a surprise family photo shoot for their mom. Nathan swooped in with a surprise of his own and she said yes.
Hannah +Nathan
JULY 20, 2024
D PHOTOGRAPHY
The Big Day
The two started their wedding day at their family homes reading love letters from each other before embarking on a ceremony rich with loved ones: 22 members of the wedding party included three ring bearers and four flower girls. After their Catholic ceremony, the heartfelt and hilarious speeches at the reception had the room in stitches and provided conversation all night. Hannah’s outfit change signaled the start of the party, and as the band began to play, their nieces and nephews were the first on the floor. From photo booth prints to time together, they made memories that they’ll always hold dear.
HAILIE
Details
Venue & Catering: Lehigh Country Club Allentown
Cake: Colleen’s Sweet Treats Whitehall
Dresses: Alena Leena from The Ivory Concept Malvern
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse Whitehall
Hair & Makeup: Alisha Nycole & Co. Easton
Rings: Redd & Co. Fine Jewelers Allentown
Officiant/Celebrant: Father Shaun Ake-Little Elkins Park
Flowers: Ross Plants & Flowers Orefield
Music/DJ: Bachelor Boys Band Philadelphia
Videographer: White Elm Films PA
Transportation: J&J Transportation Allentown
Allison+William
APRIL 4, 2024
The Proposal
Allison Masters and William Kabrich met online and proceeded to get acquainted as Allison toured him through her favorite spots in Bethlehem. After three years long-distance, they moved in together and Will contrived to lure non-hiker Allison up to Bake Oven Knob for a vista proposal on a warm December day.
The Big Day
A windy chill lent romance to their spring wedding day, just right for photos with multiple coat changes. The couple devoted themselves to a fun and easy wedding, letting the weather drive them inside without complaint. A string quartet gave renditions of modern favorites (like “Rise Against” for Allison’s walk down the aisle) until the DJ took over. Guests ate like kings and prepared to tear up the dance floor following the couple’s unique first dance: “Death of a Bachelor” by Panic! At the Disco. Revelry continued with a pizza party at an on-site spot, concluding a day of effortless exuberance.
Alyea Pierce and Jean Semelfort met as colleagues at Rutgers University where they both worked. Jean proposed to Alyea overlooking the mountains of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti.
The Big Day
On a brisk and beautiful fall day surrounded by the colorful foliage of the Poconos, the two celebrated their wedding and their Caribbean cultures with great intention. Their warm and humorous vows drew on their love of poetry, and the couple choreographed their own hip-bumping, two-stepping first dance. A steel band played the music of Haiti and Jamaica as well as America’s R&B, and in tandem with the DJ, musicians “beat di iron like ah boss” and drummed on the congos, inspiring a long night of dancing. In a nod to their first date, dessert included the mouthwatering honey-glazed treats from Federal Donuts, leaving not a crumb. Guests signed a globe for the jet-setting couple with warm wishes for a wonderful future.
Shelby Turner and Addie Carothers met during their time at the University of Tampa and spent years as friends before they started to date. Addie chose a trip to their favorite kayaking spot in the area to stage her proposal.
The Big Day
Their wedding was an intimate gathering of just over 50 friends and family, with a classic, romantic style, taking place on a bounteous backdrop of hydrangea in bloom. Instead of florals, the warm light of candles down the center of long banquet tables gave a glow to brick courtyard and smiling faces alike. Afterward, they moved their merrymaking to Wind Creek and partied into the night. From the historic inn to the glitz of the casino, it was the perfect Bethlehem day to showcase the little town that raised Shelby and that they both love so much. Each guest left with a Bethlehem star ornament emblazoned with this special date.
Details
Venue:
Tavern at the Sun Inn
Bethlehem
Catering: Tavern at the Sun Inn
Bethlehem
Dessert:
Cookie table made by the women of Addie’s family
Dress: Silk Bridal Easton Suit: Kirrin Finch New York, NY
Hair & Makeup: Beards and Babes Catasauqua Rings: Kay Jewelers
Wedding Planner: Back the Bride Lehigh Valley
Officiant/Celebrant: Gina Firth
The University of Tampa Flowers: Pondelek’s Florist Hellertown
Music/DJ: DJ Rockin Ray Marlton, NJ
Spray Tan: LV Glow
Simple Made Perfect®
When you focus on the details that truly matter, you can make them perfect.
Create a wedding as unique as your love story.
Celebrate love in style with modern amenities, convenience and comfort that you and your guests deserve.
From intimate gatherings to weddings of 500 guests or more, our modern ballrooms— paired with our culinary expertise and our superb guest accommodations—are the ideal place to host your perfect event.
Sandhya +Maurice
JULY 5, 2024
LITTLEWING PHOTOGRAPHY
+
The Proposal
Sandhya Subramanian had been in no hurry to hang out with the unattainable Maurice Kotz in college, but when they ended up talking for hours at a party it was clear the admiration was mutual. One winter vacation in Switzerland, they were on a balcony overlooking breathtaking views when Maurice took a knee to propose.
The Big Day
They married on their 10 th anniversary in Maurice’s hometown, with an Indian American celebration that saw an Indian ceremony rich with traditional garb, flower garlands and Hindu trinkets followed by the white dress and parent dances of an American reception. Maurice’s go-to karaoke song since the early days of dating, Coldplay’s “Yellow,” was the couple’s first dance. The food included Indian and American options, and the cake was ornately decorated with Indian patterns, accompanied by cupcakes in American style. Two worlds combined beautifully as guests jammed to vibrant Indian music as well as millennial hits to finish the most magical day.
Gabrielle Wilson thought her crush on Daniel DiFrancesco in high school was a pipe dream, but 10 years later they reconnected in Boston, instantly inseparable. Daniel planned to propose one brisk morning walking their dog, Moose, past their favorite garden, but, perhaps perfectly, mustered the question only when they’d returned to their happy place: home!
The Big Day
For Gabrielle and Daniel’s celebration, she and her mother, April, transformed a bare stone barn into a vintage European speakeasy. With a deep love of handcrafted authenticity, the event was accented with originality and odes to the past, including antique cocktail glasses and silverware. Maximalist florals knew no bounds, and hundreds of candles and velvet lounges conjured a romantic ambiance, while local musicians and friends performed an unexpected mix, from classical to Motown to EDM. Gabrielle designed her vintage-inspired gown and invited guests to dress boldly in nontraditional colors and accoutrements. She and April now design curated experiences together as @locustbloom.
Details
Venue: Private Home
Center Valley
Catering: blue grillhouse
Bethlehem
Cake: blue grillhouse
Bethlehem Savory Grille Macungie
Dress: Made with Gelmor Lace New York, NY
Hair & Makeup: Rouge Beauty
Bethlehem
Carlee & Company Salon
Allentown Rings: Empire Diamond New York, NY
Music/DJ: The Groove Merchants Philadelphia
DJ Brad Birnbaum
Corinne Mammana
Bachelor Boys Band
Transportation: Palisades school buses
Bethlehem
Starts HereForever
AN INTIMATE VOW Renewal
WITH A POST-INDUSTRIAL WILDERNESS THEME
BY MAGGIE J PHOTOGRAPHY AND NINA LILY CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JILLIAN PAIGE AND CHRISTINA CAMPBELL FOR NINA LILY PHOTOGRAPHY ON SITE AT LEHIGH COUNTY PARKS
AA modern and colorful palette pulling tones from the Appalachian landscape highlighted greens, blues, oranges and peaches that were paired with the signature bronze stripe painted on Maggie J Photography ’s Little E Photo Camper, a 1968 Playmor 140.
The outdoor landscape was made more beautiful by the floral stylings of Ross Plants & Flowers
Wegmans Allentown provided the wedding cake with a thrifted stand from a personal collection.
Celebrant Christina Campbell of Nina Lily incorporated a champagne tower celebration ritual into the grooms’ vow renewal ceremony.
What started as a styled shoot became a vow renewal for Mervinson and Edwin J. SantiagoLopez. “This year, reaching a decade of marriage, was not just an anniversary but a true celebration of our journey together. The photo shoot felt like a renewal of our commitment to each other, filled with love, sincerity and tranquility. Literally the perfect elopement for our 10-year anniversary, just me and my husband in the privacy of our love for each other,” says Edwin.
Attire by SuitShop Official Vow books by Ren & Ink
THROUGH THE JOURNEY ZODIAC
When destiny brings two people together, it makes sense to honor that with a nod to the elements that had a hand in uniting them. Follow along as we celebrate a love that was written in the stars.
Planning and design by Lavish
In collaboration with Allium Floral Design
On site at a private residence
Hair & makeup by A Salon by Alyssa Rader
Models courtesy of Image International Dress by Barbara Kavchok Bridal
Tux by CE Roth Formal Wear
Haus Events
Photography by Alison Conklin
THE FOUR ELEMENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE!
Through diverse textures and materials, moving beyond traditional paper, guests experience a sensory journey through the zodiac! This thoughtful approach transforms simple event materials into conversation pieces, elevating the overall ambience.
Paper goods and custom design elements by Lavish Haus Events
Tableware by Spoon + Salt
CLEAR
QUARTZ IS THE GREAT
AMPLIFIER, magnifying the energy and intention set with the stone. It’s especially beautiful at a wedding because of its ability to magnify the love that’s surrounding the event.
Place settings by Spoon + Salt
Tunnel of lights by Omnivent Inc.
Florals by Allium Floral Design
Crystals courtesy of Kindred Spirits Crystals, Books & Gifts
Chairs by Party Rental Ltd.
Linens by Nuage Designs
BRIELLE BAKER
Blending the wisdom of the stars with the art of personal growth, Brielle Baker is the founder of Light Space Collective, where astrology serves as a compass for self-discovery.
Her lifelong fascination with the cosmos became a formal study in 2020, enriching the work she now does with clients. With professional training as a life coach, a background in nursing, and certifications in yoga and reiki, she brings a holistic and grounded approach to astrology. She views birth charts as maps of the psyche, revealing both strengths and challenges. Through personalized sessions, she guides clients in understanding how to align their energy with their purpose, using astrology as a tool to optimize their path. Her work is about more than translating the language of the stars; it’s about empowering people to live with intention and authenticity, with the stars as their guide.
BRIELLE’S ASTROLOGY INSIGHT
THE DATE: 9.14.2024
Using astrology to pick your wedding date adds an extra layer of intention and magic to your special day, helping you align with the energy of the stars for a beautiful celebration.
Astrology can be a fun and meaningful way to choose your wedding date by tapping into the energy of the stars. One of the easiest and most popular methods is looking at the moon phase. The best time to get married is during the waxing moon (between the new moon and the full moon). This is when energy is building, symbolizing growth and the strengthening of your love. By using this approach, you get a two-week window every month that supports your relationship growing even more.
Consult with a professional astrologer to look at other planetary influences. For example, Venus, the planet of love, can tell you when the energy is most favorable for romance. Aligning your date with Venus can give your wedding an extra boost of loving energy.
Watch out for Mercury Retrograde, which doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds! While it’s best to avoid it if possible, it’s not the end of the world if your date falls during this time. Just be aware that Mercury Retrograde can sometimes cause communication issues, travel delays or tech glitches—none of which are ideal for a wedding. But with a little extra planning, you can manage it just fine.
THE SIGNS : CANCER (BRIDE) AND CAPRICORN (GROOM)
One of the most common questions people ask is whether one sign is compatible with another. The short answer? It’s not that simple! Compatibility in astrology isn’t just about matching signs—it’s about understanding how two people can work together, not whether they should be together.
MORE WAYS TO INCORPORATE ASTROLOGY
Mini Birth Chart Readings: Guests can have quick, personalized readings during the reception. The astrologer can explain key parts of their birth chart, like their sun, moon and rising signs, offering fun insights into their personalities.
Compatibility Readings: The astrologer can do brief compatibility readings for couples at the wedding, explaining how their signs interact and where they naturally align—or where they might need to compromise.
Cosmic Timing for the Event: The astrologer can speak briefly during the reception about the cosmic energy of the day, like the phase of the moon or planetary influences, adding a special layer of meaning to the timing of your wedding.
Astrology-Themed Favors: The astrologer can provide custommade star charts or compatibility cards as party favors.
Scan the QR code for an exclusive peek behind the scenes from Abominable Productions
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-toceiling windows, private bar and 96” x 54” media screen, accommodates 200 guests. Many other rooms are available for more intimate functions.
Family owned and operated, The Kiffle Kitchen has been producing some of the finest handmade kiffles, nut tossies, walnut rolls and pastries since 1985. Voted Readers Choice “Best Bakery” in the Lehigh Valley for six straight years, the pastries are a perfect treat for weddings, graduations, birthdays and other special events. Wedding pastry trays are available and gift tins are available to ship nationwide.
Madeline’s elegant banquet space, along with their impeccable service, makes it the perfect place to host any event. From bridal showers to corporate meetings, Madeline’s has rooms to accommodate events of any size up to 150 guests. Their goal is to make the event planning process seamless, with delicious and customizable menu selections and attentive, courteous staff.
A blend of rough-cut, woody timbers strategically placed on original 1850s stone walls and laced with sweeping elegance found in iron doorways and chandeliers, The Barn at Graver’s Tree Farm is the timeless destination everyone’s been searching for. Experience the pond, rustling brooks and fountains, apple orchard, paver courtyards, scenic pathways, mountaintop views, manicured tree fields and more.
The Pavilion at The Shelby is an elegant and versatile venue, perfect for hosting wedding rehearsals or receptions for up to 100 guests. Whether a couple envisions a formal sit-down dinner or a chic cocktail-style gathering, the space can be tailored to suit their preferences. In warmer months, the area can be expanded to include the outdoor trellis, offering a beautiful open-air setting.
707 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown 610.841.0808 | shelbyrestaurant.com
MAKEUP BY ROXY
MAKEUPBYROXY
Meet Jessi, one of Team MBR’s beauty experts specializing in brows, spray tans and lashes! With a keen eye for detail and a gentle touch, Jessi helps brides feel radiant and confident long before their wedding day—enhancing their natural glow and creating a feeling of ease and excitement for the big day ahead. #MBRxJessi.
301 Front St. Catasauqua 484.820.0202 | makeupbyroxy.com
MONICA YURCONIC-GROFF
Owner | Ross Plants + Flowers + Gifts
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 + Gifts take the stress out of it. With years of experience and the understanding of the current floral trends, Monica and her team guide their couples in planning the most beautiful flower accents for 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. No detail is left undone; therefore, couples can enjoy their day without any floral worries.
Getting to know their couples is at the forefront of their process as well as understanding the goal and vision for their most beautiful day. From the initial consultation to as many meetings or phone calls it takes, Monica and her team are there... listening, guiding, sharing, celebrating. “It’s our job as florists to be able to translate a couple’s vision into reality and we only have one chance to get it right,” states Monica. Locating the perfect flowers to bring that vision to life is a key piece to their success. Flowers are sourced locally when possible as well as from all over the world. Whatever it takes, Ross will locate the flowers and supplies needed to create the florals of a couple’s dream!
Ross is not an everyday floral shop. With a full greenhouse at their shop, Monica and the Ross team can create the most beautiful backdrop for events. They will set up and break down, rent items including arbors, glassware, lanterns, unique centerpiece stands and plants, and if they do not have what a couple is looking for, they will find it!
The flowers chosen will be one of the most remembered aspects of a wedding. They are the final accessory and should complement the overall look and bring a couple’s wedding vision to life. Many of the pictures that couples will look at for years to come will include their beautiful florals, so making sure they are created by a reputable florist is important. When planning a wedding, think of Monica Yurconic-Groff and Ross Plants + Flowers + Gifts for guidance through one of life’s most enjoyable experiences!
ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL
Floral Design Studio
Always Beautiful Floral Design Studio specializes in creating stunning floral arrangements for weddings, turning the big day into a beautiful celebration of love. From lush bouquets to elegant centerpieces, the team works closely with couples to design flowers that match their vision and style, whether it’s a romantic, classic or modern theme. Always Beautiful offers personalized consultations, helping couples choose the perfect blooms to complement their color palette and venue. With attention to detail and a passion for flowers, Always Beautiful ensures that every arrangement enhances the atmosphere, making the wedding day unforgettable with breathtaking floral beauty.
332 W. Broad St., Quakertown 215.536.9227 | alwaysbeautifulflowers.net
DEBORAH LOPRESTI
Bridal Couturier
“The Sedulous Artist” couturier Deborah LoPresti transforms the finest materials into extraordinary one-of-a-kind bridal gowns and sublime evening wear with artistry and elegance. Each creation imbues breathtaking design, meticulous construction and kinetic beauty unfolding as one moves. Her designs were the only ones featured at “The White House Fashion Show” hosted by First Lady Nancy Reagan. Her redesign of a 120-year-old gown was featured worldwide and on Good Morning America. LoPresti’s unerring taste and tireless attention to every detail make her the couturier one desires by their side to bring their dream dress to life.
SARAH PETRYK
Founder & Lead Designer
1828 Northampton St., Easton by appointment 610.253.7333 | deborahlopresti.com
Sarah Petryk and her team have been designing exquisite and transformative weddings in the Lehigh Valley for more than 15 years. Sarah makes the floral planning process feel fun and effortless—like someone talking about their wildest floral dreams with a trusted friend. Her gift is seeing exactly what someone wants for their wedding, and she works to bring each beautiful detail to life. Sarah strives to incorporate sustainable practices in her design, working closely with growers to source stunning blooms tailored to each couple’s style—be it a simple backyard party or an overthe-top ballroom extravaganza. Her delight in the world of flowers and her connection with couples is evident in each wedding she and her team create.
Allium Floral Design 484.320.2160
JILLIAN PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY
KRISTEN LOPEZ / PREVAILED STUDIOS LLC
SMALL FOREST FILMS
Digital + Film Non-Traditional Wedding Videography for the Perfectly Imperfect
Every wedding is different. Every couple is different. Shouldn’t the wedding video be different? Kyle Morales, owner and videographer of Small Forest Films, believes that fully.
Small Forest Films does things a little differently. Ditch the boring. Forget to drab, cookie-cutter wedding videos everyone’s seen a million times. Say hello to something unique and personal.
Kyle brings his passion for storytelling and love for nostalgia to each wedding, knowing that what is being created will live on as a time capsule to be cherished and remembered for decades to come. Kyle takes the time to truly get to know each couple, learning their stories and what really inspires them and what brought them through their journey to this moment. He will discuss visions and goals for their wedding day, and what they really want to see from their wedding film when they watch it decades down the line. Kyle takes the time to get to know their quirks and personality traits so that when the film is being put together, all of these pieces of individuality can be brought forth. Doing so allows Kyle to create a perfectly unique and personal heirloom for each couple to cherish forever.
On the wedding day, while other videographers may be more of a fly on the wall, Kyle prefers to have a more hands-on approach, getting to know everyone, having fun and building a layer of comfort for everyone to feel it’s OK to be themselves. To be honest, no one likes having a camera in their face from some random dude. But once they realize this random dude is there to have fun and be goofy, it’s more like having another friend around. Especially on the dance floor, it becomes very clear when suddenly everyone wants to be on camera.
Whether the bride and groom are party animals looking to throw the banger of the century or quiet lovers holding a more intimate gathering, the vibes should match with the video seamlessly. Every wedding film is handcrafted with care and attentiveness, ensuring that every detail, from the colors to the song selection, is a true representation of the couple and their day.
A wedding day will go by in a flash, and once it’s over the only things that will stand the test of time are a couple’s love and their wedding film. So why not ditch the cliche and make it special.
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Yendira Rosario FOUNDER & CREATIVE DESIGNER
LOST
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Diane
Is your weight weighing heavily on your energy?
Diane’s was, too. That is until she turned to Lehigh Valley Health Network for help. With our weight-loss team’s support and the best bariatric surgery team in the region, Diane was able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and now has the energy to enjoy life again. Now it’s your turn. Visit LVHN.org/weightmanagement to begin your journey.
