West Lawn newlyweds Erin, a middle school art teacher, and Eric, an engineer, were one of many couples with altered weddings plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’re also proof that change can be a good thing. Here’s their story…
Says Eric, “I asked Erin to marry me on June 11, 2019 at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s North Outlook around 8:30pm. We hiked up the mountain and were enjoying the beautiful sunset. There were only a few people there, making for a beautiful, quiet and private hike. At the ‘golden hour’ for photography, I suggested we take some photos together. Erin noticed as we got ready for pics I wasn’t in view of the camera, turned around to find me, and then discovered – much to her surprise – that I was down on one knee. The rest is history.”
What does Erin remember most about that day? She says, “The proposal was modest and well-suited for our relationship. It was not too showy and it was just between the two of us.”
Who did you share the big news with first? We called Eric's parents from the top of the mountain, called his siblings at the bottom of the mountain, and came home to Erin's family's home to champagne and celebrations (they were in on the engagement). That same evening we found out that three other friends got engaged on the same beautiful sunset evening!
How did your wedding day match up to your early thoughts of your big day as a younger woman? Growing up I didn't ever dream of a wedding and was not sure if it was possible to even meet a companion suitable for a lifetime. Eric took me by surprise, and I couldn't have been happier, but that didn't change the fact that I had never planned on having a wedding day. In fact, I almost dreaded it. Not getting married, but having all eyes on me/us for an entire day. After planning the wedding for a few months, the idea of walking down the aisle seemed less dreadful because Eric would be right there at the other end and all my friends and family would be there. When March came around and the possibility of canceling our wedding arose, it was quite upsetting. I was looking forward to getting married, seeing all the wedding planning come to life and having all my friends close by. But each month, that reality seemed to get farther and farther away. By May we had decided to cancel our original plans to get married at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading as it was not open. Instead, we planned the wedding all over again and had a small, intimate backyard affair with only immediate family members (parents and siblings). It was perfect! The stress of planning was diminished, the pressure of so many people watching was gone, and the day was very laid back. Almost everything was DIY, which means planning took a LOT of work, but my family sacrificed a lot of time during the week leading up to help make the day go seamlessly. I would not have wanted it any other way! Prayerfully, we will have a reception at the GoggleWorks in July of 2021 with 130 guests.
What did you think when you first saw your bride on your wedding day? I was blown away and definitely teared up a little, but no ugly crying occurred. I was completely floored and amazed by this dazzling woman who was about to become my wife.
What would you say was the highlight of your Big Day? It was SO relaxing! It allowed Eric and I to cherish the entire day and enjoy the perfect weather (80 degrees and low humidity) and time with our amazing families.
How did you feel the day before the wedding? Busy, tired and focused, but very excited! It was a whirlwind!
How did you feel the day after your wedding? Still quite tired, but so grateful to be married to the loves of our lives and grateful for having such a successful wedding day.
Have you honeymooned? Our original plan was to go to Utah and see many of the National Parks, however we canceled our flights (because of COVID) and did the semi-local honeymoon. We spent a couple of days in Williamsport where we did some hiking and stayed at a super cute Airbnb cottage called “The Blue Bell.” Then we made our way across to Ricketts Glen and spent a few days in the Poconos at a Norwegian-style cottage before returning home. We still hope to go to Utah in the future!
The Details:
First Dance Song: TBD, perhaps something byNat King Cole.
Bride’s Parents: Neil & Susan Frederick
Groom’s Parents: Tim & Wendy Weir
Best Man: Marc Helhowski, life-long friend
Maid of Honor: Rachel Frederick, sister of the bride
Caterer: June 7, Wedding: Austin Restaurant and Bar, West Lawn. July 2021, Reception: Mission BBQ, Wyomissing
Rings/Jeweler: Van Scoy Jewelers, Wyomissing
Dress: L&H Bridal Rack, Sinking Spring
Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse, Wyomissing
