Before the Shillington couple’s engagement, Nathan enlisted a group of friends to help with his proposal to Olivia. He recalls, “I planned it as a surprise. We had all planned to go to a winery for a friend’s birthday, so I knew she would not expect me to do it there. I had another friend sneak me the ring, and as we posed for what she thought was a picture, it was actually a video. I knelt down on one knee and asked her to marry me.”
Olivia said the day still feels surreal; she was blissfully happy. She explains, “I just remember not even being able to put into words how happy I was. I was in utter surprise and did not expect it to happen that day, and that was the best part!”
Who did you share the big news with first? We both immediately called our parents to tell them the good news; we texted our other family and friends, and soon after I (Olivia) made a post on Instagram to announce our engagement to everyone else!
How did your wedding day match up to your early thoughts of your big day as a younger woman? The wedding planning process and wedding day was the complete opposite of how I had envisioned it as a young woman. Due to COVID-19, though, it was even more perfect than I had ever imagined, and I couldn't imagine it happening any other way! No matter the circumstances, it was the day that I had dreamt of for years!
What did you think when you first saw your bride on your wedding day? When I saw her, she was so beautiful, and I was just so happy knowing I was going to be with her every day from that moment on.
What would you say was the highlight of your Big Day? Nathan: Just looking around and seeing that everyone was having such a good time! Olivia: For the first time in months I was able to let go of any stress or worries and just have a good time and celebrate! I loved being able to look around at our family and friends and see everyone having such a good time.
How did you feel the day before the wedding? Excited, nervous and so ready to finally celebrate.
How did you feel the day after your wedding? Olivia: It was very bittersweet; there was a sense of relief because all of the stress of planning the perfect day was over, but at the same time, it was sad that there was no more planning. Even though we had been married for months prior to the larger reception in August, we woke up and it all felt so real and exciting to think of the life we get to live together moving forward. Nathan: I was happy and relaxed!
Did the COVID-19 pandemic change your wedding plans at all? Yes, COVID-19 changed about everything we had planned. Our original wedding date was supposed to be May 16; we ended up getting married on May 2 and having a small ceremony with just our parents. Our May wedding was supposed to be in the Museum Galleries, with a ceremony in my childhood church. As the pandemic got worse, our plans were turned upside-down. We ended up pushing back to Aug. 1 and had a beautiful vow renewal in the garden at the museum, and then held an outdoor reception at the Stone Terrace Tent.
Have you honeymooned? Yes, we were lucky enough to be able to honeymoon in St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. This was our third trip we had planned due to COVID-19; it was wonderful and relaxing. It was great to escape reality for a week!
The Details:
First Dance Song: Heaven by Kane Brown
Bride’s Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pienta
Groom’s Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Alan Aultice
Best Man: Jacob Aultice, brother of the groom
Maid of Honor: Sophia Pienta, sister of the bride
DJ: B&B Light and Sound, Reading
Caterer: Special Occasions by Panevino, Reading.
Wedding Bands: Littman Jewelers, Reading
Hair/Make-up: Bell Tower, Wyomissing
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse, Wyomissing
Florist: Stein’s Flowers Inc., Shillington
Drapery: Leo Design Gallery, Reading
Decor: SYP Designs, Reading
