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t h e l ong
I’m
a sucker for weddings and have always enjoyed working on the January issue of the magazine. I’m a devoted fan of Say Yes to the Dress and have probably seen each episode at least five times. Interviewing the show’s Randy Fenoli (twice!) was a thrill of a lifetime. In doing research for this year’s issue, I kept coming across a term, micro wedding – a concept that seems to be making inroads in Lancaster County. Even the largest venues – barns and hotels – are addressing the preference for smaller weddings. Yes, the full-blown wedding extravaganzas are still popular, but thanks to the millennials, small, intimate gatherings of family and close friends are also trending.
Well
before micro wedding entered my lexicon, I was afforded an up-close view of the planning of a millennial wedding. My son, Charlie, who just barely qualifies as a millennial, was married December 22, 2018. He and his fiancée, Jenny, planned a small wedding for
250. Jenny’s heritage is Syrian, so by her culture’s standards, 250 is considered micro. Her sister’s wedding was twice that size. Coming up with a guest list for our side of the family took no time at all. Over time, our numbers have dwindled. Only-child Charlie invited the cousins he is close to, a favorite uncle, a few close friends and some co-workers. I dissuaded him from inviting relatives we haven’t seen for years or live on the other side of the country. To me, it looks like you’re just fishing for gifts. As for myself, I was initially comfortable with taking the solo route. But, the more I thought about it, the more I envisioned myself looking like Meghan Markle’s mother and called down to Virginia to make certain my sister, Ginny, was coming to Bethlehem for the wedding. (By the way, Bethlehem is a beautiful place for a Christmas wedding.) She said she was working on it, but the timing – the weekend before Christmas – wasn’t
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short of i t
the best. At the time, she had eight dogs. All her dog sitters were out of town or busy that weekend and boarding them was cost prohibitive. In the end, her husband volunteered to stay home with the dogs so that she could attend the wedding. The Catholic ceremony was very traditional, but as Ginny and I settled in at our table at the reception, we looked at each other as if to say, “I don’t think we’re in Lancaster County anymore!” Panic set in when I learned the wedding party had to dance down the aisle – to Arabic music – as each was introduced. I would be first up. I suddenly developed a taste for cranberry juice and vodka, downed a few and sort of danced/ran down the aisle. Next up was Arabic hors d’ oeuvres (very tasty), followed by dinner, which was a mix of Arabic and American dishes. Then, the Michael Bublé of Syria burst onto the dance floor to belt out some tunes. There must have been code words in the songs because guests would suddenly shower Charlie and Jenny with dollar bills. It was all very fascinating.
Finding
a dress was not a picnic. I’m not a dress person, but I got the distinct impression from Jenny that I needed to go all out. I asked what their colors were and upon being told “burgundy and gold,” my initial reaction was, “You mean like the Redskins?” I was told “yes and no” – they alluded to the fact that their first date was a Redskins-Steelers game in D.C., but they also qualify as Christmas colors. Jenny’s attendants would be wearing burgundy and her mother already had dibs on gold. That didn’t leave me much leeway, so I decided on rose/pink. I started perusing the internet for ideas and visited a few local shops (unfortunately, I was cutting it close to order anything). Because I had worked retail, I was familiar with the labels and started an online search. I found something I liked through a department store, ordered it and had it in two days. I found a pair of bedazzled flats through another department
store and had them in a matter of days. I dug out my prom-era Watt & Shand clutch for a touch of vintage. I was set. Or, so I thought. The dress needed hemmed and the more I tried it on, the more trouble I had with the zipper. I called Country Threads by Gail and made an appointment for alterations. Owner Gail Heckrote Mendenhall and her staff were wonderful. The dress was hemmed in a week and when I went for a final fitting, Gail said she had concerns about the zipper. She wanted to replace it. Again, the alteration was handled quickly, and the new zipper worked beautifully. Disaster averted! I also found the perfect pair of earrings there.
I don’t
know if it’s a tradition or a trend of any kind, but Charlie and I enjoyed a very special mother-andson outing – sort of a last hurrah – a few months before the wedding. We are huge baseball fans, and that summer the All-Star game was in D.C. We
managed to get tickets for the home-run derby. We got to D.C. early in the day so that we could visit the Capitals team store (they had just won the Stanley Cup), take in Fanfest at the convention center (more shopping), eat at our favorite Navy Yards restaurant and go to the Nats team store at Nationals Park. (The boy likes to shop. Needless to say, he’s bought every Nationals World Series tchotchke that exists.) We only had one glitch the entire day – at my direction, we boarded the wrong Metro train and ended up somewhere in Virginia. As for the homerun derby, which was an awesome experience, some guy named Harper was the winner.
– Suzanne Starling-Long
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Contents
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26.
FEATURES
18. Operation Wedding Gown Emily Gerlach says “I Do” to Ryan Trees in a gown that was courtesy of Brides Across America.
22. The Micro-Wedding Phenomenon Suddenly, small, intimate “micro” weddings are all the rage.
26. A Magical Backyard Wedding
Natalie Simons and Thomas Dodge, Jr. celebrate with friends and family in the backyard of Natalie’s childhood home.
DEPARTMENTS
6. The Long and Short of It Little Charlie gets married.
11. Be Scene! Our 7 To-Dos for the month of January.
14. Life of a Party Kim and Brian Roche reflect on their daughter Stephanie’s Destination-Lancaster wedding to Mark Griffin.
44. Foodographer
14.
Jordan Bush learns the nuances of making sauerkraut from the pro himself, New Holland’s Jack Hillard.
48. Table for Two
ON THE COVER: Photographer Alison Conklin
captured Natalie Simons and Thomas Dodge, Jr. as they walked down the driveway of her childhood home and made their way to a magical backyard wedding reception.
Rochelle Shenk visits Piccadilly Coffee & Tea House.
18.
56. Backyard Tourist Seth Dochter previews the Pennsylvania Farm Show.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
34. Wedding Essentials
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Details are what define a wedding. Lancaster’s wedding professionals are ready to help with everything from the gown to the venue to the happily ever after.
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THE GUIDE TO JANUARY EVENTS
BE S CENE! 7 TO-DOS FOR THE COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT L ANCASTERCOUNTYMAG.COM . COMPILED BY BRIANA WEBSTER HESS
#1
Photo by Autumn Pennell
#2 #3
January 24-February 9
FROZEN JR. EPAC
January 10-18 January 24-25
2ND ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Main Street Mount Joy A variety of artists will be in downtown Mount Joy, exhibiting their work among the many retail shops and restaurants. Main Street, Mount Joy. January 24, 5-8 p.m. January 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 717653-4227 or mainstreetmountjoy.com.
#4
BEACH PARTY BLAST Prima Theatre Here’s a sun-drenched cure for your winter blues! Enjoy all the top summer songs – past and present. Join Prima Under The Boardwalk for a theatrical concert experience that will have you Surfin’ U.S.A. 941 Wheatland Ave., Suite A. Information: 717-327-5124 or primalancaster.org.
Growing up with sisters can be tough, especially when one has untamed ice powers. But, no matter how far they drift apart, love will always bring them back together, and quite possibly save the world. Disney’s Frozen (2013 movie), about sisters Elsa and Anna, became an instant worldwide sensation, thawing frozen hearts everywhere. Now, Disney’s Frozen, Jr. gives local kids a chance to star in the fan-favorite musical as part of EPAC’s Kids4Kids show. 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata. Information: 717-733-7966 or ephrataperformingartscenter.com.
January 19
MELHORN MANOR ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE Melhorn Manor Take a tour of the stunning Melhorn Manor! Guests will see and feel first-hand how magical their weddings can be. Meet the owners of Melhorn Manor and 40 amazingly talented vendors. Enjoy complimentary food samples, specialty drinks, fun music provided by professional DJs, door prizes and so much more. Tickets are $5. 977 W. Main St., Mount Joy. 1-4 p.m. Information: facebook.com/events/418616118846847 or eventbrite.com.
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#5
January 20
32ND ANNUAL REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST Millersville University – Student Memorial Center
Each year over 700 community leaders gather to honor Dr. King’s legacy. The 32nd annual event is being presented by Crispus Attucks, a program of the Community Action Partnership. This year’s theme – Peace in the Presence of Justice: Transforming Communities through Restorative Practices – will feature keynote speaker Dr. Fania Davis. Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as one of the “New Civil Rights Leaders of the 21st Century,” Dr. Davis is a social justice advocate, a restorative justice practitioner and scholar, and a former civil rights attorney. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, during the civil rights era and in 2005 founded Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth. The event will include a buffet breakfast, performances and the presentation of the Essence of Humanity Award, sponsored by the High Foundation, and the Ruby Payne Cook Award. It will be emceed by Ron Martin of WGAL. Registration/Coffee and Conversation begin at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast/Program is from 7-9 a.m. 81 Shenks Lane, Millersville. Information: eventbrite.com.
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January 18
The beauty is in the details.
10TH ANNIVERSARY SIERRA CLUBLANCASTER GROUP POLAR BEAR 5K TRAIL RUN/HIKE Lancaster County Central Park The Sierra Club–Lancaster Group invites runners and hikers to participate in its 5K Trail Run/Hike. The 3.1-mile race winds through the park on well-maintained trails (with some hills). Leashed dogs are welcome. All money raised by this major fundraising event supports local efforts to end global warming and will help finance the group’s “green project” grant program, which has awarded grants of up to $500 to 44 Lancaster County organizations over the past four years. The money will also help support the group’s free outdoor activities and educational programs that are designed to help people better appreciate, protect and preserve the environment. 1050 Rockford Rd. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Information: lancastersierraclub.org, facebook.com/ sierraclublancaster or sierraclubevent@gmail.com.
#7
January 9-February 15
THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre In this delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy, four unique Southern women are drawn together by fate – and an impromptu happy hour – and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives. Recommended for ages 10 and up. 510 Centerville Rd. Information: 717-898-1900 or dutchapple.com.
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Life of a Party A FA MILY W EDDI NG One of the wedding day moments Kim Roche treasured was helping her daughter dress for the ceremony.
While Stephanie and Mark were being photographed in the picturesque environs of the Lancaster Country Club, guests used the twohour break to explore downtown Lancaster’s fun spots.
STA NDING IN THE SHOES OF THE MOTHER OF THE BR IDE With all eyes on the bride and groom, the parents of the betrothed couple are sometimes wedding day footnotes. But, their personal moments of joy, awe and overwhelming love are equally poignant. BY JILL BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE ULRICH
K
im Roche recalls the moment she saw her daughter Stephanie in what would be chosen as her wedding gown. “A group of her besties and I were invited to shop with her. We would comment, ‘Oh, that’s pretty,’ or say something nice about each dress,” Kim remembers.
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“But, when she entered the room in the dress, we were completely silent. There were no words.” Stevie, as she is known to her family and friends, and her groom, Mark Griffin, are Boston-based, but 29-year-old Stevie had spent much of her life in Lancaster, having graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School. Her mother, Kim, and stepfather, WGAL News8 anchor Brian Roche, are long-time Lancaster residents, so it was natural to come home to create a ceremony at Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Lancaster, a reception at Lancaster Country Club and rehearsal dinner at the Hamilton Club. For the groom’s family and friends, the September 21 event was a destination wedding that also showcased some of the best of Lancaster. “Guests raved about how impressed they were with
Lancaster,” Kim says. “They explored Central Market and downtown’s cool coffee shops, took drives into the Amishpopulated countryside and enjoyed the views at The Exchange. Some extended their weekend to travel to Gettysburg, Annapolis and Washington, D.C.” The day before the wedding, Brian organized 24 of the guys to play golf on the iconic course at Lancaster Country Club, while the ladies were entertained with lunch at Sugarplums & Tea. Following the couple’s 73-guest rehearsal dinner, the groom’s parents threw a party for 150 out-of-town-guests the night before the wedding. Kim loved the result, explaining, “It took the pressure off the bride and groom having to visit every guest table at the reception, so that became a fabulous dance party!” A BLENDED FAMILY, Kim and Brian’s adult sons and daughters have
Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which was the site of the wedding, is so elegant that flowers were unnecessary.
Above: The couple’s seven bridesmaids and seven groomsmen (including two best men and two matrons of honor) joined them for photos on the steps of the old courthouse building. Left: Kim Roche and grandmother-of-the-bride, Linda Pecorari. Right: The bride carried fabric from her grandmother’s dress, along with photo charms of her deceased grandparents, in her bouquet.
Make the Right Choice
Kim Roche, daughter Stephanie and her husband Mark Griffin, and Kim’s husband, Brian Roche. As the hostess of the party – the reception – every mother of the bride deserves to have her own aisle style! Kim chose a nontraditional MOB look in navy ombre, lace and textural sparkle. While Brian offered a reading during the ceremony, he felt his role of the day was to “take care of the mother of the bride.�
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embraced each other as brothers and sisters. “It’s touching to hear how our children talk to each other and reach out to each other on their own,” says Kim. Brian’s daughter, Lara, served as Stevie’s matron of honor, along with another of Stevie’s stepsisters, and his son, Miles, joined Kim’s son, Colby, as groomsmen. “With one day to go before the guests’ arrival, we had one more intimate family dinner on Thursday night, which was the perfect time to relax together before all the excitement revved up,” Kim notes. Another take-your-breath-away moment, Kim recalls, was helping her daughter get dressed. Using a Chestnut Street Airbnb as the wedding party’s makeup, hair and dressing rooms, Kim held the train of her daughter’s gown as she descended the stairs to oohs, aahs and gasps from her bridesmaids. In a rare, quiet moment ahead of the ceremony, the bride shared a card with her mother. “Today is my day, but it’s also your day,” Stevie had written. “I admire you for being my mom.” The bride also honored other family members, present and past. She carried a swatch of lace from Kim’s mother’s wedding dress wrapped around her bouquet. Deceased grandparents’ photos were framed in small charms that she also carried in her bouquet. “It was an amazing day,” Kim reflects. “Watching this person who is so accomplished and so put together – my daughter – I had such a sense of pride.” Kim admits she was emotionally spent at the end of the weekend, but that didn’t stop her from hosting a catered Sunday brunch for 60 at the Roches’ home. “You dream about a day like this,” she says. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”
RESOURCES:
Bride and Mother of the Bride Gowns – In White Makeup – MKUP The Beauty Studio Flowers – Moss + Vine Rentals – Treasured Events Wedding Day Coordinator – Margaret EberlyStoltz Reception Lighting & Drapery – STRAY Production Services Cake – The Baker’s Table Band – Big Ric Rising Ceremony – Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church Reception Venue – Lancaster Country Club Photography – Katie Ulrich Videography – Garrity Powers
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Emily Gerlach + Ryan Trees • July 27, 2019
Operation Wedding Gown
The wedding gown. It’s the centerpiece of a wedding. Emily Gerlach’s gown had a story all its own thanks to the nonprofit organization Brides Across America. BY SUE LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA MARTIN
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In late 2016,
Ryan Trees, a logistics operations planner with the U.S. Army, was deployed to Iraq. He began blogging about his experiences, sharing the posts with family and friends. His mother, Penny Trees, a fifth-grade teacher at Kissel Hill Elementary, shared the blogs with a young co-worker, Emily Gerlach. In a show of support, Emily, who is a fifth- and sixth-grade intervention specialist, reached out to Ryan via Facebook. Soon, a long-distance relationship developed. The distance shortened in the summer of 2017 when
Ryan returned stateside and was assigned to Fort Lee in Virginia. The two began traveling back and forth as often as their schedules allowed. With one or the other hitting the road, they estimate they racked up 10,000 miles on their trips between Lancaster and Fort Lee. For a time, it appeared they would have to resume their long-distance relationship, as Ryan received orders that would take him to Italy. But, before he could leave, he received a medical retirement from the Army and returned to Lancaster in September 2018. He now works for The Hershey Company.
Clockwise from left: The Hay Barn at The Barn at Silverstone provided the setting for Emily Gerlach and Ryan Trees’ wedding ceremony. Emily’s father, Bryan, performed the ceremony. Emily’s gown was courtesy of the organization, Brides Across America, with alterations by Country Threads by Gail. Ryan’s groomsmen included Army buddies and Emily’s brother, Eric (far right). Something borrowed, something new: The bag Emily carried on her wedding day was made from her mother’s wedding gown. The attendants' dresses and the bouquets echoed the navy, coral, gray and green color scheme.
A month later, Emily and Ryan found themselves in Rehoboth Beach. “We had gone for the Seawitch Festival,” she explains. Because of a nor’easter that impacted the coast, the festival’s activities were canceled. Still, Emily wasn’t surprised to hear Ryan announce he wanted to go fishing. “Nothing will keep him from going fishing,” she laughs. So, the unsuspecting Emily braved the wind and rain and headed for the beach with Ryan. The only other person on the beach was a photographer. When they arrived, Ryan began digging around in his tackle box, pulled out a diamond ring and
proposed, which of course was captured by the photographer. Meanwhile, Emily’s parents, Lynn and Bryan Gerlach, were anxiously awaiting their return. “We knew Ryan was planning to propose,” Lynn says.
Let the Planning Begin! Emily and Ryan wanted their wedding to be personal and fun. After visiting several venues, they agreed on The Barn at Silverstone in East Lampeter Township. The property’s Hay Barn would provide a perfect setting for the
ceremony, while the beautifully restored Barn Hall could host the reception. “And, there were sheep!” Emily says. “How many people get to have sheep in the background for their pictures?” As for the personal element, Emily’s father performed the ceremony, while the 100 guests included a few of Ryan’s Army buddies. The fun elements included a doughnut wall and cake, lots of Hershey chocolate candies and cornhole. The doughnuts were from Duck Donuts. “That was a fun tasting,” Emily says of the selection process she and Ryan enjoyed
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Barn Hall provided ample space for a seated dinner for 100, plus room for dancing.
Emily and Ryan with her brother, Eric, and parents, Lynn and Bryan.
at the Fruitville Pike store. “We chose five kinds, and they delivered them on the day of the wedding.” Barn Hall and an outdoor area provided ample space for cocktails, a plated dinner, dancing and cornhole. So that everyone could enjoy the day, Emily added a day-of coordinator – Kirsten Headland – to her list of vendors. “She was great; we didn’t have to worry about a thing and could just enjoy the day,” Emily says.
The Gown Emily learned of the organization Brides Across America (BAA) and did some research in hopes that a local bridal shop would be participating. Unfortunately, the participants for the November 11, 2018, Operation Wedding Gown event were located well out of the area. However, a shop in North Carolina – Poffie Girls in Gastonia – was on the list of participants. It just so happened Emily’s brother lives in nearby Charlotte. Road trip! Brides Across America was founded
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by Heidi Janson in 2008. At the time, Janson, who had 20 years of experience in the industry and operated her own shop near Boston, was also working with an organization that helped impoverished women develop micro businesses. In doing research, Janson read a story in which a deployed soldier questioned whether people on the homefront were appreciative of the work that was being done by military men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq. The story resonated with Janson, and she announced her bridal shop would be giving away wedding gowns to military brides over a two-day period in July, explaining that she was aware that for many military personnel a dream wedding is just that – a dream. She felt it was her civic duty to lend a helping hand. Through giving away 60 gowns, Janson received media attention from across the nation. Brides Across America grew out of the giveaway. Since then, the endeavor has grown to include shops across America. Some regularly participate, while others do so occasionally. The gowns are donated by
the shop owners, as well as designers and even former brides who wish to see their gowns bring happiness to other women. In addition to the gowns, veils, headpieces, accessories and more are donated. BAA also operates a store in Andover, Massachusetts. Operation Wedding Gown events are held twice a year, in July (to honor Independence Day) and November (to coincide with Veteran’s Day). Over the past 10 years, more than 24,000 gowns have been gifted to members of the military or their fiancées. Veterans are also eligible. In 2016, the program expanded to include the community of first responders. BAA has also grown to provide military/first responder couples with entire weddings. Janson now views BAA as her “life’s work.” While Emily traveled to North Carolina for her gown, she was excited to learn that a local shop, Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique, which is located in Stevens, participated in November 2019’s Operation Wedding Gown event. For details and eligibility requirements, visit bridesacrossamerica.com.
Clockwise from left: The festivities moved outdoors for cornhole. Ryan and Emily with his parents, Penny and Jeff Trees. Instead of a traditional cake, the newlyweds cut into a cake-shaped array of doughnuts. Duck Donuts provided tasty ingredients for Emily and Ryan’s Donut Wall.
EMILY REGISTERED for the November 2018 event and headed south with Ryan, her parents and Ryan’s mother and sister. While the girls visited the bridal salon at the appointed hour, the guys teed off at a local golf course. “They made quite an event out of it,” Emily says of the reception she and the other 17 brides received at Poffie’s. “There was a DJ, food, and we all were interviewed on camera,” she recalls. “It turned out that I traveled the farthest. Then, we were ushered – three to four at a time – into a room that was filled with gowns.” Just as on the television show, Say Yes to the Dress, Emily became nervous when nothing piqued her interest. “I had an idea of what I wanted, but I wasn’t seeing it,” she explains. Then, a shop employee came to her rescue. “She had moved to Charlotte from Manheim Township!” Emily explains. The woman listened to Emily’s description of her dream dress and just like on Say Yes to the Dress, she set off and went shopping. She returned with the perfect candidate, but there was a
problem – the dress was several sizes too large and would drown her. Figuring she had nothing to lose, she tried it on and the magic indicator – tears – confirmed Emily was destined to wear the dress for her wedding. The team conferred and upon being assured that alterations would be easily doable, Emily left with her dress. Once back in Lancaster, Emily began the search for someone who could alter the dress. At the suggestion of a friend, she called Country Threads by Gail, whose staff expertly altered the dress. “Several fittings, and it was done,” Emily recalls. “They did a wonderful job.” Lynn also discovered her dress at Country Threads by Gail. “It was perfect – just what I was looking for!” she says. Oh, and Ryan did end up in Italy – he and Emily honeymooned there, where they divided their time among beach destinations, wineries and the sights in Rome. Meanwhile, back in Lancaster, Kissel Hill Elementary had to alter its staff directory to account for two Mrs. Treeses.
Resources
GOWN: Brides Across America/Poffie Girls, Gastonia, North Carolina ALTERATIONS: Country Threads by Gail, Manheim MOTHER OF THE BRIDE GOWN: Country Threads by Gail VENUE: The Barn at Silverstone DAY-OF COORDINATOR: Kirsten Headland, Simply Elegant Affairs CATERING: Legends Catering, York DOUGHNUTS: Duck Donuts FLORAL DESIGN: Pean Frey CALLIGRAPHY & SIGNAGE: Steph Hallett DJ: Bring on the Bash PHOTOGRAPHY: Erica Martin, Between Pines
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The
MICRO-WEDDING PHENOMENON Pheasant Run’s outdoor ceremony space. Karlo Photography.
The Carriage House at The Farm at Eagles Ridge.
It’s not quite eloping and it’s not a full-scale production. A micro wedding falls somewhere in between. BY SUE LONG
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he wedding-trend prognosticators credit the phenomenon to who else but the millennials, who love minimalism, cherish the environment and tend to spend their money cautiously. The age range of the millennial generation is now 20-35, which means they were grade schoolers, college students or in the process of launching careers during the Great Recession. They remain keenly aware of the havoc it caused. Many are saddled with hefty debt from college loans. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding peaked in 2016 at right around $35,000 and has been declining for the last four years. In turn, the average guest list has decreased from 153 (2007) to 136 (2018). In Martha Stewart’s estimation, “The millennials are looking for costeffective measures” in planning their weddings. The industry is taking notice, beginning with the centerpiece of a wedding, the bridal gown. Anthropologie’s BHLDN division includes City Hall and Beach & Destination collections that range in price from under $200 to $1,200 (or more). Venues – ranging from hotels to quaint bed & breakfast inns – are offering wedding packages with microists in mind. While the millennials have attached themselves to the micro-wedding phenomenon, one of Lancaster’s grand dames of weddings, Vivian Abel, who operates Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast with her husband, Bob, and daughter, Deanne, traces the preference for smaller weddings back to 9/11. “I’ve never read anything that substantiates that, but when we opened in 2002, there seemed to be a ‘back to
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nature’ philosophy that was affecting everything – including weddings,” she notes. “I think that gave rise to the popularity of outdoor ceremonies and barn weddings. When we opened, the only other barn venue was Rock Ford. Now, there are more barn venues in Lancaster County than I can count, and they range from small to large and primitive to elaborate.” SPEAKING OF 9/11, deployments also helped to spark an increase in small, intimate weddings that were sometimes arranged in a matter of months (or less). Another factor affecting the size of weddings is the fact that modern-day families tend to be smaller and are often far flung. Terry Kreider of Landis Valley says the farm museum became aware of the phenomenon “more than a year ago. We kept noticing it pop up on sites such as Wedding Wire.” Landis Valley reacted proactively by making two smaller sites available. She finds that micro weddings tend to be lower-key affairs that are more centered on celebrating friends, family and food rather than dancing the night away. She points to second-time-around and same-sex weddings as especially fitting that criteria. “Then again, there are young couples who just want to celebrate with their closest friends,” she says. Gina D’Ambrosio of Moonstone Manor in Elizabethtown echoes those sentiments, saying fans of micro weddings are putting their personal stamps on their big days. “They seem to limit many wedding traditions such as dancing, being announced in, having a big wedding cake, giving out favors, etc.,” she says. “They want a nice gathering of special people with good food, modest bar offerings, something sweet for dessert, and background music to celebrate their marriage. We see many age variations in this, not just second marriages or older couples one might tend to think would go for this type of affair. Many young couples don’t want a lot of ‘fuss.’”
In The Knot’s estimation, a micro wedding entails anywhere from five to 50 guests. Others offer a more precise 20 as the magic number. However, we upped the number to 100 (or less) for our survey of what Lancaster has to offer micro-minded couples. In doing online research, many micro-wedded couples encouraged others to think outside the box in planning their own weddings. In other words, all you can do is ask if you’d like to be married at your favorite restaurant, winery, brewery, distillery, art gallery, bowling alley, public garden, etc. Don’t discount your own backyard either. Another theme was also evident. Yes, you may be paring down the guest list to your nearest and dearest, but that doesn’t mean scaling back your style. In fact, you could up the ante and splurge on a gown, treat your guests to a oncein-a-lifetime dinner, pour the best wine, decorate to your heart’s content or take the entire group to the beach for a destination wedding. In Martha Stewart’s opinion, weddings have become “more personalized than ever before.”
PHEASANT RUN.
The Willow Street-area venue was a hit from the moment it opened its doors. The Abels restored the centuries-old barn and converted it into a bed & breakfast and an events venue that could comfortably accommodate 100 (or less) guests on the lower level, where the view includes Viv’s gorgeous gardens and the surrounding woodland. Their outdoor ceremony areas feature a water garden or a huge maple tree that has earned the name “the wedding tree” due to the fact that two trees grew into one. In working with couples over the years, Viv has taken notice that of late, “they seem to be marrying later, they are paying for the wedding themselves, and they’re thinking ahead to buying a home, rather than spending a lot on a wedding.” However, they still want their weddings to be personal experiences. Viv and Deanne
The dining room at Bear Mill Estate in Denver.
have become pros at guiding them in that direction. The first thing on the to-do list is to create a meaningful guest list. “Limit it to family and close friends,” Viv says. That could mean eliminating your best friend from elementary school and your second cousin, neither of whom you’ve seen in years. But, if being surrounded by all your friends and family is important, Viv says to consider having your wedding on a day other than Saturday, which can help to cut costs. Or consider an “off month” such as January, February or early March. “We drastically cut our rental fee during what we call ‘quiet time,’” she says of winter months. The Abels are looking forward to hosting a very special wedding at Pheasant Run. Their granddaughter, Olivia, will be getting married in June, and her reception will be held at the farm. For details, visit pheasantrunfarmbb.com.
CAMERON ESTATE INN. This beautiful and historic property in Mount Joy offers micro (up to 20 guests) and mini-micro (up to six guests) weddings that entail a ceremony, flowers, a cocktail hour, a 5-course dinner, a cake and overnight accommodations for the couple. The inn arranges everything, thus eliminating the need to work with individual vendors. There’s an elopement package, as well. For details, visit cameronestateinn.com.
THE INN AT LEOLA VILLAGE.
Stephanie Lambert, the inn’s director of special events, shares that “we first started seeing the microwedding trend about six years ago.” Learning that couples were growing frustrated by the fact that venues were geared to larger weddings, the inn’s owners sought to provide a remedy for the situation. “Our solution was to build a second venue that would be perfectly sized to meet their vision,” she explains. The resulting Bella Giardino is beautifully appointed with
The manor house at Moonstone Manor in Elizabethtown. Emily Grace Photo.
sparkling chandeliers and large windows and accommodates up to 100 guests. The Piccolo Patio can accommodate 20-40 guests, while the Dietro area is ideal for 10-40 guests. There’s even a package called My Tiny Little Wedding. Did we mention there’s a spa on-site, as well as a top-rated restaurant? For details, visit theinnatleolavillage.com.
MELHORN MANOR. Barns are also
becoming aware of the smaller wedding trend. While Allory and Jessica Melhorn typically host between 125 and 275 guests at their Melhorn Manor property in Mount Joy, they also welcome smaller weddings. Thanks to decorative draperies and custom-built portable barn walls, the four buildings on the property can be transformed into intimate spaces. “We have held weddings and other events for 100 guests or less,” they shared via email. “We have noticed a trend for 50-100 guests. We’ve also noticed that budget usually plays a large role in smaller weddings.” Because the four spaces are climate-controlled, weddings can be held at Melhorn year-round. For details, visit melhornmanor.com.
THE WILLOWS AT HISTORIC STRASBURG. Stephanie Kirkessner, who, with her husband, Steve, and business partner, David Haines, operates the Fireside Tavern and the events venue, The Willows at Historic Strasburg, has also noticed the shift to smaller weddings. “We’ve done quite a few in the last couple of years with guest lists in the 75 to 110 range,” she notes. The venue easily adapts to such events, with the outdoor courtyard perfect for a ceremony and cocktail hour. The ballroom can be subdivided to create a more intimate setting for dinner and dancing. For details, visit willowshistoricstrasburg.com.
LAMPETER CAFE. If you haven’t heard, the
Lampeter Cafe has new owners – Ryan and Janae Dagen, who own Strasburg’s Speckled Hen Coffee + Kitchen. The two plan to continue operating The Livery, which Janae describes as “a space you must see to appreciate,” as a venue for small weddings, showers, reunions and other events. “No detail was overlooked in the design and build out of this newly constructed post-and-beam remake of one of the original buildings on the property,” she notes. The venue seats up to 80, and new is the fact that it’s BYOB. Packages are available. For details, visit lampetercafe.com.
COLUMBIA CROSSING.
The scenery is unsurpassed and includes the Susquehanna River and Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. It also serves as Columbia’s gateway to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The venue features a roomy indoor area and a spacious covered deck. Hope Byers, who manages Columbia Crossing, which is part of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, reports that guest capacity for weddings is capped at 100. Typically, ceremonies are conducted on the deck and dinner is served indoors. Then, it’s back to the deck for dancing. One of Hope’s favorite weddings thus far joined a couple who had their first date on the trail. “We were delighted to have their ceremony in a place that connected back to their beginning,” she shares. Packages are available. For details, visit susquehannaheritage.org.
RAILROAD HOUSE INN.
Upriver you’ll find the Railroad House, which has long hosted outdoor weddings in its gardens. Co-owner Joey Bowden reports that the Railroad House is taking another step by renovating a barn on the property to create a wedding/event space that will accommodate up to 80 guests. He also reports that the prospect of such a venue has gotten “great response from couples looking to do quality on a smaller scale. We’ve hosted L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | J A N U A RY 2 0 2 0
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weddings that have been as small as 50 guests and since we’re seeing more interest in the 80-100 guest range, we’re excited to move on the project,” he explains. But, he and business partner Freddy States are not stopping there. By 2021, they hope to utilize the train depot for larger events. “We’ll be able to cover the gamut – from small, intimate weddings to 200-person extravaganzas!” For details, visit railroadhouseinn.com.
BLUESTONE ESTATE. One of Lancaster’s
newest barn venues, Bluestone is located in Refton. The farmhouse on the property dates to 1770, while the barn dates to 1822. When owner Erin Armstrong Vinelli became engaged to Chad Vinelli in 2007, she was determined to have her wedding on the farm. Ten years later, with the barn deteriorating, the Vinellis looked at it as an opportunity to restore it and open it to the public as an events venue. The results are stunning. While most weddings entail 120-260 guests, Erin reports that smaller weddings with less than 100 guests have been held on the farm. For details, visit bluestoneestate.com.
PERFECT SETTINGS. If you’re looking for
warehouse chic, Perfect Settings in Columbia is it! The Locust Street venue specializes in small events that top out at 110 for plated meals. “Smaller weddings are much more intimate,” owner Daisy Pagan theorizes. She loves the fact that the newlyweds can take the opportunity to spend quality time with their guests. She also has taken notice that smaller affairs allow couples to share their style and personalities through the details that define a wedding. “Couples can really immerse themselves in making a high-end Pinterest idea come to life,” she says. For details, visit perfectsettings.com.
THE SUTTER. How fun would it be to treat
your guests to a getaway wedding in one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns”? You could turn your big day into a weekend affair and utilize the services of The Sutter, where weddings can range in size from 30-150 guests. “We get many in the
70-100 range,” reports Jeff Mark, the property’s events manager. Guests can take advantage of accommodations in the RockBlock Penthouse, dine in the newly refurbished restaurant and sample brews in the Bulls Head Public House. The roving party can check out the new food hall at The Wilbur, toast the couple at Stoll and Wolfe Distillery and the list goes on. For details, visit generalsutterinn.com.
BEAR MILL ESTATE. If you’re looking
for a venue that offers natural beauty and sophistication, Kerry Kegerise’s beautifully restored and appointed Bear Mill in Denver offers amenities such as a cozy tavern, a formal dining area, a veranda over the millrace, a glass elevator, gardens, a pond and a tree-lined backyard that twinkles with lights. “I’d estimate that 80% of our weddings are in the 70-100 guest range,” he says. For details, visit bearmillestate.com.
THE MONTGOMERY HOUSE. This
208-year-old Federal-style mansion was once home to attorney William Montgomery, eventually becoming the property of Watt & Shand and Bon-Ton. When the Lancaster County Convention Center and the Marriott on Penn Square were being developed, the decision was made to restore and incorporate several historic sites on South Queen Street into the design, including The Montgomery House. Regarded as one of Lancaster’s finest examples of Federal-style architecture, The Montgomery House is now an events venue that specializes in micro weddings. Fifty guests can be accommodated for seated ceremonies and reception dinners. The culinary team can prepare a meal that equates to a gourmet delight. Again, you can make a weekend of it and explore all that the city has to offer. For details, visit themontgomeryhouse.com.
married on the front porch and then have dinner inside. The Fire Hall is geared to 100 guests or less. “Everyone loves the Yellow Barn, so regardless of the size of the wedding, it’s always been a favorite with couples who get married at Landis Valley,” says Terry Kreider. Wedding season at Landis Valley is April-December. For details, visit landisvalleymuseum.org.
ROCK FORD PLANTATION. Built in 1794,
the property was home to Revolutionary War general and statesman Edward Hand. Beautifully restored, it’s long hosted weddings in the barn that features handcrafted, colonial-style lanterns, hand-hewn beams, interior stone walls and an 18th-century-style bar. Couples often utilize the front porch of the house and picket fenceenclosed front yard for ceremonies and the barn (capacity is 110 or less) for seated dinners. The scenery includes gardens, woodland and the nearby Conestoga River. For details, visit rockfordplantation.org.
MOUNT HOPE WINERY. The estate recently unveiled a barn that is available for weddings (up to 150 guests). The mansion is also available, with capacity placed at 100 or less. But, if fun is on your agenda, how about a Renaissance-themed wedding in the Feasting Glen? The King & Queen package is designed for 25 (minimum) guests and includes all sorts of amenities for your big day. Such weddings are held Saturdays and Sundays, August through October. For details, visit mounthopewinery.com.
SUPPLY.
This co-working facility in Manheim also boasts several event spaces. The look is sleek and modern, boasting concrete floors, white walls and a plethora of black-framed windows. It embodies minimalism. One space is perfect for 20-30 guests, plus it has an adjoining patio. For details, visit supplymanheim.com.
LANDIS VALLEY VILLAGE & FARM MUSEUM. Landis Valley features three venues, THE FARM AT EAGLES RIDGE. Co-owner all of which can accommodate micro weddings. The smallest is the Historic Hotel, which is perfect for 50 guests or less. Many couples elect to be
Betsy Montgomery reports, “We have actually been receiving more requests for intimate gatherings than we have in the past. Fortunately,
Left to right: The Firehouse at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. The Feasting Glen at Mount Hope Winery. A Halloween-themed wedding at Eicher Arts Center in Ephrata. Bella Giardino at The Inn at Leola Village.
with our newly renovated spaces, we’re able to offer a variety of options to accommodate smaller guest counts. Most of our couples, whether they’re having large or small weddings, still love the idea of using the outdoor lawn space that overlooks the pond for their ceremonies. In terms of the reception, the upstairs of the Barn can beautifully accommodate weddings of all sizes. Typically, we recommend 60+ guests upstairs and, with a smaller count, we will simply give suggestions on floor plans and décor that would help fill the space.” The property’s new Carriage House offers space “for a small wedding, maybe 50 guests or less, ideally for the ceremony. Otherwise, as guests arrive on-site, we use it as a welcome area where they can enjoy a refreshment prior to the outdoor ceremony.” For details, visit farmateaglesridge.com.
HISTORIC EPHRATA CLOISTER.
This historic (circa 1732) site has always welcomed weddings to utilize the outdoor amphitheater for large (up to 400 guests) ceremonies. Smaller weddings with 125 guests or less can now utilize the Meetinghouse for ceremonies that are held after 6 p.m. While receptions are not permitted on the property, there are several nearby venues that could be utilized. For details, visit ephratacloister.org.
EICHER ARTS CENTER. One such venue is
located just across the Cocalico Creek in Grater Memorial Park. Dating to 1773 and renovated in 1983, the property is home to a rustic, two-story events venue that accommodates up to 110 guests. It was built from wood salvaged from the original structure and the surrounding area. It also features a large outdoor porch and lovely gardens. For details, visit eicherartscenter.com.
HERTZOG HOMESTEAD BED & BREAKFAST. Also located in the Ephrata area, this ninthgeneration farm is now owned by Scott and Kristen Hertzog. The rustic barn, which features original oak flooring, a limestone gable wall and a ceiling accented with tobacco rails and wood shingling that dates to the 1800s, can
comfortably seat 40-120 guests. The lawn can be used for outdoor ceremonies. For details, visit hertzoghomestead.com.
STONE GABLES ESTATE. According to co-
owner Tierney Foster-Abel, “We have been party to several smaller wedding requests. Sometimes, it is a military wedding, where one of the parties is being deployed and they need a quicker, cozier venue site. For others, it is price related.” Stone Gables offers various options for a micro wedding, including The Ironstone Ranch Barn, the Mini Barn and the Orchard with the Bell Tower. At The Star Barn Village, possibilities include the Gazebo on Liberty Lake and St. Michaels Vineyard, which offers The Solarium and The Iron Gazebo (50 to 200 guests). Inside The Star Barn, the Limestone Tunnel is ideal for up to 50 guests. The Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge (The Kissing Bridge) is also an option and could comfortably entertain up to 80 guests under its roof. For details, visit stonegablesestate.com.
MOONSTONE MANOR. Owner Gina
D’Ambrosio views the smaller-wedding trend as a way for couples “to achieve that more intimate and personal experience. Those trying to achieve the more intimate setting – not necessarily with a ‘budget’ in mind – tend to seek out unique, non-venue-like settings. I’ve heard couples say, when touring Moonstone Manor, ‘It doesn’t feel like a big venue inside the mansion, and I want this feel.’” Moonstone’s gorgeous setting and lush gardens only add to the feeling of being in a very special location. For details, visit moonstonemanor.com.
BRICK GABLES. Heather Oaks, the venue’s
details events planner, reports, “We have noticed a lot of inquiries for smaller weddings of 50-80 people in the last two years.” While Brick Gables – a restored barn on the northern edge of Lititz – caters to larger affairs (up to 250), Heather says, “We love to accommodate people no matter what size group they have.” For details, visit brickgables.com.
DOUBLETREE RESORT BY HILTON. The
resort, which is located south of the city, features an on-site Victorian-style chapel, which can seat up to 200, was moved and remodeled two years ago to include an outdoor terrace that is perfectly suited for small wedding dinners (up to 30). The terrace off the restaurant can accommodate up to 30 guests as well. “We had two small weddings here in the last two months,” says one of the resort’s wedding coordinators, Hailey Halwany, who explained that one utilized the chapel terrace, while the other used one of the smaller meeting rooms for dinner and dancing. For details, visit doubletree3.hilton.com. AS FOR BED & BREAKFAST INNS, many offer micro-wedding packages. Most take care of the details, allowing you to enjoy some R&R. A sampling ...
THE OLDE SQUARE INN
in Mount Joy offers two micro-inspired packages, the Small Intimate Wedding for 22 guests (indoors) or 35 outdoors, and the Elopement Package that is geared to 10 guests or less. For details, visit oldesquareinn.com.
THE INN & SPA AT INTERCOURSE VILLAGE has been hosting weddings for years and offers various packages that range from the Simply Timeless, which includes a ceremony in the parlor for up to 10 guests, to the Ultimate Royal Enchantment, which entails a garden wedding for up to 100 guests. For details, visit inn-spa.com.
1777 AMERICANA INN & BLACK FOREST BREWERY in Ephrata, can host small
weddings, elopements and vow renewals. For details, visit 1777americanainn.com.
THE HISTORIC SMITHTON INN, also in
Ephrata, offers Wedding for Two and Wedding for a Few (up to 20 guests) packages. For details, visit historicsmithtoninn.com. L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | J A N U A RY 2 0 2 0
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A Magical Backyard Wedding NATALIE SIMONS & THOMAS DODGE, JR., JUNE 8, 2019
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At her father’s suggestion, Natalie and Tommy elected to have their wedding reception in the backyard of her childhood home. Afterwards, Natalie took her parents aside and thanked them for her “fairytale wedding.”
The two were married at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster.
The sentimental factor that a backyard wedding provides can’t be replicated or surpassed by any other venue – after all, it feels like home and is filled with a lifetime of memories. BY SUE LONG PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
F
ather-of-the-bride, David Simons, is credited for suggesting that his daughter, Natalie, and her fiancé, Tommy Dodge, hold their wedding reception in the backyard of the family’s West Lampeter Township home. Dave says the idea was inspired by “all the memories that we have back there – the girls were babies when we moved here,” he says of his three daughters, Sammie, Natalie and Olivia. “They grew up in that backyard.” Natalie and Tommy looked at several venues, but nothing clicked. Then, one night, she called her parents and said yes to the idea of a backyard reception. Dave was thrilled and envisioned “throwing up a tent” and having a party with friends and family. “We knew we were in trouble when Natalie began sending us pictures from Town & Country magazine,” her mother, Carole, recalls. Fortunately, they had 18 months to plan the wedding.
When Tommy Met Natalie Natalie, who is a forensic accountant, moved to New York after graduating from the University of Richmond. She met Tommy – who grew up in New York, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and works as a data analyst – through mutual friends. “We quickly hit it off and started dating,” Natalie recalls. Three years later, in November 2017, Tommy treated her to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants, Lilia, and when they returned to their apartment, he asked her to marry him. During the course of planning their wedding, the two relocated to Philadelphia.
Natalie’s beloved dog, Lola, served as a flower girl. Lola’s dress sparkled with Swarovski crystals.
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Every Wedding Needs a Franck
Tommy and his entourage prepared for the big day at the Marriott Penn Square and then made their way to St. James.
Natalie’s attendants included, left to right: Tommy’s sister, Laura Dodge Weaver, her sisters, Sammie and Olivia, his sister, Tara Dodge, and her cousin, Anabelle LaVan. The dogs are Lulu, Lola, and Sophie.
Natalie made her way to the church in style.
If you’re at all familiar with the 1991 version of the movie, Father of the Bride, you know who Franck Eggelhoffer is. As played by Martin Short, Franck was the eccentric wedding planner who turned the lives of the Banks family upside down, as he ran roughshod over the budget and remodeled their house and backyard. The fact that he engaged the services of swans for the big day pointed to the fact that he was a stickler for detail. “We needed a Franck,” Carole says. “All too often the details get lost in the shuffle, and we didn’t want that to happen.” Enter Jonnaysa Kirkman, who heads Planned Perfection, which began as a onewoman enterprise in 2006 and has grown into a staff of seven. Services range from day-of coordination to planning a wedding from start to finish. “The Simons-Dodge wedding was incredible,” she shares. “It was so fun to become fast friends with Carole and Natalie. I felt as though I had known them my whole life. I was so happy to present vendors to them that could make their wedding vision a reality. And, yes, I will always encourage my clients to use our local vendors first and foremost. We certainly do have the best.” Carole agrees with that assessment, saying, “We used local vendors for every aspect of the wedding because we believe in supporting the businesses in our community. We had a team of seasoned professionals who were invested in making our day stress-free and exceptional.” Carole also adds that utilizing the services of Planned Perfection was “the best investment we made. I can’t stress enough that you have to have a planner. It allowed all of us to relax and enjoy the day.”
Let the Planning Begin The vision for the wedding was rather simple – a celebration of love with “the people we love.” The guest list included 300 friends and family. “I’m one of eight kids, and Dave is one of four, so we knew the guest list would be large,” Carole says. Including the friends they’ve made in Lancaster since they arrived more than 30 years ago was also important. Despite being an outdoor wedding, they deemed it black tie. “We love to get dressed up,” Carole says. Black tie ultimately provided the framework of
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the reception, the centerpiece of which was a fabulous silk-lined tent that held a monogrammed dance floor, a dazzling floral chandelier and tables topped with exquisite linens, sumptuous florals and menus made of acrylic. The color scheme – white, blush and gold – also set the tone for the late spring wedding.
The grounds of the Simons’ residence were furnished with white leather and velvet sofas and chairs.
Saying I Do Natalie and Tommy were married at St. James Episcopal, the church in which she was baptized and grew up. Guests were greeted by large arrangements of roses, peonies and chrysanthemums in hues of soft pink, white and blush set atop tall lucite pedestals. The pews were draped with the same selection of blooms. A very special flower girl preceded Natalie down the aisle – her beloved longhaired Chihuahua, Lola, who was decked out in a platinum dress adorned with Aurora Borealis Swarovski crystals. The dress was a custom design by Susan Lanci of Beverly Hills. Natalie was admittedly nervous and emotional as she began her walk down the aisle with her father. She credits Sammie, who was one of her attendants, for lightening the mood. “When my sister, who has special needs, answered ‘no’ when the priest asked if I take Thomas Owen Dodge to be my husband, the entire church broke out in laughter. It lightened the mood and allowed me to relax and enjoy the service.”
Dancing the Night Away When guests arrived at the Simons’ residence for cocktail hour, a valet greeted them at the end of the tree-lined driveway. Sparkling globes and spheres twinkled in the trees. A gilded mirror that was suspended from the trees held flutes of Champagne. They then passed by a wisteria flower wall that served as a backdrop for commemorative photos. Then, it was on to the backyard, where cocktail hour was held on the patio and around the pool. Plush furnishings, including white leather and velvet sofas, provided conversation areas throughout the backyard. Yet another flower wall provided a backdrop for video interviews with guests. Food stations held hors d’ oeuvres such as lobster rolls and sushi push-pops. Three bars dispensed Champagne, wine and spirits that had been selected with the help of Dave Murray of Good
Guests were oblivious to what was inside the tent until, at the appointed hour, the sides were unfurled to reveal an incredible party space.
Left: Guests received their table assignments from an ornate mirror that held their names, all of which were handpainted by a calligrapher. Right: Wedding pictures, which hung from the branches of a tree, relayed the history of the Simons and Dodge families.
Tables surrounded the monogrammed dance floor, which was topped by a floral installation.
Clockwise: As night fell, chandliers that hung from the trees helped to illuminate the grounds. Acrylic menus and keepsake coasters comprised each place setting. As guests arrived, they were welcomed with glasses of Champagne, which sat atop a gilded mirror that was suspended from a tree.
Spirits Lancaster. “That was another good choice,” Carole says. “Dave was able to help us make quality, cost-efficient choices, plus provide elevated service.” Guests had no idea what awaited them inside the 60-by-110-foot, highpeak, silk-lined pole tent. The sides were purposely kept in place in order to provide an element of surprise. At the appointed hour, staff were put into position to simultaneously unfurl the sides of the tent. “They practiced that for days,” Carole recalls. To access the tent, guests walked along a path that was carpeted with rose petals. The entrance to the tent was framed with fresh flowers and surrounded by tiers of gold shelves filled with candles. Inside, guests marveled at the details. Petals With Style and STRAY Production Services had collaborated to design and construct a chandelier-like
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floral installation over the white dance floor that was emblazoned with a custom monogram of Natalie and Tommy’s initials. Guests took their places at oversized rectangular tables that were topped with 12-inch wide floral runners that cascaded to the floor. Thin tapers with crystal sleeves accented the runners. Others took their places at round tables that were topped with oversized crystal candelabras surrounded by small floral arrangements and votives set into a variety of gold, silver and neutral containers. “The tent smelled amazing!” Carole says of the fragrance the flowers provided. Meanwhile, the staff from JDK was busy preparing dinner in another tent that out of necessity was air-conditioned. The three-course dinner included Strawberry Fields Salad, Citrus Rhubarb Gazpacho, Grilled Wagyu Strip Steak and Pan-Seared Black Cod. At the end of the
evening, guests were treated to a selection of grilled cheese, French fries and sliders, which were butlered on the dance floor and around the property. The cake – pink Champagne with vanilla and pink Champagne frosting covered in sparkling fondant – was accompanied by an assortment of petit fours, macarons and cake pops that also echoed the color scheme. As for dancing the night away, the band played nonstop from 4-11 p.m. In fact, Natalie names the band, Around Town, as her favorite part of the reception. “They were amazing!” she says. She also loved the heartfelt speeches made by her father and Tommy’s best man, who shared that it was his first time visiting a “Chihuahua preserve,” referencing the family’s love of the breed. Carole and Dave’s favorite memory of the wedding came at the end, when Natalie took them aside and thanked them for providing her with a “fairytale wedding.”
Floral runners traveled the length of the rectangular tables and cascaded to the floor. Crystal sleeves surrounded each taper on the table.
For more photos, visit Lancastercountymag.com.
In addition to cake, the dessert table featured cake pops, macarons and petit fours.
Details, Details, Details THE INVITATIONS SET THE TONE: The design included watercolor images of the Simons’ home, the church and backyard. A watercolor of Lola provided the inspiration for a wax seal on the invitation envelope. A custom postage stamp depicting a gold chandelier was affixed to custom envelopes that appeared to be covered in confetti. BEING NEIGHBORLY: The Simons called upon their neighbors a year in advance to let them know what would be taking place on June 8. A week in advance of the wedding, all were given thank-you gifts. DISASTER AVERTED: The owner of a nearby field gave the goahead to use it for parking. Just to cover all the bases, Carole placed a call to the farmer who leases it. Her timing was
impeccable – he was planning to fertilize it on June 7, but agreed to postpone it. “That would have been a disaster!” she says with a shudder. THE COMFORT FACTOR: Guests were welcome to help themselves
to white flip-flops and hand-held/ battery-operated fans that were displayed in large baskets. CANDLELIGHT: In order to keep the grounds and tent aglow, all the candles were replaced with new ones halfway through the reception.
FLY AWAY ALL: A few days prior to the wedding, the property was sprayed for insects. “There wasn’t a bug to be found,” says Carole, who opines that swarming gnats “could have been just as bad as rain.” RAIN, RAIN, STAY AWAY: Jonnaysa and the team devised a rain plan that would have required the addition of more tents. Because the plan called for the elimination of several trees, they needed to make the call by June 5. “There was a 30% chance of rain forecasted for June 8, so we decided to take a chance and go with Plan A,” Carole explains. “If we would have needed to go with Plan B, you would still be looking at an incredible event, but quite different as everything for the cocktail hour would have been tented and no longer around the pool,” Jonnaysa explains.
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The entrance to the tent was aglow with candles.
The cake flavor was pink Champagne.
Resources
Reception Catering: Weddings by JDK, Lancaster Drink Menu: Dave Murray, Good Spirits Lancaster
Photographer: Alison Conklin, Allentown
Sunday Brunch: Joe Hess, Cracked Pepper Catering, Lancaster
Wedding Planner: Jonnaysa Kirkman, Planned Perfection, Lancaster
Cake/Desserts: House of Clarendon, Lancaster
Ceremony Location: St. James Episcopal Church, Lancaster
Invitation Suite: Persnickety Invitation Studio, York
Reception Venue: Simons Residence
Calligraphy: Melissa Weiler, Persnickety Invitation Studio
Bridal Gown/Veil: Mira Zwillinger/Elizabeth Johns Bridal Boutique, Ardmore
Rentals: White Glove Rentals, Forest Hill, MD
After Party Dress: Irina’s Tailor Shop & Alterations, York
Rentals: Treasured Events, Lancaster
Engagement/Weddings Rings: Finch Jewelers, Lancaster
Rentals: Nicol Floral Design, Paoli
Hair: Michelle Smoker, Bristle & Prim, Lancaster
Linens: Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens, Lancaster
Makeup: Allie, Bristle & Prim
Lighting: STRAY Production Services, Lititz
Groom’s Tux: Irina’s Tailor Shop & Alterations
Entertainment: Vivace Strings (ceremony), Lancaster
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo Bridal, New York Groomsmen Tuxes: BLACK by Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse
Entertainment: Around Town Band by Around Town Entertainment (reception), New York
Flower Dog’s Dress: Susan Lanci Designs, Beverly Hills/Bonez, King of Prussia
Videographer: Lavon Films, Lancaster
Tenting: Hess Tent Rental, Manheim
Favors: Hexagon marble coasters by Persnickity Invitation Studio
Floral Design: Stacia McClune-McComsey, Petals With Style, Lancaster
Getaway Car: Michael’s Motor Cars, Lancaster
Ring bearer, Will LaVan, couldn’t resist a dip in the pool.
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Gold-hued sugar dusted the rims of the Champagne flutes.
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Dave and Carole Simons take a moment to relax.
Floral walls provided the backdrops for commemorative photos and videos.
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Wedding Essentials Achenbach’s Pastries, Inc.
has been doing business since 1954 “with our made-from-scratch original recipes,” shares the company’s executive vice president, Sharon Redcay. “What sets us apart from most bakeries is the ‘no preservative’ in our products.” Achenbach’s most popular items would be the Long Johns. “After all, we are trademarked ‘The Home of the Long John.’ We also make Long John all-occasion cakes and Long John wedding cakes by special order only.” In regard to wedding cakes, Sharon adds, “Trending wedding cakes are the naked cake and the textured icing with a spiral look.”
Elegant Transformations Company
provides rental chair covers that complement your tables, marrying the seating with the décor themes to create a cohesive picture-perfect space. Using sumptuous fabrics of silky taffeta, layers of organza, mounds of tulle, the sparkle of sequins or soft satin, the designs, styles and colors are creative and sophisticated. Co-owner Heidi Kelley says, “Your event should reflect your individuality, a sense of who you are from the moment the guests arrive. 2020 is about being unique, about evolving out of the stream of identical reception tablescapes. Modern brides are aware of the importance that their color choices play, and décor extending to include the appearance of your chairs has become essential.” The company’s fitted rental styles equate to formal wear that elevates the common chair and presents a tailored look that surrounds your tablescapes. “Brides of today understand how to distinguish their events and leave their guests with a lasting impression.”
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Rettew’s Catering
is family owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team whose industry experience spans more than 40 years. General manager and co-owner Jennifer Rettew Bushey states, “We take a full-service custom approach to ensure each event is exactly what our clients are looking for while offering exquisite cuisine and flawless service.” She notes that 2020 trends for catering weddings and events include interactive service, such as active/manned food stations; tableside service, i.e. part of the meal being served family-style while staff offers entrées at the table for guests to choose from; an increase in global/culturally influenced cuisine (more adventurous palates); and grab-and-go late night bites. “Inspired by the majestic tree that stands tall over the field behind our large ballroom,
Strasburg
The Willows at Historic
is an enchanted venue not to be missed,” says co-owner Stephanie Kirkessner. “The twisting branches and dancing leaves of the curly willow that is our namesake capture the breeze that sweeps over the surrounding hills of Lancaster County.” Tucked away in the rolling fields, you can host a cozy intimate party or a large celebration in the charming space full of roaring fireplaces and lofty ceilings. “It’s more than an event space – it’s a storied destination within a beautiful landscape. When you see the willow, you know you’ve made it.” Stephanie notes brides and brides-to-be are commenting that color and lighting are popular trends for 2020.
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DOUBLETREE RESORT BY HILTON HOTEL LANCASTER
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194 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA ✴ 717-665-3711 ✴ threads@ptd.net Tue. 11-7, Wed. 11-5, Thurs. by Appointment, Fri. 11-7 & Sat. 9-12 ✴ Appointments Strongly Suggested
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“Your Dream, Our Privilege”
Bella Rose Bridal Boutique Our bridal consultants will help you find the perfect dress for any occasion!
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HAIRCARE • SKINCARE • NAIL CARE SERVICES PERFORMED MASSAGE/BODYWORK ALL BY SUPERVISED STUDENTS The
Lancaster School of Cosmetology shares that 2020
bridal hair trends are leaning towards “hair bouquets” with flowers being used in a variety of ways. Pearled and jeweled headbands will also be in vogue. For makeup, think deeper colors on lips and adornments such as small jewels around the eyes or glitter with big eyelashes.
Affordable luxury at about 1/3 the price of non-educational salon settings!
“Because we are a school, we can offer bridal party services at about 1/3 the cost of a regular salon. And, our students are always supervised and do outstanding work,” says school owner Deborah Dunn. “A bride can have her up-do done for as little as $12. We have been educating students and offering bridal services for 40 years. Again, because we are a school, we must keep abreast of the latest trends to provide students an education that will lead them right to the workforce.”
Clemintines is a one-stop shopping boutique that can fill all
your fashion needs. “If it’s formal attire you need, we have beautiful, hand-painted silk dresses in many colors and prints,” says Clemintines’ manager, Paige Garner. “We will complete your outfit by adding some of our beautiful and artistic accessories.” For casual affairs, Paige says “bulky, copper-colored sweaters with frayed hemmed jeans are trending this season.”
Bella Rose Bridal Boutique Owner Tami Johnson, who
is also a registered bridal consultant, wants you to “choose Bella Rose Bridal Boutique to find the wedding dress you have always dreamed of!”
She notes that color is in this year, including dove gray, smoky lavender and sky blue. Bella Rose also carries bridesmaid, mother of the bride/groom, special occasion and prom dresses. Bella Rose Bridal Boutique – “Your Dream, Our Privilege.” How does getting married affect one’s life insurance, auto insurance
Unruh Insurance Agency
and other policies? The team at explains that “marriage presents another side of insurance that most newlyweds don’t think about. There are many present and future considerations that come with marriage, including purchasing or renting a home, planning a family and protecting what is important to you.” Now is the perfect time to review coverage and consider combining auto policies; combining makes couples eligible for lower rates. Gail Heckrote Mendenhall, owner of Country Threads by Gail, says, “We feel every bride deserves to look and feel beautiful
on her wedding day. From choosing a gown to making sure it fits perfectly, we offer designer gowns at a fraction of the price.”
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster,
The which expects to see the demand for unique venues continue in 2020, is on trend, as it provides couples and their guests with the opportunity to enjoy the lush landscaping of the outdoors. The team at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster loves the fact that “we relocated our iconic Victorian Wedding Chapel onto our golf course and built a new access lot to the chapel.” The chapel includes
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Photo by Brittney Kreider Photography
Attention to detail, each and every event.
Responsive. Resourceful. Respected. 717.665.9200 RettewsCatering.com
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a beautiful veranda on the front of the chapel, which is perfectly suited for intimate bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, cocktail receptions after the ceremony in the chapel or a small intimate wedding dinner/reception. The property has a variety of flexible spaces to suit all sizes and styles of budgets. “Set apart in south Lancaster, the venues are surrounded by lush landscaping and our iconic pond and fountain. Our grounds provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.”
King Construction Company, the “recognized
leader in the innovative design and construction of distinctive equine facilities, custom garages, wedding barns and party barns,” is celebrating its 41st year. The family-owned business started by the three King brothers in 1978 has grown to include more than 100 people.
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800 E. Newport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 | (717) 627-0080 | info@brickgables.com
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Oregon Dairy
offers made-from-scratch wedding cakes showcasing a wide array of delicious flavors and fillings sure to please every happy couple. With over 30+ years of experience each, their skillful cake designers are on top of the latest cake trends ranging from the minimalistic naked cake to artful, hand-painted watercolor and metallic gold-accented designs. Deckle-edged cakes, a big trend for 2020, feature intentional rough edges – perfect for contemporary and classic weddings alike.
Terry Kreider, sales and store manager at
Village & Farm Museum,
Landis Valley
says, “The interest in barn or rustic weddings at our Yellow Barn venue continues to be strong.” The Yellow Barn can hold up to 225 individuals but can also be rented for smaller weddings. One new trend is the micro wedding – weddings with a guest list under 50 people. “We also have two more intimate venues: The Fire House (up to 100 people) and our Historic Hotel (up to 50 people),” she notes.
Gone are the days of massive cakes with opulent tiers, but rather today’s simplistic elegance and modest cakes reflect the lifestyles of Another popular trend is destination weddings, for those looking the younger, more budget-conscious generation. Many couples opt to celebrate their special day in Lancaster County. Landis Valley is for a single cake reserved for the bride and groom while guests delight conveniently located near major roadways and has relationships in a fun-themed dessert buffet loaded with donuts, whoopie pies, with several local hotels. macarons, candy and more. Oregon Dairy is honored to be voted No. 1 Wedding Cakes in Lancaster County for the fifth year in a row! Terry adds, “We are seeing more vegan/vegetarian meals being served and being able to choose a caterer who can offer different dietary choices is important for many couples.” Heather Oaks, events details manager of notes, For more information, visit landisvalleymuseum.org. “We are seeing beautiful natural color-schemed weddings mixed with lush greenery and creamy tones with accents of mismatched metallics with some grays and blacks added. We have seen beautiful soft drapery mixed with our beams and brickwork and unique accent lighting. This provides a beautiful yet comfortable space for guests to be a part of such a perfect day.”
Brick Gables,
Photo by Amber Martin
Inspired by the majestic tree
that stands tall over the field behind our large ballroom, The Willows is an enchanted venue not to be missed. Tucked away in the rolling fields, you can host a cozy intimate party or a large celebration in our charmed space full of roaring fireplaces and lofty ceilings. It’s more than an event space—it’s a storied destination within a beautiful landscape. When you see the willow, you know you’ve made it.
1500 Historic Drive, Strasburg, Pennsylvania 17579 717.687.7979 ext. 2 | willowshistoricstrasburg.com
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Voted #1 Wedding Cakes in Lancaster County for Five Years in a Row! 2015 – 2019
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weddingcakes@oregondairy.com L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | J A N U A RY 2 0 2 0
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Foodogr aph e r New Year's Traditions
Start Off the New Year With Sauerkraut TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN BUSH
Jack Hillard prepares 24 heads of cabbage – roughly 140+ pounds – to make sauerkraut. Each year he generously gives out 2 pints each to “30some people.” In 2019, he produced approximately 80 quarts of sauerkraut, filling six crocks.
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In the days leading up to New Year’s, churches and fire companies across Lancaster County are busy preparing pork and sauerkraut. For them, the dinners help to raise needed funding for projects and equipment. As for those who celebrate the New Year with the hearty Pennsylvania Dutch meal, they hope it will bring them wealth, health and good luck.
H
ow did we come to eat pork and sauerkraut for New Year’s? It’s a cultural thing that dates back to Germany and made the transition to America. Food historian, author and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking authority William Woys Weaver explains that the tradition grew out of the mid-winter feasts that coincided with the ritual of butchering hogs. Also, cabbage that had been fermenting since the fall harvest was ready to eat. Add some potatoes and the Pennsylvania Germans had a tasty meal to enjoy for New Year’s and beyond. Even after home butchering became passé in the late 1800s, the pork and sauerkraut dinners continued – notably to ring in the New Year. The tasty dinner – which provides a nice transition from decadent holiday fare – also has some superstitions connected to it. Pork has a positive connotation – pigs root forward. The bright-green cabbage represents the color of money. I remember my grandmother telling us sauerkraut was for good luck, that green foods would bring money in the New Year. The tale connected to cabbage/ sauerkraut also promises that the number of shreds you eat will be proportionate to the state of your wealth, health or luck in the coming year. Finding an extra-long shred equates to living a long life.
Jack’s Blue Ribbon Sauerkraut
For a listing of churches and fire halls serving pork and sauerkraut dinners on January 1, visit Lancastercountymag.com.
As Christmas approached last year, my close friend Erin Young suggested that I follow “Gramps” around when he makes sauerkraut. Gramps is Jack Hillard, whose sauerkraut is highly regarded among connoisseurs. On the occasions I’ve had to sample it, I always noticed it didn’t last long. This past fall, his sauerkraut won a blue ribbon at the New Holland Farmers Fair. L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | J A N U A RY 2 0 2 0
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Clockwise from left: When finished, Jack mixes sauerkraut from each crock to ensure consistency in every jar. Jack Hillard’s prize-winning sauerkraut. Stored in the fridge directly after fermentation, it’s tangy, a little sweet and has just the right crunch. Two of Jack Hillard’s stoneware fermentation crocks – a 3-gallon being tested for leaks before use and a retired 15-gallon stoneware crock in the background. Heads of local green cabbage await their future as sauerkraut.
Appreciating craftsmanship, quality and history, Jack has a shared affinity for antique cookware - not for the sake of collecting, but for utilitarian purposes. When I stopped by one evening to visit, Jack was pouring water into a couple of old stoneware crocks he had recently bought. Noting my curiosity, he explained he was checking for leaks before the big sauerkraut-making day got underway. In New Holland, the Hillard family has roots immediately neighboring my own Overly and also Kurtz families. I grew up with Jack’s grandson, John, and only years later did I learn that my Uncle Neal and Grandpa Overly used to ride dirt bikes with Jack and his son, Todd. Pictures that go back 100 years or more verify the connections between the families. I looked at my time with Jack as an opportunity to ask about local and family history. A New Year’s resolution worth keeping: spend time this year learning or teaching an old recipe with a family member. Passing on traditions and stories that live outside a handwritten recipe can pay dividends across generations.
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Crocks
If you can’t find any crocks in your grandmother’s attic and don’t want to pay an exorbitant amount at local antiques shops, Reading China & Glass has a great selection of Pacific Merchant’s traditional fermentation crocks, ranging from $100 for a 5-liter to $206 for a 20-liter with a lid included, as well as Ohio Stoneware crocks, priced at $50 for a 5-gallon size. While beautiful, finding a home to store a crock can be challenging. Another key consideration of stoneware crocks is weight. Empty, they’re hefty, but after filling a 5-gallon crock with 25 pounds of shredded cabbage and water, it suddenly takes on a new level of immobility. If you’re looking to save some green, commercial food-grade plastic buckets are less glamorous but are lightweight and functional. (Avoid using a 5-gallon bucket from a hardware store, or at least consider a food-safe bucket liner.) Some restaurants may be willing to part with leftover food-grade buckets. I opted for a clear, 22-quart, commercial food-grade bucket from The
Restaurant Store. Including the lid, my $25 purchase will provide utility – particularly when canning – and weighs very little.
Tips for Making Sauerkraut
Waiting until after the first frost to buy your cabbage offers a critical advantage: vegetables hit with frost produce sugars that prevent the water content in their leaves from freezing as quickly. This typically makes for sweeter vegetables and, in the case of fermenting, serves as food for bacteria that converts sugars to acid to make sauerkraut. When visiting your local farmstead, ask when the first frost is expected. Find out how quickly after harvest you can get your cabbage fermenting; the shorter the duration, the better. According to Andy Hirneisen, senior food safety educator at Penn State Extension in Leesport, ideal varieties of cabbage include resistant Golden Acre, Danish Ballhead and Late Flathead. A 5-gallon crock is ideal for a single batch, ensuring consistent fermentation
that might not be possible in smaller containers. Twenty-five pounds of green cabbage paired with 3/4 cups of canning salt will fill a 5-gallon crock perfectly, leaving room for extra brine, if necessary, without risking an overflow. The salt helps to prevent the growth of undesirable bacteria, such as salmonella, listeria and E. coli, while extracting water for safe bacteria to grow. Cabbage will vary in size, but that cabbage-to-salt ratio is scientifically tested and food safe for fermenting sauerkraut.
resealable bag will keep the cabbage submerged in the acidic brine. When covered with a kitchen towel, carbon dioxide from the fermenting process can escape without pressure buildup. Sauerkraut will take three to four weeks of fermenting at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. At 60 to 65 degrees, fermentation may take five or six weeks, and below that temperature, it may not ferment at all. Temperatures above 75 degrees may cause the cabbage to lose the desired crunch and become soft.
REMOVING the outer leaves, wash each cabbage, quarter and remove the stalk. Ideally, each slice of the cabbage will produce even cuts roughly the width of a 25-cent coin. A mandoline slicer can save time while producing even cuts. Personally, I find them terrifying and will stick to an 8-inch cook’s knife. The liquid in fermenting sauerkraut is released by adding canning salt. A potato masher works well for this purpose. During fermentation, oxygen can lead to the formation of mold. A dinner plate held down with a water-filled
SAUERKRAUT can be stored in the refrigerator for several months in air-tight containers. For canning purposes, use a boiling water bath in pint containers for 20 minutes or quart containers for 25 minutes, with 1/4 inch of headspace. Canning is more likely to provide an optimal texture, but it will kill bacteria, good and bad. When preserving in freezer-designated bags, press out the air, seal, date and lay flat so the sauerkraut freezes faster to preserve texture.
Clockwise from top left: • Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op Red Sauerkraut: funky, tender, with an identical flavor to traditional sauerkraut. • Gap View Homestead Raw Saurkraut (Kinzers, PA): crunchy, delicate, simple. • Oak Lane Kitchen Kraut (Lancaster) crunchiest, my personal favorite for classic expectations. • Hawthorne Valley (New York) Turmeric: warm and spicy, fitting for the winter months. • Hawthorne Valley (New York) Caraway Sauerkraut: robust and aromatic.
JORDAN BUSH is a commercial photographer. His work has allowed him to discover and document cultures and food across five continents. A graduate of Garden Spot High School and Millersville University, Jordan and his fiancée, Jessica, reside and cook together in Ephrata.
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T a b l e for T w o
PICCADILLY COFFEE & TEA HOUSE
Afternoon Tea features a pot of tea, a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and petite desserts.
LONDON IS C ALLING BY ROCHELLE A. SHENK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GOULD
Piccadilly Coffee & Tea House’s fun vibe and tastetempting menu instantly made it a popular spot to fete brides and moms-to-be, host a girls’ day out, celebrate a birthday, or simply treat oneself to a lovely coffee or tea break.
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his modern coffee house and traditional English tea room, which is owned by Gary and Debora Hunter, makes its home in the Shoppes at Worthington in Manheim Township. Debora oversees daily operations and serves as executive chef. A native of Brazil, she grew up helping her father in his bakery. “I have a passion for cooking. I learned baking and how to run a busi-
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ness from my dad,” explains Debora, who graduated from Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts at YTI’s Lancaster campus in 2014. Family motivated Debora and Gary, who is a native of Philadelphia, to open a coffee house/tea room. “We have two children,” Debora explains, noting “the hours allow me to be with the children in the evening.” Open since September 2018, the 42-seat restaurant has both a casual seating area and a more formal tea room. Dramatic color schemes denote each area. Large windows admit natural light. The casual seating area features tables, high-tops and sofas. “You can have a cup of coffee, a pastry and read a book. If you need a new read, we have a free library and are accepting books,” Debora says. The tea room’s more formal tone is distinguished by sparkling chandeliers. Artwork in both areas was selected by Gary, who Debora says is “into art.” The
artwork reflects the restaurant’s name and features some iconic London scenes, including Piccadilly Circus, which might be described as London’s version of Times Square. Photos of familiar faces – such as Queen Elizabeth and the Beatles – also fill the walls. Artwork in the tea room includes still lifes and Degas-like ballerinas. There’s even a small outdoor seating area for warm-weather sipping and dining. “People really enjoyed that area this past summer. We had flowers to add some color,” Debora says. PICCADILLY’S TEA selection is organic and interesting, with the intention of providing a “multi-sensory experience.” I sampled the wonderful French Lavender Earl Gray, a blend of super-blue lavender and Sri Lanken Earl Grey. Coffees are from Philadelphia’s Old City Coffee and are representative of organic and
premium varieties from around the world. In addition to traditional brewed coffee, Piccadilly also offers French Press and Pour Over preparations. “Our baristas can create some amazing coffee drinks,” Debora notes. Loose teas and coffee (both whole bean and ground) are available for purchase. The breakfast and lunch menus change seasonally and include pastries (created onsite by Piccadilly’s pastry chef ), soups, quiche, salads and sandwiches. Soups and other items are made onsite, as well. PICCADILLY’S SIGNATURE item is its Full Afternoon Tea. “Teas are all about the experience,” Debora points out. “For the teas, people often dress up. We even have some fun accessories – hats, feather boas, pearls. As we serve the tea, we do a bit of education about teas and tea etiquette. Our teas have become popular for bridal or baby showers – it’s something fun and different.” As the name indicates, tea is served in traditional English fashion – there’s a three-tiered tea tray for guests to share, and each guest selects a variety of tea for her (or his) tea pot. The Afternoon Tea tray features five varieties of finger sandwiches on the bottom tier. (Debora says guests may select the sandwiches for their tray.) The second layer features scones served with lemon curd, clotted cream, jam and butter. The top tier features tasty petite desserts. “Our scones are made in the traditional way – they’re round rather than triangular-shaped,” Debora explains. Piccadilly also offers an English Tea, which features a two-tiered tray of tea sandwiches and scones; and a Duchess Tea, featuring a two-tiered tray of petite desserts and scones. For special events, the restaurant also has a catering menu. Piccadilly Coffee & Tea House is located at 483 Royer Dr., Lancaster. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Breakfast is served Tuesday-Saturday, 8-10:30 a.m. Lunch is served TuesdaySaturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday brunch is served 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are required for the Afternoon Tea and are recommended for parties of five or more. Guests may BYOB; there is a corkage fee. Catering is available. Call 717-984-6425 or visit piccadillycoffeeandtea.com and Facebook.
In addition to the art that fills the walls, menu items qualify as miniature works of art. Piccadilly’s tea selection provides a “multisensory experience,” while the coffee – from Old City Coffee in Philadelphia – represents organic and premium varieties from around the world.
Hats have become part of the tea ritual at Piccadilly.
Located in the Shoppes at Worthington, Piccadilly Coffee & Tea House offers breakfast, lunch, tea service and Sunday brunch.
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DINING BLUE PACIFIC SUSHI & GRILL
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CAFÉ CHOCOLATE OF LITITZ
1500 Oregon Pike, Lancaster. 717393-9727. BPSushi.com.
40 East Main Street, Lititz. 717-626-0123. Chocolatelititz.com.
Begin your visit with a cocktail or other beverage at our lavish bar. Enjoy fine Asian-fusion cuisine in our dining room or at the sushi bar, where talented chefs will use the freshest ingredients. Blue Pacific also accommodates private parties onsite. Online ordering and take-out are available. Open for lunch MondaySaturday, and dinner daily. Open Sundays from 4-10 p.m.
The global-inspired menu features homemade soups, sandwiches, breakfast items and beverages using fresh, local and fair-trade ingredients. Our desserts and truffles are made with high-quality, sustainable dark chocolate. Vegan, sugar-free and gluten-free options available. Now hiring! Baristas, servers, kitchen cook. Weekdays/ Weekends.
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HONG KONG GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT 1807 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-394-4336. Our chefs have been serving Lancaster Countians their favorite entrées for 39 years. To add variety, they are always creating new and exciting specials. Vegetable entrées and children’s menu available. Hours: Sun., 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m; closed Mon.; Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 12-10 p.m.
The PERFECT SETTING for Rehearsal Dinners and Bridal Showers
A Fresh Take on a Lancaster Tradition
Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds ... Fine Dining or Casual Lite Fare. 1147 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA
Celebrate Your
Forever After
At The Log Cabin!
Cheers to LOVE dinner Tues - Sat, Brunch Sundays 717.626.9999 | www.LogCabin1933.com 11 Lehoy Forest Dr, Leola, PA 17540
lunch: Tues-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm dinner: Tues-Sat 4pm-9:30pm
www.stockyardinn.com (717) 394-7975 Reservations Suggested Bar Menu Available HAPPY HOUR Friday, 5-7 p.m., with complimentary hors d’oeuvres
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DINING JOHN WRIGHT RESTAURANT 234 North Front Street, Wrightsville. 717-252-0416. Jwrpa.com. John Wright Restaurant is the perfect setting for an intimate date night, family celebration or just getting lost in the view. We welcome wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, birthday parties or any other reason to celebrate. Come in and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or our Sunday brunch buffet!
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THE LOG CABIN RESTAURANT 11 Lehoy Forest Drive, Leola. 717-626-9999. Logcabin1933.com. The Log Cabin is a historic restaurant with upscale fare nestled in the Lehoy Forest in Leola. The restaurant specializes in local farm-to-table cuisine and is the perfect setting for any occasion: dining with your significant other, casual dinner with friends, family gatherings, business meetings and/or receptions.
THE STOCKYARD INN 1147 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. 717-394-7975. Stockyardinn.com. The Stockyard Inn is a Lancaster County tradition of dining excellence. Built in 1750, the original Inn was once owned by President James Buchanan. Specializing in prime rib, steak (cut in-house) and fresh seafood. Business meetings and private party facilities available. Rts. 501 & 222 S. – 1/4 mile south of Rt. 30 By-pass.
T H E
B usiness A dvantage
CANDIES & CONFECTIONS WERTZ CANDIES 718 Cumberland Street, Lebanon. (Lebanon) 717-2730511, (Brickerville) 717-627-0114. Wertzcandies.com.
Since 1949 “When it’s Certified , you’re satisfied!” ™
Handmade chocolates at affordable prices, made by a third-generation candy family. Specializing in opera fudge, caramel corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, country fudge and caramels. Offering personalized service for wedding and special event favors and dessert tables.
1855-65 Columbia Ave. • Lancaster • 717-393-3001
CARPET CLEANER CERTIFIED CARPET 1855 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-394-3731 or 1-800-479-9258. Certified Carpet can make your soiled, dirty carpets and furniture look like NEW again! Year after year, Certified Carpet is voted No. 1 BEST carpet-cleaning company by the readers of Lancaster County Magazine. Locally owned and operated since 1949. “When it’s Certified, you’re satisfied!” (#PA024067)
COSMETIC DENTIST
Flooring • Cleaning • Mats www.certifiedcarpet.com
LOEFFLER-PITT DENTAL ASSOCIATES, PC 2131 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, 717-569-6484. 100 E. Main Street, New Holland, 717-354-5635. Dr. Loeffler and Dr. Pitt have been providing exceptional care in Lancaster County for the past 42 years. They practice a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise in porcelain veneers, dental implants, crowns and bridges. They can correct a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems and redesign your smile.
ELECTRICAL STEPHEN M. DANIELS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. 717-299-3135. Stephendanielselectric.com.
FA S H I O N S NEXT TO NEW FINE CLOTHING 1920 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. 717-299-2924. Next-to-New.com. Consistently voted one of the BEST consignment shops in Lancaster County year after year, Next to New Fine Clothing Consignment has something for everyone’s style, taste & budget. This one-stop shop, with more than 38 years of experience, offers women’s apparel, shoes, accessories, jewelry & more. Sizes 0-Plus. Open Mon.Wed. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sunday.
REWIRING FOR OLDER HOMES IS OUR SPECIALTY. Specializing in updating your older home for today’s needs! We can install a single receptacle or rewire the whole building. Our goal is to install wiring without cutting holes that need to be patched and painted. Indoor and outdoor lighting, dedicated computer circuits, telephone lines, ceiling fans, heavy-duty appliances lines. (#PA008272) L A N C A S T E R CO U N T Y | J A N U A RY 2 0 2 0
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FLOORING CERTIFIED CARPET 1855 Columbia Avenue, Wheatland Shopping Center, Lancaster. 717-393-3001. Certified Carpet is the complete carpet and flooring center for home and office. We feature a full line of name brand carpet, hardwood, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl tile with friendly, personalized service from a highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. “When it’s Certified, you’re satisfied!” (#PA024067)
GALEBACH’S FLOOR FINISHING, INC. 202 Main Street, Landisville. 717-898-9680. Galebachsfloorfinishing.com. Galebach’s Floor Finishing, founded in 1924, is the oldest floor finishing company in Lancaster County. We specialize in residential wood floor refinishing and have extensive experience with historic restorations. Our dust containment system keeps your home as clean as possible while our workers are on-site sanding and finishing. (#PA019030)
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MARTIN’S FLOORING 717-445-7799. Martinsflooring.com. With three showrooms and a flooring outlet in Fivepointville, we don’t just install floors. We back up every install with industry-leading product warranties coupled with our Lifetime Installation Warranty. We are committed to “Installing Confidence” with each and every customer. Why not experience the Martin’s difference for yourself? (#PA005901)
HAIR & NAIL CARE ATTITUDES HAIR & NAIL SALON 798A New Holland Avenue, Lancaster. 717-295-0836. THANK YOU, Lancaster, for voting us “Among the Best” salons for Hair and Manicures/Pedicures, again! For over 20 years, we have strived to make you look and feel your best for special events and everyday life. Ring in the New Year with a fantastic haircut, fresh color or highlights, and rejuvenated hands and feet. We are ready to help you shine and enjoy a refreshed NEW YOU! Call today for an appointment.
HOME CARE COMFORT KEEPERS 1396 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. 717-299-4007 or 717-920-9898. Comfortkeepers.com. At Comfort Keepers, we have a unique way of providing in-home care called Interactive Caregiver. It is a care philosophy focused on engaging clients physically, emotionally, socially and mentally to improve one’s quality of life. “People Helping People - Where we care for our employees as much as our clients.” Owner: Jean Engard. Also serving Hershey, Harrisburg, Middletown, Highspire, Lancaster County, Coatesville, Oxford and Parkesburg.
LANDSCAPING ERB BROTHERS LANDSCAPING, INC. 960 Fruitville Pike, Lititz. 717-6267704. Erbbrothers.com. “Our tradition is excellence. Our passion is growing.” Since 1928, Erb Brothers continues to inspire and create landscapes throughout Central PA. We offer a full range of services to meet your landscaping needs including design/build, hardscapes, maintenance, as well as professional services. (PA#007900)
P L U M B I N G & H VA C HALDEMAN MECHANICAL INC. Founded in 1939, Haldeman Mechanical Inc. has been providing plumbing, heating, cooling and water conditioning services to residential and light commercial customers for three generations. We are a certified Rheem ProPartner offering sales and 24-hour service as well as service agreements to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency. Free estimates are available by calling 717-665-6910 or visiting our website at haldemanmechanical.com. (PA#007777)
R E A L E S TAT E LUSK & ASSOCIATES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Anne Lusk represents the area’s finest properties and gives unmatched customer service for all your real estate needs from start to finish, ensuring a smooth transaction every time. Call Anne and her team at 717-291-9101, or stop by her office at 100 Foxshire Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601. Annelusk.com.
MOUNTAIN REALTY, LLC 2938 Columbia Avenue, Suite 602, Lancaster. 717-390-8701. Mountainrealtyllc.com. Offering superior real estate service to anyone relocating to or moving within the garden spot of Lancaster County. The people of Mountain Realty, LLC are extremely knowledgeable about the county and would love to share their expertise. You will find them pleasant and friendly, but totally professional.
HOME + LIFE + CARE
As family caregivers, you trust us with the most important person in your life. That’s why we select caregivers with a true passion for bringing joy and fulfillment to the lives of others. At Comfort Keepers, respite care can be customized to meet the needs of your family and loved one.
Personal Care • Companionship & Housekeeping • Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care • Respite Care • Safety Solutions
717-299-4007 • 717-920-9898 • 1396 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 Serving Lancaster, Hershey, Middletown & Harrisburg Areas! • Now Hiring Caregivers
ComfortKeepers.com
2 East 28th Division Highway, Lititz, PA 17543 717-627-0114 718 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 717-273-0511
wertzcandies.com
OLD-FASHIONED QUALITY, HANDMADE GOODNESS
HALDEMAN MECHANICAL INC. Service Since 1939 PLUMBING HEATING COOLING WATER CONDITIONING
Sales and 24-Hour Service
717-665-6910
1148 Old Line Road, Manheim www.haldemanmechanical.com
PA7777
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Backyard Tourist
IT’S FA R M SHOW TIME!
PHOTO AND TEXT BY SETH DOCHTER
The rolling farmland of Lancaster County serves as a daily reminder of our longstanding connection to agriculture. This month the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture invites you to “Imagine the Opportunities” as you wander the 104th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.
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here is certainly a lot to imagine – farm show attendees will be able to peruse more than 10,000 exhibits, gaze upon 6,000 competition animals, marvel at 300 commercial exhibits and, of course, indulge at the infamous food court. Last year, more than 500,000 visitors passed through the event, taking a closer look at how our food journeys from farm to fork. With the show spread across 11 buildings – taking up a whopping 23 acres – it’s officially become known as the country’s “largest agricultural exhibition under one roof.” THE FARM SHOW will run January 4-11. While admission to the show is free, keep in mind there is a $15 fee for parking at the Farm Show Complex. You may need to park at one of the show’s satellite parking lots, but not to worry, free shuttle service is provided constantly throughout the show. Before the show officially opens, the annual 1,000-pound butter sculpture is scheduled to be unveiled on Thursday, January 2. The food court will be opening early as well, starting at noon on Friday, January 3. Speaking of food, another hot
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ticket is the PA Preferred Reception that will be held Friday evening. It serves as a showcase for the finest foods and beverages that are grown/produced in the state. (Tickets are required.) THE FIRST STOP for us is typically the baby chicks and baby ducks. My kids absolutely love them, particularly the baby ducks playing on their miniature waterslide. Then, we’ll make our way to the Main Hall, which is home to the Culinary Connection Stage, where notable chefs turn fresh meats and vegetables into delicious dishes before your eyes. Nearby you’ll find the farmers market, which is stocked with unique ingredients, sauces, spices and so much more. All are produced right here in Pennsylvania. Craft beer has also been making a splash at the Farm Show. Did you know that Pennsylvania ranks as the No. 1 state in craft beer production? According to the Brewers Association, the state’s 354 craft breweries produced more than 3.7 million barrels in 2018. Last year, 262 beers went head to head in the first-ever beer competition at
the Farm Show. The competition will be returning this year, allowing brewers to enter their brews in 15 different categories. (While samples will be available at the Farm Show, these fresh brews won’t be available for purchase.) ANOTHER FARM SHOW newbie I expect to encounter more of this year is hemp. The Pennsylvania Hemp Industry Council first brought hemp back to the show in 2018. Last year, the number of stands promoting hemp-based products grew, but most of them were still forced to import the hemp used in their products. With changes to both state and federal regulations in 2019, the industry has seen a real boom this year, which I suspect will be evident at this year’s show. The Farm Show is open daily from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (most days). It is held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. Be sure to check out the full schedule of events and other useful information at farmshow.pa.gov.
SETH DOCHTER is the owner of Dochter Digital Media and shares his images of Lancaster County through amishroadshow. com., as well as various social-media sites. He is also completing the certification process to become a Google Trusted Independent Photographer. In September 2014, he was named the winner of Lancaster’s first Instagram contest. Seth and his family live in East Earl.
SER ENIT Y se·ren·i·ty • /səˈrenədē/ • noun the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
FAMILY OWNED
E S T. 1 9 9 6
Visit our showroom today and meet with one of our designers to schedule an appointment. EPHRATA SHOWROOM 1717 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522 (2 miles West of Ephrata on Route 322) 717-721-3139
QUARRYVILLE SHOWROOM
2318 Beaver Valley Pike, New Providence, PA 17560 (1 mile North of Quarryville) 717-806-7373
MYERSTOWN MATTRESS CENTER 740 Lincoln Avenue, Myerstown, PA 17067 (Mattresses Only) 717-866-7555
check out our newly designed website: MartinFurniturePA.com
FOR MY WEDDING DAY... Dr. Weierbach’s excellent care gave me the confidence to smile throughout every picture of my special day. An American Dental Association (ADA) recognized specialist in restoring and replacing teeth for a timeless display of confident beauty and a Fellow in the American College of Prosthodontics.
160 North Pointe Boulevard Suite 203 / Lancaster, PA 17601 717.560.9190 YourClassicSmile.com
- HEIDI SHANNON Voice Instructor and Performer
Specialist in Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry
