Wedding - Berks County Living

W
ber k s cou n t y
FLOWER GIRL EVYIA MAKRODIMITRIS AT THE WEDDING OF MARIA & THOMAS CARASSAS
FeatureS
58 Real Berks County Weddings
You are invited to enjoy two unique weddings, an artsy affair at the GoggleWorks and a traditional Greek
wedding with modern touches. by Michelle E. Biggerstaff & Andréa D. Much | photos by John Secoges
Departments
66 With This Ring | Fabulous Choices for
Engagement & Wedding Rings by Rebecca J.Martin
71 Must Haves | To Have and To Hold:
Unique Wedding Gifts by Christin Kelley
Departments
72 The Best Men | Great Looks for the Other Half
by Jon Pacific
78 Receptions In Style | Berks County’s Wedding
Reception Chart
57
Berks County
Cheryl and Brad Giardiello
chose the GoggleWorks
for their wedding for many
reasons, including their
shared love of the arts.
story by
Michelle E. Biggerstaff
photography by
John Secoges
Cheryl
& Brad
58
weddings in style 2010
A Wedding of Love & Art
at the GoggleWorks
Every wedding tells a story.
The tale of Brad Giardiello and Cheryl McGee is a
unique one, and guests at their April 4, 2009, wedding were
treated to a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
“We met through Match.com,” says Cheryl. “After exchanging a couple of e-mails, we agreed to meet, and on
October 2, 2007, we had our first date.”
Over sushi, the couple discovered they have many things
in common, not the least of which is a love of the arts –
books, art, music, and especially independent film. This
spark grew quickly, as love will do, and on June 7, 2008,
Brad surprised Cheryl with a ring and “the big question.”
“We were getting ready to see a concert in Washington,
D.C.,” Cheryl explains. “I was searching for a pair of earrings when Brad told me he had something he wanted to
give me. I turned around and he was holding my stuffed
monkey with a ring on its arm and asked me to marry him.
I was so choked up I forgot to say yes, but he could tell from
my reaction what my answer was.”
Of course, the next step was to plan the wedding. Since
both Brad, a sound designer and mixer for Maryland
Public Television, and Cheryl, an artist and travel consultant, live in Owings Mills, Md., the couple looked at a few
locations in the Baltimore area, but did not find one that
they felt spoke to them. Then, during a trip to Wyomissing to visit Brad’s parents, Leslie and Joseph Giardiello,
the couple learned about the GoggleWorks Center for the
Arts in Reading.
“Leslie showed us pictures of an event she’d designed there, and we thought it was worth a look,”
says Cheryl. “Along with my parents, we took a tour
and knew it was us.” In January, the April date was
booked and Leslie volunteered to plan the wedding,
dedicating herself to making it what the couple would
have done themselves, if they lived in Berks.
“It was a true labor of love,” says Leslie, “There wasn’t
much time, so it was all I did, and I couldn’t have done it
without the help of so many talented people. Everyone involved worked so hard and was so amazing. I think it really
says something about the incredible businesses we have in
this area.”
While Cheryl and Brad had final approval on almost everything, Leslie was their personal wedding project manager.
Armed with her knowledge of what the couple wanted and
liked, Leslie met with vendors to create their unique day.
“Cheryl is an artist who has lived and taught in Russia
and Thailand, and Brad is a musician and audio engineer,
so I thought the GoggleWorks was perfect,” says Leslie. “I
called my longtime friend Adaila Rios at Acacia Flowers
in Wyomissing. She created beautiful arrangements and
was gracious enough to volunteer to coordinate everything on the actual day so that I could enjoy being mother
of the groom.”
Another of the first calls Leslie made was to Rhein’s
Classic Catering, West Lawn. Owner Charlotte Rhein and
Leslie have known each other for some time, and Charlotte’s
talented staff set up everything necessary to prepare and
serve an elegant, delicious meal for the wedding party and
108 cherished guests.
The cakes – all five of them – were made to customized
perfection by Lisa Stoudt, owner of Candy & Confections
by Lisa Stoudt, Reading. “My daughter and her fiancée designed a cupcake holder to look like an artist’s palette for
Cheryl, and Lisa made cupcakes to fit into it,” says Leslie.
“This was used on the dessert table at the wedding on Saturday, as well as at the rehearsal dinner Friday night and
the Sunday brunch, which were both held at The Abraham Lincoln - A Wyndham Historic Hotel.”
For the wedding, Stoudt also created a contemporary
three-tiered wedding cake topped by an artist’s palette and
brushes, as well as a groom’s cake fashioned to look like
a speaker with headphones, in honor of Brad’s work. A
second groom’s cake took the form of an unraveling reel
of movie film, with each fondant frame featuring an actual
shot from one of the movies or television shows Brad has
worked on. For the bride, Stoudt made a paint can cake,
filled with red tulips.
The couple tied the knot on the GoggleWorks’ theater
stage. Brad’s parents and Cheryl’s, John and Virginia McGee– participated in a Celtic hand-fastening ceremony,
in which the Giardiellos and the McGees tied 10 sets of
colored ribbons to seal the union. The colors were each
tied in a “love knot” in honor of the many facets of marriage. For instance, dark blue symbolized longevity and
a safe journey through life, while white stood for peace,
sincerity and devotion.
Leslie surprised the couple with performances to further
symbolize the joining of the families. After the ceremony,
New Jersey-based singer Maristella took the stage to perform traditional Italian songs in honor of Brad’s heritage.
Then young dancers from the McGinley School of Irish
Dance, Lemoyne, Lancaster County, brought Cheryl’s ancestry to life for guests.
The
GoggleWorks
theater stage
provided a
dramatic
setting for
the wedding
ceremony.
ABOVE students from
the McGinley School of
Irish Dance, Lancaster
County, honor the bride’s
heritage. CENTER
Brad’s mother, Leslie
Giardiello, planned and
designed the elaborate
wedding. RIGHT Candy
& Confections by Lisa
Stoudt, Reading, created
the three-tiered wedding
cake, topped by an artist’s
palette, to honor Cheryl’s
work as an artist.
weddings in style 2010
59
Cheryl and Brad enjoy their first
dance as husband and wife.
Candy & Confections by Lisa Stoudt
created the groom’s cake to look
like a speaker with headphones, in
honor of Brad’s work.
How Did They Do It?
These Wedding Vendors Helped Create
Cheryl & Brad Giardiello’s Beautiful Day
THE Reception:
The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts,
201 Washington St., Reading
610.374.4600 | www.goggleworks.org
THE Catering:
Rhein’s Classic Catering, West Lawn
610.775.4165 | www.rheinsclassiccatering.com
“She also surprised Brad with a display of his production
credits and posters from the programs and films on which
he’s worked,” Cheryl says.
Cheryl’s artwork was hung in the GoggleWorks’ gallery
so everyone could share in the couple’s professional and creative accomplishments during the pre-dinner cocktail hour.
The couple is grateful to Leslie for creating such a wonderful day for them.
“She is amazing. With the wave of her wand – and her
Blackberry – she created a beautiful wedding,” says Cheryl of
her mother-in-law. “She’s our fairy godmother.”
THE Flowers:
Acacia Flowers and Gift Shop
1191 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing
610.376.8767 | www.acaciaflowershop.com
THE Photography:
John Secoges, Secoges Photographics
2549 Joshua Dr., Reading
610.927.3577 | www.secogesphoto.com
THE CAKES:
Candy & Confections by Lisa Stoudt
716 Carsonia Ave., Reading
610.370.0453 | www.candyandconfections.org
Exclusively available at
THE Decorating:
Dave Reppert, Boscov’s Department Stores David Reppert of Wishes: Entertaining and Event Concepts
presented by Boscov’s
610.779.2000 ext. 3311
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THE Video, Sound & Lighting:
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1145 Schuylkill Mountain Rd., Schuylkill Haven
877.566.5774 | www.mmstaginginc.com
601 Penn Ave. • West Reading • (610) 372-0019
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weddings in style 2010
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61
Berks County
story by
Andréa D. Much
photography by
John Secoges
Thomas
& Maria
62
weddings in style 2010
Destiny Begins at the Roots
Raised on opposite sides of the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line, Maria and Thomas Crassas connected
at their Greek roots and returned to Berks for a wedding celebration that blended culture and tradition
with elegance and fun.
Two matchmakers played a hand in the fate of
Maria Elliker of Fleetwood and Thomas Crassas of
Silver Spring, MD. When Maria’s church choir director tried to set Maria up with Brad Weiner, Brad suggested that Maria meet his friend Thomas for a date.
Both Maria and Thomas are Greek Orthodox, a faith
that recognizes family as one of the most important
obligations. The beautifully elaborate traditions of
the Greek Orthodox Church demonstrate a spiritual
commitment through rituals shared among family and
friends. For Thomas and Maria, sharing their faith
was a blessing!
Both Maria and Thomas were living in Maryland
when they exchanged e-mails and planned their first
date, which was spent hiking and playing football at
Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD. Thomas, who
grew up in the D.C. area, was thrilled to learn that
Maria was raised a Washington Redskins fan in Eagles’ territory.
As they continued dating, Thomas and Maria
discovered the many goals, values and interests they
shared. After spending eight months in love, the couple spent a special day together. It was a few weeks
before Christmas, and Maria and Thomas were anticipating the inevitable separation while they each
spent the holiday with their distant families. Thomas
surprised Maria with a series of gifts, the last of which
was the engagement ring he presented to her at the
national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. The
wedding planning began … and, yes, Brad became a
groomsman in the bridal party!
Keeping with tradition, the couple arranged to be
married at the bride’s church in her hometown. On
August 22, 2009, Maria and Thomas were married
at the stunning Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading. The ceremony was filled
with Greek traditions that included a “Koumbaro”
and “stefana.” Maria explains, “We value our Greek
heritage just as much as we value our American heritage, so we wanted to make sure that both types of
traditions were incorporated throughout the day.” The
bishop who married the couple, His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, also married the bride’s parents.
During the ceremony, Thomas’ brother, Peter
Crassas, oversaw as the Koumbaro, which translates
to “godfather” or sponsor to the marriage. According to
Greek Orthodox tradition, no official vows are spoken,
and in their place, the Koumbaro crowns the bride and
groom with stefana, which are wreath-like crowns tied
together and worn throughout the ceremony.
“Our second priority was to have a big dance party
for our families and friends to enjoy,” says Maria. The
couple admits that finding the reception location was
challenging, but thanks to the BerksCountyWeddings.
com website and Tonya Dinatally of SAVOR Catering,
Maria and Thomas were thrilled to find the Sovereign
Performing Arts Center as their reception venue.
Designing the ballroom was a team effort between
the couple, Tonya Dinatally, Dave Reppert of Boscov’s
and Sherry McDonough of Sherry’s Lakeside Floral
Designs. Because the room has no set dance floor,
the design team arranged the tables in a circle, which
opened up an area for both traditional and contemporary dancing. To combat the high ceilings, Sherry
worked with Maria and Maria’s mother, Roula Elliker,
to create tall, elegant floral designs that complemented
the ivory panels and fresh bamboo that Dave Reppert
contributed to echo the signature style of the bride
and groom.
Just as the couple dreamed, the dance floor revealed
the heart of the celebration during the reception. With
a bridal party of 17 that included siblings, cousins,
best friends, Maria’s two nephews, and Thomas’ niece,
Evyia, as the flower girl, the group performed Michael
Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough,” choreographed by Maria’s sister and maid of honor, Christine
Elliker. “It was awesome to have so many of our loved
ones all in one place celebrating together and also to
see the dance floor flood with people of all cultures
doing traditional Greek dancing,” says Maria.
At the reception, all of the guests received
boubounieres that included an uneven number of Jordan almonds, or “koufete,” as favors representing Maria and Thomas’ undivided bond. In addition, Maria’s
mom ordered Greek “mastixa,” a sweet made from the
Maria and
Thomas Crassas
glow with
happiness after
their wedding
ceremony at
Sts. Constantine
& Helen Greek
Orthodox
Church,
Reading.
RIGHT Two beautiful
wedding guests enjoy
a bird’s eye view of the
festivities at the Sovereign
Performing Arts Center.
weddings in style 2010
63
How Did They Do It?
These Wedding Vendors Helped Create
Maria & Thomas Crassas’ Magical Day
THE Reception:
Sovereign Performing Arts Center
136 N. 6th St., Reading
610.898.7299 | www.sovereigncenter.com
THE Decorating:
Dave Reppert, Boscov’s Department Stores David Reppert of Wishes: Entertaining and Event Concepts
presented by Boscov’s
610.779.2000 ext. 3311
THE Catering:
SAVOR Reading Catering by SMG
610.898.0828 | www.savorreading.com
THE Photography:
John Secoges, Secoges Photographics
2549 Joshua Dr., Reading
610.927.3577 | www.secogesphoto.com
.
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64
TOP Maria and Thomas lead the bridal party in a
dance choreographed by Maria’s sister and maid
of honor, Christine Elliker. ABOVE the men in the
wedding party lift up the groom, Thomas, in a
traditional Greek dance.
mastixa trees of the Greek island, Chios, where Maria’s mother was born.
“Aside from the boubounieres, we wanted to do
something our guests would really appreciate,” says
Maria. Maria’s father, James Elliker, suggested creating
a photography studio for the guests, which was possible thanks to the efforts of Tonya Dinatally of SAVOR, John and Judi Secoges and Krissy Krummenacker of Secoges Photographics. Guests visited the
upstairs balcony that overlooks the ballroom to have
their pictures taken with friends and family. At the
end of the night, the photos were printed and placed
in frames for the guests to take home.
“So many people told us how your wedding day is
such a blur,” says Maria. “We both made it a point to
remember all the moments as much as possible.”
Since their wedding, the couple resides in Crofton,
MD, where Thomas is settling into his physical therapy career and Maria continues a doctoral program at
the University of Maryland. The newlyweds plan on
residing in Maryland for the next few years until they
discover what their faith will bring them next!
THE Flowers:
Sherry’s Lakeside Floral Designs
Sinking Spring
610.670.7775
The Hair Styling:
Lords and Ladies
12 Ingot Dr., Fleetwood
610.944.8820 | www.lordsandladiessalons.com
The Men’s Formal Wear:
Men’s Wearhouse
2733 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing
610.478.8922 | www.menswearhouse.com
THE Transportation:
White Star Tours
26 E. Lancaster Ave., Reading
610.775.5000 | www.whitestartours.com
The Cake:
Ann Lewandowski, The Baker’s Touch
300 E. High St., Pottstown
610.207.3176 | www.thebakerstouch.com
Bride’s & Bridesmaids Dresses:
Alfred Angelo
2084 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster
717.581.9125 | www.alfredangelo.com
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weddings in style 2010
weddings in style 2010
65
W
Weddings
trends in
Original designs by Bob Matt
Available at the Goldsmiths Ltd.
rings
By Rebecca J. Martin
The Charlotte Collection By Kirk Kara
Available at William H. Diller Jewelers.
With this ring…
Fabulous Choices for
Engagement
& Wedding Rings
. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOLDSMITHS LTD.
66
weddings in style 2010
T
hinking of getting hitched or suspect your sweetheart might pop the question?
Aside from the big decision over what you’ll wear
when you say “I do,” there’s the more permanent fixture
that will take up real estate on your ring finger for many
years to come.
So what about the ring? What’s hot when tying the knot?
Today that question can be answered in lots of different ways, whether you are looking to use your grandmother’s diamond or to designing a ring that encapsulates
the unique way you and your significant other met. It’s all
possible with today’s jewelry technology.
Several local jewelers specialize in making sure your ring
is a reflection of the two of you and fits your budget. Just
like wedding dress hemlines and styles change, so do engagement and wedding rings. In recent years, there’s been
an upswing in buying brand names, says Bob Matt, partner
of Goldsmiths Ltd., located in Village Square, Wyomissing.
“We are coming off a trend in branding,” says Matt.
“It’s had a tremendous impact and been a driving force.”
He says many couples are choosing names like Tacori or
Simon G.
Many consumers have been exposed to these designer
name brands through marketing and advertising and are
asking for these specific lines.
Cindy Lis, co-owner of William H. Diller Jewelers,
West Reading, said one of her hottest designer lines is
Kirk Kara, exclusively available in Berks at Diller Jewelers. “Each ring is handmade and engraved,” says Lis. “The
Charlotte Collection by Kirk Kara, which combines
diamonds and sapphires, is truly stunning.” Made in LA,
Kirk Kara designs combine vintage styles with a unique
modern flair.
Matt says he also sees some of his customers seeking
individuality in their ring selection. Goldsmiths offers a
process in which customers can help build their ring ex-
Original design by Bob Matt
Available at the Goldsmiths Ltd.
actly as they want, with details and special touches, with
the use of CAD software. Customers can then see the
design and tweak certain things before they receive their
finished product.
“For customers who are wanting more of a personal
expression, like a shirt or dress made for you by a tailor,
we have a piece made for you,” says Matt. “They can be
part of the design process. They can say, ‘I like this or like
that,’ and we will build a hybrid and work in the details.
We will build it with them. They can see it before we
build it. It’s the perfect time to manipulate the design,
adding more stones, less stones, or changing the color of
the metal.”
In a day and age where you can super size in the drive
thru, Caroline Hill, manager and buyer at Van Scoy Jew-
Michael M designer ring
Available at Van Scoy
elers in Wyomissing, says she’s noticed more of her clients
investing in the “bigger is better” philosophy.
“Twenty years ago, young girls were getting half carats,”
says Hill. “Now it’s a carat or bigger. They are starting bigger and going more elaborate with lots of diamonds, as
opposed to solitaires.”
Whether it’s diamonds on the side or larger stones,
Hill says she rarely sells less than ¾ of a carat. Hill says
that over the last several years there has been an increase
in micro-pave, a style that she describes as an antique-ish
look with small prongs and beading. “It’s more delicate
looking and a little bit of an older vintage look, without
being totally antique looking,” says Hill. “It’s a modern
twist on an older style.”
A more recent trend she’s also seen is a setting called
Original designs by Bob Matt
Available at the Goldsmiths Ltd.
Michael M designer ring
Available at Van Scoy
the halo look. The center diamond is surrounded by a
halo of other smaller diamonds. “It’s not a traditional setting,” says Hill.
Lis of Diller says she is also working with brides who
enjoy the halo style of engagement ring. “The halo effect
is a new modern trend,” says Lis. “The stones around the
border add a lot of sparkle and make the center diamond
look larger. The way the center stone is mounted can also
enhance its appearance.”
Tricia Williams of Gipprich Jewelers in Shillington
says she sees more and more customers who know a thing
or two about diamonds before they start the buying process. “Customers are really taking the time to shop for the
loose diamond,” says Williams, the great-granddaughter
of Walter J. Gipprich, founder of the store. “We sit down
Join us for our
Bridal Extravaganza
Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010
12 – 3pm
Free admission
Floral displays
Door prizes
Samples from the
areas top caterers
Visit with our leading
wedding professionals and
see how you can plan your
wedding at
The Barn at Flying Hills.
Brides – call ahead and
pre-register and a free
gift will be waiting for you
on arrival. RSVP to The
Barn at Flying Hills
610-775-3351.
Event sponsored by
Party Central,
Spayd’s Floral Shop &
The Barn at Flying Hills.
weddings in style 2010
67
Hosting a Party?
Planning a Wedding?
We can help!
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with the customers and look under the microscope. I
would say a lot of people that are coming in have the basic
information, but they may not have had the opportunity
to apply that. We are able to show them what clarity is and
what color is and how that plays into price.”
Gipprich also offers many custom design options for
their clients as well, but the loose stones are a unique approach to shopping for a ring. “It’s custom in the sense that
they are picking the loose stone and then their mounting,”
says Williams. “We’ve been doing that for 65 years. Grandparents and great-grandparents of our customers who
came here for their rings – my grandfather did it for them.”
All the experts agree that the round cut engagement
ring remains popular, as does white gold or platinum for
. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOLDSMITHS LTD
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choice of metal. The princess cut, a square-shaped diamond, has also been a very desirable style in recent years,
because of the sparkle it offers.
At Goldsmiths, Matt says many brides enjoy custom
work for wedding bands that match engagement rings.
“With custom stuff, we can bring in imagery, like Celtic
patterns or a sign or symbol that is important to some
people,” says Matt.
For men’s wedding bands, a variety of new metals have
made the scene, and many like the option of tougher or
edgier type metals. Hill said that metals like titanium or
stainless steel offer alternatives that are cost-friendly and
quite a departure from white or yellow gold.
It seems the days of men shopping for the “surprise”
engagement ring are on the decline, and couples shopping
together is more common. And like it or not, budget conscious shopping is a trend many buyers are following.
“We do see less of the men shopping by themselves,”
says Williams of Gipprich. “I think it’s the day and age
when more and more couples are talking about getting
engaged. They are coming in and shopping together and
figuring out what she likes and what he likes.”
“We can provide all price points,” says Lis of Diller. “I
am seeing about nine out of ten couples shopping together,
and putting a lot of thought into the rings they choose. I
really enjoy working with our customers and helping them
find the perfect rings.”
Whatever the style of your ring, one trend that never
changes is that steadfast tradition of holy matrimony.
Vows and rings go hand in hand and never go out of style.
Your ring doesn’t have to either.
9
9
We specialize in
rehearsal dinners
68
weddings in style 2010
332 Cherry Street, Reading
610-374-8511 www.judysoncherry.com
an intimate place for intimates
548 Penn Avenue - Second Floor
Gipprich Jewelers Inc.
103 W. Lancaster Ave., Shillington
610.777.7034
Tuesday & Wednesday 11-6
Thursday 11-8
Friday & Saturday 11-6
Any other hours available by appointment
Goldsmiths Ltd.
Wyomissing Village Square
80 Commerce Dr., Wyomissing
610.374.0800 | goldsmithsltd.com
www.lilibeas.com
Van Scoy Jewelers
2733 Papermill Rd. #3, Wyomissing
610.374.9330 | vanscoyjewelers.com
William H. Diller Jewelers
601 Penn Ave., West Reading
610.372.0019 | dillerjewelers.com
A Beautiful Smile
On Your
Special Day!
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Roger Evans Gallery
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3933 Perkiomen Ave., Reading
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Come to the gallery for that perfect wedding gift!
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weddings in style 2010
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FREE Wifi at Café On The Avenue and Hair On The Avenue
Hair Replacement h Hair Straightening
Wigs & Extensions h Complete Nail Care
Coloring & Perming h Customized Image Cutting
Official Salon of the
Reading Express and
Smokin’ Hot Steam Team
Official Corporate
Sponsor of the
Wilson School District
Body Zone
If “do it yourself ” is their mantra, literally help them build their new life together with his and hers hammers and a
gift card to help accomplish their dreams! After all, home is where the heart is. Pink 13oz Tomboy Tools hammer for
her, $14.99, blue Estwing 16oz hammer for him, $23.99, gift card in the amount of your choice, at Weaver’s Hardware,
732 Fleetwood-Lyons Rd., Fleetwood; 610.944.7681; weavershardware.com.
We use professional products made from quality ingredients that
are gentle to the environment. Our staff will personalize a beauty
care regimen to your specific needs.
Because it is our pleasure to serve you,
we are a no-tipping salon.
These pewter salad tongs are a piece of art that the
new husband and wife will admire and enjoy every
time they serve up a healthy salad together. Pewter
salad tongs with bamboo detail, $80, at GoggleWorks
Center for the Arts Store, 201 Washington St., Reading;
610.374.4600; goggleworks.org.
hotasalon.com
Photo courtesy of Sugarboo Designs
Simply stated and perfect for the classic rock couple, this handmade twopanel sign is all they need. All You Need Sign by Sugarboo Designs, $320, at
South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut St., Philadelphia; 215. 568.2170;
southmoonunder.com.
Daily - 7am - 7pm • Sat - 8am - 3pm
Sinking Spring
4700 Penn Avenue
Temple
4875 N. 5th Street HWY
610.370.9003
Daily - 6am - 7pm • Sat. - 8am - 3pm
610.670.7699
3
610.929.0754
Daily - 7am - 7pm • Sat - 8am - 3pm
610.929.5150
Wyomissing
834 Penn Avenue
Daily - 6am - 7pm • Sat - 8am - 5pm
Shillington
Supreme Cleaners
1643 Lancaster Avenue
Daily - 7am - 7pm • Sat. - 8am - 3pm
610.775.0325
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weddings in style 2010
Make it personal for the bride and groom with a
personalized piece of pottery. Soul mates will adore
having a handmade stoneware piece just for them.
Gallon Personalized Belly Crock with handles, 8” x 8.5”,
$94.99, at Bujno Pottery, 2992 N. Reading Rd., Adamstown; 717.484.2050; chatshoppe.com/pottery.
When it comes to what they really
want, a heavenly honeymoon is at the
top of their list. Help them have the
time of their lives by handpicking how
much you want to contribute to their
dream vacation. It’s perfect for the
couple that already has it all, or is all
about adventure. Honeymoon Registry at
Boscov’s Travel, 1.800.755.8020 to speak
to a travel consultant; boscovstravel.com.
Photo courtesy of Boscov’s Travel
TIME IS PRECIOUS
Invest in their relationship with a unique vintage Elliott of London
Mantle Clock. Any antique, from clocks to furniture, are great starter
items for the novice collector. Pick your price range and procure a versatile, functional and eclectic piece for them to cherish from this day
forward. Elliott of London Mantle Clock in a Japanned Case, 8-day time
only, $395, at Greshville Antiques & Fine Art, 1041 Reading Ave.,
Boyertown; 610.367.0076; greshvilleantiques.com.
FOOT LOOSE
610.375.4515
Photo courtesy of TOMS
Reading
1142 Rockland Street
3
Daily - 7am -7pm • Sat. 8am - 3pm
By Christin Kelley
Photos by Heidi Reuter
unless otherwise noted
THE
HONEYMOONERS
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Exeter
3993 Perkiomen Avenue
Must
haves
PERSONAL PREFERENCE
PRACTICAL ART
3459 Penn Avenue ~ Sinking Spring, PA 19608 • 610 927 3772 ~ fax 610 927 3775
Monday - Friday 8:30AM to 8PM ~ Saturday 8:30AM to 5PM
Six Consecutive Years
Weddings
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Experience the positive energy that makes Hair On The Avenue
a place to relax, unwind and have all your personal image needs
satisfied by our team of talented, dedicated professionals.
Complete Skin Care h Make-up
W
Rethink the registry this wedding season when you are purchasing the
perfect present for the new Mr. and Mrs. From their habitat to their
honeymoon, here are some unique gift giving ideas for the happy couple.
Photo courtesy of Bujno Pottery
FREE
To have and to hold
Photo courtesy of Greshville Antiques & Fine Art
Coming Soon!
Seven time
recipient of
Salon Today’s
Top 200 Salon
Treat their feet with a pair of TOMS to dance the night away at the reception. For every pair
purchased a pair is given to a child in need; it’s the perfect partner for any forward-thinking
fashionable couple. Really feeling generous? They’ll give you a discount if you pick up a pair for
everyone in the wedding party – party time! Natural Canvas TOMS, $44, at tomsshoes.com.
weddings in style 2010
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W
EMILY’S
At Jon’s more formal wedding in
Sarasota, FL, from L, best man
Mark Rashkow, Juan Munoz, Jon,
Jeff Kahn, and Brooks Bishop.
Casual Fine Dining in an 1827 Historic Landmark
Featuring
Filet Mignon, NY Strip,
Duck, Salmon, Maryland Crab Cakes,
Veal, Creme Brulee,
White Chocolate Cheesecake and more
Weddings
Award-Winning Recognition
For Fine Dining In The
Tri-County Area
The best
Men
10 minutes south of Reading on Rt. 10
610-856-7887
By Jon Pacific
www.emilysrt10.com
Serving Lunch - Tuesday-Friday 11:30 P.M.-2.00 P.M.
Serving Dinner - Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
Outdoor deck for rehearsal dinners,
weddings or recepitons
Available for private parties 7 days a week
5 Dining Rooms and Unique Bar!
LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAY NIGHT
Yellow House
Hotel
a delightful departure...
9
Groom Jon Pacific, center, wears a white
Guayabera to his wedding in Mexico.
Groomsmen are, from L, Dustin Caruso, Erv
Wolf, best man Kirk Vanino, and Rob Wolf.
Great Wedding Looks
for the Other Half
Two Weddings
Inspire Two
Wardrobes for the
Best Men
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weddings in style 2010
W
hen deciding what to wear for
the big day, men don’t have the
support or resources that women
do. There’s no trip to the Groom’s
Store with half your friends and family to help you decide
on your outfit, and there will never be a television show on
TLC called Say Yes to the…Tuxedo. So since most brides
will spend more on their shoes than the average groom
will spend on his tux rental, maybe we should think twice
about what we’re wearing. My wife Madeline and I got engaged on September 9, 2004. I spent a lot of time picking
out a beautiful ring and planning an amazing engagement
weekend in Beaver Creek, CO. Why did I decide to go to
all this trouble when I could have let her pick out her own
ring and just taken her to the top of the Hancock Building
(we lived in Chicago at the time)?
Well, let’s face it, guys. After you pop the question,
your part is pretty much done. The only thing you have to
do from there is get dressed and show up.
I, as my friends and family will tell you, can’t do anything the way I’m “supposed” to, and this was going to include my wedding. Our first plan – and when I say “our” I
mean “my” – was to get married somewhere exotic. After
a long weekend visit, we decided on Sayulita, Mexico, a
little village on the Pacific coast of Mexico known to tourists for its great surfing and to locals for its great fishing.
The hotel was romantic yet very rustic – at no time did
you ever forget you were in a little town in Mexico.
I should have figured that the two-hour dirty bus ride
through military check-points and over dirt roads would
have been enough to exclude…certain wedding guests
who will remain nameless…not to mention hiking up
to your fourth floor villa or having to brush your teeth
with bottled water. So my very generous parents made a
compromise with us. They would pay for a wedding at the
Ritz Carlton in Sarasota, FL, for the friends and family
members who choose to stay domestic, and we and our
raunchy group of friends could spend the rest of the week
down in Mexico.
So, I had the unique opportunity to pick out outfits for
me and my groomsmen for two very different weddings.
For the first wedding, the Florida nuptials, I knew I had
to wear something nice. Tuxedos, however, are not really
my style. They remind me of some James Bond party of
ultra-wealthy tycoons that I will never get invited to and of
bad proms, of which I’ve been to too many. Don’t get me
wrong. I wanted everyone, including myself, to look sharp.
I have respect for the occasion and the venue and knew
there was a better, more appropriate alternative.
I’ve been to a wedding where one of the groomsmen
was in shorts and a tie-dye t-shirt 10 minutes after the
“I do’s,” and I knew I didn’t want that. I’ve also seen some
well-intended disasters. At a wedding on a plantation outside of Atlanta, the groomsmen were all standing lakeside
for the ceremony. Dressed in blue blazers, light blue shirts
and khakis, they all looked very nice, and very appropriate
for the venue. As the sun set, the light reflected beautifully
across the lake behind them and onto the backs of the wedding party. By the end of the service, their light-blue shirts
were now dark blue – with sweat!
So, white shirts as the sun set over the bay in front
of us it was. Knowing my groomsmen all wore suits for
a living, I decided on black; that way no one would have
to buy or rent anything, and everyone would have a nice,
tailored suit for the occasion. To stand apart slightly from
my groomsmen, I wore a black Ralph Lauren suit with a
faint pinstripe and a silver necktie, while the groomsmen
wore light-green ties that matched the bridesmaid dresses.
We all wore white shirts, and I wore French cuffs with the
Tiffany’s cufflinks my wife bought me.
9
BEST COUNTRY HOTEL RESTAURANT
8 TIME WINNER!
2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009
610-689-9410 • www.yellowhousehotel.com
6743 Boyertown Pike (Routes 562 & 662)
Douglassville, PA 19518
Carl and Patricia DeGrazia also owners of Emily’s
Surrounded by the rolling
farmlands of rural Berks County,
Yellow House Hotel provides a
delightful departure from the everyday.
Casual fine dining and comfortable
overnight accommodations.
Banquet facilities available.
Luncheon • Mon–Sat 11:30–2
Dinner • Mon–Thu 5–9
Fri–Sat 5–9, Sun 11:30–7
From start to finish, all
work is done on premises
Broadcasting Road
at Village Square
(near Cloud 9 & Isaac’s)
610-374-0800
weddings in style 2010
73
Let us create customized
floral arrangements
For our Mexico wedding
we got to have some fun. If
you Google “Mexican wedding shirt,” you’ll see results
for what’s called a Guayabera.
There are some slightly different styles, but the ones we wore
had two pleats running down the
ific
Jon Pac
adeline &
M
front of each panel of the shirt.
There are two pockets over the breast and two pockets
at your hips. I wore a white linen Guayabera, black linen
pants and a black pair of Keen flip-flops.
The groomsmen wore black Guayaberas, khaki pants
and black flip-flops, as well. It was a perfect outfit for an
oceanfront wedding. Everyone was cool and comfortable,
and we didn’t look like a bunch of misplaced gringos walking around in tuxedoes when we went out on the town
after the wedding. The perfect outfit for the perfect day.
& bouquets for
your wedding
We have the best designer in town!
4056 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring
9
9
610-678-4488
petalsonpenn.com
CUCINA
Café & Catering
Stein’s
flowers
catering
cakes
and
more
We guarantee a culinary
experience at affordable prices
that will not disappoint!
ight
Overn dations
o
m
Accom ble in Our
Availa house
Farm
1 4 7 We st Pe n n Ave n u e | We r n e r sv i l l e , PA 1 9 5 6 5
2 0 1 Wa s h i n g to n St re et | Re a d i n g , PA 1 9 6 0 1
32 State St. Shillington 610.775.0430
hours: M–F 8:30–5 Sat 8–12 noon
610.670.3938 | 610.823.0269
www.cucinacatering.net
New York City
Furniture, Gifts & Nice Things
West Reading
t
Evelyn & Harriette’s Gifts
Bringing a touch of
to
A WEDDING IS VERY SPECIAL.
A WEDDING GIFT SHOULD ALSO BE SPECIAL.
R E S TA U R A N T & B A N Q U E T FA C I L I T I E S
WE HAVE THOSE ITEMS DESTINED TO BE HEIRLOOM GIFTS.
We also have POLISH POTTERY historic pewter, hand blown glass, art,
classic children‘s toys and much more. Stop in and see us, you will be
surprised at what you will find.
One of the many fine shops of the Oley Valley
Ask for a shops guide at any Oley shop or restaurant.
Open Tues - Sat 10 - 4
*Blown glass from Williamsburg
Historic reproduction pewter from Missouri
1232 Oysterdale Rd • Oley • 610-987-6055
Located 1 mile north of the Rt. 73 Pleasantville traffic light.
GIVE YOUR WEDDING THE
FIVE & DIVINE TOUCH
Wedding
ACCESSORIES • GIFTS • JEWELRY
Five&
divine
GALLERY
GIFTS
&
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weddings in style 2010
27 East Penn Avenue
Wernersville
610.670.9700
www.fiveanddivine.com
Hours: Sun. 12-4 • Tues.-Sat. 10-6
STOUDTS
BLACK ANGUS
t
Make your bridesmaids
feel as special as you
will with
610.376.0445
610.323.6479
Rt. 272 S, Adamstown • 717-484-4386 Ext. 216
Unique Indoor/Outdoor Setting
everything
splendid
for your
On Premises Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions & Rehearsal Dinners
special
event
Banquet Menus Available at www.stoudts.com
event planning
custom invitation suites
fancy fondant cakes
hotel treat baskets for out of town guests
exquisite edible & gift favors
homemade cakes & cookies for showers,
rehearsals & brunches
530 Penn Ave., West Reading
610.374.5140
[email protected]
Wed.- Fri. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
or by appointment
Make Your Valentine’s Reservation
Open Menu & Valentine Specials Feb 11th - 14th
Call 717-484-4386 Ext. 204
t
• Accommodating
up to 250 people
• Large dance floor
• Award winning
micro-brewery
• Buffets or plated dinners
• Customized packages
• Over 47 years experience
www.stoudts.com
weddings in style 2010
t
75
Fancy
Footwork
Sweet Surprises
TRY SOME
We’ll even keep an eye on your flowers.
providing professional mobile
entertainment for all of your
special celebrations
Learn the latest moves
for your wedding
Wedding Day Dancing
Fox-Trot
Tango
NOW SPECIALIZING IN CANDY STATIONS...
Salsa
THE PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR SPECIAL DAY!
For Bride, Groom, Parents & Bridal Party
Look Great & Feel Confident
Students with or without a Partner
Private Lessons, Group Classes & Terrific Parties
Guaranteed Results
From Beginners to Advanced Students
Gift Certificates Available
Rumba
Waltz
Cha-Cha
Contemporary
ONLY
$75
PER COUPLE
3 Private Lessons
1 Hour ea.
Plus 1 Group & Practice Party
15 Minutes from the Reading Airport
North on Rt. 183
610.488.1714
“2009
e
People’s Choic
r
ne
in
W
Award
et
qu
an
B
for Best
”
ty
Facili
The Louise Lamar Dance Studio
610.488.1714
With this coupon. First time students only.
Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 2/28/10
O
ur Old World setting woven with
the charm and ambiance of our English
Tudor Castle Clubhouse combined with
the award winning culinary and catering
professionals at the Reading Country
Club will provide you and your guests
and exceptional experience that you will
never forget!
544 PENN AVENUE, WEST READING
610.373.2121
WWW.SWEETSURPRISESPA.COM
Celebrated Occasions
610.777.2747
800.dmk.sound
• Traditional to
Gourmet Foods
• Theme Parties
• Event Planner
dennis m. kintzer
www.dmksound.com
Swing
It’s a special time and you’ve got way too much to remember. So when it comes
to your wedding day, we’ll make sure your transportation is one less thing to worry
about. We look out for all the details, even the ones that aren’t really ours.
w w w.rhoadslimos.com
610.689.4600
800.528.3569
• Division of
Penn Square
Caterers
4 Alpine Drive, Mohnton
610.775.5749
For All Your Wedding Needs…
• Ceremony Site
• Wedding Reception
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Bridal Shower
Now Booking for 2010
Open to the Public
Now Managed
by Chef Alan’s
76
5311 Perkioment Ave., Reading, PA
Visit our website at
www.readingcountryclub.com
610-779-1000 ext. 248
to check availability & schedule a tour.
weddings in style 2010
weddings in style 2010
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