Susquehanna Style January 2024

the issue

JANUARY 2024

One Couple. One Day. All Yours.

Get Married, Cocktail, Dine, Dance and Celebrate in ALL 6 of Excelsior’s Amazing Indoor/Outdoor Eclectic Spaces!

excelsiorlancaster.com

CONTENTS

Departments IN STYLE 8 SHOP

January VOL 51 | ISSUE 1

Chic wedding attire for your special day

12 PEOPLE & PLACES

Meet local dress designer Symone Amelia Gaither

16 LIVE WELL

Find out your romantic outlook in 2024

18 FOODIE FINDS

Check out the eclectic and edgy Coffin Bar

22 DISH IT UP Cocktails fit for any celebration

Features

27 SOMETHING NEW How local couples are making their own unique wedding traditions

Planning inspiration from six Susquehanna Valley couples

ON THE COVER

Couple Mia and Lance share their story in Local Love Stories on page 32 2

Photo by Janelle Putrich SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

PHOTO BY GARNET DAHLIA

LOVE 32 LOCAL STORIES

Photo by Garnet Dahlia

DON'T SETTLE.

Allow us to custom cater your special day.

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Main Street CATERING 63 Felton PA, 17322 KITCHEN (410)-292-9275

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EDITOR'S LETTER

PHOTO BY ASHLEY SARA PHOTOGRAPHY

Something Borrowed, Something New The excitement of a new year is here—and so is our 2024 wedding issue! This edition, we’re thrilled to welcome a wedding season filled with unique traditions and celebrations with a twist. On page 32, you’ll find inspiration from six couples in the Susquehanna Valley who aren’t afraid to show off their eclectic and modern style with simple and timeless love. One couple invites us to a surprise wedding—with guests all decked in white—while another couple channels their love for all things spooky in a Halloween-themed wedding.

Adding to the spookiness, read all about The Coffin Bar, Lancaster’s newest hangout spot we visited on Halloween.

Jump to page 18 to read about their edgy cocktails, fun food and funky décor.

For more wedding inspiration, meet a local gown designer who is taking tradition and stitching it into fresh and jaw-dropping gowns on page 12. Some brides, however, are ditching the dress completely this year. Check out page 8 for trendy wedding looks and attire that are certain to stand out and shine at any celebration.

Lastly, find out your romantic outlook as told by the stars! We talked with Lisa Paris, a Lititz astrologist, who shares what’s looming in love on your horizon on page 16.

We hope you have a healthy and happy New Year, full of inspiration— maybe even for your own future wedding—to challenge traditions and try something new!

Katy

Katy Shero

Editor | kshero@susquehannastyle.com 4

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

@susquehannastyle

PRESIDENT/CEO Paul Prass

VICE PRESIDENT/COO Lisa Prass

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Theresa Stoddard

EDITOR Katy Shero

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES Mike Matuczinski

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Kate Hunter, Sue Ottenheimer

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Madison Eckert

CONTRIBUTORS Karen Hendricks, Lisa Paris, Maddy Pontz, Alysha Yoder

PHOTOGRAPHER Karlo Gesner

PROOFREADER Erin Cramer

ACCOUNTING Donna Bachman, Olena Ovchinnikova, Sarah Varano

CONTACT US:

Editorial: Send your compliments, comments, story ideas and suggestions to: Editor, Susquehanna Style (ISSN# 1540-0875), 202 Butler Avenue, Suite 102, Lancaster, PA 17601; or tstoddard@susquehannastyle.com.

Subscriptions and Backorders: For new subscriptions, changes of address or questions about an existing subscription, call 800-896-1392, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EST. Annual subscriptions (11 issues/year) are $12. Postmaster, please send returns to: Susquehanna Style, PO Box 293142, Kettering, OH 45429.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

© 2024

Your appley-ever-after begins at Brown’s!

254 South Main Street, Loganville, PA 717-501-8125 ♥ Tina@OrchardViewWeddings.com www.OrchardViewWeddings.com JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

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Susquehannastyle.com GOAL SETTING FOR THE NEW YEAR

REBELLING AGAINST REVOLUTIONS

LOCAL LOVE STORIES

HELPING LOCALS PUT A RING ON IT

Reframing your mindset to be the most authentic you in 2024

Holly Mann of Fresh Habits has 10 reflections to keep you motivated

Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers offer advice and special consults for choosing the right engagement ring

Even more inspo from real Susquehanna Valley weddings

THE SEASON OF SKIING

A

Brett Bacho Kitchen Magic President with 2nd-gen owners Lotte, Renate and Cindy

BUSINESS STRATEGY

E B R AT I N

2O

N

Tying the knot? Check out our online resource for regional wedding vendors

NI

TH

AR

Y

OUR

PHOTO BY ANDREA DAUGHERTY

EL

Bonus! 2024 WEDDING DIRECTORY

G

C

Exploring the best spots for cross-country skiing across the Susquehanna Valley

VERS

RESULTS

Tom Garrity Compass Point Family Business Consultant

• LEADERSHIP • TRANSITION • GOVERNANCE • FINANCIAL GAPS • NEXT CHAPTER

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Happily Ever After Begins Here

Situated in the heart of downtown York, the one-of -a kind and magnificently restored Yorktowne Hotel is the ideal location for visitors of York, lovers of art and history and your wedding! Considered the “Cornerstone of York” since 1925, it's rich in history yet has a contemporary aesthetic. The Yorktowne offers all the amenities you've come to expect from the Hilton brand and so much more. In addition, the elegant WellSpan Ballroom accommodates up to 400 guests. The Yorktowne Hotel is THE location for your wedding.

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JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

7

LIFESTYLE / SHOP IN STYLE

Ditching The

Dress 1

GENDER-NEUTRAL ATTIRE Forgo the gown and take on a timeless tuxedo jacket that can be worn from the aisle to the after-party.

This elegant long coat can be paired with pants, a skirt or whatever suits your personal style!

ALLURE BRIDALS Women’s Tuxedo Long Coat,

$200-$500 at Unveiled Bridal in Harrisburg

8

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

Boho for every

Body 2 CURVY DRESS A fairy tale fit for a curvy figure, this bohemian-inspired fit and flare bridal dress has soft and stretchy allover lace that gives comfort and class. The dress features a plunging V-neckline, paired with a V-back, and flowy lace flutter sleeves trimmed with scalloped eyelash lace. The sleeves create a cape effect, and for a simpler look, this style is also available with regular flutter sleeves without the cape extension.

LILLIAN WEST Curvy Allover Lace Fit and Flare Dress with Flutter Sleeves (Style 66208),

Under $2,000 at In White in Lancaster

JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

9

LIFESTYLE / SHOP IN STYLE

3 TRENDY DRESS Statement sleeves are for showing off in 2024! This Watters dress, located at Veritey Bride in Lancaster, is on par with this year’s trends, from the detachable puffy sleeves to the intricate floral details. This A-line ballgown is done in an overblown floral organza, created with a burnout technique that adds texture to the floral detail. It has a modern cat-eye neckline and another key feature—pockets.

WATTERS “Vienna” Dress,

With sleeves: $1,945; Without sleeves: $1,860 at Veritey Bride in Lancaster

Wear your Heart on your

Sleeve(s) 10

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

Unveiling Elegance SCOT T & CO. BLEND EXPERTISE, CUSTOMIZATION AND COMFORT Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers stands as a beacon of sophistication and personalized service. What sets them apart is not only their exquisite collection of jewelry but also the expertise they bring to the table. With a dedicated gemologist on staff, Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of diamonds, unraveling the mysteries that make each gem unique. This commitment to education ensures that every customer can make an informed decision about their precious purchase. before. Here, customers can peruse the extensive collection at their leisure, guided by knowledgeable staff ready to share insights and answer questions.

One of the standout features of Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers is their in-house custom design service. For those seeking to add a personal touch or blend different ring styles, this is a dream come true. The skilled artisans work closely with clients, translating their visions into one-of-a-kind creations.

It’s not just about buying jewelry; it’s about crafting a piece that tells a story, reflecting the individuality of the wearer.

The ambiance is a key part of the Scott & Co experience, marrying New York City luxury with a comforting hometown feel. The showroom is designed to be more than just a retail space; it’s a haven where clients can unwind and enjoy the process of making a special purchase.

A well-appointed bar invites patrons to linger, sip a drink and celebrate the moment. For those desiring a more intimate shopping experience, the lounge area offers a quieter space for one-on-one consultations.

What makes Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers truly inclusive is their range of options to fit various budgets. From timeless classics to modern marvels, there’s something for everyone. The emphasis on accessibility without compromising on quality sets them apart, ensuring that the joy of owning a piece of fine jewelry is not limited by financial constraints.

Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers has redefined the jewelry-buying experience, seamlessly blending expertise, customization and inclusivity. It’s not just a store; it’s a destination where every piece tells a story and every customer is part of a legacy of timeless elegance.

But Scott & Co. Fine Jewelers doesn’t just offer a dazzling array of jewelry; it presents an entire experience. The industrial-style showroom, a fusion of modernity and elegance, boasts more inventory than ever

→ READ MORE ONLINE

Go to susquehannastyle.com to read the rest of our article.

208 LINCOLN WAY E, NEW OXFORD

(717) 624-1444

SCOTTANDCOFINEJEWELERS.COM

LIFESTYLE / PEOPLE & PLACES

From Barbies to Brides HOW A LOCAL DESIGNER TURNED HER PASSION INTO A PROFESSION

BY KATY SHERO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLO GESNER & COURTESY OF AMELIA SYMONE COUTURE BRIDAL

12

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

The trouble and triumph of finding the perfect dress is an experience that plagues almost all women at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a wedding dress, prom gown or just something for a special occasion, it can be easy to get discouraged in what feels like an endless plethora of too-long skirts, falling straps and stubborn zippers.

This dilemma is what inspired Symone Amelia Gaither to take matters into her own hands—literally.

“When I was in high school, I had a prom and was downtown looking around for dresses, but couldn’t find anything that I really wanted,” Gaither says. “I saw a dress, and it was actually a wedding dress that I tried on, and I absolutely loved it. My mom said, ‘absolutely not,’ and that’s when I decided to make my own.”

Gaither is a local gown designer based in Hanover and the owner of Amelia Symone

Couture Bridal and Evening Wear. She says she’s had her downtown dress shop for three years, with a mission to help others find their dream dress for their special day.

“This is a very special experience because we’re literally starting from scratch,” Gaither says.

“You get what you want and don’t look like other brides. You know that no one else will have your dress.”

Gaither, 31 and a Baltimore native, has been designing dresses for as long as she can remember. She says her passion started at a young age when her mother taught her to sew.

“I was making little doll dresses for my Barbies, and after I redid my mom’s wedding dress to wear to prom, I was like, ‘Okay, maybe I have something that I really want to go to school for.’”

Gaither attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia and received her bachelor’s degree

in fashion design. Following graduation, she lived in Philadelphia and began to make dresses for her and her friends to wear when they went out, which then expanded into making prom dresses.

“Prom was really my bread and butter at one point until COVID hit. I was working out of my second bedroom, but then relocated here … and a lot of brides weren’t able to receive their dresses, or other bridal shops were closed,” she says. “A lot of people reached out to me, and weddings started picking up, so it kind of took off from there.”

After relocating to Hanover, she says she had the opportunity to open the space she’s in now, and it’s been “amazing” ever since.

Gaither currently focuses on customized, made-to-order dresses. The magic starts with a client vision, which progresses into a sketch, measurements and, finally, the finished JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

13

masterpiece. The best part of all, she says, is the entire process begins and ends with the client.

“When the bride sees the dress, I think it’s a shocking moment. To know you helped develop this dress as well as bring it to life … it just makes it a little bit more special,” Gaither says.

A lot of the clients she works with are local, but also extend into the Philadelphia, New York and District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia regions. And she says most of them share a commonality: they are “over-the-top brides.”

“They love bling. They love to have a dramatic train, a dramatic entrance when they walk into their wedding,” Gaither says. “Nothing is simple about them, and I love that.”

Though she’s a pro when it comes to glitz and glamour, she says she works with clients of all types—from a range of style preferences and body shapes—and is ambitious to once again embrace her prom dress roots for the upcoming season.

Other exciting plans for this season include starting her own in-house couture gown collection.

“I want to develop a collection where brides can choose from, and I have a manufacturer that I work with that will help develop these designs as well,” Gaither says. “This will really showcase what Amelia Symone is … and what I can really do and design.”

She’s also looking forward to channeling fresh inspiration from this season’s trends, which she says are short midi dresses.

Though Gaither finds fulfillment in the physical embodiment of her imagination coming to life through stitching and sewing needles, the opportunity to give back to others and her community is what ultimately brings her the most joy.

Part of that is a full-circle experience: being a mentor for students of a sewing class she was formerly in at her alma mater, South Western High School.

“The teacher that is actually teaching that class … her and I were classmates,” she says. “When she found out I was back in town, she reached out to me … and I think it’s really important to see somebody who came from the area, from the school that you’re in, doing all of these amazing things.”

Gaither reiterates how “blessed” she is to be able to pursue her passion every day and remains determined to give back even a mere fraction of the joy she receives from the clients and community who’ve made her dreams come true.

“I’m happy that I’m here … and I still kind of shock myself,” Gaither says. “I’m like, ‘Oh, wow, I made that,’ and I just know I’m not even at my fullest potential yet.”

Amelia Symone Couture Bridal 123 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA ameliasymone.com | ameliasymone 14

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

More to

Love

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LIFESTYLE / LIVE WELL

Cosmic Love: Romantic Horoscopes

Learn what the stars and planets have on the horizon for your 2024 love life, as interpreted by a local astrologist. BY LISA PARIS

It’s in the stars! This is the year of whirlwind romances, deepening connections and true love. Learn your 2024 love journey based on your “rising sign,” also known as the Ascendant. While you’re probably familiar with your sun sign (which describes your core identity), the rising sign describes your social personality and how you appear to others. This sign is determined by the time of your birth. Figure out your Ascendant by using an online tool to calculate your sign or by contacting a professional astrologer with your date, time and location of birth.

Aries Rising

Leo Rising

Sagittarius Rising

Someone new is pursuing you between April 6 and April 29. You’ll be subject to old-fashioned romance from July 12 to August 5. If you’re in a committed relationship, Venus encourages play and recreation with your partner during this time. If you’re marrying between August 30 and September 23, you and your spouse will share a mutual appreciation for harmony, beauty and conversation.

A passionate person appears between July 12 and August 5. The relationship may become a mutual obsession. If you’re already in a committed relationship, plan a trip abroad or take a class together in January. This creates space for personal growth and development.

A wedding between February 17 and March 12 brings psychological transformation to both partners.

Plan a trip to a foreign country between October 18 and November 11. You’re likely to find a long-distance, lasting love. You may also experience a desire to settle down with someone. If you’re getting married between May 24 and June 16, you and your mate will never tire of talking to one another.

Taurus Rising

Virgo Rising

You’ll be noticed wherever you go from April 20 to May 20. Desire for sensuality intensifies between April 30 and May 23. A romance with someone who is shy may begin in August.

A charismatic, mysterious admirer could appear in mid-September. If your wedding is between September 23 and October 17, your marriage will be blessed with fierce loyalty and financial success.

The month of August brings a sensitive, soulful person into your life. Service to others is a shared value. Expect love to blossom between November 12 and December 6 out of a common goal of making the world a better place. A current relationship is regenerated by a new spiritual path you explore together. If your wedding falls in this same time period, the marriage brings more time for pleasure and recreation than you have previously allowed yourself.

Flirtatious gestures toward a prominent figure may be reciprocated between November 12 and December 7. Or you begin a relationship with a wise and accomplished individual. Time together will be spent cooking at home and cuddling on the couch, or eating in fine restaurants and attending wine tastings. If marriage takes place between June 17 and July 11, a deep emotional connection becomes the glue of the relationship.

Gemini Rising A witty charmer stirs up conversation between May 24 and June 17. A romantic interest will be hard to pin down unless you engage in conversation. Visit museums or attend the symphony between August 30 and September 22—you may meet the love of your life. If you have a wedding planned between January 1 and January 23, or October 18 and November 11, travel and outdoor adventure will continually revitalize the relationship.

Cancer Rising A childhood friend becomes more than a friend between June 18 and July 11. You share a home-cooked meal or a picnic. The relationship deepens between September 23 and October 17. Privacy will be important to both of you. If your wedding date falls between November 12 and December 6, commitment, security and professional success will keep both of you happy for many decades.

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SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

Capricorn Rising

Aquarius Rising

Your beauty and sweetness are enhanced from August 30 to September 23. If your wedding day falls within that time period, you will project Goddess-like radiance. December could bring an eccentric and powerful person into your life who transforms the way you see yourself. If your wedding date is between April 5 and April 28, your marriage will continually take you into uncharted territory.

Come December, someone in your social circle suddenly inspires your adoration. He or she is political and peculiar. May 24 to June 16 brings a whirlwind of sophisticated dating activity. If you’re currently in a relationship, day trips and weekend getaways will stimulate conversation around a shared future. If marriage is planned between July 12 and August 4, personal creativity will be enhanced for both of you. You may share a passion for social reform or philanthropy.

Scorpio Rising

Pisces Rising

Your powers of attraction and seduction are supercharged between September 24 and October 27. You won’t have to go looking for love—it will come to you. A new romantic relationship during this time will quickly become serious. A wedding planned between January and May confers excitement, good fortune and spiritual awakening, especially in the first three weeks of May.

A dreamy, starry-eyed artist or musician could materialize between February 23 and March 9. If all goes well, you’ll have a deep emotional connection by summertime.

Intimacy and healing come through the sharing of childhood memories and wounds.

If you are marrying between August 5 and August 29, you and your partner will show love through daily acts of mutual support.

Libra Rising

EAT & DRINK / FOODIE FINDS

Raise a Glass— — Really— —at The Coffin Bar

BY KAREN HENDRICKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLO GESNER

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SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

Lancaster’s newest foodie fascination is a little eclectic and edgy.

Even Gothic.

The Coffin Bar replaced, renovated and—dare we say—resurrected downtown Lancaster’s former Alley Kat. The doors opened in October—actually, on Friday the 13th.

But if there’s one rumor Scott Richardson wants to lay to rest, it’s this: “We’re not trying to be Halloween themed or spooky. We want to make sure people know we’re here, doing interesting food, interesting drinks, in a great atmosphere, all year,” says Richardson, one of five co-owners who just so happened to notice during renovations that the existing bar was shaped like a coffin—so they went with it.

The theme resonated. The Coffin Bar is the latest addition to Lancaster’s Spring House Brewing Company, which initially established itself with dark arts-themed branding. Like many craft breweries, the company still embodies some pretty unique branding. The 2023 World Beer Cup silver-winning sour Commander Salamander comes to mind. So an expansion to The Coffin Bar felt on-brand.

“The location was great,” Richardson says. “The scariest part was taking on this building.”

Structurally compromised from several fires, the building was completely renovated into The Coffin Bar, aided by a $25,000 small business grant from the Lancaster City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Program.

Today, the bar glows with rich jewel tones—jade, deep purple and sleek black. Newly installed front windows breathe new light and life into the Lemon Street location, while recessed lighting takes a sophisticated turn as night falls.

A local pastor even offered a blessing on opening night, and the décor includes numerous repurposed religious items—an altar from a former Lancaster church and pendant lights from a former New York church.

Inside The Coffin, the food and drink menus are very much alive and thriving.

Award-winning Spring House beers are on tap, of course, but visitors might be surprised at the extensive, sophisticated cocktail menu.

The Beet Red, an homage to Pennsylvania Dutch culture, is playfully topped with a red beet quail egg. Shots of Heaven and Hell are popular— but the sweet sky-blue Heaven, topped with a little cloud of whipped cream, is preferred. You could say Hell is spicy—it tastes like, you know, hell. Word of advice? If you order both, go to Hell first. Heaven is better as a final destination.

“Our cocktail program is amazing. Think about this—we’re a brewery, doing cocktails on a level that’s pretty impressive,” Richardson says, giving kudos to general manager Alan Raught.

With 15 years of experience in Lancaster’s restaurant and bar scene, Raught says he poured lots of inspiration and details into designing the cocktails, including nonalcoholic options.

It’s the little details that also make The Coffin Bar’s food options shine, on small but refined lunch and dinner menus.

Duck Egg Rolls, for example, feature pomegranate chili sauce. Cheesesteak Pierogies include a yummy tomato jam. Fall Coconut Soup (topped with JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

19

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There are plenty of options to remind you that you’re dining in The Coffin Bar: The Devil’s Lettuce features blood oranges and a mint julep vinaigrette, and the Coffin Burger is topped with black garlic spread.

Raught’s personal favorite is the Wild Boar, featuring cherry stout gastrique, butternut squash polenta and turnip greens.

“It’s been wonderful to do something that is unique to the restaurant and bar scene in Lancaster and maybe even the region,” Raught says. “It’s slightly edgy, a little bit alternative, but the underlying tone is that it’s super welcoming. We’re seeing every type of person come in here, and we really do have something for everyone.”

With the addition of The Coffin Bar, Spring House Brewing now has three distinctly different locations, including its Lancaster brewery and The Tavern in Strasburg.

For a brewery that distributes its beer in six states, Spring House is deeply committed to its Lancaster County roots, says Richardson.

“We support people who are makers, bringing artists into the fold to feature different artists on our cans, because we’re makers too,” Richardson explains. “We also do a lot of work with nonprofits such as Beat the Streets Lancaster—a youth wrestling program—and every fall we do an Extraordinary Give beer benefiting the Lancaster County Community Foundation.”

Those community ties are especially important to Richardson, whose background is in the nonprofit sector.

“We have three different locations offering three different experiences, each with their own different vibe,” Richardson says. “So while we’re trying to make really good beer, and have good, strong restaurants, we’re also trying to be good to our regional community. It’s the backbone to who we are.”

The Coffin Bar

The Imperial Grande and Blue Ballrooms are a majestic and versatile group of venues like no other! Your wedding can flow through the Ballrooms, Atrium, and the outdoor Terrace space overlooking Ewell Plaza and the Lancaster City skyline to create a memorable and cherished experience.

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EAT & DRINK / DISH IT UP

Love on the Rocks: Wedding Cocktails

Tip • I f you don’t want the muddled mint leaves or citrus pulp in your drink, you can strain before serving for a smoother beverage!

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A-YO KITCHEN

MINTY CITRUS GIMLETS A fun cocktail that can be customized to your own favorite citrus flavors. You can even use different colored citruses to match your event’s themes!

1/3 cup white granulated sugar ½ cup fresh mint leaves 4-5 limes, about 1 cup of lime juice 1 cup citrus juice (can use oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, blood oranges, limes, lemons, etc.)

1 1/2 cups preferred gin (can adjust amount based on your alcohol preference) ½ liter lemon-lime seltzer Optional Garnishes: citrus peel twist, mint leaves, citrus slices

Instructions 1. Pour sugar into pitcher. Pull leaves off mint and place in pitcher.

2. Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon if you don’t have a muddler) and muddle until mint leaves and sugar are well combined and make a paste.

3. Cut and juice limes and preferred citrus. Pour into pitcher and mix well with mint/sugar mixture.

4. Pour in desired amount of gin.

5. Fill 8 glasses with ice. Fill halfway with gin mixture and top with seltzer.

6. Stir to combine, garnish and enjoy!

Alysha Yoder is the photographer, food stylist, blogger and recipe developer behind A-Yo Kitchen. With a passion for all things food, many of her recipes are inspired by her worldly travels, her many cooking classes abroad and all the veggies and fruits her home gardens produce. She has been a photographer for 15+ years and previously worked in the corporate food sector for almost 10. She now is a small business owner running her studio, A-Yo Kitchen, out of York, PA, where she serves not only local clients, but those worldwide as well. ayokitchen.com, ayokitchen@gmail.com, @ayokitchen

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CARAMEL APPLE MIMOSAS Looking for a beautiful cocktail that only takes five minutes to throw together and will have your guests coming back for more? Look no further!

Tip • To ensure the apple slices don’t brown, put them in a bowl of cold water mixed with lemon juice.

They’ll stay looking fresh for hours!

1 apple, sliced thin, with a cut in the middle of each slice for for the glass 3 cups apple cider (about 1/4 cup a glass) 1 750ml bottle dry brut champagne 1/4 cup premade caramel sauce 12 champagne flutes

Instructions 1. Make sure champagne and apple cider are chilled.

2. Heat and pour caramel sauce into a small, shallow bowl.

3. Dip the rims of the champagne flutes into the caramel sauce, letting excess run off before flipping them over.

4. Fill each flute halfway with apple cider, then top with champagne.

5. Garnish with apple slices on the rims. Serve immediately and enjoy!

JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

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EAT & DRINK / DISH IT UP

Tip • This works really well with raspberries, peaches or blueberries too instead of strawberries. Mix up the flavors based on your favorite fruits!

STRAWBERRY APEROL SPRITZ The perfect bubbly beverage for any occasion!

Strawberry Syrup 1 cup chopped strawberries ½ cup sugar ½ cup water Pinch of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract Spritz 3 cups prosecco 2 cups Aperol 2 cups club soda Optional Garnishes: sliced strawberries, sliced oranges, fresh basil or mint

Instructions 1. Add all of the strawberry syrup ingredients to a saucepan.

2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. A llow to cool to room temperature and then puree until smooth.

4. To assemble the spritz, put a tablespoon or two of the strawberry syrup on the bottom of 8 glasses.

This varies based on sweetness preference.

5. Top the syrup with ice, and divide Aperol, prosecco and club soda between the glasses.

6. Garnish and then serve immediately.

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SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

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SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

, d e w o r r o B SomethinG

w e N

SomethinG

Mini Feature

From banishing the bouquet toss to planning a microwedding, 2024 is the year that many engaged couples are forgoing tradition and planning the wedding of their dreams.

BY MADDY PONTZ

PHOTO BY REBECCA JUDD PHOTOGRAPHY

JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

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Kaci Willwerth, owner and lead planner at Lancaster-based wedding and event planning company Simple Soirée, has seen firsthand the shift toward personalization—and lessening focus on tradition—in many popular wedding trends.

“Some of the shift—even just in the last 10 years really—is that a lot of couples are paying for their own weddings now,” Willwerth said. “Couples are being a lot more intentional about where they’re spending their money and recognizing that they want to start a life together.”

She continued, “We are definitely seeing a shift in a number of things for weddings. [Couples] want it to be personal; they want it to be customized. They want it to be intentional.”

Some couples are rethinking their ceremonies, opting for elopements, microweddings or other creative reformatting. As is true for many changing wedding traditions, they’re opting for intentionality over formalities.

“I did have two weddings [in 2023] that I thought were so special,” Willwerth said. “[The couples] had their ceremonies— one wedding with 30 people, the other with 50 people, just their closest friends and family—and while they were having their ceremony, the rest of their guests arrived to cocktail hour. The bride and groom were pronounced husband and wife, and went right down into their cocktail hour. They were introduced and just went right into the party. It was so fun.”

Willwerth calls these smaller ceremonies “an intimate, intentional, special moment” for the couple and their closest family and friends.

A growing focus on celebration and joy throughout the big day has also led to a change in the format of some wedding receptions, Willwerth noted.

“The number one trend that I’m seeing this year is what we’re calling front-loaded receptions,” Willwerth said.

“Ultimately, what that means is that once the bride and groom are introduced into the reception, they’re doing all of their formalities before dinner. They’re going into their first dance, they’re doing parent dances, they’re doing the toasts, the speeches—they’re doing everything before dinner with the exception of the cake cutting.”

PHOTO BY REBECCA JUDD PHOTOGRAPHY

Couples want it to be personal; they want it to be customized. They want it to be intentional.

She continued, “After dinner, they get to cut the cake, and they have the rest of the night to celebrate. … It’s always been broken up before. …They’re not going by the norm. … They’re breaking the guidelines there and saying, “No, let’s get everything done so we can party.”’

Unique inspiration has also become abundant and easy to find on wedding planning Pinterest boards and Instagram accounts.

Willwerth said she has recently seen some unique sartorial choices from her couples and wedding parties.

Some couples are even opting for an unannounced cake cutting, allowing their guests to continue dancing or otherwise enjoying themselves while only the couple, their families and their closest friends pause to observe and participate in the associated photo opportunity.

One of her brides opted to wear a black wedding gown instead of white. In another wedding, all of the bridesmaids wore white to match the bride, except for the maid of honor. Willwerth said she often sees bridesmaids in mismatched dress styles that better suit their individuality and comfort, unified only by a common color or color palette.

And—these days—the dessert they are cutting might not even be cake, as some couples are choosing to serve treats that more closely reflect their tastes.

“I had one [wedding cake] that was cheese. Literally rounds of cheese,” Willwerth said with a laugh. “[The couple] said, ‘We don't like cake, but we eat cheese all the time,’ so they got rounds of cheese and stacked them on top of each other. It was really adorable. We cut that up and put it out as a late-night-snack charcuterie bar.”

She continued, “I had another [wedding cake] that was actual New York cheesecake. They did three of them on a tier. That was their favorite dessert. Every time they have a treat, it’s cheesecake, so that’s what they had at their wedding.”

“Everybody just wants something a little different,” Willwerth said.

“Some of our couples are getting married a little later in life than they used to. … The stage of life that they’re in, they have been to so many weddings. They have experienced those things. … They really just want it to be different than anything that they’ve seen.”

As couples continue to throw out the old rulebooks entirely, and trends come and go, Willwerth encourages people to focus on what matters most to them.

“You’re going to have a lot of opinions. A lot of people think that you should do things a certain way,” Willwerth said. “But this is your wedding day.”

JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

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SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

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LOCAL

STORIES 32

SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

6

Couples from the Susquehanna Valley

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JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

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love Story Life is full of surprises, and for Alyssa Kurtz-Price and Matt Price, this includes their wedding.

What guests thought was an “engagement party” was actually a surprise wedding that the couple planned secretly for nearly two years.

“This whole plan came to me in a dream.

Silly, I know,” Alyssa says. “The dream and idea was that we’d invite our friends and family to an engagement party dressed in all white to celebrate how we met, have a special entrance from a boat or deck, and welcome guests to the party. We’d thank them for joining us, but surprise!”

On August 27, 2022, this dream came true.

Being a wedding planner herself, Alyssa often hears people express how they’re glad to be able to talk about, spend money on and use their time on something else after a wedding ends.

“I didn’t want that experience for our friends and family, and I didn’t really want others’ thoughts or opinions impacting how we saw our day play out,” she says.

As guests began to arrive at River’s Edge at Long Level in York, the couple went for a scenic boat ride along the Susquehanna. Upon docking, they made the announcement that this was their wedding and got married “right on the spot.”

Guests were also surprised by a live brass band that appeared from a balcony, and seeing the look on their faces made the day as magical as Alyssa had imagined.

“It was awesome to share in everyone’s joy and excitement all at once,” she says.

Alyssa and Matt chose white décor and florals with pops of blue, and food that represented the couple’s heritages: Alyssa’s Lancaster Dutch and Matt’s Polish.

The venue, was also a meaningful choice because it is in Matt’s hometown, York, and overlooks Alyssa’s hometown, Lancaster.

And the couple’s love story is just as much of a whirlwind surprise as their wedding.

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SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

&

Alyssa Matt August 27, 2022

They met while both attending the 2019 Fête en Blanc party at Long’s Park, and their romance began in a Wegmans.

“It was a hot June day, and I was there with a girlfriend of mine. When our prosecco ran out, we literally sprinted across to Wegmans so we could get back to the party as soon as possible,” Alyssa says. “I saw a guy get in line a few people behind me, also dressed in all white. He offered for me to keep my place in line while he went and got more chilled bottles for me. His kindness was so appreciated.”

They spent the remainder of the night talking and dancing, and the rest is history.

“We knew we were each other’s person pretty immediately,” Alyssa says.

The couple plans to spend their “forever” golfing, completing home renovation projects, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and being grateful for their fairy-tale wedding day.

“It was such a fun-filled experience,” she says. “All the sidestepping questions and white lies were worth it, though, to have the best surprise we could have imagined.”

The Details Dress

Rings

Caterer

Tux/Suits

Florist

Venue

Hair

Caricature Artist

Invitations

Rentals

Makeup

Linens

Before by Sarah Seven Simply from Scratch Lancaster Flower Company Amanda McCauley Etsy/DIY

Amanda McCauley

Brent L. Miller Chyatee Bespoke River's Edge at Long Level Dylan Draws Stuff

A to Z Event Rentals Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens

Musical Entertainment

Big Boy Brass

Officiant

The Brofficiant, Leeroy Williams Photography

Andrea Daugherty

Videography

Paper Lantern Films Planner

Miss Lyss Planning

love Story Several states, a cross-country move and 4,183 days later, Anna and AJ Bennett stood in a room full of family and friends as they finally exchanged their “I do’s.”

“It feels amazing to be married after lots of long distance,” Anna says. “It feels like a fairy-tale ending.”

Anna and AJ tied the knot on July 15, 2023, and she says it was a “long time coming.”

Their romance began on the first day of freshman orientation at their alma mater, Alvernia University. They were assigned seats next to each other and stayed together ever since.

And their wedding décor was just as timeless as their love story.

“When asked by friends, ‘What is the theme of your wedding day?’ all I could say was, ‘Just what AJ and I love!’”

Anna says. She describes the theme as “vintage hunting lodge” and says she incorporated items that have been in her family for generations, including midcentury modern brass deer, quail and other woodland animals.

Anna says her mom’s “lifelong love for antiques” has been passed on to her and was her inspiration for the day’s details.

The “hunting” vibes represented AJ, because he is a lifelong hunter, and pheasant hunting is an activity the couple enjoys doing together. Anna even had pheasant feathers in her bouquet and in AJ’s boutonniere to channel their love for the sport.

Anna says the couple’s rings were also extra special, and sentimental, because she crafted them herself from her grandparents’ rings. In fact, she made all of her bridesmaids’ jewelry for the wedding and runs her own jewelry business: The Crafting Nomad.

Outside of her jewelry making, Anna is an occupational therapist, and her and AJ’s favorite things to do together aside

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&

Anna AJ July 15, 2023

from hunting are going to restaurants and spending time with family and friends.

She says they’re most looking forward to now being able to do all of these activities under one roof, as the couple waited until marriage to live together.

“Our wedding day was everything we hoped it would be,” Anna says. “The wait makes our new life together even sweeter!”

The Details Dress

Sachin & Babi “Inez” Gown Cake

Anna Rose Bakery Caterer

Liberty Forge Florist

Odette the Flower Truck Hair

Imani Hair Salon, Annville Invitations

The Knot

Makeup

Self

Musical Entertainment

DJ Sirr Chris

Officiant

Father Tim Sahd Photography

Golden Co Photography Rings

Heirloom engagement ring, AJ’s ring made by Anna, Anna’s band made by The Goldsmiths Tux/Suits

Macy’s

Venue

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Hershey (ceremony), The Lodge at Liberty Forge, Mechanicsburg (reception)

love Story Disco balls, dancing shoes and defying traditions—Jennifer and Chad Ulrich have a zest for life, and they wanted their big day to reflect that.

“We love getting dressed up and elegance in general, but we also love to party,” Jennifer says. “What better way to take our formal wedding and still incorporate the fact that you are here to dance until your feet hurt than mixing elegance with disco balls?”

The couple says they’ve always considered themselves “nontraditional,” so, naturally, they had to go beyond the typical “copy and paste” wedding.

This means having their best friends be “flower women'' in the ceremony, inviting the family of the bride on the dance floor in place of a solo parent dance and walking down the aisle together.

“When deciding upon our union, we knew that we were going into it together, which is exactly why we decided to walk down the aisle together,” Jennifer says. “This was a symbol of us starting this next chapter of our lives as one. It was truly beautiful.”

Their authenticity shined through the details and décor as well. Glistening disco balls, dangling greenery and dainty market string lights hung from a white tent at Historic Shady Lane, a York venue with an intimate greenhouse.

For food, choices like Thai Noodle Boxes and Chicken and Waffles were inspired by their love of travel and adventure. And relating to adventure—the couple has a lifelong plan for future ones.

“In 2024, we are heading to our furthest destination yet—Australia! We had five amazing people travel all the way from Australia for our wedding, so now we are returning the favor,” Jennifer says.

Aside from traveling, the couple also enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with their dogs and making memories with family and friends. And they’ve been doing so for almost a decade.

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&

Jennifer

Chad June 9, 2023

“We met in college; we started our relationship arguing over how a camera works, and from that argument, we became best friends,” Jennifer says. “After about two years of friendship, we finally decided to give in to our feelings for each other and have been together ever since.”

She says being able to finally say “I do” after dating for so long felt amazing, and their nonconventional day was everything they had envisioned.

“To have the wedding finally arrive felt like such a big party with so much love surrounding us,” she says. “We wanted to make it the wedding of our dreams after all those years of talking about it. Why would we not go all out?”

The Details Dress

Invitations

Cake

Makeup

Kylie Ryan Beauty

Rings

Caterer

Musical Entertainment

Tux/Suits

Florist

Officiant

Venue

Hair

Photography

Doggy Taxi Service/Dog Care

Honeymoon Travel Agent

Videography

Pronovias Farmacy Cafe & Catering Farmacy Cafe & Catering Petals with Style Sara K Beauty Themselves

Truly Engaging

Eclipse DJ Entertainers Ryan Basile

Ashley Sara Photography Collin Peterson Productions

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Peachy Keen Event Rentals & Design Jared & Manly Bands Jos. A. Bank

Historic Shady Lane Barks ‘n’ Rec

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love Story Halloween is a day devoted to crafting costumes and sharing scares, and for Kyleigh Daiker and Connor Sheward, the day is anything but spooky.

On October 28, 2022, they not only shared scares, but committed to sharing the rest of their lives together.

“Connor and I have been talking about getting married since we were 17 years old, but back then, it kind of felt like a teenage dream,” Kyleigh says. “Saying I do after all that time felt like coming home.”

Kyleigh says Halloween is the couple’s favorite holiday, and when they got engaged, they “just knew” their wedding was going to be centered around it. What makes the holiday even more special: it was a childhood tradition she shared with her father, who passed away when she was 10.

“Before Halloween became more of a mainstream holiday, my dad made sure our house was always the most impressive on the block,” Kyleigh says. “Halloween was a holiday where he could totally be himself and play some pranks and scares on the family.”

She says her wedding theme helped her “connect with him,” and in my cultures, Halloween is a time for people to remember their loved ones.

To capture the magic of the holiday, the couple incorporated spooky details like tarot cards, handmade potion bottles and skulls on the tables. Most of the décor was thrifted or handmade, including the skeleton cake topper, made by Kyleigh’s mother.

Kyleigh says there was even a spooky cocktail, Graveyard Smash, that featured a gummy eyeball in it, and guests could make their own candy bag for the wedding favor.

The couple also walked into their ceremony to the song “Thriller” and followed Kyleigh’s parents tradition of having guests wear masks for their entrance.

“Our family surprised us and began singing ‘Stand by Me’ to us during our ceremony. It was very emotional and meaningful,” Kyleigh says.

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Kyleigh Connor October 28, 2022

She says their ceremony focused on “love, commitment, family and mindfulness,” and as a mental health therapist herself, it was essential for her day to include a “mindfulness exercise” for guests to “close their eyes, breathe and be in the moment.”

Kyleigh and Connor have already spent 11 years together, and she says the rest of their lives together will include traveling to Scotland, working on their fixer-upper they recently purchased and continuing to love each other.

“I’m excited to see these goals come to fruition, but we are both very present in where we are now in our life and enjoy each day we have together,” she says. “Tying the knot felt like a celebration of all of the work we have done over the last decade to create a beautiful partnership.”

The Details Dress

K&B Bridals Cake

The Yummery Caterer

Mission BBQ Florist

Lancaster Flower Company Hair

Duenna Hair Studio Invitations

Etsy

Makeup

Makeup & Magick with Melody Musical Entertainment

Christie Macdonald (ceremony), Mixed-Up Productions (reception) Officiant

Tim (Cousin)

Photography

Garnet Dahlia Rings

Etsy & Thorum Tux/Suits

Men’s Wearhouse Venue

The Mill at Manor Falls, Millersville Rentals

Caroline’s Rentals

love Story 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.

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& Liz Joe May 6, 2023

“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.

The Details Dress

Invitations

Cake

Makeup

Caterer

Musical Entertainment

Lilla’s Bridal Boutique Katie Cakes Cakery Mountain Laurel Catering Florist

Sarah’s Floral Designs Hair

The Pretty Collective Honeymoon Travel Agent

Insight Vacations

Minted

The Pretty Collective

Videography

Storytellers Wedding Films Planner

Samantha Anderson Sapphire Road Weddings

Bachelor Boys Band

Rings

Officiant

Tux/Suits

Photography

Venue

The Rev. Lee Gable Ashley Zimmerman Photography

Blue Nile

Men’s Wearhouse Historic Acres of Hershey

love Story Ballet is a sport and an art of elegance and one that Mia Kopp knows best.

As a former ballerina, Mia says she was inspired to channel that same elegance for her wedding day.

“Ballet was a huge part of most of my life and definitely has had a lasting impact on my artistic style and design,” she says. “I wanted something that felt elegant and timeless, but also ethereal.”

“Ethereal” is also how she describes her relationship with Lance Kopp. The pair first met at Prince Street Cafe in Lancaster in 2019 after Mia messaged Lance through Instagram about working on a video project together for her new job.

A few days, meetings and text messages later, they both realized they had more than a professional connection. Mia then asked Lance out on a first date, which consisted of six hours of live jazz music, “Horse Fries” and drinks, and the rest is history.

On September 29, 2023, they tied the knot at Excelsior in Lancaster, and Mia says the venue “acted as the perfect backdrop” for their “Modern Ethereal Elegance” theme.

“I focused on incorporating elements that I felt complemented the dress and the venue rather than trying to compete with it,” she says. “I played off the limewashed walls of the venue with a welcome sign that matched and incorporated other linen signage to complement the draping that we had installed.”

Florals were also a staple detail for the occasion— from “lush floral aisles” to an entryway “dripping in florals full of movement and texture.”

“One of my favorite details of our wedding was the lush floral aisle in our ceremony space. It created such a beautiful and memorable backdrop as I walked down the aisle toward Lance,” Mia says.

Another staple: the food!

Mia runs two Lancaster restaurants, The Exchange Rooftop Bar and Plough Restaurant, and says she and Lance are “big foodies.” Their cake, created by Rosie’s Creative Cakes, served as “the focal point” for guests entering the reception space, she says, and they had “incredible hors d’oeuvres and a wide array of food stations.”

&

Mia Lance September 29, 2023

The couple’s favorite memory, however, wasn’t the exquisite details or food, but the fun they had, especially on the dance floor, with their family and friends.

“I think the best mental snapshot was just being able to look around a room full of our people, all making memories, meeting new friends and watching everybody have a blast together,” she says.

Mia and Lance are planning a two-week European tour next summer for their honeymoon, and they aspire to again collaborate on another work project in the future: a business of their own.

“We definitely have dreams of … being able to create something together that we are passionate about and that will not only provide for us, but for generations to come,” she says. “We are both looking forward to the continued growth together and all of the high and lows that come with marriage.”

The Details Dress

Alena Leena “Nolina” Gown Cake

Rosie’s Creative Cakes Caterer

Signature Catering on King Florist

Kate Kiehl - Forte Florals Hair

Frank Fico Invitations

Wedding Mark Makeup

Blended by Ash Musical Entertainment

Adam Gingrich - Select DJ Group Officiant

Kait Verkest- Sealed with a Kiss Photography

Janelle Putrich

Videography

Tristan Peace Estoria Wedding Films Planner

Danielle of Planned Perfection Signage

Caitlin Jane Calligraphy Rings

Brilliant Earth Tux/Suits

Central PA Tuxedo Venue

Excelsior, Lancaster Rentals

Select Event Group (chairs), White Glove Rentals (dinnerware) Photo booth

Mixed-Up Productions

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SUSQUEHANNA STYLE | JANUARY 2024

LoveStory Your

Begins Here

Enhance Your Wedding with the following when booked by May 31st, 2024 With your Wedding Reception also receive:

• Elegant Bridal Suite: Enjoy a spacious complimentary suite as newlyweds on your special night.

• Guest Room Upgrades: Treat both sides of the family with complimentary room upgrades during their stay • Complimentary Rooms: 1 per 30 room ratio.

• Audio-Visual Credit: Receive a $100 credit for in-house audio-visual equipment rental.

• Additional Discounts: Fridays and Sundays come with special discounts for receptions, rehearsal dinners, and farewell breakfasts.

A Mini Moon Package:

• Return for a complimentary overnight to celebrate your anniversary or any special occasion. Includes accommodations for two, delectable chocolate-dipped strawberries paired with sparkling wine, and an exquisite dinner at the renowned 1700 Degrees Steakhouse.

Restrictions: • Offer does not apply to events currently being negotiated or confirmed prior to January 1, 2024.

• Offer requires a fully executed contracted reception event by May 31, 2024.

• 1 per 30 Room ratio requires block must be contracted and includes cancellation and attrition clauses.

• Mini Moon package is non-transferable and must be used prior to expiration – Some dates and menu item restrictions apply.

• Please consult with your Hotel Wedding Coordinator for additional restrictions that may apply.

JANUARY 2024 | SUSQUEHANNA STYLE

One N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA | Call us at +1 717.237.6433 | Visit us online at Harrisburg.hilton.com

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