The Couple
Daniel Warren Thompson & Amanda Lyn Hitz Thompson
The Big Day
October 1, 2011
The Theme
Shabby chic with a garden motif, with saffron, grey, off-white and garden hues. The bouquets and pocket squares were stunning, with golden rununculus and billy balls (craspedia); crocosmia, kangaroo and stellata pods; cockscomb; and spiky nigella. Wildflowers and berries were tucked in here and there, and guests ate hummingbird cake. A whimsical aviary pair topped the cake, highlighting the couple’s love of bird watching. Nests, ceramic birds, and birdcages decorated the tables, and the bride, naturally, wore a birdcage veil.
The Details
The tablescapes were sunny and appealingly crisp-looking, with yellow toile tablecloths and striped napkins. Pretty programs in a variety of patterns added to the theme, along with a smattering of antiques, including a small wooden box for the rings.
The Hitch/Great Idea
The umbrellas and pashminas they brought came in extremely handy, as did the bridesmaid’s cute sweater jackets on this rainy day. Unable to use the Inn’s beautiful garden, the couple tied the knot in a tent, while guests watched from nearby tables. Amanda and Daniel bemoaned the hundred-plus petal cones they had painstakingly glued and filled.
The Find
After trying on “nearly every dress in the store,” Amanda realized she did want a dress with a train after all and found this glamorous ball gown. Stunning gray heels featured stitching matching the embroidery on the dress. Adding a playful note, the bride’s three sisters wore dresses with a print.
The Fun
The couple chose to set up a candy table “because it allows adults to act like kids. Everyone has candy memories, and there’s something about candy that makes you feel happy.” They practiced setting this up, with photos of the jars both empty and full. The result? Eye-popping perfection.
The Tunes
To a couple who “make faces all the time,” the thought of the dance was scary. Still, they carried off the choreography they’d learned to “In the Aeroplane over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel.
The Moments
This was a tie between the “First Glance” and the cocktail hour, when the bride and groom practiced their dance and had a quiet moment together.
The Resources
The Threads: Bride & bridesmaids’ dresses from Taylored for You, Mechanicsburg, tayloredforyoubridal.com. Groomsmen: Geoffrey Beene suits from Boscov’s.
Bride Bling: Hairpiece and Birdcage Veil from heknowsmyname, Etsy.
The Ceremony, Reception & Food: Cornwall Inn, Cornwall, cornwallinnpa.com.
The Blooms: Bouquets and bouts by Wildflowers by design, wildflowersbydesign.com. Centerpieces and other flowers: bride’s sister, Mary Jehrio.
The Stationery: created by the bride, a graphic designer.
The Images: Leslie Gilbert Photography, Mt. Joy, lesliegilbertphotography.com.
Spa Prep: Bachelorette party at emerald springs spa, lancaster, emeraldspringsspa.com.
Rehearsal Dinner: The Franklin House, Schaefferstown, franklinhousetavern.com.
The Cake: Vegan, by CakeKraft, West Chester, PA, cakekraft.com.
