Welcome to this month’s installment of the “I Do” Interviews! This month our wedding series features a beautiful couple, Julie and Seth, who said their vows on a glorious August day of this year. They chose to celebrate both their ceremony and reception with both us and their 125 family members and friends who all shared in their joy.
This interview series is meant to give future couples a chance to hear the wonderful details of wedding experiences from those who have recently been there. Our lovely couples have agreed to share their stories so others can learn everything about their one-of-a-kind wedding and the planning process.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Julie & Seth
Wedding Date – Saturday, August 27, 2022
Event Space – Reception in the Harborview Ballroom.
Where are you originally from?
I am from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and Seth is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
What do you do for work?
I am an academic coach for public and charter schools, and Seth is an internal medicine physician.
How did you meet your bride or groom?
We met through mutual friends. I was an undergrad at Penn State, and a few years later, Seth attended medical school at Penn State. When we both ended up in North Carolina (Julie via Teach For America and Seth for residency at UNC), we crossed paths at a poolside BBQ hosted by mutual Nittany Lion friends. The conversation started when Seth’s beloved dog, Moose, ate Julie’s veggie burger!
What made you choose Danversport, and this venue/room specifically?
Seth knew before we ever toured that Danversport would be “the one.” While I wasn’t sold ahead of the tour. However, on the most barren January day, I was stunned by the Harborview Ballroom’s vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and harbor backdrop. We wanted an on-site ceremony, including food and reception set-up, and ample space for guests amid pandemic uncertainty, and Danversport offered it all.
How many guests did you have in attendance roughly?
We had approximately 125 friends and family members on our wedding day.
What did you offer for food/drink catering?
The food and drinks were amazing! We started with specialty cocktails named for our childhood vacation homes (Hidden Valley Old Fashioned and Sturbridge Strawberry Margarita). Then we offered a charcuterie, a delicious five-course meal, a chocolate fountain, a four-tier funfetti cake, and a traditional Pittsburgh cookie table.
What was the most magical, moving, or special part of the wedding for you?
Everything about the day was magical. One thing that made it extra special was having my uncle, John Dunlop, officiate the ceremony. He had never officiated, so we spent weeks preparing the ceremony over FaceTime! John did an incredible job customizing the ceremony so that it reflected our values, our stories, and the positive impact our family and friends have had on our lives.
Did you have a wedding theme?
We went with a clean and crisp palette — greenery, whites, clear glass, and touches of champagne.
What type of style was your dress?
I wore a fitted ivory dress with a sweetheart neckline and cathedral train, designed by Colby John Bridal. I added sequin off-the-shoulder straps from the Moonlight Bridal collection.
What was the song you danced to for your first dance?
We danced to Stuck With U by Ariana Grande and Justin Beiber — a favorite we play on repeat! The song encapsulates all that was 2020 and the height of the pandemic, which was a time of major milestones in our relationship.
Who walked you down the aisle?
My dad walked me down the aisle, and it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever!
What are/were your plans for your honeymoon?
We honeymooned in Saint Lucia immediately after the wedding and spent the whole week reminiscing on our amazing wedding weekend!
Happily Ever After
What a beautiful day for a beautiful couple. Seth and Julie originally met in Pennsylvania, fell in love in North Carolina, and married in Massachusetts. We are so happy that they chose us to be a part of their special day! We wish them much happiness no matter where their next adventure takes them.
