Our final wedding for 2018 was so beautiful and definitely was such a fantastic way to end the year! It was just before Christmas that Jacquie and Dan were married at the Inn at Mendenhall, a lovely boutique hotel in Mendenhall, PA. Their entire wedding event was held at this delightful venue, with their ceremony and reception taking place in the Grand Ballroom.
This sweet couple met at a New Year's Eve party given by one of Jacquie's best friends. Her friend had gone to college with Dan's best friend, who was also invited to the party, and Dan came along with him that night. Jacquie and Dan met and hit it off immediately. The following morning, Dan called Jacquie and asked her out (for the second time, as he actually already did once the night before!) and the two have been inseparable since!
Dan's proposal was brilliant! Both he and Jacquie are board game fans but since both were very busy, especially Jacquie who was in grad school and working full time, Dan asked her if they could keep a game out on the coffee table to play in the evenings whenever they could. Jacquie picked a Harry Potter deck building card game. A few days later, Jacquie came home to see the game all set up and ready to go. As Jacquie drew cards and flipped them over, she noticed that one of her new cards was different. This card was actually a replica with a picture of the engagement ring and instructions to "Gain 1 Ring" on it... Even though she now knew what was going on, Dan told her however that her turn was over, so she had to wait for his full turn and then play her own hand before she could play her ring card! When she did, Dan pulled out the ring box and asked Jacquie to marry him. She said 'yes' of course! We don't know that official final score but we'd say they both won this game!
Because Christmas was just around the corner, the Inn at Mendenhall was decorated so festively for the holidays on Jacquie and Dan's wedding day. The couple continued the wintertime theme and chose the divine color scheme of Ink Blue, Cabernet and Gray to compliment. Of course, there were also a few subtle nods to Harry Potter to tie in that fun proposal!
Jacquie and Dan got ready for the big day in separate rooms there at the inn. Jacquie's bridesmaids wore Ink Blue gowns in keeping with the chosen color palette and Dan dressed into a dark gray suit, while his groomsmen coordinated with light gray suits with matching blue ties. The couple also had a bridesman and a groomswoman who wore a gray suit and a blue dress to match the group and we loved how they mixed it up with their wedding party a bit!
Jacquie was such a beautiful bride, wearing an amazing off the shoulder gown with a wonderful princess silhouette. It featured a plunging v-neckline, a gorgeous open back design and a sparkling belt. It was very sleek and very modern, reminding us of the Duchess of Sussex's classic, chic wedding gown, but just in ball gown form. Simply stunning! Her exquisite bouquet from Matlack Florist was overflowing with lush blooms in white, blush and deep burgundy. And while outdoors, Jacquie wore an amazing gray cape lined in blue!
Before continuing on to the Grand Ballroom for the ceremony, the two met up outside for a first look and we loved their genuine reactions and sweet little kisses! Pat and Stuart from Pat Robinson Photography were there to capture this moment for Jacquie and Dan's wedding photos, along with all the wonderful memories from the day, and it was such a pleasure to work alongside them.
Jacquie and Dan's ceremony was so personalized and so special, with Jacquie's brother, Ashton, serving as the officiant. Jacquie also wore her grandmother's engagement ring during the ceremony to honor her memory on this important day. They recited their loving vows, exchanged rings and made it official!
Their reception followed there in the ballroom, decorated beautifully with with evergreen garlands draped along the top of the staircase railings and a bright Christmas tree below. The tables displayed lovely floral centerpieces in white and red blooms and snow globes in keeping with the winter wonderland theme. And their fantastic five-tiered wedding cake from The Master's Baker had a Harry Potter themed "Always" cake topper!
Jacquie and Dan entered the room down the staircase together, and the newest married couple danced their first dance together on the ballroom floor. It was so sweet and so wonderful to watch as they kissed and danced! Later on, there was a special dance announced for Dan's grandparents who were celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary!
Everyone had so much fun dancing the night away, especially the kids who really got into the groove! A-1 Entertainment did a fantastic job with keeping the guests laughing and dancing all night. All their guests had such a blast!
This wedding event was truly an amazing celebration of the love of two wonderful, kindhearted people and we were so blessed to be a part of it. Congratulations and best wishes always to Jacquie and Dan!
Photographer: Pat Robinson Photography - Wilmington, DE
Floral Design: Matlack Florist - Nicole Coyle - West Chester, PA
Hair Stylist: Happily Ever After Hair - Cherry Hill, NJ
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Alyssa - Alyssa McCourt
Wedding Dress: Martina Liana - Style 981
Officiant: Jacquie's brother
Entertainment: A-1 Entertainment - Vineland, NJ
Cake: The Master's Baker - West Chester, PA
Venue: Inn at Mendenhall - Mendenhall, PA