Wedding Stories Archives » Page 5 of 16

Wisp Resort, Deep Creek Maryland Wedding- Abby and Rob

Abby and Rob got married surrounded by loving friends and family– and lots of sunflowers on a gorgeous autumn day at the Wisp Resort in McHenry, Maryland – not far from Deep Creek Lake.

The luxe resort is home to a whole host of year-round activities and events- from skiing, golf, rafting, adventure courses- and, of course- weddings. The wedding tent, named Mountain Mist Tent (how cute is that??) is a gorgeous white, five-peaked tent with a seriously stunning interior.

Can you believe this is the inside of a tent? What an amazing space! The high ceilings, bright white on white and large windows make the space feel airy and open- an inviting and welcoming combination. With the vivid pops of yellow sunflowers, purple accents and white linens, Abby and Rob turned the space into an elegant-but-relaxed reception space. Florist Bella Fiore at Morgantown Flowers expertly created depth and drama in the space by mixing both high and low floral arrangements for the tables.

Abby and Rob opted for a charming, rustic chalkboard program to let their guests know about the ceremony; it’s cute, playful and adds to the autumnal feel of the wedding. Again, as with the reception floral arrangements, the yellow sunflowers with hints of purple and green with the bouquets add a burst of celebratory cheer to the day.

The gorgeously simple and stylish cake, lovingly made by Mountain Flour Bakery, is all about the details. From the textured tiers to sugary purple irises to the glittery gold table cloth and silver plate, it’s as wonderful to look at as I’m sure it was to eat!

Photographer Cara Hudac captured all the love, fun and happiness of the day; just look at the heart-meltingly sweet way Abby is gazing at Rob in the first photo! And the wedding party couldn’t be having more of a good time walking the Wisp Resort’s grounds snapping photos.

Abby’s dress, like everything else she chose for her wedding, is so stylish and elegant. The sweetheart neckline and mermaid silhouette is romantic and feminine and her gorgeous long blond hair adds to the whimsical look. Her bridesmaids’ dresses are so stylish. The long, wrapped overlay with the slit to reveal the shorter hemline underneath is unexpected and totally unique.

Abby and Rob’s guests had a ball dancing to City Heat‘s mix of classic tunes and modern hits. From Beyonce to start the night off to Dirty Dancing to wind it down (what better way to end a fabulous dance party than “I’ve Had the Time of My Life”?!), it was a non-stop fun fest.

There’s nothing better than when a weddings’ guests and the band hit just the right note (pun intended), really feeding off each other’s energy and just having a great time and that is exactly what happened at Abby and Rob’s reception with the City Heat Band.

“The band was GREAT!!!! Everyone was up dancing all night and that is exactly what we wanted” – Barb & Rick, Parents of the Bride

If Abby and Rob’s Mountaintop soiree looks like your idea of a perfect wedding, please be sure to contact John Parker Bands to arrange for City Heat to heat up your dance floor.

We’d also like to thank the amazing photographer Cara Hudac for allowing us to use her gorgeous photos to showcase Abby and Rob’s unforgettable day!

Wisp Resort, Deep Creek Maryland Wedding- Abby and Rob Read More »

The Commons at Franklin Wedding~ Anna and Mark

Anna and Mark make a very sweet couple. They were married soon after graduating college in the same church that they met, surrounded by family and friends. Their wedding was simple and timeless, with baby’s breath centerpieces, a rustic venue space, and a fantastic live Pittsburgh jazz wedding band. The Catro band performed at their reception all night long with fun tunes and easy listening music.

The bride and groom were blessed with plenty of sunshine and clear skies for their special day. The pair exchanged rings and said their “I do’s” at the First United Methodist Church. Small blue flowers lined the aisle and blue and white ribbons were tied to the pews. Friends and family beamed as the bride made her walk down the aisle, on the arm of her father. She looked so happy, staring at the groom waiting for her at the altar.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom and the bridal court posed outside for photos. Their photographer, Irene Smith, did a spectacular job capturing this delightful group of men. They wore light gray vests with gold leaf boutonnieres, blue ties, and crisp white shirts.

The bridesmaids wore short blue dresses and carried bouquets of white and yellow flowers. While every dress was the same color and short in length, each bridesmaid wore a different style. Their hair was swept up and adorned with a yellow flower.

We love this photo of the bride. She is a vision of class and elegance in her strapless sweetheart gown. The bodice was beaded with a delicate pattern and her full tulle skirt floated about her as she moved. She wore a beautiful necklace with a single pearl drop and pearl studded earrings.

The bride purchased all her flowers from Shop N’ Save and arranged them in sweet bouquets of hydrangeas and yellow and white flowers for her bridesmaids.

This impressive photo taken by Irene Smith really shows off the reception space. The bride and groom chose The Commons at Franklin to hold their celebration. We love the ornate gold ceiling, white fireplace, hardwood floors, and country wallpaper. The Catro band was all set to play some of the couple’s favorite tunes and get the party started with some lively swing music.

~Reception Soundtrack:~

Bride and Groom First Dance: She Blinded Me With Science– Thomas Dolby

Bride and Father Dance: What A Wonderful World– Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Groom and Mother Dance: Simple Man– Lynyrd Skynyrd

The couple shared their first dance as husband and wife as the band played “She Blinded Me With Silence”. It sure looks like they enjoyed themselves!

The talented bride made the two tier white wedding cake. She decorated the cake with blue piping and sprigs of greenery. We love the small horse on the porcelain cake stand and sparkly blue cloth laid underneath. Blue, white, and yellow complimented the reception space perfectly.

We can not get over the sweet flower girl! She wore a blue and white dress with yellow roses. Even she enjoyed the music, twirling to the melodies of Catro band! The bride and groom were thrilled with their performance, as the couple enjoys jazz, swing, and classic rock- all specialty genre’s of the band.

The couple shared dances with their parents before the party really began. The night was a huge success, all of their wedding guests had a blast!

“The band treated us like we were the only people on the planet. Everyone enjoyed the band, every age! The band was great to listen to as well as dance. Makes me want to throw another party!” -Mother of the Bride

We truly enjoyed sharing a glimpse of Anna and Mark’s wedding day. If you have a moment, take a look at the heartwarming slideshow their photographer put together with more photos of their day. The song that plays in the video is beautiful too! What a sweet memento. If you’re looking for an easy listening live jazz wedding band for your big day or event, don’t hesitate to contact the Catro band for more information. We’d be thrilled to talk about your party!

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church

Reception: The Commons at Franklin- (814) 437-7771

Flowers: Shop N’ Save

Cake: Shop N’ Save

Photography: Irene Smith

Entertainment: the Catro band

The Commons at Franklin Wedding~ Anna and Mark Read More »

Rustic Acres Farm Pittsburgh Wedding- Julia & Michael

Julia and Michael’s wedding was a magical, romantic and perfectly autumnal affair, complete with white pumpkins, whimsical floral arrangements and the chicest barn reception ever.

It’s true: Rustic Acres Farm is seriously magical; secluded on acres of land, the farm features stunning hillside vistas, a newly renovated barn for receptions, a bridal cottage for the bridal party to get ready in, pond, pumpkin patch and horse stable. It’s chic and country, which is a balance hard to pull off- but one that Rustic Acres Farm manages flawlessly.

The barn’s interior was a twinkling wonderland of fairy lights, hay bales, white pumpkins and exposed wooden beams. The barn setting lent a relaxed, casual atmosphere that’s desirable in a reception venue while the bright chandeliers and white linens imbued it with a sense of elegance and sophistication. Plus, have you ever seen such well-dressed and good-looking wedding guests?

In a unique – and tasty! – culinary choice, Julia and Michael decided on having pies made by the Rustic Acres Farm baker as their “cake” option. With gold metal birds and heart toppers in the pies, they were as cute as they were sweet.

The flower arrangements, expertly curated by florist Lauren Phillips of The Farmers Daughter Flowers, perfectly matched the charming modern-rustic vibe of Julia and Michael’s reception. The green, white and pink color scheme of the flowers was a lovely pop against the natural tones of the barn setting. Julia’s bouquet of pastel roses and deep greenery matched her beautiful white tulle ballgown so well. The effect is feminine without being frilly; a perfect complement to the setting.

Rustic Acres Farm proved to produce exceptional wedding party portraits for Julia and Michael- especially at this time of year. The incredible oranges, yellows and reds of the changing leaves lit up the landscape so that Julia’s white dress, the bridesmaids’ blue and purple ensembles and the men’s classic black suits shone.

The John Parker Band provided the evening’s entertainment; the couple went with the modern love song “Do You Remember” by Jack Johnson for their first dance and kept the dance party going through the night. Guests had fun mingling and interacting with the band members- there’s nothing more fun than a band that can make a party feel personal!

A big THANKS to photographer Christina Pearson from Christina Emilie Photography for letting us borrow these gorgeous images to showcase Julia and Michaels’ wedding. If their special day looks like your idea of a perfect party, don’t hesitate to contact any of their vendors we’ve linked to this page or to e-mail the John Parker Band!

Rustic Acres Farm Pittsburgh Wedding- Julia & Michael Read More »

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Wedding – Allison and Jared

November 21st was a crisp, bright and clear day – perfectly mild and sunshine-y for a happy couple in love getting married! Pittsburgh pair Allison and Jared chose a gorgeous – and historic!- venue for their November wedding reception. The George Washington Hotel was built in 1922 (and opened on our nation’s first president’s birthday) and boasts an impressive list of celebrity guests from the past that includes Bob Hope, JFK, Marilyn Monroe, the Monkees and even the Beatles!

The pair picked the Grand Ballroom from the list of six event spaces at the boutique hotel; it’s a majorly dramatic room with gilded paneling, soaring ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. Photographer Megan Ruffing Wylie expertly captured Allison and Jared’s vision that transformed the ornate room into a warm, inviting and totally glamorous space.

Wylie was able to use the incredibly vibrant fall foliage on the hotel grounds to snap some seriously stunning shots of the new couple; this sweet moment offset by the bold red leaves is a total framer!

When it came time for the cake cutting, Allison and Jared not only had a super cute polka dot cake made by Bethel Bakery, they also served up an entire dessert table of sweet selections. Pretty pastries, chewy cookies and decadent chocolates overflowed on pedestals and trays- the perfect avenue to keep guests properly sugar fueled to continue dancing all night long!

And speaking of dancing, the Dreamscape band totally delivered on the tunes.Playing an eclectic mix of classic rock, old standards, country and new favorites, the energetic band kept the crowd engaged and the fun levels through (very high) roof all night. As you can see, good music knows no age limit and revelers young and old took to the dance floor to help Megan and Jared celebrate!

Both the reception table centerpieces and the ceremony arrangements, created by local favorite florist The Farmer’s Daughter, were a sublime mix of unfussy and elegant with pastel pink roses and white hydrangea offset by the gray-green lambs ear plant. Megan and Jared put their DIY skills to use as well; the painted, glittery wooden monogram added a personal, whimsical touch to the reception decor.

Allison chose a super flattering ruched wedding dress with straps delicately encrusted with jewels. The guys wore classic blue suits and the classy champagne colored bridesmaids dresses perfectly accented the venue’s own charm.

And obviously, it’s not a wedding without a ceremony and Allison and Jared’s nuptial location was as grand and regal as the reception. Held in the early evening at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, it was a sweet and personal ceremony.

Allison and Jared’s wedding was personal, classic and festive. If that sounds like your idea of a dream wedding, be sure to check out all the vendors the couple used! And if the Dreamscape band’s fun vibe and incredible energy is what you’re looking for in a wedding band, don’t hesitate to contact John Parker Bands for more information! We’re always happy to hear from you and are committed to providing all our couples with a customized, unforgettable night of music!

We also want to thank Megan Ruffing Wylie again for allowing us to use her gorgeous photos of Allison and Jared’s wedding; be sure to visit her website to see her other amazing work and feel free to contact her if you’re looking for a photographer yourself!

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Wedding – Allison and Jared Read More »

The Club at Nevillewood Pittsburgh Wedding – Meghan & Andrew

July 18th was one of those storybook summer days – the kind that make you expect to see bluebirds singing in the treetops and butterflies flitting between daffodils. Beautiful couple Meghan and Andy couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather for their wedding day.

The pair were married in St. Bernard’s, one of Pittsburgh’s most majestic cathedrals.
Meghan wore a radiant fitted, off-the-shoulder lace dress – and even more radiant smile. Andy was dapper in classic black and the bridesmaid’s blue peplum dresses were stylish and modern.

After the ceremony, photographer Michael Will spent time with the bridal party and newlyweds to capture some seriously stunning moments that will definitely become cherished photographs for a lifetime. Will really captured the essence of this couple’s relationship and wedding in his photographs, which is to say – full of love and laughter.

Meghan and Andy hosted their reception at The Club at Nevillewood, only a few miles away from the church. The reception space was outfitted by local vendors Lendable Linens and Elegant Chairs in a fresh white, blue and green color scheme and the tall, bejeweled candelabras added a glam element to the tabletops.

Jim Carlucci at Della Robbia provided the elegantly simple floral arrangements and the confectionary talents at Food Glorious Food and Pastries ala Carte made the beautiful (and delish!) cake and sweets.

The Bride and Groom chose Michael Buble’s “Everything” for their first dance song – a modern classic that’s equal parts sweet and romantic. We kicked off the reception with “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon to ensure everyone got out on the dance floor – and boy, did it ever work.

One of the best measures of an awesomely fun reception is when the ladies’ heels come off during the reception. When you see sparkly stilettos littering the outskirts of the dance floor, it’s a sure sign your wedding is rocking! Your guests are so inspired to dance, their feet start to ache!

If this looks like your idea of your perfect wedding, be sure to contact The John Parker Band about being a part of your special day.

A HUGE thank you to Michael Will for allowing us to use some of his stunning photographs to talk about the wedding on our blog! To see more of his incredible work, check out his website here.

The Club at Nevillewood Pittsburgh Wedding – Meghan & Andrew Read More »

Wedding Stories