Elizabeth Penn & Jean-Louis Castro-Malaspina​
Nov. 3, 2018
Photos by MLE Pictures.
Two and half years after meeting on a dating app, Jean-Louis got down on one knee and asked Elizabeth to marry him. They were vacationing at one of their favorite spots in New York’s Finger Lakes, hiking one of the trails with their dog in tow. Seneca Lake glittered in the background as she said “yes” to Jean-Louis on Oct. 15, 2017.
Based in Jersey City, N.J., the couple decided on a destination wedding at Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard, a halfway point for her family in Hershey and his in New Jersey.
Intrigued by Terrain’s Glen Mills property but looking for more space, they took a gamble on a venue that had yet to be
built when they booked it. In the end, the timing worked perfectly. Terrain debuted at Devon Yard shortly before their fall nuptials. “I knew I always wanted an outdoor wedding,” says Elizabeth.
On a crisp November day, they tied the knot in front of friends and family, bringing together their Cambodian, Thai, French and Peruvian cultures. Their siblings served as their bridesmaids and groomsmen, and one of Jean-Louis’ friends presided over the ceremony. Prayers were offered in Cambodian, French and English.
Befitting the season, a slight chill marked the evening. S’mores stations and a fire pit provided a sweet ending to a perfect day. “I’m just happy to be married to the love of my life,” Elizabeth says.
Ceremony and reception: Terrain Gardens at Devon Yard
Flowers: Lace & Peonies
Bridal gown: Pronovias from BHLDN
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Lulus
Groom’s and groomsmen’s tuxes: The Black Tie
Hair and makeup: ONLO Beauty
Cake: Cake Life Bake Shop
First dance: Kinna Grannis’ version of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Katie Mizak & Matt Prilutski
Nov. 24, 2018
Photos By Pictures by Todd
Katie and Matt met on Halloween four years ago through mutual friends. A musician, Matt found a creative way to propose on Aug. 27, 2017, strumming John Lennon’s “Grow Old With Me” on a ukulele Katie bought for him. Hearing him sing, “Spending our lives together, man and wife together,” it dawned on her what was happening.
Wanting a fall wedding that wouldn’t interfere with Katie’s teaching schedule, the couple opted for Thanksgiving weekend at St. Thomas of Villanova Church at Katie’s alma mater. They held the reception at Cairnwood Estate, which was decked out for the holidays. “I love how it looked,” says Katie, who didn’t want the wedding to feel too much like Christmas. “Our vision was different groups of people hanging out and talking,” says Katie. “And I was ecstatic how well it worked.”
Katie teaches seventh-grade English at West Chester’s Fugett Middle School, so they incorporated books into everything from the wedding invitations to the cake topper. Matt gave a special performance on the big day, covering Katie’s favorite artist, Bruce Springsteen, and saving “Grow Old With Me” for their first dance.
Ceremony: St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Reception: Cairnwood Estate
Flowers: Matlack Florist
Bridal gown: Melissa Sweet from David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair and makeup: Calista Salon & Spa
Stationery: Paper & Posh
Cake: Ciao Bella Cakes
First dance: John Lennon’s “Grow Old With Me.”
Band: Love 77
Kelly Groff & Jason DeFrangesco
Nov 30, 2018
Photos By Tessa Marie Images.
After several years apart, high school sweethearts Kelly and Jason reunited. Four years later, on Sept. 1, 2017, Jason rented the Reading Railroad train car at the Bay Pony Inn in Lederach. It was a spot where the couple had celebrated special occasions—so it was only fitting that Jason asked Kelly to marry him there.
When it came time to set a date for their wedding, they chose late November, which was close to Christmas, Kelly’s favorite holiday. They hosted the ceremony and reception at La Massaria at Bella Vista in Gilbertsville. Christmas was well represented in the stationery, the flowers and the color scheme. There was even a tree where guests could leave gifts.
Ceremony and reception: La Massaria at Bella Vista
Bridal gown: Ashley’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses: The Country Bride and Gent
Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair and makeup: Daneene Makeup
Stationery: Zazzle
Cake: Dice’s Creative Cakes
First dance: Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be.”
DJ: 925Entertainment
Videographer: TF Media
Mary Dalton & Michael Rovito
Dec 8, 2018
Photos By Campli Photography
After just a few dates with Michael, Mary was transferred to North Carolina for her job with Nordstrom. The two were committed to a long-distance relationship, traveling back and forth to see one another.
Eventually, Mary moved back to West Chester. A year later, Michael popped the question on the beach in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Mary’s family had a home there and was in on the surprise. They celebrated together back at the house. “It was really sweet,” Mary recalls.
The following December, the couple hosted a traditional ceremony at the Church of Saint Monica in Berwyn, followed by a reception at the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve in Newtown Square, where holiday vibes abounded. Fittingly, Mary, Michael and their bridal party went with fashions from a certain luxury retailer. “We had a very Nordstrom wedding,” she says.
Ceremony: Church of Saint Monica
Reception: Ballroom at Ellis Preserve
Bride’s gown: Watters from the Bridal Suite at Nordstrom
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Haley Paige from Nordstrom
Groom’s tux: Ted Baker from Nordstrom
Groomsmen’s tuxes: The Black Tux at Nordstrom
Hair and makeup: Privé Salon and Style Bar
Stationery: Paper Rock Scissors
Cake: Termini Bros. Bakery
First dance: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Band: Sydney
