Kimberly and Dalin, an adorable couple from Pittsburgh, were looking for a location to have their wedding that was far enough away to feel like they were on a getaway, but close enough to be manageable for their guests with a variety of needs. The couple was also looking for a place in an outdoor setting that most of their guests had not visited before, that felt fun and relaxed at the same time: Wisp Resort was a perfect fit for their expectations.
About the Couple
A lovely first dance on the
Island in the Sky Bridge. Photo Courtesy Kristin Hurley.
The couple began dating on July 4, 2011, after meeting through a mutual friend when Kimberly met her hometown guy, while she was attending the University of Pittsburgh. The two began dating and have had two darling little girls together since then. It was just after the birth of their second child that Dalin swept Kimberly off her feet and asked her to marry him in 2017. Both of the children were important parts of their wedding at Wisp Resort, the youngest was the star of the dance floor for most of the evening.
The Wedding
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Kimberly and Dalin vow to be together forever. Photo Courtesy Kristin
Hurley.
Both Kimberly and Dalin enjoy the outdoors, therefore they chose to have their wedding in the mountains. The couple loved the idea of having it in a place that could accommodate the ceremony, reception, and lodging in the same venue. They were over-the-moon about their First Look photos taken by Kristin Hurley, who they gave accolades to for offering a timeline that was very helpful to them through the busy process.
The morning of the wedding, the reception area was decorated by Dalin and his family with little extras, such as: a sand ceremony table, centerpieces and wedding favors. Friends of the bride provided flower arrangements, while Mountain Flour Bakery scattered homemade cupcakes around the couple’s wedding cake. The couple loved the idea of having a baker within such close proximity to the venue, so they didn’t have to travel with the tasty treats.
From the Bride
A little rain wasn’t going to bother this happy couple. Photo Courtesy Kristin
Hurley.
Having a good friend of the bride and groom’s as the officiant really made the couple’s wedding day. Bob Maine did a fantastic job and has married quite a few couples over the years. His advice and expertise in the matter was and is still greatly appreciated by Kimberly and Dalin. He made them feel completely comfortable and the day seem to flow seamlessly.
One of our most memorable moments was too see “how many people came to support us. While Deep Creek is only 2 hours from Pittsburgh, where the groom is from, it’s still a 4 hour drive from my hometown. Our families took over the hotel lobby for the weekend and the houses rented were a pit stop for new adventures,” said Kimberly. “It wasn’t what we had or didn’t have at the wedding and reception...the people that were there made the day and week special for us!”
Making Memories
One of Kimberly and Dalin’s daughters celebrated on the dance floor. Photo
Courtesy Kristin Hurley.
Before the wedding the bridal party had an evening out in the Deep Creek Lake. The entire group went to dinner at Pizzeria Uno’s and then danced the night away at the Honi Honi Bar. Kimberly said it was a fun way to relax before all the nerves kicked in on the wedding day. After the wedding, a few members from each of the families and number of friends, stayed at the resort to enjoy a relaxing extended vacation. Those who stayed a few extra days rented a boat out on Deep Creek Lake, zipped down the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort, and raced one another on go-carts at Smiley’s Fun Zone.
Vendors:
Photo/Video: Kristin Hurley / Cake: Mountain Flour Bakery / HMU: The Lake Salon / Attire: David’s Bridal; Men’s Warehouse / Jeweler: Kay Jewelers
Last Edited by Maggie Moran on Wednesday, October 03, 2018About the Couple
First smile shared as newlyweds. Photo Courtesy Amerlee Christey Photography.
Being from Morgantown West Virginia, it's easy to see how Janelle and James lead an active lifestyle in the mountains with plenty of hiking and biking options. Who knew when they met on a blind date at a Starbucks that it would lead to wedded bliss!? The coffee must have been strong that day and after many other dates, they were engaged on a path along the shoreline in Bar Harbor Maine.
The Wedding
Guests gather for nuptials under the pavilion. Photo Courtesy Amerlee Christey Photography.
With their love of the outdoors and mountain scenery, Janelle and James chose to hold their wedding ceremony at the White Water Pavilion on top of Wisp Resort. The open air pavilion features dramatic pine beams with a contrasting steel frame and sweeping mountain views. One of the other selling points for the couple was the idyllic bridge over the man-made river to the pavilion on an island. The ceremony was laden with garden and floral accents which lead to the traditional theme of the wedding.
The reception was held in the Mountain Mist Event Tent at the base of Wisp Resort where coral and pink flowers were complements by navy and golf accents. Guests nibbled on mini crab cakes and spinach and goat cheese tarts before the main entrees of New York strip steak and bourbon BBQ chicken were served. The dessert finale were stunningly decorated cupcakes and a 2-tiered wedding cake.
From the Bride
Taking in the majestic mountain views. Photo Courtesy Amerlee Christey Photography.
Janelle and James held a 'first look' before the ceremony at the top of the mountain, then descended the mountain via chairlift. "That was actually very relaxing because it was a 14 minute ride where we got to spend together, just us, before the rush of the rest of the day set in," reflected Janelle.
Making Memories
Husband and wife for the first time. Photo Courtesy Amerlee Christey Photography.
The couple hosted a relaxed rehearsal dinner at the near by Mountain State Brewing Company where they spent time with family and friends.
Vendors
Photography: Amerlee Christey Photography / Cake/Dessert: Lolita Cupcreations / Florist: Rooted by Design / Make-up: Casey Phillips / Hair: Jori Covington / Decorator: Janelle, Bride / Bridal Shop: David's Bridal / Tux: Jos A Banks
Last Edited by The Wisperer on Thursday, August 16, 2018Even before getting engaged, Savannah and Ritchard discussed many different wedding venues: Wisp Resort always sat at the top of their list because of its convenient location and the appeal of its many unique ceremony and reception sites.
About the Couple
Newlyweds share their first sunset. Photo Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
The couple are from the Cumberland Maryland area which is just a short distance away from Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort. In February of 2017 Ritchard flew from Virginia, where he was stationed with the Army, to Ohio, where Savannah was attending school, in order to surprise her with a romantic proposal. When Savannah got dressed up to go out she had assumed it was for a girls’ night at a vineyard. She never expected to end the night engaged and then married just three and a half months later!
The Wedding
Savannah says, "I do." Photo Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
Savannah and Ritchard both desired an outdoor wedding and the Mountain Top site, with its stunning views, proved an ideal location for their nuptials. Following a rustic ceremony, in which the bride’s brother took his ring bearer duties literally by wearing a bear costume, the newlyweds and their guests headed down the mountain for a cocktail hour in the McHenry Lodge with hors d’oeuvres selections of bacon wrapped scallops, crudités, and tomato bruschetta.
The reception was also held in the McHenry Lodge. Savannah’s aunt Dawn proved an invaluable asset in bringing all her ideas together for a rustic-themed wedding with daisy accents. Before dinner they celebrated with a sparkling Moscato toast. Guests dined on New York Strip Steak and bone-in bourbon barbeque chicken. A family friend baked the wedding cake and cupcakes, incorporating Savannah’s beloved daisies into the design. During the cake cutting Ritchard decided to throw his piece of cake at Savannah right away but she got the last laugh when she smeared her piece of cake all over his face.
Once the reception wrapped up the bridal party and friends drove down the road to the lakefront Honi-Honi Bar to continue the festivities.
From the Bride
First kiss on the mountaintop. Photography Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
“We loved having all of our close friends and family together from Minnesota down to Texas, each person made our day extra special.”
Making Memories
Sparklers fly as the newlyweds exit their wedding. Photo Courtesy Derek and Diane Photography.
That weekend some guests visited Swallow Falls. Savannah and Ritchard spent another week in Deep Creek Lake and even managed to fit disc golf at Wisp Resort into their schedule.
Vendors:
Photo/Video: Derek and Diane Photography / Cake: Penny Vaughn / Florist: Harvey’s Florist / Decorator: Ritchard’s Aunt Dawn / HMU: Brooke Dayton, Trevor Warner, Lacy May / Attire: Potomac Bridal, Weddington Way, Men’s Warehouse / Jeweler: Diamonds Direct
Last Edited by The Wisperer on Thursday, August 16, 2018Kaitlin and Freddy came to Wisp Resort knowing exactly what they wanted for their wedding: a huge celebration of love in an elegant, classic style. With a Mountain Top ceremony, dinner and dancing in the McHenry Lodge, and help from the Wisp Staff and some incredible vendors, they achieved just that.
About the Couple
The couple shares an intimate moment in a lush surrounding. Photo Courtesy Adliv Collective.
Kaitlin and Freddy met during their freshmen years of college at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, and were engaged in December of 2014. The bride grew up spending summers at Deep Creek Lake, as her grandfather has a cottage on the lake. She always dreamed of getting married at the lake, but never thought it would be an option. In July of 2016 her dream came true at Wisp Resort.
The Wedding
Kaitlin and Freddy are pronounced Husband and Wife! Photo Courtesy Adliv Collective.
The couple chose to say their vows at Wisp Resort’s Mountain Top and celebrate with a reception at the McHenry Lodge. The magical ceremony was kicked off by a surprise horse-drawn carriage for Kaitlin! The parents of the bride surprised their daughter with the ride just moments before Kaitlin was to make her grand entrance. The processional was made even more unforgettable when the bride and groom’s boxers, Ralph and Reba, made their way down the aisle.
When the ceremony came to an end, the newlyweds making their way back down the aisle to Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.,” the guests and wedding party headed down the mountain to the McHenry Lodge, where Joelle of Wedding Elegance by Joelle had created a breathtaking space for the 330 guests to celebrate the couple. The centerpiece of the space: a bejeweled cake-pop cake by Christine of Harvest Moon Bakery.
A cocktail hour in Wispers Bar and outside on the deck at the McHenry Lodge featured the couple’s signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres selections of bacon wrapped scallops, prosciutto wrapped asparagus and tomato bruschetta. The Wisp staff served a buffet dinner of chicken piccata, broiled flounder with crab imperial and roasted round top sirloin before dancing broke out for the rest of the evening.
From the Bride
The grand wedding party poses for a beautiful mountaintop shot. Photo Courtesy Adliv Collective.
“When it came down to picking a wedding location it was easy to pick the Wisp. No matter what, either the bride or groom’s families would have to travel. We made an executive decision to have a “mini” destination wedding, so that both families would have to travel and no one’s feelings would be hurt. The Wisp was the first and only place we visited.”
Making Memories
A charming and unique mode of transportation for the Bride and Groom. Photo Courtesy Adliv Collective.
The bride and groom’s families rented homes on the mountain for the wedding weekend, and took advantage of all the Deep Creek Lake area has to offer. They rented a boat and jet skis to get out on the water, and rode the Mountain Coaster and chair lift here at Wisp Resort. The group enjoyed rounds of miniature golf with their guests and raced go-karts. And, of course, a wedding weekend at the Lake would not be complete without a celebration at the local hot spot, Honi-Honi Bar!
Vendors:
Photo/Video: Adliv Collective / Cake: Christine Lewis or Harvest Moon Catering / Florist, Decorator & Planner: Joelle Hadix of Wedding Elegance by Joelle / HMU: The Lake Salon / Attire: Kleinfeld Bridal; Miller’s Tuxedo Rentals & Sales / Transportation: Red Carpet Limousine; Pleasant Valley Dream Rides (Horse & Carriage) / Jeweler: Kranich’s Jewelers
Last Edited by The Wisperer on Thursday, August 16, 2018Annemarie and Adam came to Wisp Resort seeking the perfect place to host a wedding celebration with a “light, garden party feel with lots of flowers.” The couple fell in love with the high, silk-draped ceilings, golf course views, and open, light-filled space of the Mountain Mist Tent. Add in the amenities offered by Wisp Resort and the activities in the Deep Creek Lake area, and they knew this was the place!
About the Couple
The couple shares an intimate moment. Photo Courtesy Tim Ray Photography
The bride and groom both grew up in West Virginia, and were engaged in Morgantown on February 6, 2015. They are “die hard Mountaineer fans,” with a love of summer, travelling and boating. They are also a couple of self-proclaimed food connoisseurs – the Wisp Resort catering staff was all too happy to meet their standards with the delightful selections offered within the Mountain Meadow dinner package.
The Wedding
The elegant and stunning Mountain Mist Tent. Photo Courtesy
Tim Ray Photography
Many couples enjoy making an entire wedding-weekend celebration out of their nuptials when traveling to Wisp Resort and Deep Creek Lake. Annemarie and Adam kicked off their weekend-long celebration with cocktails on the McHenry Lodge Deck and rehearsal dinner in Wispers Bar.
The next day the couple was married at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Oakland, Maryland. Cocktail hour kicked off on the patio of the Mountain Mist Tent as their guests returned to the Resort. Elaborate displays of fresh fruit with Grand Marnier whipped cream and imported and domestic cheeses with crackers were served alongside a variety of other hors d’oeuvres. After a brief respite with their bridal party at their private cocktail hour in the Sundown Village, the newlyweds were introduced into the tent to the cheers of their guests! The party officially got started with toasts to the couple before dinner, and gave way to dancing until midnight. The evening ended with a sparkler send off – guests lined the path from the Tent, as Annemarie and Adam made their way to a get-away golf cart.
The next morning, a farewell brunch, featuring the bride’s favorite Crème Brulee French Toast, was held in the Crawford Room of The Lodge at Wisp.
From the Bride
Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Grubler! Photo Courtesy Tim Ray Photography
“An unforgettable moment of the weekend was being introduced as husband and wife into the reception! The staff and everyone we interacted with were always very helpful and accommodating to our needs! Because they loved Wisp Resort so much, we had family and friend that ended up going back for a vacation later that summer!”
Making Memories
A sparkler send-off ends the memorable evening. Photo Courtesy Tim Ray Photography
The wedding party kept their celebration going all weekend long by renting a boat and enjoying time on Deep Creek Lake. The bride also rode the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort with her family!
Vendors
Photographer: Tim Ray Photography / Cake: Mountain Flour Bake r/ Florist: Bella Fiore / HMU: Mandee Kozar with the Beauty Xpert / Attire: Sorelle’s Bridal; Groom and groomsmen attire from Macy’s / Jeweler: Jacqueline’s Jewelry
Last Edited by The Wisperer on Thursday, August 16, 2018Wisp Resort has always been a special place to Claire’s family, as they have spent many winter weekends skiing the 34 slopes and trails. When she and Adam first began dating, Claire brought him along on a weekend trip. After a summer visit to the Mountain Top, the couple fell in love with the view and knew Wisp Resort was where they’d host their traditional, elegant wedding ceremony and celebration.
About the Couple
Weekend getaway turned wedding destination. Photo courtesy Karlo Photography
Claire and Adam grew up as neighbors in Cumberland, Maryland, located about 45 minutes east of Deep Creek Lake. Together they enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking – Claire even taught Adam how to ski on the slopes here at Wisp Resort! The couple was engaged in December of 2014 during a game night at the bride’s family home.
The Wedding
Wedding guests witness nuptials with miles of views. Photo courtesy Karlo Photography
A classic, Mountain Top ceremony began the evening festivities for the couple, their families and their 170 guests. A violinist played while a Wisp Resort golf cart whisked guests back and forth from the parking area at the Mountain Top, setting a relaxed scene for the start of the event. Directly following the ceremony guests made their way to the Mountain Mist Event Tent patio for a cocktail hour featuring an open bar and the Resort’s signature miniature crab cakes alongside other hors d’oeuvres. The newlyweds were introduced into the Tent to get the party started! After a round of toasts, guests enjoyed a fabulous Mountain Meadow buffet dinner, took photos in Karlo Gesner Photography’s photo booth, indulged in cupcakes from Mountain Flour Bakery, and danced the night away. The couple made sure to take some time to sneak away for a sunset photoshoot on the golf course in front of the Mountain Mist Event Tent.
From the Bride
Marriage on a Mountain. Photo courtesy Karlo Photography
“Our favorite moment of our wedding was getting to celebrate our special day with all of our family and friends on top of a beautiful mountain with an amazing view. It was truly a special experience that we will never forget.”
Making Memories
The Wedding Party at the family's lake house. Photo courtesy Karlo Photography
The couple held the rehearsal dinner and a morning-after breakfast at the bride’s family’s house on the shores of Deep Creek Lake. Guests of the newlyweds and their families were hosted at the Lodge at Wisp Resort in the couple’s wedding room block.
Vendors
Photographer: Karlo Gesner Photography Cake: Mountain Flour Bakery Florist: Pharmacare Floral HMU: Madison Reiter, Makeup; Deep Creek Salon, Hair Decorator/Planner: Wisp Wedding Team Rentals: Farmhouse Fete Attire: J&B Bridal; Men’s Warehouse Jeweler: Eddie Greenan Jewelers
Last Edited by The Wisperer on Monday, December 11, 2017
