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.
Savannah and Chris Host Rehearsal Dinner at Quincy Cellars
Savannah & Chris invite the wedding party to participate in the wedding rehearsal and dinner at Quincy Cellars.
Savannah and Chris like to keep life simple and decided to host their rehearsal dinner at Quincy Cellars, immediately following the wedding ceremony rehearsal, Friday evening. Quincy Cellars has many options for party spaces and event menus so Savannah thought it perfectly simple and aligned with the couple’s affinity for a natural ambiance. The rehearsal dinner party is on the patio an ideal spot for a casual smaller party.
The patio at Quincy Cellars is ideal for a smaller party like a rehearsal dinner.
BBQ dinner
Savannah and Chris chose a BBQ dinner for the evening. The menu includes a savory BBQ beef brisket for the main dish with a side of freshly picked and grated house-made cole slaw. The starch will be a salt-crusted baked potato, served hot, just out of the oven. A freshly picked vegetable mix will be grilled and served hot as well. And it wouldn’t be a BBQ without the corn bread – Quincy’s is a delicious made-from-scratch corn bread made with lots of flavorful ingredients and affection for this amazing couple and their closest friends and family.
To finish, the menu includes two dessert options both of which are house-made, from scratch. The first dessert is a decadent match between wine and chocolate. It is a chocolate cabernet tart that is most definitely, to die for. Additionally, a light yet full-of-flavor strawberry shortcake will be served.
Iced tea and lemonade soft drinks are the perfect match for a BBQ and will be available for guests. The bar will be open as well with Quincy Cellars wines poured upon request. Two styles of 7 Sins Brewery craft beer are on tap too.
Rehearsing for the big day has never sounded more delicious!
Savannah’s Bachelorette Party in Pittsburgh
Savannah, her bridesmaids and close friends spent a memorable bachelorette weekend in Pittsburgh, saying goodbye to her single days.
Friday night Savannah wore a “Sweating for the Wedding” t-shirt while the group participated in a Fitness with a Twist event. Fitness with a Twist is the latest fitness fad where participants learn how to, you heard it right – pole dance! Pole dancing uses all the core muscles giving enthusiasts a well-toned body. The Pittsburgh based company also hosts fun events for amateurs and ladies interested in a lively group bonding activity. Priceless!
The fun continues Saturday
The next day the ladies started off with the Pittsburgh Party Pedaler. Savannah’s friends and family did it again, and planned an entertaining activity for the bachelorette party. The Pedaler drove the group around the Strip stopping along the way at various points of interest, namely bars and pubs. The ladies did grab lots of attention. Their beauty alone would have done it but the friends also planned matching outfits. The ladies wore black tanks that said, “The I Do Crew” in fancy white script. Savannah’s tank said, “I do” in a more bold white script. Savannah also wore a “Bachelorette” sash and a tiara that glimmered, “Bride”. Many onlookers cheered and took photos as the glam gang toured the city.
The bachelorette party posed in front of the Pittsburgh Party Pedaler.
Savannah shows off her “Bride” tiara, along with three of her mates.
Next the ladies got dolled up for an amazing evening ahead. The agenda included dinner and dancing! The supporting ladies wore their favorite little black dress and Savannah wore her fav, in white. She also modeled her brilliant sash and tiara. Savannah and her crew thoroughly enjoyed their dinner at the Melting Pot. Such a novel interactive idea that has withstood time, dipping foods into gooey yet gourmet and full-flavored cheese and chocolate – absolutely deliciousI! After dinner the bachelorette party went dancing and closed out the fun.
Savannah had a great time and now truly ready for the next step in her life – her wedding day!
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!
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!
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.
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!!
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!
Katie & Matt Planning Ahead for October Storybook Wedding
Katie is busy with planning the details for her big day and has found herself fretting lately – with all the big decisions made, she is finding that it is the little decisions and tasks that are a bear. And to top that off, she is most concerned about one item she cannot change – the weather! October 22 is a bit of a gamble on the shores of Lake Erie so please join us in sending in good vibes to her for that day!
The bridal shower is scheduled for August 22 and so the guest list and design for the bridal shower invitation are top-of-mind for Katie right now with the date fast approaching. Her aunt is hosting the shower in Sherman with an artsy theme. The bride-to-be and guests will be guided through creating their very own painting! Her aunt is calling the day, “Brushes with the Bride” – trendy and fun!
Katie is also getting the wedding day guest list together which for most brides can be exhausting. The good news is the guest list is often the most challenging task of all! Here are a couple articles on etiquette and simplifying the task. Real simple offers 6 tips on creating a list and keeping the peace while The Knot suggests a few simple rules.
Selecting the ring for Matt is on Katie’s upcoming to-do list and Matt has yet to pick out the tuxes for the groomsmen. More tasks include finalizing decorations for the ceremony to be held in the pavilion – and again, with some concern – in her words, “you cannot see it all tied together until the night before/day of when it is completed so it is hard to decide!” She is renting some of her decorations from Special Occasions Rentals & Design and plans to have her order buttoned up soon.
Special Occasions Rental & Design
A plus for Katie is she is finding all the vendors (and especially Amy at Quincy Cellars!) to be very patient, helpful and insightful which is putting her at ease.
See you next time to discover together more decisions to be made and details to be planned!
We support
Follow Us