Susquehanna Style Weddings 2023

AT HISTORIC KING MANSION Elegant Riverfront Weddings

Located in Downtown Harrisburg, Historic King Mansion is an ideal location for your dream wedding. Our recently renovated 1920s mansion exudes luxurious elegance with updated modern finishes and our sleek Conservatory Ballroom suited for celebrating with up to 150 of your nearest and dearest. The urban, riverside setting is a quintessential scene for photos and is conv eniently located near several local attractions.

Limited 2023 weekend wedding dates are still available and feature newly released special offers on venue rental rates and creative catering packages for your special day! Contact our team to learn more!

To learn more about Historic King Mansion and special offers, please contact our Venue Specialist Team at events@kingmansionpa.com

2201 N FRONT ST, HARRISBURG, PA 17110

EVENTS@KINGMANSIONPA.COM WWW.KINGMANSIONPA.COM @HISTORICKINGMANSION

Ashlee Zimmerman Photography

April + Mike Raymond Photography

Amanda Souders Photography

Ashlee Zimmerman Photography

Love Story

Ross and I met nine years ago, like any classic fairytale romance, we swiped right, and matched on Tinder. Ross had already assumed I was a catfish, so when I mentioned I had just totaled my car the week prior and would need a ride, he almost cancelled our first date. Instead, he sent his location to his best friend (in case he went missing), took a chance and came to pick me up. However, when one of my guy roommates answered the front door, Ross was sure his initial feelings of me being a catfish were confirmed. Still undeterred, Ross waited, and I came to the door. We started the night eating the fanciest Italian food my town had to offer: Olive Garden. Then we spent the rest of the evening sitting in his car talking and listening to music into the morning hours.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Three years ago, Ross surprised me with a trip to Niagara Falls and proposed in front of the falls. This past September, we got married at the most incredible wedding venue, Historic Ashland, with the most amazing vendors, surrounded by the love of our family and friends. From the beautiful outdoor ceremony location, to the renovated historic barn, to the gorgeous sunflower field, the location could not have been more breathtaking. We drank and danced the night away—it was truly the best day of our lives.

The Details 

Cake: Rosie’s Creative Cakes

Caterer: Mountain Laurel Catering & Events

Dress: Dressed In Love Bridal Suite— Paloma Blanca

Entertainment: Sound Sensation DJs

Florist: Flowers by Jena Paige

Hair: True Royalty Salon & Barber Studio

Honeymoon Travel Agency: Outfitters Adventure Travel LLC

Invitations: Gia Boyd Design

Makeup: Recharge Beauty & Wellness

Officiant: James Davis, friend

Photography: Keri Shean Photography

Planner: Amanda Stauffer, Historic Ashland

Rings: Taylor & Hart, Hitched

Tux/Suits: Englunds Apparel, Michael Kors

Venue: Historic Ashland

Wedding Signs: Signed by RD

•

&BRO KE JARED O

October 3rd 2021

The Details 

Cake: Unique Desserts by Chef

Anne Louise

Caterer: Terrain

Dress: Grace Loves Lace— River Gown

Entertainment: JR Burrs of J-ARE Entertainment LLC

Florist: Laura of Lauxmont

Hair & Makeup: Tribe

Invitations: Minted

Officiant: Anthony Carranza (Groom's Step-Brother)

Photography: Rachel Ruhl

Photography Rings: Tiffany & Co

Tux/Suits: Vera Wang

Venue: Terrain at Styer's Glen Mills

Love Story

Jared and I met in SoCal in 2016, through the infamous dating app, Bumble. Jared was living in Orange County and I was in LA, so we are extremely grateful for technology bringing us together (although at first, we were hesitant to admit it). With 30 plus miles and the 405 in between us, there was a small chance we would’ve met without it. And in 2020, after 4 years of Harley rides on PCH, hockey games, more sunsets, and tacos, Jared proposed during a beautiful sunset in Huntington Beach during the pandemic. (I didn't have a clue, as I was wearing my finest quarantine sweatpants.) Together, we’ve spent time living all over Southern California, Charleston, SC, and this past July, we bought our first home in Lancaster, PA, my hometown. Today, you can find us with our 3 pups, Stella, Indie, and Gunther, traveling, watching hockey, making tacos, and spending time with our family and friends on both coasts. After almost 7 years together, we continue to challenge each other, support each other, and most importantly, continue to have fun and laugh with each other.

Love Story

Our first date lasted twelve hours. We rode the waves until the sun went down at the beach, marveling constantly at how much we had in common, as we did nearly every day for the following two weeks. After a few years of being long distance and traveling to see each other every chance we got, we both ended up in a small beach town in Florida. I was completely surprised and overjoyed when Austin asked me to marry him on my birthday! We knew that we wanted to get married in my hometown of Lancaster, and it was so special to have our wedding at The Conestoga House, where my family would often picnic when I was a young girl. Most days you’ll find us planting tropical fruit trees in our backyard, catching waves when the surf is good, and just treasuring the gift of each other and the blessing of marriage.

The Details 

Cake & Caterer: Simply From Scratch

Charcuterie Board: Jovi Events Dress: Riki Dalal Couture

Embroidered Signage: Little Lady A Entertainment: 3 West Productions Florist: All Things Beautiful Hair + Makeup: Unfading Beauty by Kristen

Musicians: Taylor & Brandon Holmes

Officiant: Rev. Todd Mozingo, Revive Church - Stuart, Florida

Photographer: Summer Rae Photography + Free Your Mind Photography Planner: Amber Joyce

Trolley Service: Expressions Limo Tux/Suits: The Black Tux

Venue: Conestoga House & Gardens

Videographer: Summer Rae Photography

&MAGGIE PARKS

The Details 

Cake: Imaginary Cakes

Caterer: Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop

Dress: Martin Liliana

Entertainment: Benny Hill Entertainment Jazz Band

Florist: Collin Holder and Canaan Marshall Designs

Hair: Tiffany Chavez, MKUP The Beauty Studio

Invitations: Custom-Made

Makeup: Bride, Maggie King of MKUP The Beauty Studio

Officiant: Devon O'Conner, family friend

Photography: Philter Photography

Planner: Susan Moran, That's it Wedding Concepts + Jennifer Wilson, Belle Ame Events

Rentals: White Birch Rentals, Party Suppliers Limited

Venue: Wrightsville Manor, Wilmington NC

Videographer: Landon Wise Photography

Love Story

We choose a destination wedding in Parks' home state, North Carolina, and took my beloved vendors from Pennsylvania with us. Working in the wedding industry for 10 plus years it was hard to choose my local favorites, as this industry is filled with friends. By choosing a destination wedding, my wedding stayed intimate within the industry and amongst clients, family, and friends.

HANNAH& DYLAN

Love Story

On June 22, 2019, I stepped off the train at Penn Station to meet, what didn't take me long to realize, the man of my dreams. A 24-hour whirlwind "blind date" turned into 48 hours, several "postponed" trains, and the rest of our lives.

Six weeks earlier...

I walked into a bar (Tellus 360) up the street from my apartment to meet my parents' friends and happened to walk into their friend's 60th birthday party. I didn't realize at the time, but the birthday boy was Dylan's dad. I never met his parents or even heard of Dylan before then, and we hit it off right away. They began to tell me about their son who lives in Manhattan and immediately started showing me pictures. A few days later, Dylan and I began talking every few days which quickly escalated to every day. After a few weeks of non-stop talking, Dylan invited me to New York to spend the day. We spent every weekend after that together. A year and a half later, amidst a global pandemic, we got engaged on New Year's Eve 2020. Fast forward another year and a half on June 24, 2022 and we are standing on the Balearic Sea in Mallorca, Spain saying "I Do!”

The Details 

Cake: Sarah Lou's Sweet Confections

Caterer: Dine In Dulge (Ceremony); Sei Catering (Reception)

Ceremony: Air B&B in Mallorca, Spain

Dress: Grace Loves Lace

Entertainment: DJ Magic Mike Florist: A di Amore (Ceremony); Rachel Dirosato (Reception)

Hair + Makeup: Abby Korman, sister Invitations: Shutterfly

Officiant: Greg Howard, bride's best friend

Photobooth Van: Norma Jean Vintage Machine

Photography: Ana Garcia Photography (Ceremony); Lindsay Rossman Photography (Reception)

Rings: Warren Jewelers

Tux/Suits: Express

Reception: Mickey's Black Box

Videography: Laura Caldes (Ceremony); Ben Rossman (Lititz)

KANIA& ANTHONY

Love Story

We were two people who had to fall apart to realize we wanted to come back together. Our love was unexpected and unlikely; one that breaks all the rules. The one we couldn’t forget. Our friendship blossomed into a love without borders. Eventually, we chose forever together, and made it official on a cold, romantic evening in February with whimsical details paired with traditional elements.

Marriage Of A

Meet artist Julie Riker of Camp Hill, who captures scenes of wedded bliss, on canvas.

By Karen Hendricks

It’s a day for the heart, captured in art.

Artist Julie Riker of Camp Hill is a prolific plein air artist—meaning she paints on location, in the “open air,” capturing the surrounding scenery. But some of the loveliest landscapes include festivities from one of the most treasured days in a couple’s life— their wedding.

“It’s some pressure, but good pressure,” says Riker, 53, a life-long artist who describes her work as “capturing light and mood, with a somewhat impressionist result.”

The key to a plein air wedding painting, Riker says, is an early start.

“I usually show up at least an hour before guests, to block in the architecture or background of the landscape,” Riker says, “and that takes a lot of pressure off, because I’ve gotten through the whole messy stage—and then, I can have fun.”

Working with oil-based paint, Riker usually spends five to six hours on each wedding painting. And her presence adds a fun factor to each wedding.

“People will come up and look—sometimes they’re afraid to talk to me, afraid that they’ll bother me, but that’s not the case at all,” Riker says. “Sometimes they’ll see a figure, and say ‘Oh! That looks like Joe,’ and start laughing— it’s a lot of fun, and then people stop by in another half an hour to see the painting’s progress.”

Riker typically completes the painting by the

For one bride, lights were important detail she requested Riker to capture on canvas.

“Paintings hold a special place for me,” says Duffee Maddox, who works at the Toledo Museum of Art. In fact, Maddox sent Riker a painting in the museum’s collection as inspiration. “It’s a night time scene with lots of lights, and I wanted our painting to have that kind of feel.”

Maddox envisioned a painting capturing “the party scene” ambiance, at her wedding to Joe Barton—held inside an historic barn, at Gettysburg Battlefield B&B Inn.

Rather than a posed photograph, I’d like to think a painting is a little more poetic, capturing the spirit

"

Nearly two years later, the painting is still prominently displayed in the couple’s living room.

“It’s such a joy to see it every day—it reminds me of one of the best moments in my life,” Maddox explains. “I enjoy looking at it more than my wedding photos.”

Riker, who has won numerous plein air competitions throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, also works as a decorative artist— painting walls, mantels, furniture, and even large-scale church artwork. She’s also done restoration work within the Pennsylvania State Capitol. In addition to wedding paintings, she’s captured special occasions such as a recent birthday celebration held at Harrisburg’s King Mansion.

Her wedding scenes range from an outdoor ceremony at Cumberland County’s Allenberry Resort to a Philadelphia-area country club.

At weddings, it’s not always the bride who commissions Riker’s artwork. One of the most recent wedding paintings Riker created—in October of 2022—was a surprise gift from the bride’s mother.

Cathy Snavely of Mechanicsburg wanted to give her daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Joshua Sholly, a truly unique wedding gift—so she hired Riker, a longtime friend.

Against the beautiful backdrop of a Mifflin County estate, Riker painted the couple’s first dance as husband and wife.

“She was able to capture the atmosphere of the venue, and minute details that probably

even the naked eye didn’t pick up—outlines of the lace on Rebecca’s dress, with a blue hue, Joshua’s tuxedo, and guests watching them dance,” Snavely describes. “And she was able to make the painting glow with twinkly lights.”

The couple, as well as guests, were stunned at Riker’s ability to translate the special moment into a work of art.

“Nobody could believe she did that, in such a short period of time,” Snavely says. “I can’t imagine painting something live, as it’s happening, but Julie found a way to capture it. She’s just all-around great, as a person and artist—so humble about her artistic ability—and those are the kind of people who bring you joy.”

And Snavely hopes the painting holds a lifetime of joy for her daughter and son-in-law.

“Memories are extremely important to both of them, so maybe the painting will become a family heirloom,” Snavely says.

It’s a thought that Riker holds sacred as she creates each painting.

“There are wedding photographers, videographers, even drone photography,” Riker says, “But I’d like to think my painting captures something about the day that those other forms of documentation do not. Rather than a posed photograph, I’d like to think a painting is a little more poetic, capturing the spirit of the day— and that it’s cherished and maybe passed onto future generations.”

Wedding Professionals

Allow our featured wedding professionals to help guide you with planning for your special day.

Experience

bliss at the Eden Resort & Suites, Lancaster and Central PA’s premier wedding venue featuring 6 elegant ballrooms and an outdoor space. Whether you are looking for one venue for both your ceremony and reception or for your reception only, we have everything to make your day special.

Our Courtyard—a three-story atrium with large skylighted ceiling, fountain, and twinkle string lights—offers a stunning, unique setting, as do our other ballrooms, including our Crystal Ballroom with oversized crystal chandeliers. Before your reception, enjoy an outdoor ceremony in our beautiful Garden Terrace or an indoor ceremony in our Courtyard or one of our other ballrooms.

We offer personalized menus featuring delectable and memorable dishes from our award-winning Executive Chef. Our Wedding team will help you plan your special day, including onsite coordination during your event. Our offerings don’t end when your reception ends; you and your guests can enjoy overnight accommodations, from deluxe guest rooms to multi-room suites or residential-style villas. You and your guests can also enjoy our many amenities while on property.

We welcome the opportunity to help you have the wedding of your dreams!

wedding

Eden Courtyard

Envy Studio’s client experience is designed to protect your energy and anticipate your individual needs, so you can be present for every moment of your day. Our artists excel in creating unique, custom looks and celebrating diversity through beauty.

We pride ourselves in creating a memorable experience for you by cultivating a deep and trusting relationship and providing custom concierge-style service. We want you to feel relaxed and at ease, as we transform you into an elevated version of yourself.

To us, the most valuable relationships are built on trust. We focus on fostering strong, transparent connections with you to ensure our time together is stress free and most importantly - fun!

Owner, Stacey Steffes, opened Envy Studio’s doors 11 years ago out of the pure love and satisfaction she gets from making her guests feel beautiful. Since then, so many love stories have come through the studio and Stacey’s team has been so honored to be a part of each and every one.

Stacey love’s ‘love’ and there is nothing more special than when the first time a Bride sees herself in the mirror and realizes that, today and forever, she is someone’s Bride.

When you work with Envy Studio, they hope you feel that love as much as they feel yours. Stacey and her team look forward to sharing in all of your special moments!

HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE

Situated in the heart of downtown York, the one-of-a-kind and magnificently restored Yorktowne Hotel is the ideal location for visitors of York, lovers of art & history and your wedding! Considered the “Cornerstone of York” since 1925, the grand hotel in York, PA borrows from its rich history and blends it with the contemporary.

48 E Market St, York, 17401 717-848-1111

YORKTOWNE.COM

It’s a tale as old as time. As each new year passes, we write our resolutions in the hopes of making them come true. With more people opting for non-alcoholic options, this is your chance to try something with a little less hop in it. So whether you’re the designated-driver for the night or simply sober-curious–here are some local spots with mocktails to shake up your weekend plans.

Mocktails to Shake-up Your Night 5

BY MARIANNA TORRES

TUTONI’S RESTAURANT

1 2 3 4 5

tutonis.com | 108 N George St, York, PA

Although Tutoni's is known for fine Italian fare in the heart of downtown York, it's not the only thing they're known for! With a cocktail list that spans across wondrous flavors–a number of their libations come in mocktail-form. Is someone playing Prince? Their purple rain signature cocktail (and more) is usually served with bols genever, lime, mint simple, and lavender can be modified for your mocktail needs.

CORK & FORK

Corkandfork.us | 200 State St, Harrisburg, PA

Cork & Fork is a fan favorite for fresh pastas and small plates, but their spirit-free sips really shine through on the menu. The surfer rosa served with passionfruit, lime, agave, orange juice, sea salt rim, and lime soda will take your tastebuds on a tropical trip.

SHOT & BOTTLE

Shotandbottle.com | 2 N Queen Street, Lancaster PA You’ll find plenty of zero-proof beverage options at Shot and Bottle. You can find it under ‘Teetotaler’ on the menu inspired by the anti-alcohol movement that happened roughly around the 1820s-1830s. Chill out with their Gabe’s mule made with almond bitters, cinnamon pear jam, and ginger beer or warm up with their hot mulled cider.

THE PRESSROOM

Pressroomrestaurant.com | 26 W King St, Lancaster, PA

At the Pressroom, a Lancaster staple, they're stirring up such fun non-boozy libations, you won't even miss the liquid courage. Say bonjour to their Parisian pear mocktail that is sure to fizz up your Friday night out. Planning on heading out on the town with friends? Feel saucy with their cranberry sauce debate that even features housemade bitters.

REVIVAL SOCIAL CLUB

revivalsocialclubyork.com | 19 N George St, York, PA

Picking out what to drink, especially when you have no idea what it’s going to taste like, can be one of the stressors of going out to eat. Luckily, Revival Social Club makes it easy for you with their mocktail choices. Choose between sour, sweet, spicy, or fruity and try the exact flavor you’re craving for the night.

ONE OF A KIND CRAFTSMANSHIP