A Pocono Wedding Experience

By Courtney Ann Hamill

You have dreamt about this day from the time you were a little girl. The dress, the flowers, your father walking you down the aisle. For some of us, the only thing missing from our dreams is the groom - and when love happens, your wedding day fantasy can finally be complete.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that not everyone will be happy with your choices. Someone will inevitably complain about the food or seating arrangements. Don't let any of it bother you. With the right man and your family's support, the day will be perfect regardless of what others may think or say. You can utilize your maid of honor as the "head of customer service." If anyone has a problem, they can see her. No one should be able to ruin your day with petty inconveniences.

The planning process should start early: The earlier, the better. We began planning our wedding the weekend after we were engaged and we had a thirteen-month engagement. Book your reception location early. Having a wedding in the Poconos is wonderful, but there are not many places that can accommodate large crowds (over 150 people), so if your wedding will be sizable  be sure to put this at the top of your to-do list.

We chose to have our wedding reception at Skytop Lodge. As soon as we drove over the bridge and saw the chateau-like "castle" we knew it was the place for us! Maureen Chawaga met with us continually and we were always in contact throughout the planning period. Be sure the place you choose has a wedding coordinator or conference planner who can assist you if you have questions or concerns.

If you are planning to have your ceremony in a church call the rectory as soon as you have a date planned to confirm availability and times. Remember, some churches have Saturday services and you will have to plan around those times.

Try to hire professionals familiar with where you are having your ceremony and reception. It helped greatly that our photographer and videographer, Laura Ann Bailey, and Cheryl Leuthe of The Story Pub, had worked together in the past. Neither was in each other's way and it helped that they got along, too.

For the party, hire musicians/DJ's who make you feel comfortable and who seem to be truly concerned about your thoughts and ideas. Bob Romeo of Backtrax Mobile DJ's did a fantastic job of keeping the dance floor packed. Once the music started, the floor was jumpin' for the rest of the evening.

Make sure your caterer will prepare a sample meal for you and your fiancé. This way, you can find out first-hand what the food will be like. It will also make it easier to choose your menu, if in fact you do have choices. Please note that some menus are pre-set and cannot be altered, although from experience most places will do their best to give you what you want. Remember, it is your wedding day and everything should be the way you like.

Finally, your flowers. You have a picture in your head of what you like. A color scheme. Find a florist who is willing to listen to you and incorporate your ideas. Do not rely on a florist who will not sit down with you personally and review your thoughts. Melanie Frassinelli was the ideal florist. She was not only that, she became an interior decorator and incredible asset in the planning process. I cannot tell you how absolutely amazed I was when I walked into the church where we were married. The serene setting was aglow with candlelight, while natural foliage and plants covered the church altar. It was unreal. Our reception was perfect as well. Everyone asked who had prepared the flowers. I could not have been happier.

Even now, I am moved by how exceptional my wedding day was. I want to thank everyone who helped to make our day so unbelievably spectacular: My parents, first and foremost. Father Michael Kloton of Saint Ann's Church, Head First Salon and Day Spa in Pocono Summit (especially Edna DeMarco, who can do the most amazing things with hair), Kleinfeld Bridal in Brooklyn, NY for their huge selection of designer wedding dresses, Invitations of Distinction, Allentown, PA, Maid to Order bridesmaid dresses in Brooklyn, NY, Katrina's Bridal in Stroudsburg, PA and to everyone else I mentioned earlier -THANK YOU!

I married the man of my dreams. I now have two amazing families that I can call my own. His friends are my friends and my friends are his. And these are the most important things. The day will pass. You will hold on to the memories, but you will hold onto each other for the rest of your lives.