Lauren & Patrick Zerbe

Lauren met her future husband, Patrick, at age 6. Patrick’s grandmother and Lauren’s grandfather were dancing partners in the 1940s, and Patrick’s father and Lauren’s mother were close high school friends.

The now newlyweds were in the same kindergarten, first and second grade classes together, often seen chasing each other around at recess. Lauren recalls, “I use to daydream and write in my diary about the day I would marry Patrick.” But after second grade, Patrick transferred to a different school. It wasn’t until one night in college when Patrick sent Lauren a message telling her he had the biggest crush on her in second grade that the seed was really planted. From that point they talked now and again, but Lauren was busy with nursing school and Patrick was preoccupied playing football for Penn State University. Eventually, they graduated from college and reconnected where it all began: in Berks County.

The Proposal

The big ask came on May 21, 2016. The pair decided to plan a trip to Lauren’s favorite city, Boston, where she made numerous life-long friends and lived for five years while attending Northeastern University. Lauren thought the plan was to enjoy tourist adventures and spend time with her friends. Little did she know, Patrick had much more in store.

During the trip, they decided to take pictures on Acorn Street, a famously photographed area in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. Recalls Patrick, “While at Acorn Street, with the most incredible timing, Lauren and I ended up at the top of the street while a couple was at the bottom with a camera. I quickly walked down and said to the man, ‘excuse me, do you mind taking a picture of my girlfriend and I? By the way, I am about to propose to her.’ He agreed and took a few shots, and then I said to him, ‘how about a couple more,’ Giving him the ‘it's about to go down’ look.” Lauren, of course, took the opportunity to fix her hair, and while she did, I reached into the inside of my blazer and pulled out the ring box. When she lifted her head, I dropped to a knee and said, ‘Lauren, will you marry me?!’”

The Big Day

On August 19, 2017, the couple was wed in Brandywine Manor House, Honey Brook. Lauren stunned in a Mikaella Bridal gown and Patrick in a tux from Men’s Wearhouse.

Guests in attendance included the bride’s parents, Elizabeth and William Mastromarino, and the groom’s, Linda and Michael Zerbe. Maria Mastromarino served as Maid of Honor, and Rachel Patterson as Matron of Honor. Patrick’s Best Man was Christopher Zerbe.

Lauren’s favorite part of the day came in sharing the personal vows the couple wrote. She explains, “Reading aloud all of the amazing reasons why I love Patrick and couldn’t wait to be his wife was something I was very nervous to do in front of 200+ people; I am so, so happy we did this though. It really allowed our guests to truly understand our love for one another.” She also loved that the couple not only had a first look but also a second with their dog Sully, who they consider their first child, even including him in some of the photos.

Patrick’s highlight was his first look at his bride. He recalls, “Throughout the day my thoughts raced about what Lauren’s dress would look like, how she would wear her hair, etc. The anticipation hit its climax right before she told me to turn around. Once I heard her cute voice, I turned and saw my beautiful wife-to-be, glowing, everything perfect. I couldn’t have dreamt of a better woman to marry.”

At the blush-and-gold-themed reception in the ballroom of the Brandywine Manor House, guests enjoyed entrees including sliced beef tenderloin with demi glaze, crab cake with remoulade sauce, and butternut squash ravioli by Boscov’s Catering. Dessert was a white cake with buttercream frosting, the bottom with white chocolate raspberry filling and the top with fresh strawberry filling, by Unique Desserts by Chef Anne Louise, Reading.

The Honeymoon

Because Lauren was attending graduate school at Villanova and Patrick had a busy work schedule, the couple took a short “mini-moon” to St. Michaels, Maryland. They stayed at the Inn at Perry Cabin where they rode bikes around town, went sailing, enjoyed a wine tasting, and tried every ice cream place in town! This May, they plan to travel to the West Coast for a two-week trip up the California coast.

Future Plans

Lauren, a registered nurse at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a graduate student at Villanova University, and Patrick, Brand Manager at WYATT Office Furniture, Reading, plan to continue living in Wyomissing and to start a family here in Berks.