THEY GOT MARRIED ON A WEDNESDAY! When they had to reschedule their Oak Lodge wedding due to c*v*d they took the next available date, which just happened to be a wednesday in the middle of the week! And everyone still came to celebrate! They were married at the one-of-a-kind log chapel venue at Oak Lodge in the Laurel Highlands. With cabins for all of you guests to stay, it’s the perfect place to make your wedding your own private retreat for the weekend! Two of my favorite people at the wedding (besides Kristy & Drew obviously), were Drew’s grandparents. They are in their 90s and came in from out of state to be a part of the weekend. Every time I saw Drew’s grandma she would say “isn’t this all just SO NICE?!” And I had to agree. They smiled and laughed and took lots of photos with the kids and grandkids. They won the anniversary dance for being the longest married couple and everyone cheered. Before the night was over, I saw Drew’s grandpa carrying 4 boxes of cookies to the car lol !
These are the moments worth remembering, they shine like bright stars against the sky and make our lives joyful. This is why I do what I do.
Happy Anniversary Kristy & Drew! Someday it will be you out there winning the anniversary dance.
Drew and his groomsmen got ready inside the main lodge.
Before the ceremony, Kristy and Drew met outside the Eagle’s Nest to exchange letters they’d written to each other and have a few moments together. They touched hands, but didn’t spoil the surprise and chose not to turn around and see each other!
There truly is no other venue quite like Oak Lodge. The chapel is a work of heart and art made from reclaimed timbers over 200 years old. The sturdy walls are extremely thick which gives the chapel a unique silence inside. The acoustics are excellent for live music. To attend a ceremony here and listen to a violin echoing off the logs gives you the feeling that this must have been the sound of weddings hundreds of years ago. The energy in this space so powerful, it will give you goosebumps.
The property at Oak Lodge sits in one of the most beautiful forests in the laurel highlands region. In the summer, the maple trees stand tall above a forest floor of ferns. Church Rock near the top of the ridge makes a great spot for photos (or even elopements)! It’s one of the best kept secrets for an oak lodge wedding.
Drew’s grandparents were my favorite guests that day. After spending months apart from family and friends, weddings were some of my favorite reunions.
Another unique element at Oak lodge is their outdoor dance floor! In good weather, couples can choose to move their dance floor outdoors to the patio area between the dinner space and the chapel. There’s even a fire pit and seating area under the string lights.
