Chris and the Boys Bachelor Weekend
Chris and 9 of his buddies celebrated his bachelor days for an entire weekend.
Chris’ brothers and closest guy friends put together a jam-packed weekend. They all congregated at Chris’ in Erie to mark the last days Chris will spend as a bachelor. First, the boys drove downtown to Perry Square Park and attended Erie’s annual Rib Fest. They sampled all the vendors and voted for their favorite fare. The stag also listened to live music and simply hung out and relished every bro moment.
To a night we will never forget!
The boys.
Next was hanging out more, like boys do. And it isn’t a guy weekend without a little healthy competition and for this bachelor party, it was playing lawn games. And….
it was that evening where the carousing got a bit out of hand….so out-of-hand, that the neighbors called in a noise complaint. Double drats!
But, kudos to the Erie PD. Upon arrival, they found out the noise was from a relatively low-key bunch of guys enjoying a few pops and a friendly lawn game contest, all in honor of a bachelor! The deputies simply advised the party to keep the noise down and went on to their next call, to fight real crime.
Most of the guys would agree, that the most exciting moments were while boating at Presque Isle State Park. Just kicking back, soaking up the sun and buzzing around on the water was relaxing itself. Everyone also had a go at tubing. Good times!
On a Boat, Ya’ll
The real celebration, August 12 at Quincy Cellars is almost here!!
Bridal Shower Tea Held in Honor of Savannah
Savannah’s future mother-in-law and sister-in-law, Laurie and Katie DeMayo host an elegant tea in honor of Savannah.
The ladies hosted the bridal shower tea in the DeMayo home in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Mostly local friends and family attended the shower. Chris’ (groom-to-be) out-of-town aunts traveled from New Jersey for the tea as well. Savannah’s future father-in-law toasted Savannah to kick-off the party, despite a ladies only tea.
Chris also made an appearance at the end of the party with a lovely bouquet of flowers that he presented to Savannah – so sweet!
Savannah’s Bridal Shower Tea Invitation
A close friend of Laurie’s loaned her the tea set for the day. It was an exquisite National Wildlife Society set. Laurie and Katie served sandwiches and desserts along with an array of teas, champagne and wine. Potted geranium plants accompanied each place setting and served as the favors for guests to take home. Along with the geraniums were specialty soaps with a label,
“From Savannah’s Shower to Yours”.
The table is set for Savannah’s bridal shower tea.
Party hosts and bridesmaids organized several games for the guests to play. First, there was an over/under game where party-goers guessed facts about the bride. Next, the ladies played a wedding themed Mad Libs game. The group voted on the best and the funniest entries to award the winners. In more modern terms, the party played a wedding emoji decoding game while they also played the traditional what’s in your purse game.
Savannah was a little uneasy being the center of attention while unveiling her gifts. She and Chris received many items from the bridal registry. Savannah tells us she truly appreciates how every guest added special additions, creativity and greeting cards to each gift as well.
Savannah opens bridal shower gifts.
Everyone is excited as the wedding date inches closer and closer!
The Wedding Party
It is time to introduce Savannah and Chris’ wedding attendants. They chose closest family and friends to be members of their wedding party.
Bridal party
We have already met several of the wedding party members when learning about the proposal. First is Savannah’s sister, Athena Hobbins. Athena is Savannah’s Matron of Honor. Next is Michelle Zubasic, one of Savannah’s best friends. Michelle was also present on the engagement day and is a bridesmaid.
Savannah’s best friend, Michelle, Chris, Savannah, Savannah’s sister Athena and husband Derek just after Chris’ engagement proposal.
Savannah comes from a large family and granted her younger sister, Jiselle, the honor of being Maid of Honor. Sisters Gabrielle and Johna will also be alongside Savannah as will Chris’s sister, Katie. Another one of Savannah’s besties, Lizzi Holmes, will stand up for her. The flower girl is Chris’ cousin, Maureen Hennelly.
The ladies are using an online rental service for the bridesmaids dresses called Vow to be Chic. This service has been a great experience so far – Savannah was able to select the same designer and same color but with different styles so that each member of the bridal party could find a style that best fits her – and one in which she feels amazing. Each of the ladies simply went to the website and selected her style and size and ordered it as part of Savannah’s wedding day. Dresses will be sent prior to the wedding date with a 2-week rental period provided. When the day is done, returning the dresses is as simple as dropping them off at the post office. The dresses are a French blue color which Savannah chose for its soft and natural feeling – stunning!
Bridesmaid dresses
Groomsmen
Chris chose his best friend, Josh Shaffer to act as Best Man. Both of Chris’ brothers, Billy and Ryan are wedding party participants. Additional family members who are part of the big day include Savannah’s brothers Jordan and Noah; and, Savannah’s brother-in-law, Derek Hobbins (he was the one who sneaked the proposal photos without Savannah knowing). Chris’ friend, Daniel Finger is a groomsman and Luke Tarr is the ring bearer.
Chris’ friend, Patrick Bertolini will play two roles and act as groomsman and Officiant for the ceremony.
The gentlemen will wear tailored suits in a light grey, complementary to the French blue. The suits are being sourced from Jos A. Bank. Chris plans to purchase his suit while most of the others will rent from Jos A. Bank. The suits are pictured below.
Groomsmen suits
With the wedding party aligned, it clearly will be an amazing day at Quincy Cellars for all of Savannah and Chris’ family and friends!
Savannah and Chris’ Engagement Photos
One year after Chris proposed to Savannah, they decided to shoot their own engagement photos. They sought a natural, casual and romantic look for the special sitting.
Chris is a photographer and was excited to try out his profesional selfie skills! The engagement photos were taken in Autumn to reflect the time of year they first got engaged. They agreed Presque Isle State Park was the perfect choice due to its picturesque landscape and the opportunity to create art. It too is the spot where Chris proposed, making it an even more splendid spot for their engagement shoot.
Most pictures were shot at Beach 8 at the State Park. The blog cover shot is a romantic introspection of Savannah and Chris with the brilliant beach-water gleaming. The couple’s beauty shines through and elegantly complements the natural backdrop on each and every photograph.
Engagement Photos
A magnificent historic Light house is shown in the background of this photograph.
One of the engagement photos taken of featured couple Savannah and Chris at Presque Isle State Park.
Chris gave an exquisitely unique engagement ring to Savannah to show his commitment to her.
The next photograph shows a fun side and sheer joy they share when together. It is set next to one of the inlets at Beach 8. The final shot symbolizes their love for one another and the future path they will embark upon together.
Savannah and Chris are engaged!
Savannah and Chris are on a romantic walk at Presque Isle State Park “posing” for engagement photos.
I believe the photos turned out amazing!
Stay tuned to learn more about this devoted couple’s storybook wedding journey. Chris and Savannah will exchange vows and celebrate at Quincy Cellars, August 12, 2017.
Katie and Matt’s Wedding Music and Vows
Katie and Matt choose to center their wedding day around the powerful feeling that brings them together every day – Love…
Wedding Ceremony Music
A Thousand Years by Piano Guys will play when Katie makes her bridal entrance. The Piano Guys are a piano and cello duo who cover this romantic and melodious song often played at weddings because it is so lovely. The top pop hit came out in 2011 on Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn’s soundtrack performed by Christina Perri and written by David Hodges and Perri. The lyrics are as beautiful as the melody. The last verse says it all expressing,
And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I’ll love you for a thousand more
Once the bride and groom are officially Mr. and Mrs., Make You Mine by High Valley will play. High Valley is a relatively new country duo that sings this catchy tune. The female character in the song is a Sunday Morning Hallelujah. A fitting song as we know Katie is that sweet.
Wedding Reception Music
Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO will pump up the party as the bridal party enters. (By the way, if you haven’t seen this video, you should check it out. It is an experience. Do note, it has explicit parts but it also has well over 1 billion views on Vevo!)
Katie keeps up tradition with having the bouquet and garter toss – Wanna Be by the Spice Girls will be spun by the DJ during the bouquet toss. (Yes, the 1996 hit performed by Scary, Sporty, Baby, Ginger and Posh – there is a video remake that was released this year).
Spice Girls are above – their song Wanna Be plays at Matt & Katie’s wedding reception during the bouquet toss
Def Leopard’s Pour Some Sugar on Me will play during the ceremonious garter removal. From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay will kick off the couple’s first ever dance as husband and wife (#ACoupleofBucks). Dan + Shay are another male country duo who know how to tug at your heart strings. From the Ground up is a beautiful composition the team created to show the love their respective grandparents had for each other (each set was married over 65 years) and the personal love each holds for his wife.
Def Leppard’s, Pour Some Sugar on Me will play during the wedding reception garter toss
Wedding Vows
Katie chose a couple verses she finds meaningful and will use for her vows. Susan Polis Schutz is the author of Love Is and it starts out with:
Love is being happy for the other person
when they are happy
being sad for the other person
when they are sad
being together in good times
and being together in bad times
Love is the source of strength
Last Minute Wedding Day Details and Excitement
If you are wondering what Katie has been doing these last few days and how she is feeling – she had her last gown fitting Wednesday and final meeting with the DJ. Yesterday she got her nails done…and this morning is setting up at Quincy Cellars! She tells us,
I don’t know when it’s going to feel real!!!! I am so excited!
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!
BBQ Chicken Dinner August 7
Quincy Cellars hosts a Sunday-for-a-cause chicken BBQ picnic August 7, 2016, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., rain or shine! The Tennessee Backporch band will perform. The event benefits the Veterans Miracle Center out of Erie. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Mihalak’s Guns in Cranesville, the UPS store at 2501 West 12th Street, Erie or from the Veterans Miracle Center Erie.
A ticket includes the live music, one drink and one trip through the picnic buffet. Choose from Quincy Cellars award-winning wines or newly released 7 Sins Brewery hand-crafted beers. Soft drinks are available too. Wine selections include Cayuga white, Vidal blanc, Niagara, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Chancellor and dry and sweet Concords. The beers include Gluttony – a Stout; Envy – an Amber Ale; and Lust, the 7 Sins Brewery Cherry Wheat.
As far as the dinner goes, it will not be your everyday picnic – Quincy Cellars is known for its delicious foods served only for special events with Master chef and owner Kevin Daughrity creating amazing menus and meals. He and his staff will barbeque chicken and serve it buffet-style along with locally sourced, home-made potato salad, freshly baked corn bread, baked beans and a local seasonal vegetable.
Meanwhile Tennessee Backporch will pick and sing. This variety band is well known in Erie, playing numerous weddings and events since 1980 so it is likely you have heard them – and won’t want to miss this opportunity. In fact, Tennessee Backporch is so good they have a standing gig at the Presque Isle casino! And they are kind-hearted, performing in support of this budding charitable organization, Veterans Miracle Center of Erie and the vets it serves.
The Veterans Miracle Center Erie (VMCE) is a newly formed agency, created in January of 2015 as a non-profit agency assisting veteran and active-duty military families. It was modeled after The Veterans Miracle Center of Albany, New York and serves Northwestern Pennsylvania. The VMCE mission is to offer real solutions that will enhance the lives of the people it serves. The VMCE provides clothing, personal care and hygiene products, houseware items, ambulatory equipment, children’s toys and much more — additionally, specialists are available to provide veterans, military personnel and families counseling for personal needs, jobs, housing and finances. All goods and services are available free-of-charge to veterans, personnel and their immediate household.
Quincy is grateful to have the opportunity to offer support to those individuals who protect all of us. We salute all veterans and military families.
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.
We support
Follow Us