Ally & Sam
June 17, 2023 | Berkshire Country Club
How They Met
You might think Ally & Sam were high school sweethearts, but alas, such is not the case. While both were born and raised in Berks County, growing up in Sinking Spring and attending Wilson School District, they merely passed each other in the hallways for a couple of years, Sam being two years older. The pair truly connected at their favorite place: the Jersey Shore. Each spent most of their summer weekends there with friends and family. It was when those two groups connected that Ally and Sam hit it off at the Princeton in Avalon.
Tell us about the Proposal!
Four years into their courtship, while on the beach in Stone Harbor, NJ for a “beach happy hour,” Sam’s aunt gathered everyone for family photos. It was a ruse that resulted in a surprise proposal. Says Ally, “The best part was we got to spend the rest of the evening celebrating with family.”
The Big Day
It was a no-brainer for the two to celebrate in Berks County, and after touring venues, they fell in love with Berkshire Country Club and booked it for their Big Day. With the space outfitted in their wedding colors of navy blue, sage green and white, friends and family joined Ally’s parents, Mary and Tom Frebel, and Sam’s parents, Sue and Sam Marrella, Sr., in joining the pair and two families. Ashley Schneider, Ally’s best friend from college, served as Maid of Honor, and Pat O’Brien, Sam’s childhood best friend, served as Best Man. The bride wore a gown from Dressed in Love Bridal in West Reading.
At the reception, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, including chicken quesadillas, coconut shrimp, bruschetta, mac & cheese bites, caprese skewers and beef sliders before the dinner entrees of seared chicken breast, pan-seared salmon and penne vodka. The wedding cake, created by Fresh Cake by Suzy, Wyomissing, was beautiful and had a lemon/blueberry flavor. More sweets were enjoyed at a dessert table featuring cupcakes in the same flavor as well as chocolate peanut butter and gluten-free vanilla varieties and raspberry and key lime tarts. The signature cocktail was fittingly blueberry vodka lemonade.
Berks-based The Uptown Band provided music, and the couple danced their first dance as newlyweds to Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis. For fun, those in attendance could also grab souvenir take-home photos at the photo booth by High Times Photo Booth, also based in Berks.
Highlight for the Bride
Says Ally, “The highlight of my day was my first look with my dad, Tom, and brother, Wes, followed by a first look with Sam. It was very emotional, and I was thankful our photographer and videographer (Kay Ann Photo & Film, Philadelphia) were able to capture those raw moments. The weeks leading up to my wedding contained a lot of uncertainty regarding whether or not my grandmother, 'Gumsy,’ would be able to attend. The morning of my wedding, we got the news that she was feeling up to coming to the ceremony. I will never forget looking up from the altar and seeing her amongst my family.”
Highlight for the Groom
Says Sam, “The highlight of my wedding day was the culmination of everything leading up to the moment Ally walked down the aisle. It's an unforgettable memory, and I feel incredibly blessed to have shared it with my closest friends and family.”
The Honeymoon
The Sinking Spring couple ventured to Bermuda for a week-long trip with minimal planning on their end. They spent countless hours on the beach, paddleboarding, snorkeling, dining at delicious restaurants and playing a round of golf.
Future Plans
Ally, a special education teacher in Wilson School District, and Sam, employed as a financial advisor at Marrella Private Wealth (alongside his dad, aunt and uncle), hope to grow their family in their hometown and show their future children all there is to love about Berks County.
Advice for Future Couples Planning Their Big Day
Soak in every moment. Your wedding day will go by in the blink of an eye. Don't stress; just enjoy every second of it. Cherish the laughter, the tears and the pure joy that comes with it.
Vendors
Wedding Planner
LEO Design Gallery, Wyomissing
Florist
The Rustic Bunch, Fleetwood
Chair Rentals
Knight’s Rental, Wyomissing
Hair/Makeup
Lords & Ladies, Sinking Spring
Transportation
Infinity Limousine, Leesport
Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott, Wyomissing
