An Extraordinary Wedding Day for Savannah and Chris
Savannah, Chris and their families host an extraordinary wedding day and exchange vows at Quincy Cellars!
Wedding Day Morning
To start the wedding day, the ladies got ready at the hotel where they had lodged after the rehearsal. Savannah arranged for an independent stylist, Lindsey Allen and her assistant to fashion her hair and make-up. The two coiffeuses also styled the bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom. The bride wore her hair with amazingly perfect flowing curls, pinned back on one side with a breathtaking white floral hair pin. Mimosas and lunch were provided to the bridal party while getting gussied up for the storybook day.
Savannah’s bridesmaids are looking fab and giddy – ready for the big moment!
A candid of Savannah and her court at Quincy Cellars!
Wedding Bells Are Ringing
The pavilion at Quincy Cellars was exquisitely decorated for the wedding ceremony. Special Occasions Rental & Designs hung elegant drapery softening the natural beauty of the wood structure. Tender musical compositions were performed by violinist Courtney Vargo and provided a warm welcome, setting the stage. Guests were seated. The wedding party and groom walked down the aisle and stood at the altar. Next, the radiant Savannah Bubin made her entrance.
Savannah wore a wedding white, trumpet style Demetrios gown with delicate bead-work and cap sleeves. Savannah told us she was casually looking and unexpectedly found the meant-to-be gown at All Brides and Boutiques consignment shop in Erie. It truly was an amazing find! Savannah held a bouquet beautifully designed to show off her dress and fit well with the natural beauty of the day. It was created by Allburn Florist, out of Erie as well.
Wedding Ceremony
The couple’s dear friend conducted the ceremony. Chris and Savannah recited original vows. They decided to keep it traditional and recite the same vows as one another while doing something personal by creating their own nuptials. Both mothers performed readings during the ceremony as well.
Savannah and Chris’ wedding ceremony, in the pavilion.
Cocktail Hour and Reception of the Bride and Groom
Cheese, crackers and vegetable trays were available at the bar for the cocktail hour. Additionally, servers dressed in black-tie attire presented guests with delectable cilantro lime shrimp and a Quincy Cellars exclusive appetizer – bacon wrapped dates, stuffed with parmesan cheese. The open bar included a full line-up of Quincy Cellars wines. The small-lot Verism blend and Rose Catawba from Sensory Winery & Art Gallery were also featured. Two of 7 Sins Brewery craft beers were on tap – the Pride Pilsner and Sloth Belgian.
MR. and MRS.!!!
Deejay John Gallagher kicked off the night spinning tunes. He handed the mic to the best man and matron of honor for a champagne toast. Next, the father-of-the-groom gave a heart-warming blessing celebrating both families coming together and offered thanks for the guests, food, drink and evening ahead.
The Dinner Setting
The main hall in the restored barn was set with ivory table linens complemented with a brown runner and slate blue napkins. Fruitwood chivari chairs with ivory pads were also used for the country chic wedding reception dinner. All items were rented from Party Plus at Grand Rental Station in Harborcreek. A vase with two white roses and baby’s breath flowers adorned the tables and diffused an amazing scent throughout the hall. The simple yet gorgeous centerpieces were created by Savannah and put together with the help of her bridal party. Chris created complementary candle arrangements using driftwood he collected at Presque Isle. Other floral arrangements were placed at the sweetheart table, wine barrels and other spots, adding even more natural elegance to the venue. Savannah purchased the flowers from Costco and Fifty Flowers.
The hall is beautifully decorated for the duo entree dinner.
Chris and Savannah were romantically seated at a round sweetheart table for the meal.
Savannah and Chris at the sweetheart table.
The Magnificent Meal
After the cocktail hour, guests found their seats and started dinner with a salad. Field greens with a chef’s choice vinaigrette and freshly baked bread, spread with garlic thyme butter were served. Next, was a surf and turf entree – adult guests were served lobster tail with dill butter and a filet mignon with red wine shallot and mushroom reduction. Feel free to savor that for just a moment.
A serving of house-made roasted garlic mashed potatoes accompanied the duo entree. A harvest of colorful seasonal farm-stand vegetables added vibrance, flavor and snap to the plate as well. Chidren were served house-made chicken tenders and french fries, along with a serving of fresh fruit and Welch’s sparkling grape juice.
Music and Dancing
DJ John Gallagher kept the party moving and got everyone on the dance floor. Savannah and Chris started with a very sweet dance of their own – so romantic! The party was so fun even the grandparents enjoyed themselves!
Savannah and Chris First Dance
Savannah chose Wegman’s to bake the cake and Quincy Cellars own, Amy Nolan put together an elegant arrangement, on the wine barrel. Photographer Maureen Rizzo and videographer Julie Henthorne captured many moments of the special day. The photographs and film will be finished after the couple returns from their honeymoon.
Savannah and Chris will honeymoon in Hawaii and continue their fairytale wedding experience. Quincy Cellars offers sincere best wishes for an amazing marriage and life together.
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!
Quincy Cellars’ 10-Year Anniversary
Quincy Cellars Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary!
Ten years ago, on June 7, 2007, Quincy Cellars opened its doors. Thank you to all our customers for being such a big part of our journey so far!
We had a vision to create a top-notch destination and an unforgettable experience just for you.
And so it began with the transformation of the 150-year old barn into an amazingly rustic yet modern event venue complemented by a charismatic wine cellar … and now includes gorgeously romantic outdoors spaces – an open-air pavilion, deck, patio and most recently, a dock over the pond.
And did we mention our fabulous food? Award-winning wine? Beautiful gardens? The willow tree? The envelopment of vineyards?
Take a look at this video from last year. Or see some shots below.
Quincy Cellars at Night
The willow tree. The pond. The fountain. This shot of Matthew and Teresa was captured by Rachel Lusky Photography.
Rachel Lusky captures another couple – this time, in the vineyard.
The wine cellar in the lower level of the restored barn.
With our customers’ continued support and vision, this year – and the next 10, will be even more remarkable!!
Chris Proposes to Savannah
Chris is an art teacher and a hobby of his is photography. Every month Savannah and Chris travel somewhere interesting together for a photo shoot. So, when Chris suggested to Savannah they go to Presque Isle Saturday, September 19, 2015, she agreed.
However, when Saturday arrived, it was raining! Chris insisted it was just misty and would still be a nice photo opportunity. Again, Savannah agreed, thinking it was their usual photo date. She freshly applied her make-up and put on an outfit appropriate for a Fall shoot.
Not long after getting to the park, Chris snagged a nice spot for the photo opp. The setting was a picnic area, off the West Pier Boat Launch. Depending on where the subjects stand, the water and/or the city could be in the background. Once they were settled, Chris handed Savannah a photo album full of pictures from all the photography dates they had had since they started dating in 2009…
Chris went on to say, “all of these photos are special because they make up all the photo dates before we got ENGAGED”.
The proposal
He proceeded to get down on one knee to propose– and Savannah said, “Yes!”. Chris presented Savannah with an exquisite emerald-cut yellow gold engagement ring. Savannah finds the ring very special because Chris took such care finding a ring just to her liking. She tells us now she is so in love she would have said yes even without a ring!
Chris proposes marriage to Savannah at Presque Isle State Park, with the city of Erie in the background.
Savannah’s brilliant engagement ring nestled in a lovely bouquet.
Chris found an exquisitely unique engagement ring, perfect for Savannah.
Chris also planned the day so that a few close friends were present. Savannah’s sister, Athena, her then fiancé Derek, and Savannah’s best friend, Michelle were all hiding in the bushes, watching the proposal go down! Derek was even able to snap pictures of the moment!
Savannah’s best friend, Michelle, Chris, Savannah, Savannah’s sister Athena and husband Derek just after Chris’ engagement proposal.
After the friends and family showed themselves, they celebrated with champagne. It was quite a photo shoot, despite the rain!
Introducing Savannah and Chris 2017 Featured Couple
With pleasure, Quincy Cellars introduces 2017 featured couple, Savannah and Chris.
Bride-to-be, Savannah Bubin is a recent graduate from Gannon in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She practices early intervention for children with special needs at a local behavioral health center. Her fiance, Chris DeMayo, also works with children and is an elementary school art teacher and soccer coach.
Savannah and Chris both have big hearts working in helping professions. They also embody romantic love. Their love for each other is steadfast, lasting throughout high school, college, graduate school and now marriage! The high school sweethearts started dating at ages 15 and 17. They attended 3 proms together.
Their wedding day at Quincy Cellars will create many many more romantic memories beyond prom!
Savannah and Chris are from Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Ligonier is named the “Best Mountain Town in America” due to its history and variety of specialty shops. The town is nestled in a picturesque valley which adds to its allure. The natural beauty of this small town sparked the couple’s affinity for the outdoors.
Chris and Savannah chose Quincy Cellars as their wedding venue because of its natural beauty and professional staff. They were looking for a romantic, natural feel and immediately fell in love with the rustic beauty at Quincy Cellars. And to their delight, the event coordinator Amy Nolan is amazing and anticipated all their questions with ease. The wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner reception are all planned at Quincy Cellars Saturday, August 12, 2017.
Savannah and Chris on a romantic walk at Presque Isle Park “posing” for Engagement photos
Savannah and Chris are shown here at Presque Isle State park. The photo emphasizes the couple’s love for nature. Savannah’s exquisite beauty, Chris’ handsome charm and their obvious love for one another underscores the natural backdrop.
Can’t wait to see Savannah and Chris’ raw elegance exude at Quincy Cellars in August!
Countdown to Katie & Matt: Trendy & Traditional
Keeping it Trendy
Katie and Matt finished their own vows just last weekend. Personal vows are the trendy way to go now. The bride and groom usually follow something similar to traditional faith-based vows but want to create their own words and phrasing – that way it feels more personal and genuine. Katie and Matt agreed it was hard to get started. However, once they got rolling and saw lots of examples, it was easy. Katie went on Pinterest and found many guides to help. The two worked independently and made sure the respective vows are similar in length. Katie is super excited to profess personal vows and says, “I think I am going to cry like a baby!!”
They worked together to pick out readings that will be part of the ceremony. Again, brides and grooms loosely follow the faith-based format of a wedding and like to choose modern verses that are a mix of faith-based and secular prose for each part. Readings are a representation of the couple’s personal story.
Snapchat
Katie made a Snapchat geofilter for the wedding. The geofilter is a fun touch for her friends who use Snapchat. A snapchat geofilter is a graphic that anyone can create to use as an overlay for photos, videos and moments. The geofilter is limited to a time and place and so if a Snapchat user is at that time and place (Katie and Matt’s wedding weekend) and wants to post on Snapchat, they may use the geofilter as part of the post. It is a visual way for Snapchat users to quickly recognize and search for anything related to Katie and Matt’s wedding event. Sweet.
Katie creates a Snapchat Geofilter for her Wedding Day
And remember their hashtag #acoupleofbucks. The hashtag is another trendy touch for friends, family and wedding guests. Everyone is encouraged to use the hashtag to tag and search all wedding-related posts across social media and the web.
Keeping Tradition
Seating Chart and DeeJay
Katie thankfully found her seating chart to be a relatively easy process and recently finished it. She heard horror stories about completing them but states she was able to piece hers together perfectly!
She will have a traditional processional and recessional for the ceremony as well as a grand entrance to the reception and bouquet toss. The DeeJay will play music for all these moments. Katie was tasked to find the right song for each. She found this task challenging. Creating the song with just the right feeling, tempo and lyrics was harder than she expected. Again, she referred to Pinterest for tons of suggestions.
Katie and Matt have chosen a wonderful blend of new and old to make for a very special storybook day. And we cannot say it enough how excited we at Quincy Cellars are to be part of it! See you this weekend!
Wedding Countdown: Matt’s Bachelor Party
Matt’s bachelor party will be a classic one – a Buffalo Bills game outing!
Matt’s friends and family truly know him – he is a number one fan! With amazing Fall weather, Matt and his 4 groomsmen camped out last night near Bradford and are headed to the game. The Bills are on a 3 game winning streak and play the San Francisco 49ers at 1 p.m., today, October 16 at New Era Cap stadium in Orchard Park. It will prove to be a day to remember!
Matt sporting his Bills shirt on the couple’s engagement day!
Matt and buddies at his Buffalo Bills Bachelor tailgate.
The tailgate will be pretty basic for Matt who isn’t into frills. Lots of chips and dip, cheese puffs and hot dogs with a trunk full of Miller Lite. If watching or streaming, look for the soon-to-be groom and his buddies decked out in Bills gear! Their seats are in the tunnel end-zone right behind the goal post. The seats are prime for cheering the Bills entrance. And, hey – maybe they will get to see End-zone Elvis.
The Bills kept the winning streak alive and won 45 – 16!!
The Buffalo Bills’ fan – Endzone Elvis
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.
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.
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