College Sweetheart Wedding at Penn State University: Ashley + Anthony

Penn State University symbolized a wealth of things for Ashley and Anthony. They both completed their college studies at PSU, courted each other on its campus grounds, and chose to have their wedding amidst its blue and white banners.

“We did incorporate the culture of our Alma mater, WE ARE..Penn State! From the save the dates to the hotel accommodations at the Nittany Lion Inn, Penn State was a running theme. Without Penn State, my husband and I would have never met so it was only right that we got married where it all started.”

Ashley and Anthony entrusted coterie members Nana Annan Photography and Pretty Posh Events to bring their “College Sweetheart” theme to life, and they accomplished just that. Adding the hue of yellow to the traditional PSU colors, Pretty Posh Events used items such as lemon place card holders to add to the decor.

“The wedding was not only a family reunion but a college reunion, and they sure partied the night away,” said Abby of Pretty Posh Events.

Wedding Date: 5/25/2014
Wedding Location: Ceremony at The Arboretum at Penn State & the Reception at The Nittany Lion Inn
Wedding Theme: College Sweethearts
First Dance Song: Heaven Sent- Keyshia Coles
Wedding Flowers: White, yellow roses, hydrangeas, and carnations.
Wedding Menu Favorite: Bride- Salmon with Mint Pesto. Groom- Petite panini-bite sized, pressed sandwiches between slices of italian batard, with italian meats.
Bridesmaids Gifts: Wedding day accessories, necklace and earrings.
Groomsmen Gifts: Engraved flasks with name and date of wedding.

Tell us about how you met.

My husband and I met at The Pennsylvania State University. Ironically my husband and I both lived in Brooklyn, NY 15 minutes away from each other, both went to high school within walking distance of each other and I used to play basketball at his old elementary school playground. But we never met until Penn State. If my husband told it, he would say he always had an eye on me since my freshman year back in Altoona, but our first encounter was when I rode in his car to a party at main campus in State College and I sat right behind him. To think I was sitting behind my future husband. It was not until I transferred to State College my junior year that we started hanging out more and developing a friendship. Over time our friendship grew into something more and when the opportunity presented itself, we took a chance at love and here we are 6 years later.

Tell us about the proposal!

On March 25, 2012, my husband was particularly anxious that day. He suggested we go to dinner, and that I should get dressed while he made a stop outside. While I was getting ready, I remember thinking he better come back with a ring (haha). When he came back he said before you put your make-up on I have something to ask you. He got down on one knee in our bedroom, pulled out a box and asked me to marry him. I cried, he cried, it was perfect. My favorite part of his speech was when he said “the next time you walk out this house I want you to be my fiancée”. The proposal was random and unconventional and that’s a perfect reflection of us.

Memories

Our favorite memory of the wedding was the first look before the ceremony. My family strongly opposed the idea of a first look because it was not traditional but it was very important to us that we had a moment to ourselves. We wanted to be able to say “we made it” together. The first look was perfect; it made for great pictures and an experience we’ll never forget. I remember walking up behind my husband, crying nervously, excited to see him. When he turned around he smiled and said “hey baby” and at that moment I knew I made the right choice marrying him and he felt the same way. We had a chance to cry, to bask in the moment and just focus on us before the day got more hectic. After the first look, the rest of the day was just a big party with our family and friends.

Help a bride-to-be out!

The best advice I would give is do your research and know what you want for your wedding. Everyone will have an opinion on what you should do, how you should do and what it should look like but it’s your wedding and you make all those decisions. My other piece of advice is to enjoy your wedding day to the fullest. The day will go by so fast and you want to enjoy every minute of it. Don’t let anyone ruin your day. It’s your day and you deserve to celebrate the fact that you’re marrying your best friend. It truly is the best day of your life. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heart beat.

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Vendors

Wedding Coordinator: Pretty Posh Events
Florals & Decor: Pretty Posh Events
Entertainment: DJ Cashous – AJ Sutherland
Hair stylist: Winnie Williams of Tim’s of Philadelphia
Videographer: Jamison LoCascio of Halcyon Valor Productions
Photography: Nana Annan Photography