The GoggleWorks Theater Stage

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
Planning A Wedding?
get real savings
with the free Bridal Savings Guide
at
www.BerksCountyWeddings.com
THE Video, Sound & Lighting:
Multimedia Staging Inc.
1145 Schuylkill Mountain Rd., Schuylkill Haven
877.566.5774 | www.mmstaginginc.com
601 Penn Ave. • West Reading • (610) 372-0019
www.dillerjewelers.com
every bride deserves to be special
on her special day.
Specializing in weddings from
traditional to contemporary,
but always created especially
for you.
Even your table is dressed to impress.
Fruit Festival® with
Dipped Daisies®
Featured in
“The Knot”
Bridal
Magazine
To order, please call or visit:
©2006
ACACIA FLOWER SHOP
1191 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610.376.8767
60
weddings in style 2010
Delicious Daisy®
Full Dipped
Weddings
Copyright © 2009 Edible Arrangements, LLC
•
©2004
2731 Bernville Road, Leesport
610-926-4521
Annive rsar y Par t ies
•
Famil y Reunions
EdibleArrangements.com
•
T h a n k You
Franchises Available. Call 1-888-727-4258
weddings in style 2010
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
.
For start to finish perfection, think of us when planning your next event.
We can make your wishes come true. David Reppert 484-269-7777
[ trina]
licensed medical esthetician
Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations I Weddings I Bar and Bat Mitzvahs I Dinner Parties I Corporate Events
in advanced
Floral Designs I Entertainment Ideas I Decorations I Lighting I Linens I Furniture I Specializing
Seasonal Decor
skin care techniques with
Brian K Reedy, M.D. medical director,
anti aging, sun damage, acne,
rosacea, laser rejuvenation,
hair removal, injectable fillers,
customized facials, body contouring
& professional makeup artist
schedule your complimentary
skin consultation today
with [ trina]
Berks Plastic Surgery
610.320.0200
berksplasticsurgery.com
PHOTO BY METTE GLEASON
Salon and Medical Spa
at Lords & Ladies
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
Arts N’ Flowers
Flowers and Decor by
Patty Belsterling
Weddings, Special Occasions, Holiday Decorations, Galas
522 Willow Street, Reading PA 19602 • For more information or appt. call 610-373-8804
Honeymoons & Destination Weddings
From the experts at Boscov’s Travel
· Expert Consultants
Save you time and money
· Ease of Planning
For peace of mind
· Earn Double Reward Points
When you use your Boscov’s Charge
Contact Boscov’s Travel:
The Honeymoon Experts
(800) 755-8020
boscovstravel.com/honeymoons
Blandon
610.944.8820
lordsandladiessalons.com
weddings in style 2010
weddings in style 2010
65