The Countdown to Katie & Matt’s Wedding Begins
Katie recently messaged me. “I literally can’t even believe our wedding is less than two weeks away!!!! It doesn’t even seem real!!!!”
So What is Katie Up To?
She and her mother recently had a salon run-through and she completed plans for the wedding-day breakfast. Katie is thrilled she chose Panache in Erie to prep for her special day. The stylist and make-up artist were both very nice and as excited for Katie’s day as she. In Katie’s words,
“My salon appointment was amazing and the salon is absolutely gorgeous inside!!” Once the appointment was done Katie and her mom were teary-eyed, feeling beautiful.
On her wedding morning all seven bridesmaids, her mother and flower girl will accompany Katie at Panache to get ready for this storybook day. Katie will order bagels, muffins and mimosa ingredients in advance from the Giant Eagle next door to Panache. That morning the Panache wedding-day coordinator will pick up the order and prepare for the bridal party. Fantastic!
Wedding Day Rehearsal
The rehearsal will be Friday evening at Quincy Cellars. Event coordinator, Amy, will be hustling around assuring all vendors, kitchen and wine cellar staff have what they need. She will also guide Katie, Matt and their close friends and family through what to expect on the wedding day. Before the day’s end, Amy will confirm all details are in order.
Katie & Matt’s storybook day at Quincy Cellars is coming soon!
Quincy Cellars Event Coordinator, Amy Nolan.
To fit their laid-back style, Katie and Matt decided on a casual Italian meal at Calamari’s in Erie for the rehearsal dinner. Lasagna and a sausage, peppers and onion sandwich will be served along with a salad, mixed vegetables, meat and cheese and fruit trays and rolls. Delish. The bridesmaids, groomsmen and their significant others, grandparents, aunts and uncles are invited to the intimate gathering.
In addition to the meal, Matt and Katie will present a gift to each member of the wedding party in appreciation for their friendship and participation in wedding festivities and their marriage. Katie’s girls will receive something they may use the wedding day morning while Matt’s guys will wish they had theirs at his bachelor party (by the way, that is coming up this Sunday!). Very thoughtful.
Girls just wanna have fun
Katie’s friends gave Katie a singularly fun-filled bachelorette weekend that would make Cyndi Lauper proud.
Katie’s Bachelorette party in Pittsburgh Labor Day weekend.
Meagan, Katie’s maid of honor, with the help of bridesmaid Becca and the rest of the ladies, planned a girl’s getaway for Katie’s bridal party in Pittsburgh. Most of the gals live in Erie and Northwestern PA so the Burgh was a peerless spot. Meagan did not miss a detail – she had an itinerary with guidelines for attire, venues and rally times. She even had snapshots created just in case any of the party members went missing and needed to be identified…
Katie’s bachelorette party weekend mug shots.
The group stayed at the Hilton in the hip newly revitalized Market Square. It is a traditional public square with food, shops, entertainment, events and not to mention, great people watching. Market Square proved to be the perfect location because it allowed for a convenient walkable and bike-able weekend.
The ladies met up Friday at the Hilton to primp and then started the night out right by drinking Hurricanes at NOLA on the square (yes, as in N’awlins, Louisiana). Next, they had dinner at Bakersfield, an upscale simple Mexican restaurant known for tacos, tequila and whiskey. The group ended the evening with cocktails at Sienna Mercato’s Iltetto rooftop beer garden, with a spectacular view of the Three Rivers City.
For breakfast, the girls found Katie’s favorite breakfast – donuts! After tasting the delightful pastries they kayaked downtown on the rivers. However, the highlight of the weekend was the Pittsburgh Party Pedaler. The Party Pedaler came with a bicyclist, stocked bar and music! The ladies just had to rotate serving each other and selecting the right tunes. They rode throughout the city and sang and drank! Everyone on the street was taking pictures and videos of the party wagon – Katie relates, I felt famous!
Katie’s bachelorette party is outside the donut shop getting ready for Day 2!
Katie and her bridesmaids kayaking in Pittsburgh for her Bachelorette party weekend.
Katie’s bachelorette party posing next to the Pittsburgh Pedaler.
After the Pittsburgh Pedaler the party nibbled more at different restaurants throughout the Square. They ended up at Howl at the Moon – once known as a dueling piano bar and now more of a full concert show and bar. The gang hit the dance floor grooving to pop hits and party anthems to close out the night.
It is fun to see brides-to-be whoop it up for their final days as a bachelorette. And with our digital age we can experience it via video. Using a GoPro. Posted on YouTube. See Katie’s video record. The fun is quite contagious. I have a strong feeling her wedding day at Quincy Cellars will be too!
Wine Glass Art at Katie’s Bridal Shower
Table set for Katie’s bridal shower at Hazen Manor.
Katie’s grandmother and aunt created a very special bridal shower day for Katie at Hazen Manor Sunday, August 28. They presented a delicious menu and baked a variety of quiches for the main course. The quiche was served with croissants. The ladies also prepared a fruit salad and a tossed salad to round out the meal. Beverages included iced tea and Sangria. Katie indulged on the cheesy potato quiche and croissants – nom nom.
The ladies played two short games so that they could move on to the primary entertainment – the painting party! Matt’s aunt won the “choose the photo of Matt” chance game while his mother won the Guess who – Bride? or Groom? game. Questions like, who made the first move? and who has the most traffic tickets? were quickly answered.
Katie’s bridal party showering her with love – L to R: Alicia, Becca, Brianna, bride-to-be, Erin, Meagan, Katie, Stephanie
Next the group sipped on Sangria and toured the farm at the quaint B&B including donkeys and goats! Again, the fun really started when the ladies painted their personal painting of a wine glass. Although the painting class was a first-time offering by Hazen Manor it was a seamless effort with a beautiful result for each “amateur” painter.
Each guest received a favor that was in line with the hashtag #ACoupleOfBucks. Katie’s mother wrapped chocolate bars with a money sticker. Clever. As far as gifts for the bride-to-be, Katie asked for gift cards instead of the more traditional registering at stores for household items. Additional to the gift cards, she received cash, tech from friends, and an original sign, “Buck Established in 2016”, wedding-day jewelry from her future mother-in-law and honeymoon luggage from her mother.
Katie, her family and friends had a wonderful time showering her with love and gifts. What a celebration!
Katie and Matt’s Invitation is Ready!
Katie, our featured bride-to-be, chooses a trendy one-page invitation. The invitation is a sheet on white card stock with foiled lettering. An illustrious gold header announces Matt and Katie’s wedding celebration. The headline is a sophisticated look yet with a care-free flair, in a very modern scripted font. The wedding day details are also modern in gray print wth lots of straight lines and a mix of lettering.
Katie selected invitations from minted.com. She found this online company easy to work – they quickly mail requested samples (at $1 a piece). Because Katie ordered the invitation online, it was a relief for her to have the ability to touch and feel the paper and print before ordering a full package.
Minted.com offers printing the addresses to the invitees on the mailing envelope. Katie took full advantage of this option – the professionally addressed envelope nicely matches the invitations and makes a lovely package. Also Katie did not have to stress over trying to magically create beautiful handwriting!
When we talked to Katie about this important invitation mailing step, we learned a hack. As the bride invites guests, a RSVP card request is sent along with the announcement. The RSVP asks invitees to write in the number and names of who plans to attend the celebration. Sometimes in haste, guests forget to write in the names (or number) and simply send back the RSVP, with essentially no information. So, Katie assigned a number to each invited party and has a record of the number, respective to each invited addressee. She placed the assigned number on the RSVP card so if it happens to come back without a name, she will know whose invitation came back. Knowing whose invitation is returned is key – that way she will know who should be added to the expected guest list. And, if they did not include any information she can always message them to find out if they plan to attend or not.
Sound complicated? Not really. And totally worth avoiding aggravation of keeping track of the unknown! Thanks for sharing, Katie – your invitations are fab!!
Owner, Master Chef & Foodie Kevin Daughrity Shares Insights
I sat down with Quincy Cellars owner and master chef, Kevin Daughrity, to find out why the food he serves at Quincy Cellars and Sensory Winery & Art Gallery is so extraordinary? if he considers himself a foodie – and what does that mean? and, the vision for his hospitality business? I gathered volumes from him and share a few insights today.
Most interesting to me is that Kevin is self-taught. Kevin became bored with college food and so cooking for himself and his college buddies became a practical and creative outlet. Food is still a passion of his, constantly honing his art, in addition to the creative license with cooking, Kevin likes the instant feedback – a quick sampling or a deep inhale gives him quick feedback about whether or not the direction he’s going is appealing or not. To dig a little deeper, Kevin loves to explore flavor combinations and trends – for instance he makes an all-time American favorite, macaroni and cheese, from scratch. For a twist, he includes a variety of fresh herbs and a blend of non-traditional cheeses, giving the dish new life with amazing rich flavor.
I asked Kevin what his favorite meal was and showing he truly is a foodie, he could not pin one down – he says what he likes best is the unabridged experience – and expects a complete celebration, no matter what the occasion or setting. Being served a 4-course gourmet meal at a fine restaurant with the perfect pairing of wine is pure enjoyment for him. Kevin also says that firing up the grill savoring a flavorful burger with a fresh homemade roll and kicking back with a craft beer is just as pleasing.
Check out future blog posts for more wisdom from Kevin like his secret to creating fantastic meals and vision for his business.
Katie Nails Down Guest Favors
Katie and her mother are working hard looking for materials and ideas to make the favors and signage but it doesn’t feel like work at all! Katie tells me she is having a blast checking out all the craft stores. She and her mother have frequented Hobby Lobby, AC Moore and Michaels – all of which are fun and full of ideas and goods!
To start, Katie is assembling a special favor that indicates each guest seat. It is a unique decoration that is a mason jar on top of a wine bottom. The jar handle will be adorned with a charm. Katie and her Mom are still on the hunt for that charm. Each guest’s name and table number will be printed on the charm. Having the charm makes for a nice idea – that way guests will be able to re-use the glass as it won’t have wedding day details etched on it as you probably have seen many times.
As we know, Katie has an obsession with doughnuts and will have a doughnut (and cookies) table for guests. Katie found brown bags at Hobby Lobby for guests to fill with doughnuts and take home! The bags are country chic (functional yet classy). Katie will also decorate the bags with catchy labels that say something like, “Glazed and Delicious from the Mister and Missus”; “All you need is love and doughnuts”. Mighty-fine!
Katie has spent time creating chalkboard signage as well. These signs are the trend especially for rustic weddings like at our Quincy Cellars restored barn and outdoor setting. They are very helpful in informing guests where to go. Guests like to have clear direction when at a party – it makes them feel special and cared for knowing you thought of every detail to make them comfortable. Check out Katie’s touch!
Sounds like Katie is very organized and her love never-ending, creating such lovely and delicious details for her guests!
Matt Chooses Groomsmen and Tuxedos
On Matt and Katie’s special day, Katie will be wearing ivory while her attendants will have dresses in apple red. To complement the ladies, the guys will be dressed in black, ivory and red.
Matt selected black tuxes from Men’s Warehouse for himself and his groomsmen. The guys will wear a modern-style tuxedo that includes a 2-button jacket with a notch lapel; along with matching straight pants. The shirt is a point-collar shirt in ivory accented by a necktie in apple red. The look includes a 4-button vest and pocket silk – the groomsmen will also wear these pieces in apple red to match the bridesmaids.
Matt too will wear the modern-style tuxedo but with ivory accents including his shirt, tie, vest and pocket silk.
Matt has chosen 5 gentlemen to accompany him on his big day – his older and only brother, Mike, has the honor of being the best man. The two of them are avid Bills fans and are really fantastic at cracking each other up, according to Katie. Endearing. Matt also has two guys he grew up with, Matt and Kevin who will stand up for him. Matt’s college friend, Sean, and Katie’s brother, Kyle will also be groomsmen.
Can’t you envision the party now, standing proud with Matt in the Quincy Cellars gazebo, the sun shining, surrounded by Fall colors, listening to the ripple of the fountain in the pond and smelling the sweet scent of grapes and wine.
Katie Chooses Attendants and Dresses
Katie’s Attendants
Katie has chosen 7 bridesmaids – a lucky number for a sweet bride-to-be like Katie. She is truly blessed to have so many girlfriends and family so close to her. She chose a sweetheart neckline, strapless, full-length dress in apple red for her attendants. She found the dress at David’s Bridal – and the dress is absolutely radiant!
Most of the bridesmaids already have their dresses. We asked Katie who these lucky ladies are. Meagan will have the honor of being Katie’s Maid of Honor. Meagan and Katie were best friends in high school. The way the story goes is that their parents were also best friends while in high school – as teenagers, the two Moms would sneak to watch their boyfriends practice football.
It was in 7th grade that Meagan moved to Katie’s town and attended the same school, close enough to ride the bus together. However, even though the girls knew each other due to their parents’ close friendship, they didn’t speak much while sitting across from each other on the school bus. After many “bye’s”, the young ladies finally started talking and instantly became best friends – and are BFFs to this day! The two even went to the same college – and according to Katie the ladies are very different people which balances the friendship nicely.
Katie could not imagine life without Meagan now!
Katie sends Photogram to Meagan
The next three ladies in the bridal party are Erin, Brianna and Becca – all also good friends Katie grew up with and met in school. Katie’s best friend in college, Katie, will also be an attendant. Finally, two cousins Stephanie and Alicia will be a part of Katie’s special day.
We at Quincy are excited to meet the entire bridal party and see the beautiful dresses as well!
Katie & Matt book the Honeymoon!
Katie & Matt – the Future #ACoupleofBucks
It may seem a little early to talk about the honeymoon since Katie and Matt’s wedding day is in late October but, wait it is never too early to talk about plans as exciting as your honeymoon!
The couple plans to embark on a fun trip after the wedding – driving straight to Charleston, SC. A 13-hour road trip during the (literal) honeymoon phase of their marriage will be a breeze for these crazy in-love kids! They expect to have a full day in the lovely low-country historical city and take in the romantic battery, rainbow row, the market and other steamy spots.
Next, #Acoupleofbucks will depart Charleston on a cruise to the Bahamas – that’s right the Bahamas on a 5-day cruise! They are both incredibly eager for this first-time cruise vacation as a couple – romance is in the sea! Speaking of sea, there are two “fun-at-sea” days where they plan to get decked out for dinner one night while the rest of the time they will simply relax and be pampered poolside, with a tropical drink in-hand.
Katie has a shopping trip planned to freshen-up her tropical wardrobe – her list includes a cocktail dress, swim suits, sunglasses and sun-hats as well as everyday comfy yet smart cruise attire. Snorkeling is on the itinerary for their day in Nassau. Another other shore day includes the gorgeous exclusive beach at Half Moon Cay! Looking at the photos it is no wonder they are thrilled to experience this scenic islet retreat.
Sounds like a fantastic romantic respite to me considering all the effort and emotional ups and downs that go along with a wedding day.
Katie and Matt’s Wedding Day Menu
Quincy Cellars is known for its fresh gourmet food with a contemporary flair and so I personally have been very curious to hear all about featured couple Katie and Matt’s menu choice for their upcoming special day.
Events manager, Amy, guided the couple through this important decision. First she presented them with owner/chef Kevin’s decadent wedding fare options – which by the way totally impressed Katie. Next, considering Matt is an outdoorsman with a traditional American palate (hot dogs, tacos, burgers, you get the picture), Katie wanted to make sure he was happy and asked him to take the first pass at the menu choices. He chose at least two options per category – despite a little trouble with some of the pronunciation of the contemporary options (wink, wink) and, Katie filled in the blanks in request for their personal tasting.
The couple worked with Amy, scheduled the tasting and ultimately discovered a perfect menu just for them. Drum roll please… and, here it is:
Hors d’oeuvres will be offered in the venerable wine cellar, including an assortment of classic and mod artisan cheeses, meats, and crackers at the bar. Black-tie serviced hors d’oeuvres include a one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail, along with delicately created spinach and artichoke phyllo cup pastries (Katie’s fav!). My mouth is watering already!
North 40 Photography captures Abbey and Chris in the cellar at Quincy Cellars in 2012.
The main course includes a locally-sourced field green salad with house-made intensely flavored and fresh vinaigrette. The salad is accompanied by bread freshly baked onsite, served along with compound butter. If you are like Matt (and me) and wondering what compound butter is – it is just that a combination of fresh herbs and spices added to the butter giving it amazing flavor, kick and sweetness – a perfect match spread upon the out-of-the-oven hand-crafted bread.
Abbey and Chris’ menu. Year 2012 by North 40 Photography.
All guests will be served a paired plate which includes a poultry and a meat entree. The bird is a slowly roasted chicken breast with a honey pomegranate sauce which assures a moist white meat along with an incredibly sweet and tangy flavor – divine! The hoof is an exquisitely selected filet mignon cooked just right using Quincy’s very own Merlot along with a hint of rosemary garlic for a flavorful yet subtly infused steak. Katie and Matt chose a parmesan and herb mashed potato for the starch. A seasonal farm-stand vegetable will also be prepared with care and served with the paired plate.
Kevin and Andrew in the Quincy Cellars kitchen making the magic happen!
Drinks include Quincy Cellars’ fine wines and 7 Sins Brewery crafted beers. Per Katie’s request, a variety of 5-star doughnuts from Mighty Fine Donuts in Erie will be served along with locally pressed apple cider.
October 22 cannot come soon enough!
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