Just Married: Helena & Philip

: Marisa Kimmel Photography

How They Met

Helena (Woytovich) Bennethum and Philip Bennethum III met when they were in 8th grade and became good friends until sophomore year of high school at Berks Catholic when they started dating. They dated throughout high school and college, attending different colleges. After graduating, they moved back to the area and into their first home in West Reading and adopted a puppy they named Barley.

Tell us about the proposal!

Remembers Helena, “Apparently Philip stopped in my dad’s office, feigning an urgent need to use his printer, only to pull out a diamond and ask permission for my hand in marriage. A few weeks later, he suggested we celebrate the beginning of spring break by going to Mom Chaffe's, West Reading, for dinner. He almost gave away his well-planned surprise when he nervously told me that maybe he should wear a vest, not mentioning that he secretly needed a pocket to hide the ring. After finishing dinner and chatting with a sweet couple sitting beside us, Philip got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I really was very surprised, and it was perfect!”

The Big Day:

The ceremony, attended by Helena’s parents – Jeff and Betsy Woytovich – and Philip’s parents – Philip Jr. and Katie (Distasio) Bennethum – saw Helena’s sister, Madison, serve as Maid of Honor, and Philip’s best friend, Joseph Stiles, serve as Best Man.

The reception in the Stone Terrace Tent at the Reading Public Museum boasted shades of sage green and silver, and saw the newlyweds share their first dance to Mango Tree by the Zac Brown Band. Guests enjoyed an Italian meal catered by Panevino, Wernersville, including a Mediterranean table for cocktail hour, salads and pastas, seafood and a carving station. A dessert table tempted with chocolate mousse, cannoli, caramel and cheesecake. The wedding cake was baked by Rose Dobson of Shillington and was chocolate chip with white buttercream icing. During the cocktail hour, The Noah Gibney Trio performed.

Highlight for the Bride:

“My favorite part was that I was marrying my best friend and throwing the best party with all of my favorite people.”

Highlight for the Groom:

“Spending time outside on the lawn on that beautiful summer evening.”

The Honeymoon:

The couple enjoyed a fabulous three-week honeymoon traveling Europe, including cities in Spain and Italy. A particularly special moment occurred in Palermo, Italy. In May of 2022, Phil ran into a man from New Jersey in a cigar bar in Clearwater, FL. They chatted, and Phil mentioned he was getting married, and that part the honeymoon would be spent in Palermo. The man was so excited because his cousin had recently opened a restaurant there. He gave Phil his phone number, told him to find Giuseppe at Ponticello Taverna Gastronomica, and they went on with their days. Two months later when the newlyweds found themselves in the restaurant, they found Giuseppe and told him the story. They had an incredible night chatting and drinking with the owner and his staff and enjoyed one of their favorite meals in Italy there.

Future Plans:

The pair plan to travel and experience new places in the United States and abroad with Barley, especially during the summer months.

Advice for Future Couples Planning their Big Day:

Enjoy every step of the planning process and try not to stress too much. It’s a day you plan for months (even years) and it goes by so incredibly fast. Everything might not go exactly as planned and that’s okay. The day will be perfect no matter what.