Photo By Campli Photography
Kimberly Sinicropi and John Strayhorn
April 20, 2019
He was friends with her sister in high school, and they had a number of mutual pals. But Kim Sinicropi and John Strayhorn didn’t cross paths until later, when they’d both moved from Downingtown to West Chester. They met in 2016 and quickly hit it off. A year later, on Oct. 13, 2017, the two got engaged. They were visiting the iconic Biltmore estate in Asheville, N.C. when John popped the question. “It was a total surprise,” says Kim.
Given the West Chester connection, it was only fitting that they choose one of its prettiest parks—awash in pink cherry blossom blooms—as the backdrop for their nuptials. They wanted the timing to be just right for their honeymoon in Costa Rica, so April fit the bill.
In front of the gazebo at Everhart Park on Easter weekend of last year, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by friends, family and Kim’s boxer mix, Manny. The couple then celebrated with a jumping-the-broom ceremony. John’s aunt made the broom, and Kim’s mom surprised her with a custom aisle runner.
Mimicking the many colorful spring blooms, Kim’s bouquet included peonies and even magnolia branches. and the day was all the more special because Kim’s mom, an interior designer and former seamstress, made Kim’s gown. Mother and daughter collaborated on the design until it was just right. “We created it step by step,” says Kim. “It was really, really special.”
Later in the day, the newly married couple hosted a reception at Estia in Philadelphia. “It has such a warm vibe, and the food is amazing,” says Kim. Surrounded by friends and family, “it was the best day,” she adds.
Ceremony: Everhart Park
Reception: Estia
Number of guests: 72.
Bridal gown: Made by the mother of the bride.
Groom’s suit: Les Richards Menswear.
Hair and makeup: Nelda Corbett.
Florist: Cottage Flowers
First dance: Jesse Powell’s “You.”
Photographer: Campli Photography
Honeymoon destination: Costa Rica
Careers: Kim is the owner of Grazia Skin Care Studio and Spa in Malvern; John works in sales and advertising.
Sarah Fulcher and Brian Adams
May 26, 2019
Sarah Fulcher was wearing a brightly colored tutu when she met Brian Adams. Both were participating in an “electric run,” a nighttime 5K with neon lights and displays along the route. Meeting in the parking lot before the 2013 race in Raleigh, N.C., the two clicked instantly and ended up running the race together. Soon after, they went on a second date. Fittingly, it included running.
The sport would remain an important part of their relationship. During their time in Brian’s native North Carolina, they ran marathons and triathlons together. It was on their first marathon—a rock ’n’ roll iteration in Raleigh—that they first exchanged “I love yous” as they passed the very spot they first met.
When Sarah returned to her native Pennsylvania for work eight months after they met, the relationship continued at a steady clip, and the pair made a long-distance committment.
Brian joined Sarah in Philadelphia eight months later, and he popped the question at the end of a run in January 2017 that led the couple to LOVE Park in Center City. Just over two years later, the couple made it official surrounded by friends and family at Brandywine Manor House.
Having a venue with natural elements and a connection to the forest was important. They spent a lot of timing running and getting to know one another among the trees. “It allowed us to open up and talk about things that are important—a lot of those conversations took place in the woods,” says Sarah. “It just really felt natural for us to be in a space that had initially brought that out in our relationship.”
To personalize their celebration, the couple used Brian’s grandmother’s china for their place setting. Sarah wore a garter made of her grandmother’s handkerchiefs and borrowed a veil from her close friend. She even had her favorite beer—Wicked Weed Brewing’s Coolcumber—brought in from North Carolina. Among the other special touches, Sarah incorporated peacock feathers from her grandparents’ West Virginia farm. She also comes from a family of Penn State University fans, so an aunt supplied custom pompoms reminiscent of those used at Nittany Lions games.
Nature had its own special surprise for Sarah and Brian, too. After exchanging vows outdoors, they headed inside for cocktails. Once they were safely under cover, the rain came and a rainbow arched across the sky, covering the glen where they’d just wed. It was a magical ending to a perfect day.
Ceremony and reception: Brandywine Manor House
Number of guests: 200
Bridal gown: Encore by Watters, BHLDN
Bridesmaids’ dresses: BHLDN
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Janelle Kauffman
Makeup: Shades of Blush Studio
Florist: Rosemary and Rust
Caterer: Williamson Caterers
First dance: Diego Luna’s “No Matter Where You Are.”
Videographer: Treeline Films
Photographer: Tessa Marie Images
DJ: Fred Alvisi, VIP DJ Entertainment
Wedding planner: Danielle Soucier-Ernst, Your Sweetest Day Events
Honeymoon destination: Greece
Careers: Sarah is a speech language patholist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America; Brian is a marketing manager for identiMetrics.
Megan Murphy and Justin Tirell
June 8, 2019
High school sweethearts Megan Murphy and Justin Tirrell first met in Avon Grove’s marching and concert bands. He played tenor sax, and she was in color guard. A flute player, Megan would strike up conversations with Justin, who always sat nearby.
Two years apart in age, Megan and Justin spent months developing a friendship. Megan eventually summoned the courage to tell Justin she was interested in dating him. Twelve years later, the pair have been inseparable. They even attended the University of Delaware together.
Despite being together for so many years, Justin still managed to surprise Megan with his proposal. On a hike in Wissahickon Park, Megan was posing for a photo, her back turned. When she turned around, Justin was down on one knee. He popped the question on Nov. 12, 2017, with an aquamarine engagement ring. Both agreed on skipping diamonds in favor of a more environmentally friendly option.
The wedding was held on June 8, 2019, at Sage Farmhouse in Media. “The backyard courtyard has a fountain with a grassy area and all these trees—it felt secluded,” says Megan.
With Megan’s aunt, a minister, presiding over the ceremony, the two exchanged personal vows. Megan wore a shortened version of her mother’s wedding gown for the rehearsal and the morning of her wedding, along with her revamped veil. She also wore a bracelet and an engagement ring once owned by her two great-grandmothers.
To represent her Irish heritage, Megan even grew her hair long enough to incorporate a braid. As a tribute to the couple’s early days, she had her florist recreate a bouquet Justin gave her at their prom, adding purple flowers for some extra pop.
It was also important for the couple to incorporate socially conscious decisions into the ceremony. Instead of wedding favors, they donated to charity. For their wedding song, they placed three jars representing different tunes, asking guests to vote with poker chips or loose change (which they also donated to charity). Each year on their anniversary, the couple plans to continue the tradition of giving back.
Ceremony and reception: Sage Farmhouse
Number of guests: 65
Bridal gown: Essense of Australia, Claire’s Fashions
Groom’s suit: Calvin Klein, Men’s Wearhouse
Hair and makeup: Déjà vu Salon
Florist: Blue Moon Florist
Caterer: Cricket Catering
First dance: Queen’s “A Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
Photographer: Fantail Photography
Honeymoon destination: Scotland
Careers: Megan is an academic support coordinator at the University of Delaware; Justin is an IT manager in Wilmington.
