September 22nd 2017 │ Today, it is my privilege to share with you this sweet couples fall 2017 Excelsior wedding. Enjoy the beautiful color palette, those perfect details I am sure you will fall-in-love with (see what I did there?!) and the sweetest couple! Read on for all the details..

I will never forget my introductory meeting with Jen. I was working through finding my feet both as a new mom and a business owner – and the grace she bestowed as we worked through details of her wedding was something that to this day I am beyond grateful for. She absolutely epitomized the clients I had been dreaming of working with – the kindest hearts, incredible design/style, and a deep-rooted appreciation for each other and the promise that the wedding day holds. And the greatest bonus – bonding over a shared love for New England beach towns – with an attempt to meet in Cape Cod that summer.

Jen & Donnie – I’ve said it before but working with you in the two years leading up to your wedding day was such a joy and privilege. When the day arrived, you felt so much like family and watching you take that first step as husband and wife was a moment filled with so much excitment – you could see it on your faces, your families faces, and your vendors! But truthfully your smiles said it all that day – you were ready to take on all that the world could throw at you knowing you had your best friend to do it with! Enjoy this sweet walk down memory lane & happy anniversary month!

While most of the prep took place off-site, the bride and her sweet bridesmaids made their way over to Excelsior for their finishing touches, a small brunch with ample time for getting ready for the first look. Laughing the morning away with your best friends and sisters is the perfect way to combat those pre-wedding gitters. And these ladies sure knew how to have fun! Dance parties are always encouraged and matching robes certainly made for the perfect morning!

From the bridesmaids’ beautiful maroon floor-length gowns to the groomsmen fun pattern maroon ties, this couple and their party looked radiant. The groom’s tux – complete with bowtie – added that perfect special touch to allow him to shine on the day (something I am always encouraging my couples to do – adding those special touches can certainly make for memorable wedding day features). Portraits – both for the bride and groom and the bridal party – are some of my favorite images from the day and the ones from Stephanie Dee Photography captured this fun loving party perfectly!

The ceremony was set in Excelsior’s Empire Room – located on the second floor of this historic downtown Lancaster restored brewery. Guests were invited upstairs upon arrival and were treated to stunning drapery designed and installed by Shumaker PDT and the sweetest ceremony program featuring details about the couple and their party. The ceremony florals designed and produced by Petals with Style – a local Lancaster florist that never disappoints – highlighted the natural beauty of the room and added that perfect touch of late summer/early fall with the perfect mix of peach and maroon color pops. The ceremony was heartfelt – with a few tears from the bride and groom, the bridal party, and the guests – and a gathering of family and friends whose excitement was palpable. With the announcement of Jen and Donnie as husband and wife and the cheering crowd, we knew this was going to be a once in a lifetime event! 

From the glimmer of the crystal chandeliers to the pop from the prettiest specialty linen on the sweetheart table and the runners seen down the guest tables, the reception space was adorned with those perfect design details to enhance an already beautiful space. And the floral elements added that perfect pop of color to make the whole room come alive and the escort chocolates were that fun touch (and the sweetest little treat for guests). The couple made their grand entrance down the venue’s historic sweeping staircase and transitioned right into their first dance. The evening continued with toasts, parent dances (see below), dinner, and then the couple and their guests truly danced the night away! 

Events have a funny way of leaving a very lasting impression, and this couple was no exception. Often there is a small lull for coordinators/planners – usually after dancing has started and before final décor clean-up kicks off. It’s often during this time, after the hustle that starts in the early morning and goes until about 8:30, that I purposefully try to take time to be fully present. In these fleeting moments, it is such a pleasure to witness how carefree the event feels at this point, how much fun all the guests are having, and that special glow the couple has as they mingle with guests, and dance with family, friends, and each other. These slower moments are some of my favorite and are the perfect reminder of how truly wonderful life is! Celebrations that exude this joyfulness represent what is most wonderful in our world – loved ones gathered to support, encourage and celebrate with you as . I left this event feeling such excitement for this couple – that I had hoped they felt all the palpable love and excitement for them that evening, that they had had a few moments to memorize the sights and sounds of their event, and that they were excited to take on this next chapter.

Jen & Donnie – I am so grateful to have had the pleasure to work with you. Your guests and your family were so gracious – it made the whole evening feel like fun rather than work! I hope your wedding day was everything you dreamed it would be and more! And cannot wait to see where life take you next – happy almost 1 year anniversary!

And ps – sweet friends – I promised you there was a big surprise at the end of this post…well this past year I brought on four team members to assist with events on the day of. This lovely bride has been a member of the YSDE team since the start of this season and has been instrumental to our success this year! I cannot wait to introduce her in this capacity over the next few weeks. And next year she will be the YSDE lead assistant for the coming 2019 season and she is just one of the best! Can’t wait to formally introduce her to you all! More to come… Happy Tuesday sweet friends!

Vendor Team:

Photography: Stephanie Dee Photography // Venue: Excelsior  // Coordination: Your Sweetest Day Events  // Florals: Petals with Style  //Entertainment: Mixed Up Productions  // Lighting & Production: Shumaker PDT  // Linens: Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens // Cake: House of Clarendon