September 20, 2014
THE THEME: Vintage glam in hues of blush and champagne added whimsy and romance to the day. Kaila’s Nana’s desk held vintage postcards for guests to write best wishes. Vintage chairs were arranged in lounge seating, while vintage doors opened onto the aisle for the bride’s grand entrance. A refinished table from the garage stood in for an altar.
MEANT TO BE: Kaila Arnold waited tables during college summers. Ryan, a regular customer, knew immediately that she was the one. She needed some convincing, but as they discovered their shared values and faith, everything clicked.
THE FAMILY: Kaila and Ryan showed appreciation for family by including them in the ceremony. Parents and grandparents were escorted in. Candles were lit in memory of those who are gone. Wedding photos of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were on display. Ryan’s ninety-five-year-old great-grandmother even danced a little at the reception.
THE CEREMONY: Made meaningful by Kaila and Ryan’s pastor, Galen Hackman, officiating. He reminded them of two becoming one. Communion demonstrated their mutual love of Christ, not just a display of their faith but, as Ryan said, an act of intimacy.
THE FAVORS: Strawberry jam and apple butter were made by Ryan’s grandmother and great-grandmother. A big hit, because only eight jars were left.
THE BOURBON: A southern tradition has it that burying a bottle of bourbon upside down at the site of the ceremony one month before the wedding will ward off rain. It worked. And then, Ryan and Kaila dug it up and shared it with the wedding party. Expressions in the photos are priceless.
Vendors:
THE THREADS: Bride: Liancarlo, www.liancarlo.com. Bridesmaids: Alfred Angelo, www.alfredangelo.com. Groom: Brooks Brothers, www.brooksbrothers.com. Groomsmen: Cocoa Couture, Hershey, www.cocoacoutureonline.com.
THE HAIR AND MAKEUP: A Little Off the Top, Lititz, www.hairsalonlititz.com.
Eyelashes: Ooh La Lashes.
THE BLOOMS: Wildflowers by Design, Manheim, www.wildflowersbydesign.com.
THE PROGRAMS AND PLACE CARDS: Designs by Renee, Lancaster, www.designsbyrenee.biz.
THE REHEARSAL DINNER, CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: Moonstone Manor, Elizabethtown, www.moonstonemanor.com.
THE OFFICIANT: Galen Hackman, senior pastor, Ephrata Church of the Brethren. Ceremony coordination by pastor’s wife, Doris Hackman.
THE EATS: JDK Catering, Camp Hill, www.jdkcatering.com.
THE SWEETS: The Couture Cakery, Lemoyne, www.couturecakery.net.
THE VINTAGE CHURCH PEWS: Lovebirds Vintage Rentals, Lititz, www.lovebirdsvintagedecorrentalsofpa.com.
THE VINTAGE SEATING AREA FURNITURE: Swoon Vintage Rentals, Hummelstown, www.swoonvintagerental.com.
THE VIDEO: Willow Tree Films, Philadelphia, www.willowtreefilms.net.
THE WHEELS: Shuttles from Expressions Limousine of Lancaster, www.expressionslimo.com.
THE IMAGES: Brooke Courtney Photography, Lancaster, www.brookecourtney.com.