V5 Spring/Summer 2024 by Pennsylvania Weddings Magazine

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p e n n s yl va n i a w e d d i n g s |

spring‘24 // pennsylvaniaweddings.com

PLAN

YOUR

DREAM

WEDDING

at our effortless estate

visit us:

H I S T O R I C A S H L A N D E V E N T S . C O M

WRIGHTSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

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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.

v o l u m e n o. 4

2023 • V3

, CORKFACTORYHOTEL.COM

717.735.2075

Lauren Fisher Photography

ENCHANTED E U RO PE A N C H A R M o f E L K I N S E S T AT E

2023 • V4

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spring‘24 // pennsylvaniaweddings.com

love stories

authentic

fern and fountain photography

r e a l

w e d d i n g s

will + chuck 12 morgan + josh 20 hannah + sean 28 marisa + rachael 42 elizabeth + robert 55 lauren + eric 64 ariane + wyatt 80 nicolette + alex 88

i nte rview

with

bride

PWM: How has the planning experience been? The Good? The Bad? And everything in between!

Planning a destination wedding is already quite a task, but imagine organizing a wedding celebration spanning five days in Riviera Maya, Mexico. That's precisely what Dhruvi, an influencer (@dhruvii_s) based in Philadelphia and soon-to-be bride, has been meticulously arranging since her engagement to Vybav in August 2022. Since they've opted for a destination wedding, Dhruvi and Vybav decided to host some pre-wedding festivities in Pennsylvania last spring. Where they participated in an Indian engagement ceremony called Gor Dhana (in Gujarati) and Nischitartham (in Kannada). This ceremony marked the formal commitment of their engagement, witnessed by their closest friends, family, and loved ones. With the countdown to their fête officially on, Pennsylvania Weddings Magazine caught up with the busy bride-to-be influencer to learn more about the couple’s upcoming wedding event, which will unfold over nearly a week later this summer.

Pennsylvania Weddings Magazine: How did he propose?! Dhruvi: He proposed in August 2022 by one of our favorite spots in Philadelphia, Race Street Pier. We used to live in the area when we first moved to Philly and we loved going on walks around there, hanging out by Spruce Park, Race Street Pier and Cherry Street Pier. Vybav had been planning this special day for 6 months and had managed to keep this secret for so long (although I had a bit of a hunch, but did not know when or where it was exactly happening).

D: It has definitely been a roller coaster. No one prepares you for the amount of sheer decisions you have to make, even the smallest ones. The costs, the budgeting, from choosing the perfect venue to deciding the menu, a whirlwind of choices. My fiancé and I planned our entire wedding together with the support of our parents and help from our closest friends. It helped that he was just as involved in the planning as myself. We both took our strengths and went with it. PWM: What is your theme? And how about colors? D: Elated to say each event has its own theme. We are celebrating many events including~ A welcome night, an intimate Mehndi or Henna ceremony, Sangeet and Garba, a joint Haldi celebration, 2 wedding ceremonies, and a reception- each event will have a theme and colors that we have chosen for ourselves, close family and bridal party. It is going to be a vibrant celebration. We are using a wide array of colors to bring each event to life. From elegant ceremonies to the reception there will be a kaleidoscope of hues to reflect our vision and diversity of our love story.

PWM: What are you most excited for on the wedding day? D: It has been a special journey for us and we are excited for the big day and week. Knowing every decision we have made and the hours of planning we have done and are continuing to do is bringing us closer to a beautiful celebration ahead that will give us memories to last a lifetime. I am most excited to marry my best friend, bring our vision and hard work to life, and start our next chapter together being surrounded by the best people in our lives. Honestly, I am very thrilled to see the final product- the venue all decorated, the food we picked out, the photos, the videos, the outfits we chose, and how they turned out with my makeup. I am excited to see my fiancé’s reaction to me in my wedding outfits, not 1 but 2, North Indian and South Indian Weddings (double the fun), the first looks with family and bridal party, and I'm ready to dance and have the best time of our lives!

PWM: What advice do you have for other brides starting their planning journey? D: Remembering the big picture. There might be differences whether it is with family traditions or expectations that come up, so throughout the process remind yourself and others the important thing is to celebrate your love and commitment. There might be lots of opinions and suggestions, but remember the day is about you two. It is okay to take others' input and consideration, but most essentially you (the couple) are the ones that should be making the decisions regarding your big day/ week. Go with your gut instincts and stick to what will make you two the happiest and feel most comfortable. Ultimately, your day is about you and your partner and what you want to make out of it.

“We met in the most 21st-century way by swiping right on each other on Tinder! But the story began even before that. We both attended the University of Delaware at the same time. At one point, we even lived in the same dorm one floor apart and neither of us knew each other. We overlapped at UD for three years and never once ran into each other. One of Vybav's tennis teammates even tried to set us up to go to a formal with each other and I declined saying “I am not going with someone random person” especially because the formal wasn't local. We finally met through Tinder when I was a senior in my last semester and Vybav had graduated. It has been 7 years since!” proposal photographer | jeff moon cake | new june bakery engagement ceremony venue | abington art center engagement ceremony photographer | nichole mch photography

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Hotel Du Village//August 12, 2023

isabe l

WILL + CHUCK

march photography Will and Chuck met on the dating app Hinge. They hit it off right away, and their relationship blossomed quickly. Chuck decided to propose to Will on June 4, 2022, with a very special plan in place. He told Will they were going to dinner at one of their favorite places, The Docs Place, in Somers Point, NJ. While enjoying a few pre-dinner drinks on Will's parents' boat, Chuck got down on one knee and asked Will to marry him right there on the boat. And of course, Will said yes. The happy couple then headed over to Will's parent's home in Ocean City, NJ, where both sides of their immediate family were waiting to celebrate their engagement.

Every couple envisions a perfect sunny day for a summer wedding. But Mother Nature had other plans for these August nuptials. Just 10 minutes before the outdoor ceremony was set to begin, the skies opened up, and a downpour drenched everything in sight. At that point, Will and Chuck didn’t know if they could have their ceremony as planned. But the team at Hotel Du Village came through in a big way, staying calm and allowing the couple to delay the timeline by just 10 minutes. And just like that, the skies cleared up again, and Will and Chuck were wed by one of their best friends, Ciara Skala, who had become ordained especially for this occasion. Will and Chuck’s reception was a night to remember, with a killer band—Dreamtime through EBE Talent— playing until midnight, followed by an after-party that kept the energy going until the wee hours of the morning. The after-party was held in the same room as the cocktail hour, but with a twist: a DJ from EBE Talent, a fog machine, and intelligent lighting set the scene for an hour of EDM/club music that had everyone on their feet! This was the perfect way to end the night as newlyweds.

"We were conscious to take several moments together where we paused, scanned the room and told each other how lucky we were to have such awesome friends and family who were all there to celebrate us. Chuck and I also made it a point to find each other at least every 20 minutes if we were getting pulled in different directions. This allowed us to experience the wedding together as a newly married couple."

The moment the wedding of your dreams becomes a reality!

1114 Grandview Avenue • Atop Mt. Washington

412-431-3100 • LeMontPittsburgh.com Photo by: Once Like a Spark Photo + Video

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The Harper//July 01, 2023

snaps

MORGAN + JOSH

sean

Erie, PA, and “tropical oasis” typically do not appear in the same sentence, but Morgan and Josh's wedding day brought both together when they wed at The Harper last July. From the moment guests stepped into the venue, they were transported to paradise. Thanks to the help of Morgan's mom Patty, an event designer, who took the challenge of transforming this space into a modern oasis with a touch of Hollywood glam. Amid wedding planning, Morgan and Josh, who are also chiropractors, were busy opening up their practice, Back Country Spine and Sport, 160 miles away in State College. So, having Patty assist back home with the wedding design was a huge help to the soon-to-be newlyweds and business owners. But that didn't stop the couple from including their personal touches in the wedding. Morgan spent the days leading up to their celebration repotting her house plants to use as part of the decor, while Josh brought along a few of his favorite pieces like his go-to sneakers and sunglasses.

Taking a different approach to first looks, Morgan wanted to do something special and decided to have a first look with her grandmother. While Morgan’s grandmother wasn't quite sure what a first look entailed, she was instantly overcome with joy at seeing her beautiful granddaughter as a bride. It was such a special moment between the two that they will forever cherish. Despite a tropical storm coming through right before the ceremony—which everyone could agree was very fitting for the theme—their wedding continued without a hitch. Morgan and Josh were officially married in their very own tropical oasis, just like they envisioned from the start.

"My husband and I work as healthcare providers and give our all to our patients. Having a day where we could just focus on each other and celebrating with our loved ones was absolutely unforgettable!"

GLEN + JULIA HUSBAND + WIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS

PITTSBURGH & BEYOND WEARETHERICHARDS.COM | @WEARETHERICHARDS

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Moonstone Manor//July 14, 2023

f e rn

HANNAH + SEAN

fo u n ta i n photography It's not often we hear of couples getting engaged twice, but that's what makes Hannah and Sean's story so unique. Initially, the two were engaged and planning a 2022 wedding when fate intervened, and they ended up having to postpone. Wanting to surprise Hannah after their halted plans, Sean took her to Conestoga House and Gardens during Christmas and re-proposed, which allowed the couple to have a fresh start as they planned their now 2023 nuptials. Florals played a key role in Hannah and Sean's wedding design. A variety of flowers from local farmers were sourced to create a garden party look that complimented the venue's aesthetic. The color palette included a mix of pastel shades with hints of magenta to reflect the 2023 Pantone color of the year. Hannah's bouquet even featured an exotic relative of the daisy, which has a single fan-shaped petal when it blooms.

Wanting to change up her look throughout the day, Hannah picked two different gowns to wear. The first was an elegant textured gown with whimsical sleeves and a soft bow by Sachin & Babi. Partly through their portraits, she swapped gowns and changed into a reception dress by Willow by Watters to ensure that each gown was equally photographed. Hannah paired both dresses with pearl drop earrings and a necklace from Anthropologie.

In honor of their Pittsburgh family members and their roots, Hannah and Sean displayed a cookie table, which is a popular wedding tradition in Pittsburgh. They also tied in some local slang like "yinz" (it means “you all”) for fun, and it was a hit among guests who were invited to fill a take home box of the sweet treats. With a day filled with family traditions and a dreamy color palette that seamlessly blended into the venue's setting, Hannah and Sean's celebration proves that things are worth the wait, and a 2023 wedding was meant to be for this couple.

"One of our favorite things about our wedding day was spending time with all of our friends and family in the same place! It was so hot outside that we were worried people wouldn’t dance, but the dance floor was packed all night! We are so thankful that we could celebrate with everyone we loved."

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Luxury Wedding + Portrait Photographer www.Ashleeemersonphotography.com

bridal

showe r

04 02 23

Natalia’s bridal showe r

the details

carina

dan ie lle

ridal showers have evolved significantly over the years. Now more than ever, brides are taking the initiative to plan and manage the details of their special days. From exclusive themes and outfit changes to professional photography, today's brides are going the extra mile to make their celebrations a memorable experience as part of their bridal era. And bride-to-be Natalia carefully curated every detail of her shower at Terrain Glen Mills with a mix of DIY and help from a few professionals to pull off the modern bride theme she envisioned.

photography

atalia started the day with a nod to bridal portraits typically reserved for the wedding. Her photographer Carina Danielle captured Natalia getting ready for the shower, and included details like her engagement ring, dress, invitations, and jewelry. Just like the portraits captured on your wedding day, the photos captured during your pre-wedding events will represent memories you will look back on equally as fondly. So, we love that Natalia included this portrait session!

he all-white color palette with accents of silver gave a touch of glamor to the venue's neutral, rustic interior Natalia designed her own centerpieces using baby's breath and hydrangea in varying heights, and she paired the blooms with light-up “Mrs” letters from Philly Marquee to create the perfect photo op. Natalia traded her formal gown for a lace party dress, and popped a bow in her hair before fiancé Anthony arrived for the couple to take portraits outside of the venue. Natalia then had a little fun taking photos under a future Mrs. backdrop, complete with a champagne tower and a toast featuring a custom bottle of Veuve Clicquot, macarons, and a vintage two-tier all-white cake.

atalia's bridal shower not only was a celebration for her upcoming marriage, but it was also a way to celebrate herself as a bride-to-be entering a new chapter of life. Because Natalia was able to plan the event herself, she was able to make it even more personal as she shared her joy with the woman who love her most.

m o ny r e n e

e ph ot

H a rm on y Kli n k i ewi cz , owner + pho t o gra ph er

r ha

o gr a p h y

One of the biggest pieces of advice that I share with my couples as they plan their Wedding is to remember that things will not always go as planned. Brush off the little things because at the end of the day the most important part of your wedding day is getting married. You won't remember those inconveniences, just that you're going to spend the rest of your days with the love of your life!

bl u

fol l ow h a rmony on ins tagra m @ h a r m on y r e n e e ph oto gra p hy

er c o. pa p

Je n Ge rbro sky, c reat iv e di r e c t or Choosing the right stationery designer is a big deal, and ensuring you're in sync throughout the process is important. Here's a few key questions to ask before you hire someone (like me!) and before you dive into the creative journey together: 1. What does your design process look like? 2. How long does production typically take? 3. What's my role in the process? 4. Can we sync up on timelines?

The design process is my favorite part of the stationery design phase! Once you've had your consultation and chosen a designer, it's time to sit back and relax -- it's the time for the magical part to happen! Would you like to book a consultation with me? I’d love to hear more about your wedding!

fol l ow j en on ins tagra m @ b l u s hp a p erc o

m ed

Jo e y St. J ohn , ow ner + v ideo gra ph er

st. joh

Most videographers have a specific style, but don’t let that stop you from giving us your ideas! Collaboration is key! Share your vision, even if it doesn't perfectly align with our usual style. Your favorite movie scenes, music videos, or even Pinterest boards serve as great inspiration. The more we understand your preferences, the better we can capture your dream video. We have a signature style, but consider it a starting point, not a finish line. We'll incorporate your unique story and preferences to create a video that's authentically you, with a touch of our signature flair.

fol l ow joey on ins tagra m @st .jo hn med i a

Personalized Design | Attention to Detail | Lifetime of Memories WEDDINGS + EVENTS

bydaisyevents.com daisy@bydaisyevents.com

IG @designs.by.daisy Event Planner + Designer

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French Creek Golf Club//July 28, 2023

kailey

MARISA + RACHAEL

e dwa rds photography It's hard to believe it's been four years since the pandemic, a time when going out and meeting new people brought its own set of challenges amongst lockdowns and social distancing. Yet, love finds a way, and in December 2020, Marisa and Rachael were planning to head out on their first date after meeting on Hinge. Having to change dinner locations last minute due to indoor dining restrictions, they ended up outside at The Great American Pub in Phoenixville, PA. As it turns out, they went to the same high school, but graduated two years apart. While it took 12 years for the two to start dating, after a few months they knew they had each found the one.

Soon Marisa and Rachael found themselves planning a wedding with one stipulation: it had to be a summer wedding. Marisa is a physical education teacher, and this was the only time they could get married. So, they picked a date at French Creek Golf Club in mid-July, a perfect sweet spot in the middle of summer break. This also meant that it would be pretty hot out, but their guests made the most of it to see Marisa and Rachael marry each other. During the reception, Rachael's sister and maid of honor surprised the couple during speeches with a gift bag. Not sure what to expect, they opened the bag to reveal a clock. But this wasn't just some home decor item purchased off the registry. Looking closely at the clock, Rachael realized the time was set to when she and Marisa said "I do." It was such a heartfelt moment that left guests in awe and brought tears to the newlyweds. So many sweet moments were present throughout the day. And it was so special to see their families and friends there to support and celebrate the love that Marisa and Rachael found in one another.

"The most special part of the day were the speeches. I know they can be long and boring to the audience but they were truly special to me. I sobbed when my sister gave her speech. During her speech, she also gave us a clock set to the time we said "I do" and that was such a special moment for me. I would say a special moment for Marisa was when she surprised her mom by walking down the aisle to her mom's favorite song "You've Got a Fast Car". 44

Photography By: Anny Mochalkina

Weddings have traditionally been tied to the bride’s details: what dress she’s wearing, the makeup, her jewelry, and that little something blue. But when it comes to the groom, the age-old tale of “just showing up for the wedding” is long gone. The groom’s details go way beyond the suit or tux he’s wearing, and it's time we spotlight how to create a memorable experience just for him. Whether it's family heirlooms or something sentimental, every included detail is part of his story. So, we asked industry experts how the groom can prepare for his wedding day, and they’re sharing their best tips and advice on the pages ahead!

additional vendor credits page 44, 45

DETAILS & STYLING: photographer | mrya roman photography // host planner & designer | smith james events

host planner, designer & florist | kaleb norman james // venue | greencrest manor estate // paper goods | grey & cake

styling | kaleb norman james // custom engraving | pomp & revel // styling mats & ribbon | locust collection // tuxedo rental | friar tux

floral design | woodland floral design co. // hmua | 139 beauty co. // rentals | treasured events // suit | suit shop

grooming

"Your Wedding photo album is going to outlive you. Whether a rugged outdoorsman, or a sophisticated professional, proper skincare, beard and hair styling is the foundation of a gentleman's appearance. Styling includes much more than just a fresh shave and haircut or a new product to try out. Suitable personal care is best left in the capable hands of an experienced professional who can not only deliver the highest quality services the morning of your wedding, but also creates the proper plan for you in the months leading up to the wedding day. Preparation with the guidance of a true pro is the key to looking your absolute best.”

portraits

“When approaching details for the groom, I love to create images that feel timeless and luxurious. Much like the bride, the groom also looks his best on the wedding day, yet oftentimes the intention of making them feel just as special is overlooked. My goal is to create poses and scenes that could feel like they're within Vogue or a men’s fashion magazine every wedding season. These guys should feel as dapper as they look and have a chance to receive unique portraits of themselves in ways they wouldn't normally have the opportunity to. There are endless possibilities to create stunning portraits of the groom on their special day, and I encourage couples to think about the little details that make their partner unique.” jordan harper co.

photographer | jordan harper co.

michael kapusta, groomed by tbm

photographer | redfield photo

detials

“Capturing the groom’s details is absolutely crucial! Sometimes, we tend to focus so much on the brides that we forget to take the time to capture and highlight the unique details of the groom. These little snippets, from the intricacy of the cufflinks to the choice of special shoes, tell a beautiful story that deserves to be cherished and remembered forever. Let’s make sure we give equal attention to the groom’s details, because they hold just as much significance and beauty as the bride's.”

styling

"Gone are the days when the groom's fashion was limited to a black tuxedo or navy suit. In 2024, men are experimenting with their wedding fashion and thinking outside the box. Whether that means incorporating an unexpected color or texture like a green velvet dinner jacket or bringing in some fun accessories like an embroidered Stubbs & Wootton smoking slipper, a vintage lapel pin, or an oversized bowtie. Grooms shouldn't be afraid to express themselves and their personal style just because it's a wedding; if anything, it's the perfect excuse to embrace it." gabrielle hurwitz, bridal stylist

photographer | mrya roman photography

myra roman photography

photographer | mrya roman photography

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alex is

Aldie Mansion//June 4, 2023

tay lo r

ELIZABETH + ROBERT

photography

p e n n s yl va n i a w e d d i n g s |

spring‘24 // pennsylvaniaweddings.com

When they entered the reception, Elizabeth and Robert were in awe of how dreamy the space looked, especially when they saw their sweetheart table all done up with their ceremony floral arch, which was moved inside post-vows. Vintage plates and customprinted napkins, featuring the monogram they had created, tied it all together. In addition to the audio guest book, polaroid cameras were provided, so guests could take photos to leave with the couple to look back on.

The wedding attire of the couple and their wedding party was stunning. The bride wore a lace Allure Bridals gown, the groom wore an ivory and black custom Kishore Daswani tuxedo, and the groomsmen opted for a classic all-black attire. The bridesmaids, on the other hand, wore a variety of different styles of dresses. The dresses alternated between floral patterns and solid colors, which added a lovely pop of color against the brick exterior of the Historic Aldie Mansion. The flower girl was also dressed to impress wearing an adorable white dress adorned with butterfly appliques and puffy sleeves.

The thoughtful details and personalized touches are what made Elizabeth and Robert's wedding day so special, along with their trusted team of vendors who made their dreams a reality. And we can’t stop thinking about how the memories left by guests via voice messages and candid polaroids will bring a lifetime of joy to look back on for years to come.

"My bridesmaids created a little scrapbook for me with a letter from each of them and photos from our past. Luckily they gave it to me before I had my makeup done because I had a lot of waterworks! It's still something I look at and I'm so appreciative of my friends and family for taking the time to make such a thoughtful gift."

Sc an. Watch. Fall in love.

Book. Book

j o eystj o h n . co m j o s e p h @ stj o h n m ediaus .com ( 4 0 1 ) 7 1 4 - 7 7 86

St.John MEDIA

Wedding Videography

o phy

cat h e r

ved o phot

a gr

e ac

cathe rine ace v e do , owner + pho t o gra ph er

As someone who's been behind the lens a few times, I'd love to share some heartfelt advice to make your big day even more unforgettable. First, let's talk timing. Consider the timing of your ceremony, particularly for those getting married in late fall, when daylight hours are limited. If you opt out of a pre-ceremony first look, make sure you're leaving ample time post-ceremony for formal portraits. Besides the timeline flexibility, consider a first look to get a moment alone with your partner. All day long, you'll be surrounded by friends and family with little time to spend alone. A first look creates that special time for you and your significant other. Lastly, don't sweat the small stuff. There are going to be things you forgot about, or things that didn't go exactly as you had planned in your head, and I'm here to say that that's okay. The most important part of the day is exchanging vows - the reason why we're all here. So, let the small things go and spend as much of your day in the present as you can - it goes by fast!

fol l ow catherine on ins tagra m @c a t h e r in e a c e ve d op h ot og r a p hy

ur gh

b i l l l a ug hli n , banquet manager

mont pitt

Plan early! Saturday nights book fast at popular venues! Visit the venue and make sure you are comfortable with the venue and staff. Research the venue and all vendors you are consideing- there is a wealth of information online and you should read all reviews. Also research the wedding date for large conventions, concerts, or sporting events near the venue since these events will increase traffic and cause hotel rates to rise. Once you select a venue, explain your vision and trust the professionals to execute this for you. Stay focused but do not overthink the whole process. Stay calm, do not sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the night!

de si

fol low l eMont on ins tagra m @ l e m on t p it t sb u r gh

sy da i d a i s y fro io , l ea d wedding pl a nner + des igner One of the most important things about your wedding day is the people you invite to celebrate with you! Here are 5 tips to keep your wedding guests happy and enjoying your wedding from start to finish: 1. Limit the number and length of speeches at your wedding so you don't lose your guests' attention. 2. Don't let anyone go hungry! Ensure that your guests are never without food for more than 4 hours. 3. Seat your guests with either familiar faces or people with similar interests to reduce any awkwardness. 4. Provide a seating chart and/or place cards so everything is clear on where everyone's sitting.

fol l ow da is y on ins tagra m @d e sig n s.b y .d a isy

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Welkinweir Estate//September 16, 2023

de lan ey

LAUREN + ERI C

dobson photography A love of books and a particular Japanese author brought Lauren and Eric together six years ago. They soon found themselves chatting about the books they were reading by Haruki Murakami. This mutual love of books continued throughout their relationship, and four years later, Eric proposed to Lauren. Wanting to incorporate books into their wedding day, Lauren and Eric spent a year scouring bookstores to handpick meaningful books for each guest, later turning them into a beautiful seating chart display. Other parts of the wedding day included quotes, literary references, and protagonists of the books they read. Picking a venue to host their wedding came easy to the couple. Welkinweir holds a significant place in their hearts and fond childhood memories. Lauren, who grew up nearby, would come to Welkinweir with her family while growing up to explore the grounds. Eventually the couple even referred to the venue as their “Secret Garden,” which naturally became the theme of their wedding.

In honor of their home city, Philadelphia, a soft pretzel station was provided during cocktail hour. Homemade limoncello favors were also made to honor Eric's Italian heritage, which they learned to make while in Italy where they became engaged. Lauren and Eric went above and beyond to make sure every part of their wedding day was meaningful to them. They incorporated their shared love of books, hobbies, and Philadelphia, and they carefully found ways to honor their loved ones as well. Because of their thoughtful planning, they created an unforgettable wedding day for each other and their guests, and we have to admit we keep returning to it, too.

Pressed flowers were placed on the cake and used in the table number frames. Wanting to bring the indoors outside, a Victorian-style lounge was set on the lawn along with a few tables and chairs, so guests could mingle and enjoy the scenery. Leaves from memorial trees planted in honor of Lauren’s late father and brother at the venue were included in the bouquets and reception decor. These florals were later donated to be repurposed and given to the patients at the hospice center who cared for her father. Wanting something special for Eric amid all the florals, Lauren surprised her groom with a vintage arcade game with the two of them as the characters.

"In 2019, after my father and brother passed away, my mom and I spread their ashes and planted two memorial trees in the arboretum at Welkinweir in their honor. When Eric proposed in 2022, our venue was already set - our wedding would be at Welkinweir so that my late dad and brother would be there with us. It was special to be married in a place that is meaningful to my family and I, and for Eric and his family to become a part of that story.”

PITTSBURGH + BEYOND WWW.CATHERINEACEVEDO.COM

SOPHISTICATED & DISTINCTIVE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

Graceful Fawn Photography

Pennsylvania, East Coast and Beyond

www.gage-events.com

e ditorial

i n s p i rat i o n

where history and opulent wedding design

co m b ine harrisburg serves as the capitol of Pennsylvania, so it’s one of the most significant centralized cities in the state. The

area encompasses a rich and storied history, and it’s almost always buzzing with activity. Plus, the state hub has an abundance of incredible architecture. In fact, some of the most beautiful spaces can set quite the scene for an incredible wedding day, and one that you should add to your radar is Historic King Mansion. Historic King Mansion combines Mediterranean elegance together with the splendor of Art Deco style to create an opulent, downtown location to wed just across North Front Street from the grand Susquehanna River. It boasts beautiful natural lit indoor ballrooms and an incredible front lawn and stately porch, and the venue quickly caught the eyes of two sister-led teams— photographers Courtney Dueppengiesser and Makenzi Rempel and planners Em Scranton and Bek Scranton from the Poppi Company—for their combined workshop for creatives that they coined The Sisters Workshops. One of those workshop attendees was Jeannie Lytle of Lytle Photography who captured the inspiring scenes that this talented sister team created, unfolding before you.

lytle

photography

The Sisters Workshops envisioned first hosting a wedding ceremony on the porch. The stairs leading up to it offered a unique aisle end that culminated with an asymmetrical circular arch, and the porch’s floor was dotted with lush, organic arrangements that were featured again in the reception look in front of the table’s perimeter. To allow guests to easily mingle, Wild Indigo dotted a long head table with low centerpieces and romantic taper candles encased in glass. Because no detail was left untouched, the cake table was turned into a star with even more blooms. In all instances, Wild Indigo kept to the same rich and vibrant fall color palette of peach, pink, red, mustard, orange, and ivory shades.

The real model couple added so much more to the feature, thanks to their love and their beautifully styled looks from The Wedding Shoppe. The groom looked dapper in a classic tuxedo, while the bride wore an incredible off-the-shoulder gown that matched the elegant setting beautifully. We love how the team even thought to feature a fun and flirty dress that we think is perfect for post-dinner dancing! It’s a feat to honor the history of both a space and a city while introducing something new, and Courtney, Makenzi, Em, and Bek did so with ease. Whether you’re celebrating in the spring, summer, or fall, The Sisters Workshop highlighted some of the most beautiful spaces to host a memorable fête at Historic King Mansion, and they did so by effortlessly weaving together vintage, whimsical, and modern touches. Against the “graceful embrace” of the mansion, this sister duo said they wanted to “encapsulate the very essence of a genuine, enduring love story, where tradition and nature harmonized in a breathtaking tapestry of beauty and affection." They did—and they brought their vision to life in such a way that we’ll think about these visuals for years to come.

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The Barn at Silverstone//May 28, 2023

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A R I A N E + W YAT T

Ariane and Wyatt met while attending Penn State University in 2017. They were living in the same dorm and would frequently cross paths in the cafeteria and throughout campus. During this time, Ariane was dealing with a pesky neighbor directly above who liked to blast music all throughout the night. This musicloving neighbor just so happened to be that same guy she kept seeing around campus. Luckily for Wyatt, his music-loving ways didn't turn Ariane away, and the two quickly became friends. Four years later, after hopping off of a helicopter ride from Las Vegas, Wyatt proposed to Ariane in the Grand Canyon, where they celebrated with champagne and a picnic lunch as they took in the stunning views around them. For their wedding day, Ariane and Wyatt, a Lancaster native, wanted to incorporate the rustic feel of Central PA with a little bit of modern elegance. The Barn at Silverstone offered both, and set the tone for their nuptials. While the rain decided to make an appearance a few times, it didn’t stop Ariane and Wyatt from holding their ceremony on the venue’s courtyard overlooking the property’s pond and the scenic country view we’ve come to love about Lancaster weddings.

The reception’s decor flawlessly tied together the rustic and modern elegance that A+W wanted, thanks to Sandra Porterfield Floral. The team created a gorgeous cascading piece for the sweetheart table and covered the chandelier above in flowers and greenery. Seating arrangements doubled as gifts for each guest to take home a flower bud in a vase. After a fun sparkler exit, the newlyweds drove off in style in Wyatt’s grandfather’s vintage Porsche 356 convertible. Ariane tells us this was one of the most exciting parts of the night, and the photos Elle Studios captured are some of our favorites.

"Wyatt's family dog (Penny) was always extremely fond of us and we always joked that when we were married and had a place of our own, we would take Penny to live with us. While giving his best man speech, Wyatt’s brother turned his speech into a rhyme, and the last sentence ended with “We have a special gift to give, that needs a special place to live. As hard as this is for us to do, we are giving Penny to you!” We both couldn’t believe it, and it was truly one of the best gifts we received that day. Penny holds a special place in our hearts and we will never forget his family giving her to us at the wedding. We all live very close to each other so she gets the best of both worlds!"

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Woodland Estate//July 15, 2023

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NICOLETTE + ALEX

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A couple hailing from neighboring cities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Nicolette and Alex met in 2020 after Alex returned from traveling. The couple, both of Italian descent and traditional when it comes to family, bonded over their shared love for old family stories and Sunday sauce. Fast forward to Nicolette's 30th birthday trip to Italy: The couple visited the town of San Arsenio, Salerno, Italy, where Nicolette's grandparents were from. They wanted to visit the church her grandparents were married in, and they spent hours looking for it. They later learned that they had actually found it during their search, but they didn’t recognize it because it was remodeled after an earthquake. Alex still wanted to make a special memory together, so it was then that he decided to take Nicolette up to the top of the mountain overlooking the town and propose.

The theme of Nicolette and Alex’s wedding was a mix of simple and timeless that featured modern details and a black and white color palette. At the same time, they also infused many touches from their Italian heritage and traditions into their day. Nicolette and Alex each had two maids of honor and two best men, but 32 friends and loved ones played special roles in their wedding day. As a result, the speeches shared at their celebration were particularly special. One of the highlights of the day came from the bride's younger brother, Anthony, who gifted the couple his rendition of Pavarotti's “Nessun Dorma” from the Italian opera “Turandot” at the ceremony, as well as Elvis' “Can't Help Falling in Love” during the reception. From the beginning of the relationship throughout their beautiful wedding day, Nicolette and Alex's story showcases how to blend love and tradition seamlessly among family and friends.

"Alex and I had both lost special people in our lives. We got to honor our groomsmen and my father, who have passed, with custom pins of their football numbers and a police pin for my father. It was a very special; yet small, detail we both loved."

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Hotel Du Village//Fall 2023 Cover Couple

Sharing couples’ wedding stories is the absolute highlight of the work we do at Pennsylvania Weddings Magazine. We love learning about your stories, seeing your details, and imagining the joy you experienced while planning a celebration that, for many, was years in the making. In fact, we love our couples and their stories so much that we often want to keep chatting with them. So, we decided to bring back one of the couples featured in each of our issues to talk about their first year of marriage. And in this issue, we’re so excited to reconnect with our Fall 2023 cover couple Elizabeth and Jason Stern. Elizabeth and Jason enjoyed an incredible wedding day at Hotel Du Village, one of our favorite Bucks County wedding venues that’s located not too far away from Philadelphia. After they danced the night away with their family and friends, they jetted off on their honeymoon to Greece, and then happily settled into married life once they returned from their adventure. Below, Elizabeth shares more about what they’ve enjoyed since they recited their vows, what they loved about their honeymoon, what they might do differently if they had to plan everything all over again, and more.

Pennsylvania Weddings Magazine: What have you two been up to since your wedding? Elizabeth: Since our wedding, we have really enjoyed the downtime of life without wedding planning! When we are not working, we enjoy going out to dinner, spending time with our friends, and trying new coffee shops. We’ve also been getting into cooking. Every Sunday, we do our best to cook a new meal that we’ve found online or from a cookbook. We are enjoying married life and have had a really enjoyable time creating new traditions with our new family.

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E: Yes! We went to Greece, and we absolutely loved it! It was a beautiful honeymoon destination, and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic getaway! The locals in Greece were very welcoming, the food and wine were incredible, and the views were truly stunning. Our favorite destination in Greece was Santorini. Make sure you order some fresh seafood, which they catch in the Mediterranean Sea! We cannot wait to visit again in the future.

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PWM: Tell us about your honeymoon! Did you enjoy your trip?

PWM: As you look back on your wedding, is there anything you might do differently? E: One thing we would do differently is change how soon we left for our honeymoon. We left about a day after we got married, which was pretty hectic. We were exhausted from the wedding, and would have loved to have a couple of days to recharge. Our suggestion to couples planning a honeymoon right after they get married would be to give yourselves about a week buffer. Other than that, we wouldn’t change a thing. Our venue was beautiful, all of our vendors were on their game, and we did actually do our best to live in the moment!

PWM: You celebrated your 1 year anniversary on S eptember 4, so tell us about your first year of marriage. E: Our first year of marriage flew by! I think we are finally understanding when we’ve heard couples who’ve been married a long time that the years fly by. We certainly feel that! We are looking forward to the years ahead and starting a family of our own!

PWM: What advice do you have for other couples after the wedding? E: The year(s) of wedding planning is so exciting and filled with lots of events. The year after your wedding will feel like you have a lot of downtime. Enjoy the time, and use it to try new recipes and go on adventures together! Enjoy life as it comes your way, and don’t rush any moments. Try to enjoy each chapter one at a time.

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spring‘24 // pennsylvaniaweddings.com

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V5 Spring/Summer 2024

Articles inside

Lauren + Eric

After The I Do

Nicolette + Alex

Ariane + Wyatt

Inspiration

Elizabeth + Robert

The Styled Groom

Marisa + Rachael

natalia's Bridal Shower

Hannah + Sean

Morgan + Josh

Will + Chuck

Interview With A Bride