CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

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PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY

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At 55, Susan Doremus is happy to be alive and enjoying time with her two grown children and 7-year-old granddaughter. Susan’s battle with cardiovascular disease has only made her stronger! Living life to the fullest has become her mantra.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, claiming the lives of more women than all forms of cancer combined. This year, one out of every three women will die from some form of heart disease. The AHA wants to empower women – through the Go Red for Women campaign – to beat heart disease and stroke. The good news is 80% of cardiac deaths can be prevented.

Susan Doremus and Frank, her niece’s French Bulldog, will be wearing red on February 1. Frank visits campus to take part in the Pet a Pooch program that is held to help students deal with stress during finals.

Thanks to women like Susan Doremus, who are speaking out about their experiences with heart disease, women are becoming more proactive about their heart health.

To look at Susan today, you would never guess that her health had been challenged. She is a very vibrant, active and happy woman. Her laughter is totally contagious. As the director of The College Store at Elizabethtown College, she has done a stellar job of transforming the store and keeping it in step with the latest trends.

Susan’s story began in 1991 with a chronic cough and pain in her back. Doctors suspected her symptoms were due to bronchitis. After having a chest X-ray done to rule out pneumonia, it was discovered she had a tumor. “It was the size of a cantaloupe and was wrapped around my heart and lung,” she explains. After a very intricate, invasive biopsy was performed, Susan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. What followed was a year of radiation and chemotherapy combined with the support of family and friends and a mountain of faith, all of which carried her through a very difficult time in her life. Today, some 27 years later, Susan is cancer free.

It was during the cancer treatment when Susan was looking at the results of one of her CAT scans that she remembers reading in part, “advanced signs of atherosclerosis.” She remembers thinking to herself, “What is this?” Her physician at the time was more concerned about getting her through the cancer and assured her not to worry about the atherosclerosis (a thickening or hardening of the arteries). So, she put it out of her mind for the time being.

Ten years later, Susan began experiencing flashing lights and floaters in her eyes (classic signs of a possible, impending stroke). After the proper testing, she underwent a carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove plaque from a carotid artery in her neck, which was 95% blocked.

Through research, Susan discovered that atherosclerosis could be caused by several factors: high blood pressure, physical inactivity, smoking and/or high cholesterol. In Susan’s case, her atherosclerosis was due to high cholesterol, which she apparently inherited. It’s called “familial hypercholesterolemia” or high cholesterol that runs in families. It also didn’t help matters that she had smoked for a short period in her life.

Two years following the carotid endarterectomy, she noticed a throbbing in her neck while walking to her car. After a cardiac catheterization was done, emergency double-bypass, open-heart surgery was performed.

Susan, who is the director of The College Store at Elizabethtown College, has battled both cancer and heart disease. She firmly believes in being proactive about health matters, advising others to “pay attention to your body. Go to the doctor; don’t be stubborn.”

Today, Susan has her health under control. She carefully monitors her health, takes her meds as prescribed and listens to her doctors’ advice. “You should always listen to what your body is telling you,” she says. Following her own advice, whenever she notices anything unusual with her health, no matter how subtle, she sees her doctor.

“A positive attitude is important, also,” she adds. She was part of a therapy study to reduce a person’s risk for either heart attack or stroke. The injection has become an approved treatment to reduce cholesterol. She has been on it for three years and so far, she is doing well.

Susan is adamant that if you suspect a heart attack or stroke, you should immediately dial 911 for an ambulance. She dismisses the notion that some people might feel they are overreacting if their fears do not turn out to be a real medical emergency. Susan advises you to put those fears to rest. “Go to the hospital. Get it checked out,” she says.

Her advice to other women who think they may be at risk for heart disease is, “Pay attention to your body. Go to the doctor; don’t be stubborn. You can heal and lead a normal life after treatment.”

She is a case in point. Today, Susan enjoys spending time with her family. She takes time for interests such as horseback riding and traveling. And, she has loved working at Elizabethtown College for the past 23 years. “That is a long time for me to stick with anything, but it’s been a great job and I love it here,” she says.

Go Red!

This year, Friday, February 1, will be observed as Go Red for Women Day. On this day, women are encouraged to wear red as a way to create awareness for women’s heart health. In 2004, the AHA introduced its “comprehensive platform” that’s designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women on a global basis.
Fashion Week in New York (February 8-16) always kicks off with a fashion show in which the celebrity models wear red in support of the AHA’s initiative. Locally, a luncheon/fashion show is held in May (date/place TBA).

Know Your Risk Factors

While heart disease may be the No. 1 killer of women, knowing your risk factors and acting upon those that you can control will have a positive effect on your heart health. First, it’s vital that you know your numbers, i.e., blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Factors You Can Control:

  • Blood Pressure
  • Smoking
  • Cholesterol
  • Activity Level
  • Weight
  • Diabetes

Factors you Can’t Control:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Heredity
  • Race
  • Previous Strokes/Heart Attacks

For more information, visit goredforwomen.org.

My First Prima Theatre Experience

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Back in December, I was invited to attend a production at Prima Theatre’s new home (941 Wheatland Ave., Suite A, Lancaster). I’ve been eagerly waiting to catch one of their shows since I started working at Lancaster County Magazine. Looking up various events from month to month, Prima’s shows always seemed intriguing to read.

The theatre’s December show was titled Piano Men and featured the hit songs of Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Elton John and Stevie Wonder. I enjoy all four of the talented artists’ songs, but my husband’s favorite is Billy Joel, which he proved to me by playing Joel’s classic hits all weekend long.

The show was performed by vocalists Deidre Cravey, Joy Lee, Reji Woods, vocalist/musician Jeremy Schonfeld – who was also the show’s music director – and vocalist/musician A. Scott Williams, the show’s associate music director. The band consisted of Thomas Carley on bass, Steve Katona on drums and Rob Reese on guitar.

Before the show began, guests had time to grab a snack and adult beverage if they desired. It was Friday night (not Saturday Night), so I was ready to unwind with a glass of wine and a pack of olives, which I finished just as the show kicked off. Schonfeld banged on the ivories and commanded the stage from his keyboard, but it was Reji Woods who slayed with his impressive high vocals and enough energy to fill the room, which was packed, by the way.

The ladies of the night, Deidre and Joy, sang the songs of Elton John with a sultry, somewhat seductiveness of sorts. Bennie and the Jets left us wanting more, and Joy Lee’s version of Elton’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road had me aching. The whole collaboration was amazing!

By the end of the night, the performance had everyone literally standing on their feet and singing along, with a surprise burst of confetti explosions across the audience. Executive Artistic Producer Mitch Nugent and his entire team did a tremendous job, and I can’t wait to attend the next one.

Take a Hygge Day

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Being a backyard tourist can be tough this time of the year. The days are short and typically quite cold. Many a morning starts with sleet, freezing rain or a blanket of snow.

Speaking of snow, we enjoy watching a good snowfall from our home. A snowfall is always an exciting event filled with anticipation. How much will we get? Will school be canceled? Will the snow be good for building a snowman or sledding? All you can do is sip your hot cocoa (and count how many marshmallows you have left) as you weather the storm.

That’s what’s kind of neat about January – the weather often forces us to hunker down, get cozy and enjoy a day at home. The Danish have a word for it – hygge. The concept is simple – forget about work and put the honey-do list aside on a snow day. Instead, you read a book, do a jigsaw puzzle, watch a movie or work on a hobby. If the weather allows, you could build that snowman or go sledding. You could take the time to make a pot of soup. Or, maybe treat the kids to snow cream. An afternoon nap in front of the fire is definitely on the agenda. While the Danes, who are regarded as some of the happiest people in the world, practice appreciating the simple things in life on a year-round basis, countries that contend with brutal winter weather have come to embrace the concept in the last decade.

While a snow day at home is nice, the photographer in me can’t help but imagine what the next morning will bring. The long open valleys and rolling hills of the Lancaster County countryside provide some of the most picturesque winter scenery around. If I want to capture ice-covered fences and snow-covered trees, I better set the alarm clock. The first light of day is best for photography, but snow and ice are tricky subjects. As soon as the sun hits them, the scenery begins to change rapidly.

The next snow day we have, consider getting up and out there before the sunrise. Take a little walk with your phone or camera, even if it’s literally in your own backyard. From the smallest ice crystals to the most impressive valley views, there’s always a lot of beautiful scenery to behold as the season plays out.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, there are options. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to soar over the snow-covered countryside with the United States Hot Air Balloon Team, which is based in Bird-in-Hand. The views were magnificent. To this day, I still regard it as the experience of a lifetime. I would also highly recommend a tour with nearby Smoketown Helicopters for a unique look at familiar places. You can read about my experiences on both of these tours in the Backyard Tourist archive at lancastercountymag.com.

Kitchen Essentials

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Whether you’re a newlywed or simply new to the kitchen, gadgets will help you master cooking.

As much as I love cooking gadgets, I must choose them wisely – we have a small kitchen, which means space comes at a premium. As we started to establish our culinary arsenal, everything needed to count and offer as many functions as possible. What follows is my Top 10 list of essentials that will keep you cooking for years to come.

1. Instant Pot

Another modernization of small kitchen appliances, instant pots are becoming a staple in many homes. An instant pot can replace a rice cooker, slow cooker (or crockpot) and pressure cooker, thus consolidating appliances and creating space. Add a steamer basket for vegetables, eggs and seafood. Most feature programmable cook times for convenience, and some offer a sterilization feature, which is helpful for specific methods of canning food and preparing baby bottles.

2. Digital Instant Read Thermometer

From cooking frozen meat to checking baked goods for doneness, the peace of mind that food is cooked well and properly is worth a great deal. This is especially true for new cooks, as the instant-read speed of a digital thermometer makes this a must-have tool in the kitchen. Keep a close eye on the quoted speed and accuracy when buying, as there are inexpensive options that won’t be as reliable as others.

3. Stand Mixer and Attachments

Before my fiancée, Jessica, started using her KitchenAid mixer, I had no idea how versatile these machines are. Stand mixers seem to be a staple of wedding registries, and it’s for good reason. They are an investment, to say the least, but the utility makes it a value. Unless you enjoy mixing endlessly by hand, stand mixers take the elbow grease out of food prep.

The sheer number of attachments available is astounding, from pasta rollers and food processors to meat grinders and ice cream makers. In KitchenAid’s line, there are two primary sizes, the Artisan and the Pro 600. The Artisan is designed for smaller batches and can often do a better job of mixing reduced quantities. The Pro 600 handles more volume with ease and features a slightly more robust motor.

4. Convection Toaster Oven

Convection ovens work faster by moving hot air around the food, cutting down on cooking time. For example, if you have unexpected visitors or you’re in need of a late-night snack, Nestle’s pre-made cookie dough transforms into a small batch of chocolate chip cookies in about 12 minutes flat. Leftover pizza and French fries, perhaps with mozzarella cheese added, come out hot and crisp. Ours has saved a lot of leftovers that a microwave would have left rubbery. The oven negates the need for a conventional toaster, making it a trade-off for countertop space.

5. Electric or Cast-Iron Griddle

Depending on the cooktop you use at home, either one of these can be great for cooking larger meals. A non-stick, electric griddle will heat evenly and add to your cook space without occupying a burner. They’re perfect for breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast and pancakes. Clean-up is easy. A cast iron griddle is ideal for a gas stove or outdoor grill, providing similar properties, but the density retains heat, ideal for searing meat or putting a crunch on toasting bread.

6. Quality Chef and Paring Knife

At a glance, dropping $100 on a kitchen knife might seem frivolous. A high-quality knife can last a lifetime, making it a bargain in the long run. Improving your knife skills will amplify that utility and save you from buying a number of kitchen gadgets while working more efficiently. Having a really good knife (or two) means you won’t have to rifle through drawers of inexpensive, dull knives. There’s also less risk of injuring yourself as you’ll use less force with a sharp blade. When I took a cooking class a couple of years ago, the usefulness of a great knife was one of the first major revelations.

A lesson often learned the hard way: clean your knives as soon as they’re used. Acidic foods can mar the blade, and the coarse side of a Brillo pad can leave scratches, so use the soft foam side. Knives are also meant to be honed, not sharpened, before each use. Make a couple of passes and wipe the blade with a damp cloth so it’s free of any loose metal. Wusthof, for instance, makes a knife sharpener that holds the precise angle for both coarse and fine honing.

7. Thick-Gauge Baking Tray

From baking large cakes to cooking bacon in the oven, thick-gauge baking trays see most of their use outside of the more expected cookie world. The trays come in handy at Christmas and Fat Tuesday, when I often bake King Cakes. The heavy-gauge baking trays are durable enough for transporting the sizable and weighty cakes to a dinner party or event. Paired with a cooling rack, I prefer Nordic Ware’s aluminum half-sheet baking trays for their commercial-grade rigidity.

8. Sous Vide Precision Cooker

For many folks, this is unfamiliar ground. Sous vide is a method of slow cooking whereby food is sealed in plastic or glass containers – locking in the moisture and flavor of the food – then submerged in water. The immersed cooker will heat the water to a precise degree, and the food will be heated up to that temperature the whole way through, and not one degree more, for an even, juicy cook. Temperatures hover around 130 degrees Fahrenheit, with cook times as short as an hour and as lengthy as a workday.

The process is akin to a crock pot mixed with a water bath canner, using the low-and-slow mentality of smoking foods. French Chef Georges Pralus developed the method in the 1970s, but precision cookers today feature Bluetooth connectivity to control and monitor your precision cooker with a smartphone. This is a prime example of how food and home cooking are continuing to change.

9. Cast Iron Skillet & A Dutch Oven

From the stovetop to the grill and right into the oven, cast iron is durable enough to do it all. Add a braising lid and it’ll function as a small Dutch oven, surrounding food with consistent, direct heat and limited airspace. I’m nearing two dozen skillets in my collection, but at the core, 12-inch and 8-inch skillets are the two most used in our household.

10. 16+ Quart Stock Pot

A large, heavy-bottom stockpot will see a lot of utility. From corn-on-the-cob to chicken corn noodle soup, 16 quarts (or more) is large enough that it can be paired with a propane burner outdoors to fry wings on game night, fries at a picnic, or a turkey at Thanksgiving. It can double as a water-bath canner for preserving high-acid foods simply by adding a rack to the bottom of the pot.

Bonus: Bar Keepers Friend

Taking care of your culinary investments is a step that should not be overlooked. Every kitchen needs a miracle worker, and Bar Keepers Friend is one of them. I’ve used it to safely polish copper pots and clean tarnished stainless-steel kettles that appeared beyond saving. Do you have hard water problems? Have you ever left a kettle on a heated stove and forgot it was there? Not a problem – Bar Keepers Friend can help. Available in a liquid and powder form, I prefer the former for more delicate surfaces.

The Art of Getting Wed… With an Edge

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Not every bride wants to have the traditional “picture-perfect” wedding. Instead, tattoos, piercings and dreadlocks may star in the contemporary bride’s vision of the perfect wedding. Several special-event-focused companies at Pod 2 at Rock Lititz collaborated to create a rock n’ roll wedding — a fantasy photo shoot that showcased the hipness of getting hitched.

The bride wore a vintage fringe dress, white booties and textured fishnets; the groom sported a burgundy velvet blazer over a T-shirt and black jeans.
Disco balls, moss, greenery and a large original painting by local artist Alastair Blake Peters set the stage for the couple’s vows.

The modern-industrial feel of Pod 2 at Rock Lititz is true to its purpose. “The companies at Pod 2 are makers,” says Rock Lititz General Manager Andrea Shirk. “From world-class audio speakers to pyrotechnics to huge concert-sized video screens, these businesses combine technology and creativity to deliver world-class productions for live performances.”

Ina Vigilato and Juany Santos, a couple in real life, portrayed the rocker bride and groom. Ina is a tattoo artist with a downtown Lancaster studio, and Juany is a DJ/musician who runs a downtown Lancaster space that serves as a record shop, rotating art gallery and wellness collective.

Nestled alongside those live-event specialists are businesses that serve the public in similar ways: Stray Production Services creates lighting, staging, sound systems and décor for weddings, corporate events and private parties. OPUS produces videos for corporate and personal clients. Gravie Kitchen + Commons caters the events that are held in Pod 2 public spaces. Simply Events plans weddings and events in Central Pennsylvania and beyond. The building itself offers over 15,000 square-feet of public areas for special events accommodating up to 400 seated guests, plus a 3,500-square-feet rehearsal space that doubles as an event space for weddings, local nonprofit organizations and corporate clients.

“We are finding more and more clients who are no longer interested in just ‘pretty,’” says Melody Strayer, event designer at Stray Production Services. “Instead, they want something that will distinctly tell their story through great design.” Inspired by the need to think outside the norm, Melody became the ringleader that brought together dozens of Lancaster County businesses to stage a fantasy wedding that reflects the edginess of the increasingly diverse demographics of brides and grooms.

The unique bridal stationery suite and party signage, created by Melissa Weiler of Persnickety, tells the story of a couple who enjoys life and a few of its vices.

Bold colors and large tropical flowers comprised the bride’s bouquet; the flower girl carried a single red rose wrapped in sheet music.

Flower girl Ruby Strayer was adorned with tattoo sleeves that look like the real thing.

 

Seven-year-old Sam Mangine carried the rings in a tour equipment earphone case that also held a guitar pick engraved, “I pick you.”

A road case, used to transport equipment on concert tours, served as the cake table. Draped in black sequins, the table displayed a dramatic cake in tiers of black, deep purple and slashes of white.

A post-ceremony drag race pitted the newlyweds in friendly competition, the bride in a privately owned vintage Corvette and the groom in a 1963 Ford Falcon from Keller Brothers Ford. The flower girl waved the checkered flags that kicked off the race.

How did you do that?

Photography – Trinity Walker Keefer/Trinity Photography

Venue – Pod 2 at Rock Lititz

Event planner – Nicole Amspacher, Simply Events, Lititz

Lighting/design – Melody Strayer, Stray Production Services, Lititz

Invitations and event signage – Melissa Weiler, Persnickety Invitation Studio, York

Flowers – Tara Folker, Splints & Daisies, Lancaster

Catering – Josh Funk, TFB Hospitality, Lititz

Cake – Cake and Cup Bake Shoppe, Lititz

Makeup/Hair – Stefanie Burket, The Bonafide Ginger, Lancaster

Vintage car – Keller Brothers Ford, Lititz

Videography – Lexi Detweiler, OPUS, Lititz

Jewelry – Koser Jewelers, Mount Joy

Artwork – Alastair Blake Peters, Lititz

Live music – 3 West Productions, Lancaster

Linens – Special Occasions, Lancaster

Cigars – Stephen Saudarg, Garcia Garcia (not shown in photos)

Guitars – Tone Tailors, Lititz (not shown in photos)

Bikes – Lititz Bikeworks, Lititz (not shown in photos)

Cookie dough dessert – Dough and Co., Lancaster (not shown in photos)

Popping the Question – Restaurant Proposals

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Where and how a marriage proposal is presented makes for a lasting memory. Typically, the location is a favorite spot such as a park, garden or even a restaurant. Several area restaurateurs share how they make the event special for couples, as well as popular spots in their restaurants for popping the question.

The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar

The wine cellar at The Greenfield Restaurant & Bar has always been one of Lancaster’s most popular settings for celebrating Valentine’s Day, toasting an anniversary, observing a birthday and, yes, proposing marriage. The tradition continues under new owner, Chef John Moeller, who took over the restaurant last summer.

Zach Moeller, the restaurant’s general manager, says he and the staff have already assisted with several proposals. “When someone lets us know they’ll be proposing, we help to make the experience as special as possible,” he says.

Zach points to one groom-to-be who asked the staff to place the engagement ring in his bride-to-be’s Champagne flute. To make the occasion even more special, the couple dined in the restaurant’s second-floor balcony area, which overlooks the Trellis Lounge, where a pianist provides music on weekends. Upon receiving his cue, the pianist played the bride-to-be’s favorite song as the Champagne flute containing the ring was placed on the table.

According to Zach, both the wine cellar and balcony are “really intimate spaces. Making the proposal in either location makes for a memorable evening.”

Information: Thegreenfieldrestaurant.com

The Log Cabin

The Log Cabin has a long-standing reputation as a place to celebrate milestone events. The Leola-area restaurant’s layout is comprised of dining areas of various sizes that lend themselves to private parties, including marriage proposals. “We provide anything you need to make it a memorable night – Champagne toast, floral designs and table décor,” says Margaret Bragg, the restaurant’s house manager. “With advance notice, we can reserve a photographer to come in and capture your occasion.  We also have a variety of rooms to choose from, making your event even more special,”

She names the Gable Room, an intimate dining area on the second level with windows overlooking the gardens, as a popular spot for proposals. And, to set the stage, the drive over the covered “kissing” bridge and into the Lehoy Forest, where the restaurant is situated, also lends itself to such a momentous event.

Information: Logcabinrestaurant.com

The Stockyard Inn

The Stockyard Inn is one of the area’s most iconic restaurants, making it a wonderful destination for a marriage proposal. Athena Fournaris, one of the owners of this family-owned restaurant, says many proposals have taken place in the Crystal Room, specifically at a table near a lighted corner cupboard that’s filled with crystal. “The room itself is beautiful and has an intimate feel to it,” she notes. “There are always flowers and candles on the table, so it’s a nice setting. The table near the corner cupboard has a romantic feel to it. If we know ahead of time, we can do something to make the meal special for the couple.”

Information: Stockyardinn.com

The Pressroom Restaurant

The most popular proposal spot at The Pressroom Restaurant is also a public spot, as the downtown eatery is adjacent to Steinman Park, a beautifully landscaped oasis that features a 20-foot waterfall and water column. Over the holidays, the park is festively decorated. In warmer weather, The Pressroom offers outdoor dining in the park.

“There are proposals that happen organically in the park,” explains General Manager Rob Commero. “I’ve been with The Pressroom for four years, and we’ve been contacted to help with about 10 proposals. Sometimes we’re asked to keep the park gates closed for the couple, so they can have their moment. Other times we’re asked to set a single table with flowers and Champagne.”

He reports that most of the proposals happen during off hours and during what he calls the “shoulder” months of April and September. While there have been some proposals inside the restaurant, most occur in Steinman Park.

Information: Pressroomrestaurant.com

Railroad House Inn

The Railroad House Inn’s co-owner, Joey Bowden, says the outdoor brick patio, which overlooks the garden, is one of several popular spots at the restaurant for proposals. It played a key role in a winter proposal in 2017. “The Railroad House is the couple’s favorite restaurant. We were asked to set up candles and flowers on a table outdoors. A dusting of snow made it even more romantic, plus it was the bride’s birthday. After he popped the question, they went downstairs [The Perry Street Cellar], where friends and family were waiting to celebrate with them,” he explains. “It was a total surprise for the bride-to-be.”

Joey adds that most people ask for a private area of the restaurant for the proposal, and he and the staff work with them to ensure that it’s a special experience. The Brodbeck Room at the rear of the restaurant is such a space. The exposed beams, vintage wood floors and large fireplace provide this room with a romantic ambiance. Joey notes that the tables by the fireplace are popular spots for proposals. “We’ve had requests to light the fireplace and have candles on the table,” he says.

Information: Railroadhouseinn.com

Setting the Stage

Source: Groupon.com

Restaurants have definitely become one of the most popular settings for popping the question. In a survey conducted by The Knot, 58% of respondents said they would love it if the proposal came at the site of their first date, which, in all probability, was at a restaurant. In the same survey, 31% of respondents specified that a proposal at a favorite restaurant would be their top choice.

While proposing in a restaurant may sound simple enough, setting the stage is of utmost importance. Jeff Lawler, owner of Geja’s Café in Chicago, has helped to orchestrate more than 300 marriage proposals. What follows is his advice on making a proposal memorable
and enjoyable.

  1. Choose a restaurant that’s significant to your relationship. That could range from the scene of your first date to one that has become your favorite restaurant as a couple.
  2. Ambiance matters! Take such factors as décor, cuisine and service into consideration when choosing the location of your proposal.
  3. Make a reservation! Don’t show up without a reservation on a busy Saturday night and expect magic to happen.
  4. Meet with or call the restaurant’s manager and explain the significance of your big night out. Most restaurants have helped customers with momentous occasions such as proposals. Many will work with you to provide the details – flowers, Champagne, pacing the courses, creating a special dessert and even presenting the ring – that will make the moment special.
  5. Pop the question early – perhaps while you’re enjoying drinks and appetizers. That way, you’ll both be able to enjoy the rest of the evening.
  6. Preserve the big moment. Hire a photographer or at the very least, ask a staff member at the restaurant to take pictures of the proceedings.
  7. Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd. Lawler is of the opinion that a proposal should be a private moment. However, a new trend is to invite family and friends to join the newly engaged couple for a post-proposal drink in the restaurant’s bar (or perhaps have a party in a private room) or at a favorite bar.

Dog-friendly Wedding Venues

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Moonstone Manor

Including dogs in weddings has become a coast-to-coast phenomenon! Lancaster has joined the trend, as more and more venues are welcoming pets to take part in the weddings of their humans. Here’s a sampling …

1. Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast: Co-owner Vivian Abel views dogs at weddings as “a trend I have seen grow in probably the last five years. Dogs are considered part of the family, so it’s only natural that some couples want their dog in their wedding. In recent years, we have gotten two or three requests each year to have the pet dog in the wedding.” Out of concern for the cats who live on the farm, Viv and her husband, Bob, ask that dogs be removed from the property after the ceremony. One of their cats, Molly, loves weddings. “She always seems to appear when we have a wedding,” Viv notes. Details: Pheasantrunfarmbb.com.

2. Eden Resort & Suites: This pet-friendly hotel permits dogs to take part in wedding ceremonies, but because of health regulations, they cannot attend receptions. Proof of vaccinations must be submitted prior to the wedding. Details: Edenresort.com.

3. Weddings On The Green at Willow Valley & The DoubleTree Resort Lancaster: Dogs can participate in outdoor wedding ceremonies but must leave the premises when the reception begins. Details: Lancaster.doubletree.com.

4. The Farm at Eagles Ridge: According to co-owner Paige Flowers, “We are dog-friendly, and our policy is that they remain outside on a leash throughout the day and then be taken off-site once cocktail hour begins.” Details: Farmateaglesridge.com.

5. John Wright Restaurant: Molly Cook, the assistant director of operations, reports that dogs are welcome to participate in wedding ceremonies, many of which are conducted riverside, but because of health regulations, they are not permitted to attend receptions. Details: Jwrpa.com.

6. White Chimneys: Jessica Meyer notes that dogs are welcome as long as they have a clean bill of health and proof of vaccinations. “Because we are an active farm with other animals, we request that clients’ dogs be kept leashed, and we highly encourage having a dedicated sitter to attend to the dog throughout the day.” Details: Whitechimneys.com.

7. The Willows at Historic Strasburg (Fireside Tavern): Dogs are permitted to participate in outdoor wedding ceremonies. Details: Dsfireside.com.

8. Ironstone Ranch/Star Barn Village: Jamie Berger of C&J Catering (the property’s exclusive catering firm), explains, “Occasionally, we do allow dogs on the property to participate in the weddings.” Details: Ironstoneranch.com.

9. Drumore Estate: Personal pets are welcome to attend weddings at the estate. There are no restrictions as to the length of time dogs are on-site. Details: Drumoreestate.com.

10. Moonstone Manor: Owner Gina Dambrosio describes her property as “super dog-friendly. Dogs have always been a big part of our lives, and we love when our couples include their dogs in their special day. They add so much joy and comfort to a celebration. I love seeing the guests’ eyes light up and their smiles when they get to interact with the dogs. We provide a quiet place for our furry guests should they need respite from the large crowd and music. We open up our private office space and provide food and water bowls and, of course, lots of tummy rubs and hugs. My 12-year-old daughter, Willow, offers to walk the dogs and dog-sit in the mansion while the owners enjoy time in the celebration tent. Our policy is that dogs be on a leash and that the owners clean up after their pets. We have never encountered an issue with any of our dog visitors.” Details: Moonstonemanor.com.

11. Bear Mill Estate: According to owner Kerry Kegerise, “Bear Mill is dog-friendly, and we’ve had many take part in ceremonies.” Details: Bearmillestate.com.

12. The Inn at Leola Village: Stephanie Lambert, the inn’s director of special events, shares that dogs have participated in several weddings at the venue. To further accommodate such requests, the inn has designated several hotel rooms as “pet-friendly” (for weddings only), which allows dogs to participate in the ceremony and photography and then relax while the reception is in progress. Details: Theinnatleolavillage.com.

13. The Booking House: Michaela Perron, the venue’s marketing and sales coordinator, reports that dogs are permitted on the premises for ceremonies and photography. They must be accompanied by a designated handler and leashed when they are in the building. Details: Thebookinghousemanheim.com.

14. Mulberry Art Studios: Assistant Lino Seijo-Herbert reports that this city-based venue is dog-friendly. Details: Mulberryartstudios.com.

Note: Policies are subject to change. Discuss your idea with the venue of your choice from the outset.

Christy Moyer + Sam Yost | August 18, 2018

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How They Met: Christy and Sam were acquainted with each other through attending Millersville University. But, it wasn’t until after they graduated that they started dating. “He came across my Facebook page, saw I was single and asked me out,” Christy recalls. However, before going on that first date, she invited Sam to attend a Humane League event she was helping with. “I thought it would serve as an ice-breaker,” she explains.

Sam the Dog-Lover: Sam, who is a chemist at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, is the proud pet parent of Bosco, a Lab-Pit-German Shepherd mix, who came into his life seven years ago when a co-worker needed to find homes for his dog’s litter of puppies. Christy, who is employed by Elite Coach in charter sales and is a volunteer with the Wrap Up Project, impressed Sam by “getting” the Seinfeld reference behind Bosco’s name. Bosco was George Costanza’s ATM code and the subject of the episode, The Secret Code.

The Proposal: Besides Bosco, Christy and Sam share a love of craft beer. The Fridge is one of their favorite destinations. Sam thought it would make for an appropriate place to propose, and with the help of the owners and staff, he set his plan into action. One Monday evening, Sam invited Christy to go out for dinner. He made an excuse for having to stop by The Fridge and instructed Christy to follow him. Once inside the restaurant, which is typically closed on Mondays, she saw a trail of rose petals and candles that led to a pedestal. “It looked just like something out of The Bachelor, which is one of my favorite television shows,” she explains. Sam proposed with a ring and a “final rose,” while friends and family photographed and filmed the proceedings.

The Planning Begins: As Christy and Sam began planning their wedding, three things were paramount: Bosco would be involved; craft beer would be a major theme; and all efforts would be made to utilize local vendors. Finding a venue that would welcome Bosco was the first priority. “We wanted to be outdoors, and Moonstone Manor not only provided a garden-like backdrop, but Gina [Moonstone’s owner] was excited to welcome Bosco,” Christy explains. Photographer Emily Grace was onboard, as well, explaining, “Interest in having dogs take part in weddings has definitely grown over the years,” she says. “I get at least one request per year – last year I had three weddings with dogs in them. People view them as part of the family.”

Best Dog: Bosco carried out his role as Best Dog in style. Christy and Sam found an Etsy site that specializes in custom wedding attire for pets. “We took all the required measurements and sent a bow tie that matched what the groomsmen would be wearing so the color would match,” Christy recalls. The results were perfect. According to Christy, the tux “fit like a glove.” Even Bosco approved. “He’s easy,” says Christy. “He’ll wear whatever we put on him.” Christy worked with floral designer Michelle Gehman of Lips “Tu” Lips Flowers to create a special boutonniere for Bosco.

Bosco was escorted down the aisle by Sam’s Best Man, Lamar Reid. After witnessing the ceremony, Bosco took part in the photo session and then relaxed inside the mansion at Moonstone. He later joined the party, where he posed with guests in the photo booth and danced the night away.

Photography by Emily Grace
Emily Grace Photography: Emilygracephoto.com

Sarah Mallouk + Matt Crain | September 10, 2016

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Sarah and Matt’s wedding, which was held at Moonstone Manor in Elizabethtown, literally went viral thanks to Sarah’s almost-last-minute idea of scheduling a pre-ceremony photo session that would involve puppies. No doubt, you’ve probably seen the photos – they’ve appeared in newspapers across the state (and beyond), on online wedding sites (including Kleinfeld Bridal, where Sarah purchased her dress), in magazines, and on websites such as Huffington Post, BuzzFeed and The Dodo. News programs such as Good Morning America and Inside Edition also showcased them. “It was crazy,” Sarah says.

To fully tell the story, we must go back to the beginning. According to Sarah, her mother is of the opinion that her daughter came into this world loving animals. “I was too young to legally work in a pet store, so I volunteered at one,” she says. She became a certified dog trainer. She’s also been involved with the rescue organization Pitties.Love.Peace as a dog trainer and board member since it was founded seven years ago. Because she now lives near Philadelphia, she isn’t able to be as hands-on with the rescue and instead helps with its online presence as well as the processing of applications.

Sarah and Matt met while they were both attending Shippensburg University. “He grew up with cats,” she notes. Sarah’s influence helped to convert him into a dog lover. They celebrated their one-year anniversary as a couple by adopting a puppy. Today, their family consists of two Boxers and a Pit-mix they are fostering for Pitties.Love.Peace.

From the moment Matt proposed, Sarah knew she wanted to include a canine element in her wedding. When a litter of Boxer/Coonhound puppies arrived at the rescue, the idea of including them in a pre-ceremony photo shoot took root. When an adorable Pit-mix arrived at the rescue from New York, Sarah put her plan into action. She not only wanted to incorporate her and Matt’s love of dogs into their wedding, but she “wanted to honor the rescue in a personal and tactful way,” she explains.

Photographer Caroline Logan was game, knowing the presence of puppies would provide the ingredients for adorable and relaxed photographs. Volunteers from the rescue were on-site to help wrangle the energetic pups. “The photo shoot was done quickly, which was good, because it was a really hot day,” Sarah explains, adding that contrary to numerous reports, she and her bridesmaids did not walk down the aisle carrying the puppies. “We carried our bouquets,” she says.

A few days into their Riviera Maya honeymoon, Sarah received a call from Caroline. “I wondered why she would be calling,” she admits. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Caroline had posted a photo from the shoot to her Facebook page as well as to Kleinfeld’s page. News outlets, wedding websites, social media and animal organizations picked it up and requested additional photos from the shoot. Caroline needed the newlyweds’ permission to release them. Sarah began googling her photos and was astonished by the number of likes and views they were receiving.

Good news also came Pitties.Love.Peace’s way. All the puppies were adopted, as were dogs that had spent considerable time in the rescue’s care. Volunteers also joined the rescue’s efforts thanks to the exposure it received through the wedding.

Sarah is happy that other couples are following in her and Matt’s footsteps. “I hope everyone’s intentions are good,” she says of providing rescues and shelters with exposure and financial support as opposed to simply using puppies as props for a wedding.

Photography by Caroline Logan
Carolineloganphotography.com

Amanda Lavis + Dave Pedersen | May 20, 2017

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How They Met: Amanda is from York, while Dave hails from Clinton Corners, New York. Both were students at Messiah College, where they became fast friends over Dunkin’ Donuts and Ford Mustangs. According to Amanda, “Dave and I have been friends for over 15 years, with our friendship spanning most of our adult lives. We’ve experienced the excitement of a summer studying abroad, the giddiness of Dave purchasing his first Mustang, the anticipation of graduating college and starting our first real jobs, the sadness of Dave selling his first Mustang and the joys of furry kids. If you were to tell us back in college that one day we’d be married, we would have laughed!”

When they found themselves both single for the first time in their friendship (and living just a few miles apart), “we began to realize that friends was transitioning to friendlier. We took a chance, and that gamble paid off, as our years of friendship have only served to enhance our relationship,” Amanda says.

The Proposal: Dave contemplated proposing during a business trip he and Amanda would be taking to Hawaii. He reconsidered, thinking a proposal in paradise would be too predictable. Instead, he proposed in their driveway on April Fool’s Day as they were leaving to celebrate Amanda’s March 31 birthday with friends. She had arrived home late from work and as they were rushing out the door, Dave applied the brakes and, as Amanda recalls, exclaimed, “Wait a minute! Just wait a minute! I have a question for you before we go. Will you marry me?” He then presented her with a ring he helped design with her favorite jeweler, K Novinger. Amanda remembers she was completely caught off guard, but still managed to say yes. “We were a little late to the dinner, but at least we had a good excuse!”

Finding the Perfect Venue: The Mechanicsburg residents had checked out a few venues prior to looking at Drumore Estate. “We were looking for a unique venue that would be the perfect backdrop for our black-tie-elegant garden wedding,” Amanda explains. “We arrived at Drumore fully prepared to cross it off the list due to the distance from Mechanicsburg, but as soon as we drove up the tree-lined drive and saw the estate, we knew it was the place. Let’s be honest, there isn’t anything unimpressive about Drumore Estate.”

According to Amanda, that extends to owner Karyn Regitz, who brings attention to detail and high standards to Drumore weddings. Karyn is also a dog lover – her three Boston Terriers accompanied the couple on their tour of the property. “Karyn and her team are what truly make Drumore Estate the gem it is,” Amanda notes.

Puppy Love: “It was important for us that our wedding would include things we love and could share with our guests,” Amanda says. “We didn’t consciously select a puppy theme, but dogs are one of the many things we both love and wanted our guests to celebrate with us.”

Carrying Out the Theme: “We originally wanted to include our collies, Jack and Ruger, in our wedding; however, we realized the busyness of the wedding day would likely be too hectic for them,” Amanda recalls. So, they turned to their wedding planner, Susan Moran of That’s It! Wedding Concepts for some ideas. “She was fantastic about brainstorming ideas with us, and made sure the details were executed to perfection!”

Susan, it seems, has planned her share of weddings that included dogs. “The nice thing about this wedding was the fact that Drumore has no restrictions,” Susan says, noting that privately owned venues tend to offer more options where dogs are concerned.

“Dave and I bought a chalk collie statue at a local antique store several years prior to our wedding, and when we showed it to Susan, she thought of including it on the name-card table,” Amanda recalls. The couple custom-created the golden collie name-card holders (which doubled as informal favors for the wedding guests). To make their wedding invitations more personal, they included two collie silhouettes on the band. “It was the perfect touch to have our stationery go from stock to special,” Amanda says.

Inspiration for the final piece of the puzzle materialized in December, when Amanda and Dave attended a black-tie gala to support Keystone Human Services. Canine representatives of Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) were present at the gala. “I mentioned how wonderful it would be to have them at our wedding, and SSD made it happen!” Amanda says. “SSD is a fantastic organization, and we were thrilled to be able to include them in our wedding.” As luck would have it, the Yellow Lab “Love Bug” litter was born in time to be a part of their wedding. “The puppies were the center of attention during our cocktail hour,” she continues. “Guests could cuddle with the puppies and have their photo taken in our puppy-kissing photo booth.”

Kerry Wevodau, the organization’s director of development, notes that outside of service-dogs-in-training taking part in their foster parents’ weddings, this was a rare occurrence for SSD to be asked to participate in a wedding.
In Susan’s estimation, “It turned out to be a win-win for everyone. The couple was able to carry out their theme and Susquehanna Service Dogs received exposure and monetary support through donations and the puppy-kissing photo booth. I love clients who donate to 501(c)(3) organizations,” she says of the trend that sees couples make donations to worthy causes as opposed to spending money on favors and such. “It’s a kinder, gentler component to a wedding,” she says.

The Sub-theme: “Our wedding included many little touches that reflected our lives,” Amanda notes. “For example, our guestbook was a Mustang coffee table book, our bar featured premium bourbon from our trip on the Kentucky Bourbon trail, and our wine bar featured wines from New Zealand and Australia, where we would be honeymooning.”

Hawaii is Now Home: Four months after their wedding, the newlyweds started the process of moving to Hawaii, where Dave, who works for the Department of the Navy, serves as the Human Resources Director for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC). Both love the warm weather, but they hope to return to Pennsylvania in the upcoming years.

Photography by Svetlana Smith
Svetlana Photography: Svetlanaphoto.com

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