Local Love: Liz and Joe

May 6, 2023

When Liz and Joe Tertel were planning their wedding, they had a few priorities. On the top of their list: a celebration that included their dog, Barley.

“When we started venue shopping, it was one of our requirements that they allowed dogs on the property,” Liz says. “He is part of the family, and we couldn’t imagine not having him there on our special day!”

A dog-welcoming venue, accompanied with “pristine” landscaping, exposed wood beams and “gorgeous” chandeliers, she says, made Historic Acres of Hershey the perfect fit.

To let the “natural beauty” of the venue speak for itself, the couple opted for a classic theme for their May wedding, incorporating white and blush florals.

“We knew we wanted an outdoor wedding and a welcoming space,” she says. They also had a live band and open bar at their wedding for guests to be entertained all throughout the evening.

Though they kept their special day simple, Liz says their memories are unique and ones they will cherish forever.

“It might sound cliché, but our favorite memories from the day were the moment Joe saw me walking down the aisle with my father, and I saw Joe standing at the altar beaming back at me,” she says.

The couple, who’s been together for four years, first met while working in the same office, but they didn’t really get to know each other until a holiday party hosted by Harrisburg Young Professionals.

“Joe claims it was his impressive dance moves and undeniable charm that attracted me to him that night,” Liz says. “We both knew pretty quickly that we had found the one we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with.”

Liz says finally being able to say “I do” in front of their friends and family felt exhilarating, and they’re looking forward to the rest of their lives.

“We have a few bucket list destinations that we are planning to cross off in the next couple of years. We are hoping Hawaii is next! The thing we look forward to most about married life is just always having each other to share our memories and experiences with,” she says.

1 of 7