A Hotel Bethlehem Elopement

We just want something simple, they said.  A quiet ceremony by our fireplace, they said. Vicki and Jeff had been together for nearly seven years and felt the time was right to tie the knot. They had recently moved to Bethlehem from New Jersey and were just getting to know their way around town. When they contacted me to do a simple elopement ceremony I was enthusiastic to share some of my favorite places in lovely Bethlehem, PA. Vicki mentioned that she was hoping to wed on the date of January 17th, as it was her grandmother's birthday.  I was scheduled to be at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem's elegant Winter Bridal Showcase,  and would't be available that day, but joked that they could stop by my table and I could marry them there. We could do a Flash Wedding!

One thing led to another, as they say... and several emails and phone calls later, Vicki and Jeff decided to stop by Hotel Bethlehem during the Bridal Showcase and get hitched! Now....in case you have been to typical bridal events, it needs to be mentioned that Hotel Bethlehem does not have the cattle-herding version. It is top-notch elegant all the way. It is held in the evening, with beautiful lighting, champagne,  hors d'oeuvres...I told them at least they would be able to have a toast after they said 'I do'!

I contacted the event managers at the hotel to let them know a quick flash wedding was going to take place during the Bridal Showcase.  And that was when the little elopement became a community event! Terry Marrow and Kathy Sanders of Hotel Bethlehem did what they do best. They contacted some of the wedding professionals attending the event and organized an amazing surprise for this beautiful couple. Phoebe Floral provided a gorgeous bouquet and boutonnière. ​​Piece 'a Cake created a stunning three-tiered wedding cake.  James Boburka Cinematography  caught everything on tape and crafted a lovely short video.  Armen Elliot Photography took the fabulous photos you see here.

And right after the 'I do's', Hotel Bethlehem staff appeared with flutes of champagne for Vicki and Jeff as they toasted to their new marriage!

Not gonna lie...as soon as the Piece 'a Cake wedding cake was cut, we all ran to grab a slice. This cake was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, as well as artistically beautiful. The hotel staff wrapped up the top for Vicki and Jeff to save for their one year anniversary.  I see a Hotel Bethlehem dinner in their future for January 17, 2017! 

Seriously...how great is this?! They weren't the only ones smiling at this point. There were quite a few happy tears shed by strangers as we were all witness to this wonderful elopement. Grateful thanks for all of those who went out of their way to make this couple's elopement more special and memorable than they could have imagined. 

Click here to see the video of Vicki and Jeff's wedding, from James Boburka Cinematography.
Vicky and Jeff's Wedding Video