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!
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!
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
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.
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!!
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