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wedding interview
planning a wedding can be challenging, e specially w hen you add a pandemic, inf l at ion, and limited vendor a va i l a b i l i t y t o the mix!
W
hile we're here to help make the process easier by providing vendors and inspiration, we reached out to Pittsburgh native Morgan Durkacz to share her planning journey with other brides. She opens up about planning her August 2023 wedding, what she's most excited about, and how to not get too caught up in what you see on social media when planning your wedding day. PA Weddings Magazine: Let's get to know you! /V^ KPK `V\ HUK `V\Y ÄHUJt 9H` TLL[& Morgan: Ray and I met in 2018 at a music festival in Baltimore, Maryland, through mutual friends. Shortly after that, our paths crossed once again. Ray was attending Robert Morris University, which was close to my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. We saw each other more often at sporting events, and our relationship blossomed. We bonded over our mutual love for Pittsburgh and hockey, as we are both Pittsburgh Penguin fans. In the fall of 2019, we relocated to Annapolis, Maryland, for career opportunities.
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PA Weddings Magazine: Tell us all about the proposal! Morgan: Ray proposed at Great Frogs Winery in Annapolis, Maryland. It is one of our favorite weekend spots we often frequent to enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio and "un- wined" from a busy work week. This particular day, however, was to be an intimate birthday celebration with some close friends. Upon arrival, I saved a table while Ray went to get some wine. He returned with a spectacular bouquet of roses and a bottle of Pinot with a custom label "Will you Marry Me?" on it. In a traditional chivalrous manner, Ray kneeled on one knee, pulled out the ring of my dreams, and asked me to share a lifetime together. A bit weak in the knees, totally surprised, and of course over the moon elated, I said YES to forever as the future Mrs. Rose. A mutual photography friend captured the candid shots of this fairy tale day.
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
been? The good, the bad, and everything in between. Morgan: I have experienced some good and bad throughout the planning process. I am very fortunate to have ascertained an incredible team of vendors in Pittsburgh to help bring my inspiration and vision to fruition of a perfect wedding day. All have been easy to communicate with, provide recommendations, and help guide and coordinate through the process. I am also blessed with an amazing family support system. My parents, sister (Matron of Honor), and bridesmaids have been with me every step of the process. As for the bad, the pandemic has impacted venue and vendor availability THRPUN P[ TVYL JOHSSLUNPUN [V ÄUHSPaL KH[LZ HUK SVJH[PVUZ MVY T` L]LU[ +LZWP[L [OL LIIZ HUK ÅV^Z VM [OLZL SPTP[H[PVUZ OH]PUN MHTily, friends, and a fantastic vendor team has dissipated the anxiety brides can often experience in the planning phase. PA Weddings Magazine: What are you most excited about for the wedding day? Morgan: Aside from marrying the man of my dreams, I am excited to have my family, friends, and wedding party to celebrate with. I hope every part of the day will be breathtaking, and I want to be totally present in all of the day's happenings. If I have to pick one aspect [OH[ PZ TVZ[ [OYPSSPUN [V TL P[ PZ [OL ÅVYHSZ 4` ÄHUJt Z SHZ[ UHTL PZ 9VZL HUK 0 chose to incorporate a white rose theme throughout our wedding ceremony and reception space. I selected all-white ÅVYHSZ [V KPZWSH` [PTLSLZZ HUK LSLNHU[ aesthetics to the event.
PA Weddings Magazine: What advice can you give other brides starting their planning journey?
Bride + Groom
morgan and ray
Venue
pittsburgh field club
Theme
timeless, elegant, sophisticated
Colors
black, white, gold their vendors Photographer kristi telnov photo
Wedding Planners/Day of Coordination
wanderlust wedding + events Florist sapphire + lace Videographer ty the knot productions DJ loyalty entertainment Stationery loree mayer design Jeweler zachary's jewelers
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Morgan: The best advice I can give any bride is to do what YOU want. It's a once-in-a-lifetime day that tells the story of who you are and what you envisioned. It should describe the story of two people, their love story, and their fairy tale day. It depicts your happily L]LY HM[LY :V W\[ `V\YZLS]LZ ÄYZ[ HUK do what you both want! Don't let others PUÅ\LUJL `V\Y ^LKKPUN KH` KLJPZPVUZ Nowadays, we often get so caught up and swayed by the social media version of that perfect day and what's trending that we tend to lose sight of who we HYL 1\Z[ ILJH\ZL ZVTLVUL ZH`Z [OPZ PZ [OL [VW ^LKKPUN [YLUK VM doesn't mean it's right for you. It is also completely okay if your wedding vision changes from when you were engaged. During my planning, what I thought I wanted for our wedding, based on what I'd seen on social media, turned out not to be the best option for us. When you ÄUK `V\Y ^LKKPUN HLZ[OL[PJ P[ ^PSS MLLS right and be right.
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
wedding interview
PA Weddings Magazine: How has your planning experience
impressum
VOLUME iII
publisher
Heirloom Media Co.
editor in chief Heather Dombrowski
editorial designer Victoria Pérez
senior copy editor C a r l y To t te n
junior copywriter April Bennet
client manager Alyssa Johnson
distribution PDG Mags
questions / requests
heather@pennsylvaniaweddings.com
mailing address
Heirloom Media Co. P. O . B O X 4 1 5 Perkasie, Pennsylvania 18944 @pennsylvaniaweddingsmagazine @pennsylvaniabride
the best wedding vendors + venues i n t h e k e y s t on e s tat e
Pennsylvania
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
@pennsylvaniaweddingsmagazine
FOLLOW
ALONG
ON
heather dombrowski
“In May of 2022, my husband and I traveled to Jamaica for a belated wedding anniversary trip. We stayed at Sandals OCHI and partnered with them to explore their honeymoon excursions which you can check out on our blog!”
welcome
a letter from the editor
W
elcome to twenty-twenty-three! V3 marks the third issue of Pennsylvania Weddings Magazine and the first of two issues for this year. We are certainly looking forward to embracing the new year and a new wedding season ahead for Spring and Summer. Over the past year, we welcomed a new team member and brought on a junior copywriter to assist us with putting this issue together. It’s been a wild ride as we faced paper shortages, supply chain issues, vendor closures, and inflation. However, I couldn’t be more grateful for the small but amazing team I have here. Pennsylvania Weddings has come a long way in our few years (our 4th birthday is in May!) and I am so happy to have the opportunity to create a wedding community here in Pennsylvania for both couples and vendors. In this issue, you’ll find a variety of swoon-worthy real weddings across the state from a backyard soiree to city skylines in Philly and Pittsburgh. You’ll learn about Pressed Bouquet Shop, a floral preservation company in Allentown, and a gorgeous editorial showing off just how beautiful Pennsylvania is for getting married. Plus, our collective of vendors that are ready to work with you for your upcoming wedding! Cheers to V3! Heather Ashley
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
FOR THE MODERN ROMANTIC. LET US TELL your STORY.
website / graceandardor.com ȓȶɥʧLjȅɞLjȳ Բ @graceandardor
table of c o n t e n t s
22.
17.
26.
inspiration editorial content
49. W e d d i n g s t o r y
A tale of two weddings
66. s t y l e d e l o p e m e n t
E d i to r i a l Fe a t u r e | Wr i g h t s v i l l e
30.
38.
wedding pros vendor features
17. p r e s s e d b o u q u e t s h o p
Ve n d o r F e a t u r e | A l l e n t o w n
38. w a n d e r l u s t w e d d i n g s
Ve n d o r F e a t u r e | P i t t s b u r g h
43.
49.
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
love is love real weddings + blake
22.
susan + rhy
26.
kristen + stephen
30.
sarah + andrew
43.
drew + scott
55.
amelia + johathan
60.
iris + priscilla
73.
kay l a + cur ran
76.
rachele + will
83.
jade + jason
87.
r u b y + r ya n
90.
veronica + ashton
95.
vendors guide
98.
amanda
R e a l We d d i n g | B e n s a l e m
R e a l We d d i n g | P i t t s b u r g h R e a l We d d i n g | M e d i a
R e a l We d d i n g | M o u n t J o y R e a l We d d i n g | H o n e y B r o o k R e a l We d d i n g | G l e n M i l l s R e a l We d d i n g | L o n g B r a n c h R e a l We d d i n g | N e w t o w n S q u a r e R e a l We d d i n g | P h i l a d e l p h i a
R e a l We d d i n g | P i t t s b u r g h R e a l We d d i n g | P h i l a d e l p h i a R e a l We d d i n g | P h i l a d e l p h i a
60. 66.
73.
76.
87.
83.
90.
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95.
table of c o n t e n t s
55.
Photos by Heart & Rae Photography, Sharyn Frenkel Photography, & Perfectly Paired Photography
Terrain beautifully merges indoor and outdoor spaces to create unexpected color and texture combinations resulting in a one-of-a-kind beauty. The venue is adorned with elements like natural wood floors, vintage-style chandeliers, and skylights to create a unique aesthetic.
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blooms that last forever
pressed bouquet shop
f all of the details you carefully choose for your wedding day, few are quite like your wedding bouquet. This collection of blooms will include the colors that are the most special to you, and it may even feature flowers that hold meaning to you and your family members. Plus, you will remember the monumental moments from your first look to your walk down the aisle when you clasp your bouquet in between your hands.
Your wedding bouquet is a beloved celebration piece, and your photographer and videographer will capture it beautifully. But there’s also another tangible way to hold onto your most important floral collection:
pressed flower art.
vendor feature | pressed bouquet shop
introducing
vendor feature | pressed bouquet shop
exceptional service fter spending years learning the art of floral preservation, Amelia Paradysz launched the Pressed
Bouquet Shop as its CEO, Founder, and Owner in the fall of
2020. Through her venture, Amelia has leaned on her background in digital innovation and business marketing as well as her passion for sharing pressed flowers with brides and grooms—and Amelia quickly found her footing and discovered why she has such a devotion to preserving wedding bouquets. “I love being able to give our clients the ability to preserve a tangible piece of their wedding day. Photos are wonderful, but reminiscing over the actual flowers held on their wedding day evokes even more emotions,” shares Paradysz who gets excited whenever she’s able to see a client’s reaction to their pressed
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art in person or via social media. Plus, she adds, she enjoys having the unique ability to showcase the work of other creatives: “Each and every one of our team members has such a critical role in the process; we couldn’t create these custom, handcrafted designs without their human touch.”
Before Paradysz and her team can see clients’ reactions to their heirloom-style art, brides and grooms must first decide which of Pressed Bouquet Shop’s three preservation methods suits them best.
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
VENDOR FEATURE | PRESSED BOUquEt shop
T
he options include a traditional piece of art where flowers are displayed on an “archival grade background” and framed, blooms arranged and framed in between panes of glass, or flowers molded in resin and formed into usable items like ring holders, serving trays, and coasters. Ultimately, Paradysz says she and her team are always happy to help clients make the best design decisions to match personal design aesthetics and color palettes, and often that means pairing a few pieces together.
“It is important to consider the flowers you are using in your bouquet when selecting your preservation method. While not required, we do offer complimentary consultations to guide you through which mediums would be best to showcase your blooms - some preservation styles highlight certain flowers better than others.”
Although Pressed Bouquet Shop is located in Allentown, they work with couples throughout the country thanks to the wonders of shipping. Quickly following their wedding day, couples follow the team’s bouquet shipping instructions (Note: Shipping is the only additional cost outside of the art order that applies). Once the flowers arrive in-house, Pressed Bouquet Shop dives right in.
vendor feature | pressed bouquet shop
preserved heirlooms After pressing flowers and creating everlasting wedding day art for couples for almost two and a half years through Pressed Bouquet Shop, Paradysz says it’s more important than ever to allocate some of your budget to areas like photography, videography, and floral preservation. After all, these are the pieces you will have to hold on to long after your wedding day comes to a close. “No matter how much you live in the moment, your wedding day will go by in the blink of an eye. You will want to relive your special day for many years to come, and keepsakes that capture those memories are the key to flashing back to one of the most sentimental days of your life.”
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
Photographer: Lytle Photography Company
real wedding | bensalem
amanda + blake by Addison George Photography
A
crowded bar can definitely put a dent in plans, especially during a baseball game. However, for Amanda and Blake, it ended up being the right place at the right time when Blake’s group of friends moved over to share the bar with Amanda and her group of friends. While the combined group
enjoyed the game, there was a spark between Amanda and Blake, who
instantly hit it off and spent the rest of the night talking together.
Amanda and Blake were engaged a year and a half later while living in Texas for work. Blake proposed to Amanda while on a walk with their dog. It was pouring rain, so they ran to a nearby restaurant to dry off and grab a bite. Little did Amanda know that her family would be waiting to celebrate with the newly engaged couple!
of their wedding day, Amanda and Blake exchanged love letters they had written for each other. Photographer, Addison shared
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with us that while many couples exchange vows and letters, these love letters topped them all by how moving and well-written they were. It was a sweet, intimate moment for them to enjoy quietly before their big day ahead- something we can’t recommend enough to couples to do at their own weddings.
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
real wedding | bensalem
T
ogether with their large bridal party, Amanda and Blake exchanged vows on an early spring day at Belle Voir Manor, a venue within Pen Ryn Estate that sits on the Delaware river in Bensalem, PA. On the morning
real wedding | bensalem
THE TEAM Photography addison george photography Venue pen ryn estate Hotel le méridien Planner + Coordinator kc events group Florals pod shop flowers Hair & Makeup alisha nycole & co Dress Boutique jennifer's bridal Dress Designer lazaro Menswear the black tux Bridesmaid Gowns jenny yoo Videographer: roslyn film
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
real wedding | pittsburgh
susan + rhy by Carmen May Photography
N
ot every love story starts with a Star Wars shirt, but for Susan and Rhy, that’s where it all began. The two were professional dancers in New York City, and when Ryan walked by Susan in the hall, they first laid eyes on each other. He was wearing his Star Wars shirt, and she complimented him.
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
lash forward a bit, and you could find Susan and Rhy in New Zealand on a Lord of The Rings filming tour. It was here that Ryan proposed and where they would begin planning their Carnegie Museum wedding. Their wedding day started at The Glassy House, a unique, modern Airbnb located in the “south side” of Pittsburgh, which features bright pops of color and nostalgic items like a vintage Pac-Man arcade game. Setting the tone of the celebrations ahead with this fun couple. Susan and Rhy exchanged vows on the
steps inside the museum with wedding rings made out of dinosaur bones, just like the ones on exhibit at their venue, where they had their first look earlier in the day. And it was no surprise to us when we saw the lightsaber sendoff at the end of their wedding day.
A perfect homage to their unique love story.
THE TEAM
Photographer: carmen may photography Venue: carnegie museum of art Getting Ready: the glassy house Florals: bride’s mom Dress: theia bridal Suit: express Bridesmaids Gowns: bhldn Makeup: j. casaldi artistry Jewelry: jewelry by johan Stationery: minted Cake: prantl’s DJ the bachelor boys band
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real wedding | pittsburgh
F
real wedding | pittsburgh
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real wedding | media
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
by Emily Wren
S
o many great love stories begin with a friend who steps in to introduce a couple, and that certainly is the case for Kristen and Stephen. Our bride and groom’s story began when Kristen’s friend started working at the same company as Stephen. After Kristen was nervous about going out with someone new, she was convinced by her friend to give him a chance. The rest is history.
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real wedding | media
kristen + stephen
real wedding | media
K
risten, a former New York Jets cheerleader, is drawn to whimsical and romantic details, while the groom, Stephen, is from the Midwest and appreciates a simple and rustic style. Their
choice of Parque at Ridley Creek, a timeless english Tudor-style mansion tucked into the large Ridley Creek State Park, was the perfect option to meld their two styles together. Their ceremony site was tucked into an english garden surrounded by lush landscaping, stone walls, and arches, while their reception was in a beautiful oak-walled ballroom filled with elegant blooms and their family and friends.
THE TEAM
Photographer emily wren Videographer yours truly media Venue parque ridley creek Planner/Coordinator
veronica joy events Florals petals with style Floral Repurposing forget me knot Hair top knots by aimee Makeup smashbrush
Dress Designer
suzanne neville, the sapphire gown Dress Boutique the ivory concept Menswear the black tux
Rentals
vision furniture event rentals Invitations grain and dot
Paper Goods + Signage
write pretty for me Catering peachtree catering
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
real wedding | media
G
uests were welcomed with goodie bags filled with custom cookies and fun facts about the couple, including how Stephen proposed to Kristen on the rooftop of Soho House in New York City where they had their first date. It was the little details like this that made their wedding so personal. The florals by Petals with Style, included blush blooms and cascading greenery that graced the venue from the fountain at the ceremony site to the ballroom. The whimsy of the flowers in Kristen’s overflowing bouquet mirrored Kristen’s beautiful high updo that juxtaposed her classic structured gown designed by Suzanne Neville. This wedding was truly a fairytale nestled into the perfect spot for Kristen and Stephen to start their life together.
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
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introducing wa n de r l u s t
WEDDINGS
I
Photographer Credit: dawn derbyshire photography
f you’re going to dive headfirst into the wedding industry, it helps to start a business with someone you know—and no one knows you quite as well as your family. That’s what sister planning duo Samantha and Ali had in mind when they decided to take the leap and join their forces and talent together by starting their event planning company, Wanderlust Weddings, in the heart of Pittsburgh.
vendor feature | pittsburgh
our history efore officially debuting on the Pittsburgh wedding scene, Samantha and Ali considered their backgrounds. Starting at 17, Ali said she learned she loved events while “working in a luxury club at PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Pirates.”And Samantha explored the world of logistics while she was the president of her college sorority and frequently planned events for her sorority and her sorority sisters. But planning a wedding is an entirely different endeavor, and Samantha and Ali knew they wanted to try their hands at planning a wedding of their own before they offered their services to others. After Samantha and Ali learned all about their power as a planning duo while designing and coordinating Samantha’s destination fete, they not only
realized they loved planning but they also realized their skillsets complemented each other wonderfully. Of course, even though they “get along as best friends,” sometimes, as sisters do, they still have to agree to disagree. “We have different strengths, which makes us working together the perfect pair,” said both Samantha and Ali, adding, “We trust each other, and we also now split up for events, which makes Wanderlust expand to at least two weddings a weekend!”As Samantha and Ali have built their business, they have routinely offered a variety of services to their clients. Currently, Wanderlust Weddings couples can choose from full-scale planning, month-of coordination, and partial planning (their most popular option).
39 | pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
feature | pittsburgh vendor
sually clients book us for partial help once they have a date, a venue, and a few vendors booked. They really need help with the overall design, other vendors, and just some basic planning help that includes a few in-person meetings,” explained the sisters. “We love this package because it allows couples to do a lot for themselves, but it also allows us to offer guidance and ultimately help them make great decisions to fine tune the details.” As much as Samantha and Ali love planning weddings in Pittsburgh, many of their clients reside outside of the city. Some do choose to welcome their guests to Western Pennsylvania, but many Wanderlust Weddings couples are also embracing destination weddings, just like Samantha did years ago. In 2023, Ali and Samantha are excited to plan a wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, and they’re also eager for the intimate wedding trend to continue as we navigate a post-pandemic world.
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
eddings have felt more emotional these days—more personal—and really just what the couple wants is taking precedence, which we are really excited about,” shared Samantha and Ali. “For instance, we planned a wedding in Chattanooga, Tennessee that went from a large 250+ wedding guest list in Pittsburgh to a smaller destination wedding in Tennessee. The clients really took their time to research, travel, and find what they were looking for, for their big day—and we are super excited for them!”
Other than their list of new Pittsburgh venues to experience for the first time and a very full travel roster, Samantha and Ali are also thrilled to see the business they decided to start together the grow in leaps and bounds. Now Wanderlust Weddings tackles multiple weddings each weekend and has a burgeoning team—and Ali and Samantha are “excited” to see them “flourish.” With such exponential growth since they started, Ali, Samantha, and their team are even more ready to live out their motto of “Traveling through life, one celebration at a time.” And we’re thrilled to cheer them on as they go.
vendor feature | PITTSBURGH
embracing destination weddings
Historic Shady Lane Your Dream Wedding Starts Here 475 Shady Lane Manchester, PA 17345
historicshadylane.com | info@historicshadylane.com
Photo by Amanda Naylor
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by Olive and Oak Photography
B
efore saying "I do" at their backyard soiree in Mount Joy, Sarah and Andrew found themselves in a whirlwind romance in Tacoma,Washinton. Not long after the couple started dating, things turned unexpected when Andrew was injured in a military training accident that left him with a broken jaw and neck. Yet, the couple remained stronger than ever and spent the next several months bonding and sharing a mutual love of mountain climbing while Sarah helped patch Andrew back together again.
43 | pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
real wedding | mount joy
sarah + andrew
real wedding | MOUNT JOY
O
nce healed and medically retired from the Army, Andrew took Sarah to one of their bucket-list locations and popped the question at the summit of The Brothers, a pair of prominent peaks in the Olympic Mountains of the Pacific North West. He knew it would be the perfect spot for the mountain-loving couple to start their future together. The pair relocated to Andrew's hometown in Pennsylvania and decided to turn the family farm into an operational wedding venue for over 200 guests. With the help of their planner, Jeannene Lillie Events, they began sourcing rentals from all over the country, pairing the rustic nature-focused aesthetic of the farm with modern design touches. Bringing a bit of Seattle to rural Pennsylvania.
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
real wedding | MOUNT JOY
T
heir ceremony was held outside with rows of cornfields and natural foliage in the background. Pollinate Floral Designs created a cascading floral piece on the base of a large tree trunk where the couple exchanged vows. After cocktail hour on the lawn, guests were welcomed to a light-filled tent draped with greenery, where the mix of rustic and modern accents came to life. A fun touch- guests were invited to leave a message for the couple on a vintage rotary phone in place of a traditional guest book!
It truly took an entire village to make this wedding day come to life- A professional fireworks show was even set off as a surprise to the couple- But that only made the day more memorable for guests to enjoy and surround the newlyweds with love and joy. It's weddings like Sarah and Andrews that remind us that sometimes you can have the
best day ever right at home.
45 | pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume II
real weddiing | mount joy
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pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
real wedding | MOUNT JOY
THE TEAM
Photographer
olive and oak photography
Full-Service Planning + Design jeannene lillie events
Florals pollinate floral design Hair + Makeup lionel hair + makeup
Stationery Design
line and letter design Guestbook after the tone Rentals party rental ltd. hostess haven | barnes farm tables treasured events Linens premier linen co. bbj latova | nuage design inc. Band the uptown band Videographer broadside visuals
47 | pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume II
s one year ends and a new one begins, the commonality amongst many people is a feeling of hope. The year 2020 had the same initial feeling of an unwritten novel waiting for a new story. But then everything changed as the world plunged into a global pandemic. As a way to stay safe and be well, we placed plans on hold and saw loved ones from a distance or not at all. We thought things would go back to normal quickly, but then days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. And few experienced the rollercoaster of constant changes more than couples, like Justin and Elise, who had hoped to wed.
editorial feature |wedding story
wedding story
editorial feature | wedding story
M
ost couples who were in the throes of wedding planning throughout 2020 experienced the ebbs and flows side by side. But that was not the case for Justin, a principal director for a video production company, and Elise, a yoga teacher. Instead, Justin isolated himself at his home in Philadelphia while Elise sheltered in place thousands of miles away in her home country of France. Like so many others, they relied on their daily FaceTime calls to stay connected. But Justin and Elise’s unique set of circumstances also forced them to bob and weave with seemingly endless travel restrictions. Their time apart lasted almost a year, but finally, as Justin said, “enough was enough.” “I knew this was the woman I wanted to marry, so the first opportunity we got we eloped and got married,” shared Justin. “It was a small ceremony with only six
people in attendance in a beautiful cabin in the woods in the middle of winter. We absolutely loved everything about it.” The couple was already in the middle of planning a far larger wedding that they were eager to experience with all of their family members and friends. But their goals shifted to simply being together as a married couple in the same country, so Justin took the reins while Elise was home in France—and Elise said their newly formed plan was “perfect.”
“I am an introvert and very shy, and I loved to have that intimate ceremony with our close friends and our dog Nova as our flower girl,” said Elise who described their first wedding as “very intimate” and “special.” She added, “Justin also contacted Lindsay, our photographer, to capture our elopement and I had no idea! I saw her at the door of the cabin, and I was so happy to have her capture this beautiful and meaningful day. She bought a cake and went above and beyond for us!”
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editorial feature | wedding story
nce Justin and Elise were officially husband and wife and they could sense that larger celebrations were more of a possibility again, they both knew they wanted to revisit their dream of celebrating in person with their loved ones. “I grew up with a huge friend group and a large family. I felt it was the one thing missing from our first wedding,” wrote Justin who said he and Elise “jumped” at
the chance to celebrate with “everyone that helped shape us into the people we are today.” He continued, “I also really wanted to see Elise and her father walk down the aisle together. That was a special moment to me.” This time, Elise was in charge of planning a “warm and welcoming” fete at the rustic and romantic Terrain at Styers. Overall, it was most important to have her parents present for such a monumental moment.
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editorial feature | wedding story
“My parents are not so young, and it was so important for me to have them by my side. They flew all the way from France, and I couldn’t be happier to see their faces and happy tears at the wedding,” said Elise. “I will cherish these memories forever.”
N
ot only did Justin and Elise plan their first wedding during the height of the pandemic during the winter, but their second wedding happened during the summer. As a result, other than their photographer, they turned to an entirely new team of wedding professionals. Even with so many changes and a seemingly endless number of hurdles, they both said they focused on their “why” behind every decision. They also mentioned that the only change they would have made was to slow down time so they could enjoy every moment a little bit longer.
“It’s not about the flowers, the venue or the favors—it’s about being able to say ‘I do’ to the love of your life,” said Justin, adding, “Everything else is a bonus.” Although being married is the only thing that matters, Elise pointed out that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed while planning: “If there’s changes,
unplanned events, obstacles, or things that don’t work out, it’s so important to be easy on yourself and remind yourself that any wedding is stressful in the first place and that’s totally okay to be overwhelmed... I tried to keep reminding myself, ‘No matter what, it will be beautiful, and we will make it work.’ ” THE TEAM Photographer lindsay eileen photography Elopement milford, pa airbnb Wedding Venue terrain events Florals designs by terrain Elopement Gown amazon Ceremony Gown couture nuptial Reception Gown grace loves lace Menswear state & liberty + jos. a bank DJ lovesick Cake nutmeg cake design Violinist michael shingo crawford Shoes custom converse Ring brilliant earth
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o matter if you’re planning a wedding during a pandemic, eloping, dreaming of a wedding where you’re on the dancefloor surrounded by all of your favorite people, or simply hoping for a way to be together, Justin’s words ring true: “I know it’s cliché to say that love will always find a way, but it is also true— at least in our case.”
SPECIALIZING IN ALL-INCLUSIVE MICRO WEDDINGS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BERKS COUNTY 54 |
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
rV BB, Vfa)Zƣ HA Ǚ ǐrV BB, Vfa)Z
by Christie Heimbach Photography
E
very couple has something special
that they incorporate into their wedding day to show their appreciation for their guests, whether it’s a unique favor, a live performance, or an unexpected late-night treat. On Drew and Scott’s
wedding day, they chose to handwrite personalized letters to each guest and passed them out before the ceremony. Additionally, the letters were written on thicker paper, so guests could use them as fans in the 90-degree heat.
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real wedding | honey brook
drew + scott
real wedding | honey brook
W
hile the grooms did the majority of the
decorating and designed all of the florals that outfitted their venue, Brandywine Manor, they wanted the focus of the day to highlight the things that were most important to them: their love, their family, and their friends. The ceremony was a big moment for the couple. Drew and Scott each walked down the aisle with their parents, and they each had a close friend get up a tell a story. “The words that were shared were the most heartfelt, hilarious, and special words I’ve ever heard shared in a ceremony,” said their photographer, Christine. The two exchanged vows in front of a large wooden arch, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.
THE TEAM
Photographer
christie heimbach photography
Venue
brandywine manor house
Florals
the couple
Catering + Desserts
williamson catering
Band/DJ
pzo productions
Videographer
seth umbenhauer cinematography
real wedding | honey brook
H
eartbreakingly, a member of the bridal party had recently passed away from cancer. During speeches, another member of their party got up and made a speech about her and shared how much love she had for the couple and how much she would have wanted to be there. Later in the day, with their bridal party in tow, Drew and Scott took photos with rainbow-colored smoke bombs to celebrate the journey they’d been on as a gay and biracial couple.
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:LOG 1DWLYH 3KRWRJUDSK\
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amelia + jonathan by Lytle Photography Company
L
ooming thunderstorms didn’t stop Lehigh Valley couple Amelia and Johnathan’s garden-style wedding at Terrain at Glen Mills. The two, who first met in high school, opted to share private vows with each other during their first look—a trend we’re happily seeing more of lately. It was a special moment just for the couple, who shared their first date at Ruby Tuesday in 2013, to finally exchange vows together. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds had a surprise awaiting their guests who, unknowingly at first, were tossing blue petals. The petals actually revealed that Amelia and Johnathan were expecting a baby boy in December!
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real wedding | glen mills
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real wedding | glen mills
THE TEAM
Photographer
lytle photography company
Venue + Catering
terrain events, glen mills Planner lavish haus co. Florals + Cake talana marias Dress Day dream bridal Hair + Makeup meraki bridal Stationery jenni mindock DJ ryan cook music Photo Booth the lytle booth Videographer imagery.life
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he reception was outfitted in neutral tones and featured the bride’s pressed floral art in the seating chart and table numbers. Amelia is the owner of Pressed Bouquet Shop, a floral preservation studio in Allentown. Her studio is also where Johnathan proposed. So, it was no surprise to us to see a little bit of Pressed included in their wedding day!
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
PLAN YOUR DREAM WEDDING AT OUR EFFORTLESS ESTATE ĂĆʼnőĩŅĆÚÁʼnĂěÁĢàäŪäĢőʼn͠Úĩġ ϝĂĆʼnőĩŅĆÚÁʼnĂěÁĢà
editorial feature | wrightsville
a joyful, intimate, and elegant Styled Elopement
at Lauxmont Far ms
t any point in Pennsylvania, you can experience something different. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offer bustling city centers with glittering skyscrapers, an abundance of rich history, and boisterous fan bases for every sports team. The Pocono Mountains are the place to go whenever you’re seeking an adrenaline rush throughout the year. Then there are the many farms that dot the countryside that offer picturesque views and an escape from the hustle that happens in everyday life. And the countryside is exactly where we’re all visiting as we introduce you to this stunning styled elopement. Lauxmont Farms is located in Central Pennsylvania in Wrightsville, which is a short drive away from popular locales like Lancaster, Hershey, and York. As you would expect, it offers sprawling grounds and nearly unparalleled views of the countryside—and it also boasts four venue spaces that vary from blooming outdoor gardens to an indoor light-filled rotunda. With so many spaces and stunning vistas at their disposal, it’s not surprising that photographer Kass Ortiz and her fellow team of wedding professionals found plenty of inspiration.
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inspiration I w a n te d s o m e t h i n g t h a t felt like a destination e l o pe m e n t b u t r i g h t h e r e i n Pe n n s y l v a n i a , ” w r o te K a s s . “ W h e n w e a r r i ve d a t L a u x m o n t Fa r m s , t h e v i e w s w e r e a b s o l u te l y breathtaking. The crisp f resh air and the surrounding scene were just so serene and gorgeous. The ve n u e i s r i ch w i t h h i s to r y a n d ch a ra c te r t h a t m a k e s i t f e e l l i k e a s m a l l E u r o pe a n v i l l a g e w i t h i n i t s e l f.
editorial feature | wrightsville
ith so much natural beauty at their fingertips, the team let Lauxmont Farms lead the way in terms of the design. They envisioned a bride wearing a classic A-line wedding Salt Gowns dress paired with timeless pearl accessories from Koser Jewelers, a groom in a handsome black tuxedo, and Forte Florals creations that were seasonal and garden-inspired just like the location where the team imagined the couple’s elopement taking place. “We had portraits on a hill overlooking some of the surrounding acreage and farmland, and then the elopement scene at the cobblestone courtyard and the magnificent historic open-air courtyard that really are must-sees,” shared Kass.
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as candles, champagne, and figs to create a romantic cake table with just the right amount of rustic elegance. Plus, an intimate elopement or a guest-filled wedding day isn’t quite complete without a sweetheart table, so they added Boutique La Lucia vintage pieces topped with taper candles and the bride’s bouquet to create the perfect spot for the couple to enjoy their first few moments as a married pair together. Ultimately, Kass said everyone on the team wanted to create a day that was both “nostalgic” as well as “joyful, intimate, and elegant” to offer new ideas for couples “looking for history and charm with destination vibes, but with a local address.”
editorial feature | wrightsville
he creative vendors then added a Katie Cakes Cakery wedding cake complete with flowers, as well
editorial feature |wrightsville
THE TEAM Photography + Planning writer & beloved photography Venue lauxmont farms Florals forte florals
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Furniture Rentals boutique la lucia Hair anthology lancaster Makeup kate holovatyi
Bridal Gown salt gowns Cake katie cakes bakery Shoes badgley mishka bride Models | khalee + lee
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
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by Helen Merz Photography
I
ris and Priscilla’s wedding story started with not just one, but two proposals! The first was on the evening of their anniversary when Priscilla popped the question with a bottle of wine in front of their closest friends and families. The following Valentine’s Day, on a trip to a winery, Iris began
looking for a ring she lost. The conversation led to rings and sizes, while Iris continued to dig through her purse. As a surprise to Priscilla, Iris pulled a ring out of her purse and proposed back to Priscilla! With engagement rings for each, the two began their wedding planning journey.
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REAL WEDDING | long branch
iris + priscilla
real wedding | long branch
W
ith the decision to do two separate weddings, Iris and Priscilla decided to elope on the beach with a few loved ones, and then they had a larger reception two weeks later. Their intimate beach wedding was held in Long Branch, New Jersey, and included a beachfront ceremony officiated by a family friend. Guests were treated to a picnic-style setup by LaLa’s Luxe Picnic to witness the nuptials and enjoy a mini reception. The brides did their own hair and makeup and wore white dresses they already owned, choosing to wear different gowns for their bigger ceremony. Their tropical-style bouquets, created by Made with Love Floral, were thoughtfully designed in a way that when placed together, the bouquets became one.
The quote, "Paradise is my feeling with you,” was displayed on an acrylic sign near the ceremony, and we couldn’t agree more with that statement after we have seen the love Iris and Priscilla have for each other.
THE TEAM Photographer helen merz photography Floral Design + Planning made with love floral Luxury Picnic lala’s luxe picnic Acrylic Signage floral dust Off iciant family friend
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real wedding | newtown square
kayla + curran by Carina Danielle Photography
T
here’s something about high school sweethearts planning a wedding that feels like a fairytale come true. Taking that next step toward marriage is a big deal when you have already been through so much together. Not to mention all the excitement from friends and family eagerly awaiting this moment to celebrate!
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This was the case for our cover couple and high school sweethearts Kayla and Curran, who became engaged on March 27th, 2021. Curran popped the question at Cira Green, a unique rooftop park in West Philadelphia’s University City District. With another surprise up his sleeve, Curran hired a photographer to capture it all.
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
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real wedding | newtown square
F
or their families, whom they met after the proposal back in Bensalem, it was a heartfelt moment to see the couple ready to start their next chapter together while pursuing their dreams. Kayla, an advocate for the mental health community, is working on becoming a therapist, while Curran, who loves cuisine and fine dining, is an aspiring chef. The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve- A Greek revival-style venue in Newtown Square couldn’t have been more perfect for that fairytale come true wedding. It was a sun-fill August day when Kayla and Curran exchanged personal vows in an outdoor ceremony while their loved ones looked on in awe.
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real wedding | newtown square
THE TEAM
Photographer
carina danielle photography
Venue
the ballroom at ellis preserve
Florals
dominic graziano flowers Floral Wall nicol floral Dress Boutique ashley’s bridal Hair + Makeup beauty by raquel Menswear generation tux Stationery etsy Catering finley catering Cake the master’s baker
DJ/Videographer
east coast event group
real wedding |newtown square
K
ayla and Curran thought about the details they wanted to include
to elevate the aesthetic of their wed-
ding. From the floral wall backdrop
at the ceremony to their classic Rolls Royce that added a touch of elegance and served as a luxe backdrop for their portraits. For their first dance, the
newlyweds were on cloud 9 as a fog machine filled the floor while they twirled around the ballroom.
T
he rest of the night consisted of tears, laughter, and dancing. Guests enjoyed signature drinks from the couple, a spaghett by the groom, and a spicy margarita by the bride to get the party going. Kayla shared with us that she and Curran will always remember this day as the most magical day of their lives, and we have to agree it was truly magical.
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Wedding, Boudoir, & Portrait
to capture a mment and hhd it fffer www.harmonyrenee.com | harmony@harmonyrenee.com
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by Honey Scout Photo
R
achele and Will first met in December 2016 when they were both stationed in the Air Force in Boston, Massachusetts. Unbeknownst to them, the two had quite a few mutual friends who convinced Rachele and will to dress up for the infamous Boston
SantaCon. In this yearly event, you get dressed as Santa, elves, or reindeer and participate in a bar crawl for charity. Later that night, Rachele and Will stood side-byside at the Black Rose Irish Pub, where they shared a dance and a kiss. Inseparable from there on out.
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real wedding | philadelphia
rachele + will
real wedding | philadelphia
B
etween life and Air Force Travel, Rachele and Will found that home was where ever they could be together. Between deployments and living in different states, they knew; eventually, it would lead to a sweet reunion again. And almost five years from when they met, Will kept true to what he’d told Rachele the first day they met and asked Rachele to share the rest of her life with him. It was the easiest, yes! Rachele and Will chose to bring their family and friends together to celebrate their marriage in the NJ/PA area, which Rachele grew to love alongside Will. And where Air Force friends and family living all over the country and world could travel to the couple or tune in online.
T
hey married in New Jersey, at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, where Will’s grandparents were members, and many family members had been married. After the ceremony, guests crossed state lines to Pennsylvania for a reception at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. The venue gave a beautiful nod to Rachele’s British and Guyanese family, who have played and enjoyed many cricket games while remaining in the city of brotherly love that Will’s family knows so well.
THE TEAM
Photographer honey scout photo Venue philadelphia cricket club Hotel kimpton hotel monaco philadelphia
Planning champagne magnolias Florals magnificent floral events Dress brides across america Menswear indochino Hair + Makeup bewitched bridal Bakery frosted fox cake shop
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get ready for
MAKE PLANS NOW FOR YOUR 2023 WEDDING AT THE LUXURIOUS RESORT THAT OFFERS ALL YOU NEED FOR A PERFECT DAY. We’re the Lehigh Valley’s most anticipated new venue — and the area’s only resort to offer a full range of on-site amenities to enjoy before, during and after your event. Three magnificent ballrooms | New 270-room luxury hotel Upscale lobby bar | Rooftop indoor pool | On-site spa
weddings magazine | volume III To get started, please contact Jennifer Bender 86 | pennsylvania WindCreekBethlehem.com at (484) 777-7559 or Jennifer.bender@windcreek.com
by Danielle Durban Film + Photo
W
hen you work in the wedding industry, you always envision what your own wedding day will be like. After all, you know first-hand what works and doesn't. You meet vendors and learn all the venues. Not to mention a backlog of inspiration up your sleeve just waiting to be created for when it's your turn. Jade, a Pittsburgh wedding planner and owner of Joyful Events by Jade, finally became a bride-to-be on the eve of her and now husband Jason's 5th dating anniversary. While enjoying dinner at their annual spot, Altius' on Mount Washington Pittsburgh, Jason popped the question before surprising his future wife with an evening of celebrations alongside their best friends.
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real wedding | pittsburgh
jade + jason
real wedding | pittsburgh
O
n the morning of their wedding day, we can already see the attention to detail Jade put into making her and Jason's wedding unique. Starting with the lovely picnic-style breakfast for her bridal party to enjoy. Complete with the most adorable donut tower and dried floral centerpieces. For their ceremony and reception, hosted at the Energy Innovation Center, Jade and Jason outfitted the blank space with various rentals, custom signage, and décor. Pulling in shades of blue with gold accents to match their theme. Even including a piece of natural sage on each guest's plate.
One of our favorite parts of this wedding, aside from the décor, is the infectious smile shared between Jade and Jason throughout the day. You can feel the happiness leap through the pages as we enjoy a glimpse of this couple's very own Joyful Event. We know these newlyweds are cherishing their love of craft beer and waving their Terrible Towels at Steelers games even more now as Mr. And Mrs!
THE TEAM
Photographer danielle durban film + photo Planning joyful events by jade Day-of Assistant adrieanna Venue energy innovation center Ceremony String Duo hot metal strings Officiant reverend dawn lynn check Florals jim ludwig’s blumengarten Faux Florals dream big wedding creations Rentals eventioneers Additional Rentals marbella rentals Farm Tables penn rustic rentals Linens lendable linens Neon Sign steel city neon Marquee Letters a touch of klass Stationery + Signage joyful events by jade Catering mission bbq Bartending ace bartenders Cake spoonful of sugar Hair + Makeup pittsburgh glam team DJ loyalty entertainment
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real wedding |philadelphia
rub y + ryan by Amber Dawn Photography
A
riverfront ceremony on the Delaware was the dream for Ruby and Ryan who hosted their wedding at Glen Foerd, a historic landmark situated on 18 acres in Philadelphia. The couple exchanged
vows in front of an ornate baby’s breath arch that overlooked the river. It was a breathtaking view, and it was perfectly captured by Amber of Amber Dawn Photography.
During cocktail hour, guests were invited to explore the grounds and tour the inside of the mansion where they could study the artwork and admire the craftsmanship and architectural details of this 1800s estate.
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he open-air tent, which also looked out onto the river, was decorated by floral design company Camillia Faire who hung greenery and florals throughout and repurposed the beautiful ceremony arch to use behind the sweetheart table. The florals offered a warm, romantic feel to the setting. But the true romance came from Ruby and Ryan who danced under the twinkling lights together for the first time as husband and wife, and we can truly feel the love and happiness they shared in that moment.
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real wedding | philadelphia
T
real wedding | philadelphia
THE TEAM
Photographer
amber dawn photography
Planner + Coordinator
kc events group Venue glen foerd Officiant journeys of the heart Florals camillia faire
Hair + Makeup
sofia serrano beauty Cake frosted fox cake shop DJ cutting edge entertainment Violinist jason biggs Morning Transportation ace limousine
Evening Transporation
first student charter bus
Videographer
clear vision videography
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FIAPHO
TOGRA PHY | M U
A @MA RINAM ADAIN | @ALE SSIASB RIDAL
VENDORFEATURE
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@JENN
IFERSO
328 WEST BROAD STREET QUAKERTOWN, PA HTTPS://GINAPEDE.GLOSSGENIUS.COM @GINAPEDE|@GODDESSBYGINA
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
by Caroline Morris Photography
W
hen the pandemic hit, no one knew what to expect. Large gatherings weren’t happening and engaged couples either had to postpone their weddings or try to plan them for the future, not knowing if they would happen. After a fall 2020 engagement on a beautiful hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains,
Veronica and Ashton decided to have a small church wedding with only a dozen family members. Knowing in their hearts they wanted a bigger wedding with all of their loved ones, the two planned a second wedding two years in advance for 200 guests in hopes that the pandemic would be over.
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real wedding | philadelphia
veronica + ashton
real wedding | philadelphia
W
e’re happy to report that Veronica and Ashton were able to celebrate with both of their families and all of their friends. They hosted their big wedding at Water Works by Cescaphe in Philadelphia—an exciting experience for Ashton’s family who live in Virginia and had never been to the City of Brotherly Love before. The venue sits right on the Schuylkill River, where guests enjoyed a gorgeous view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a glimpse of the city skyline through the tall glass windows that gave a dramatic backdrop to their reception.
Veronica was the final one of her closest friends to get married, and all of them were able to be a part of her special day. They even did a play-off of the movie “27 Dresses”. During her first look with her bridesmaids, they all wore the dresses that Veronica wore at their weddings! For the actual wedding, though, her bridesmaids wore a beautiful collection of pastel long gowns that complimented Veronica’s stunning lace dress from designer Mira Zwillinger.
Veronica and Ashton also incorporated Filipino wedding traditions into their ceremony, including the exchange of coins. They were able to use the same coins that Veronica’s parents exchanged at their wedding. Ashton’s cousin, Olivia, who is in a band, sang a rendition of “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain during the ceremony. However, it was Veronica’s dad who made our hearts melt the most because instead of a speech, he sang Frank Sinatra’s “All the Way” with the band accompanying him. This was certainly a celebration that was worth the wait. THE TEAM
Photographer caroline morris photography Hotel w hotel philadelphia Venue water works by cescaphe Wedding Dress Designer mira zwillinger
Wedding Dress Shop
elizabeth johns ardmore Groom + Groomsmen Attire j. crew
Bridesmaids' Dress Designer
jenny yoo, revelry, show me your mumu, lulu's, psofficial Florist beautiful blooms Hair happily ever after hair Makeup looks & lashes beauty Invitation Suite Designer minted DJ/Band sid miller dance band Video carlo timothy llc Signage/Decor chick invitations
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vendors guide
VOLUME
2
wanderlust weddings
www.wanderlustweddingsandevents.com
elephant limbo
www.elephantlimbo.com
olive and oak photography
www.www.oliveoakphotography.com.com
the bridal basket case www.ame2b.com
the best wedding vendors + venues i n t h e k e y s t on e s tat e
Pennsylvania
texture and tequila
www.textureandtequila.com
lighst camera spin pa
www.lightscameraspinpa.com
historic shady lane
www.historicshadylane.com
joy of events group
www.joyofeventsgroup.com
the backyard bar co
www.thebackyardbarco.com
wrennie ruth's
www.wrennieruths.com
christie heimbach photography www.christieheimbachphotography.com
bespoke and beloved
www.bespokeandbeloved.com
lytle photography company www.lytlephotoco.com
historic ashland
www.historicashlandevents.com
melhorn manor
www.melhornmanor.com
amanda kocher photography
to learn more about p e n n s y lva n i a weddings magazine or to become a member, please visit
www.amandakocherphotography.com
an d f ol l ow al ong on so c ial media
pressed bouquet shop
www.pennsylvaniaweddings.com
prestige event design
www.prestigeeventdesign.com
andrea krout photography www.andreakrout.com
island dreams luxury travel planning with rae craven
www.facebook.com/joinraecraven
april lynn designs
www.aprillynndesigns.com
grace and ardor
www.graceandardor.com
terrain events
www.terrainevents.com
carmen may photography www.carmenmay.com
www.pressedbouquetshop.com
addison george photography
www.addisongeorgephotography.com
emily wren
www.emilywren.com
dare floral studio
www.darefloralstudio.com
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writer and beloved photography www.writerandbelovedphotography
elegant bridal productions www.elegantbridal.com
helen merz photography
www.helenmarzphotography.com
carina danielle photography www.carinadanielle.com
harmony renee photography www.harmonyrenee.com
springfield country club
www.capturedbyjessicalynn.com
honey scout photo
www.honeyscoutphoto.com
wind creek bethlehem
www.windcreek.com/bethlehem
danielle film and photo
www.daniellef ilmandphoto.com
godess by gina
www.ginapede.glossgenius.com
elle studios
www.www.elle-studios.com.com
caroline morris photography
www.carolinemorrisphotography.com
lindsay eileen photography
www.lindsayeileenphotography.com
cork factory hotel
www.www.corkfactoryhotel.com/weddings
pennsylvania weddings magazine | volume III
ALL T H E DETAI LS for your BIG DAY, I N ONE PL ACE.
Warm event spaces, comfortable and charming accommodations, an upscale yet relaxed restaurant, a wedding boutique and design studio, and in-house catering and wedding cake services.
, CORKFACTORYHOTEL.COM
717.735.2075
Lauren Fisher Photography