The Lockard Family Men: Fathers and Sons, Grandfathers, Cousins and Brothers all gather at a family wedding at the Cairnwood Mansion with bride Rhian White joining the generation.
Photo courtesy of Joe Craig Photography

Men sometimes make the best cheerleaders. And I’m not talking about the buffed co-eds who put on polyester, sleek-fitting university uniforms and twirl their female counterparts in the air on the sidelines of college football and basketball games. I’m talking about dads.

When I played field hockey at Archbishop Carroll in the glory days of my high school years (we dominated the Catholic League from 1989-92), one of my favorite parts of my game-day routine was waiting for my parents to take their place along the sideline fence. I knew they were always coming to the games to cheer me on, but seeing them arrive just gave me a feeling of reassurance.

They would wave to me as I was stretching or doing a warm-up lap. I’d wave back, then go into my pregame zone and not look over till the game (usually ending in a win) was complete. Without fail, all the dads seemed to end up clumped together along that fence at Carroll, as some sort of patriarchal posse, a few minutes before the starting whistle blew. A little routine that always made my teammates and I chuckle. Those were great times.

Since we are not technically considered a ‘soft spoken’ family, during the game I could always hear my Dad (above all the other pops) cheering me on-and politely ‘disagreeing’ with the ref. Dad was usually wrong. The ref was, well, usually right.

Today I’m 34. And I’m not running down a field hockey field anymore, dodging another player on my way to the goal. I’m running an e-publishing company where only ‘virtual’ sidelines exist. So, it can get rather lonely at times. That’s where my Dad has stepped in these past twelve months. Most of the time silently cheering me on with phone calls, pep talks and an occasional (and very timely) hug or high-five.

Thanks Dad for always sticking with me through this challenging and rewarding game they call life. And for believing in me and cheering me on when I told you I was going to start my own dotcom. You have always made me feel like a winner. And this Father’s Day, I want to thank you for being the best cheerleader, and Dad, I could ever ask for. Even if you will never sport one of those striped polyester uniforms.

Love you.

Sarah Lockard
AML Publisher

The Flour Pot Boutique, the Philadelphia region’s top cookie company, is providing Ralph Lauren’s NYC flagship store with stylish favors for their Father’s Day clientele.

1) Sweet Tooth
Cleverly Decorated Cookies from Ambler’s The Flour Pot Cookie Boutique
www.flourpotcookies.com

A few months ago, AML discovered mother and daughter dynamic duo Margie and Abbey Greenberg’s upscale cookie company, The Flour Pot, and we have been enamored with their creative genius (and unbelievably delicious cookies) ever since. The Flour Pot, based in Ambler, designs custom, specialized handmade cookies for some of America’s most prestigious companies (Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus, Comcast, Spanx, Coca-Cola just to name a few…) along with thousands of clients across the Delaware Valley.

The Flour Pot has established a cult following among Main Line brides who have utilized their company for party favors from the time they got engaged (shipping their bridesmaids-to-be one of Flour Pot’s most clever ‘Be My Bridesmaid’ cookies), through their wedding and for their baby showers. “We have a touch of whimsy in what we do, along with the fact that we produce beautiful, handmade delicious cookies for our clients. One thing that people always say is that they are always hesitant to try decorative cookies, but we pride ourselves on a unique product that we make fresh daily and that also really tastes great. People are always drawn in by our designs but the ‘wow’ factor comes when they taste a great cookie,” explained Abbey.

Holidays like Dad’s Day bring out the best in creative designs for Flour Pot which is offering five unique motifs (golf, grilling, office, preppy and sports) that can be ordered in increments of 6, 10, 16, 24 and 30. Ralph Lauren’s NYC flagship store recently placed an order to treat their loyal Dad’s Day customers. Interested customers should allow two to three days for shipping. The Flour Pot cookies are not only scrumptious, but will be the talk of your Father’s Day party and a huge hit with the young and, most certainly, the young-at-heart. We can’t think of a better way to treat the sweetest Dad you know!

Victory Brewing Company, Downingtown, PA.
Photo courtesy of April Ziegler Photography.

2) A Taste of Victory
Victory Brewing Company Tour/Lunch
www.victorybrewing.com

We like to think of Downingtown’s renowned Victory Brewing Company as a fine brewcation for the beer aficionado-and family this Dad’s Day weekend. Victory has a great promotion planned for Sunday with a ‘Beer and Burger’ event. From 12-6pm, patrons can get a liter of beer and a speciality burger for $15.

The expansive bar and cool crowd is reason enough to stop by for a cold one-be sure to order a Whirlwind Wit, Victory’s refreshing seasonal session brew. Or, take a tour of the Downingtown headquarters and learn about the fine art of brewing. Tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays at 4pm. The restaurant is honoring its regular hours of operation this Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3) Fore!
Find the hottest products for Dad at KOP’s Golfdom
www.golfdomgolf.com

Jordan Marburger, sales associate at KOP’s premiere golf store, identified six great gifts for the golf-loving Dad in your life.

R9 Taylor-Made Driver $399
www.taylormadegolf.com

Fitjoy Rain suit $350
www.footjoy.com

Box of Titliest Balls $45.99
www.titleist.com

Adidas Tour 360 3.0 Shoes $180
www.adidasgolf.com

Callaway Odyssey Teron Putter $169
www.callawaygolf.com

Adidas CoolMax ‘Carolina Blue’ Shorts $65 (Approx)
www.adidasgolf.com

Bernadette Uzcategui is the Main Line’s premiere baby, family and pet photographer.

4) Picture Perfect
[BUP] Photography, Bernadette Uzcategui, Bryn Mawr, PA
www.buphotography.com

Bernadette Uzcategui, owner and founder of [BUP] Photography in Bryn Mawr and AroundMainLine.com contributing photographer, specializes in pet, lifestyle and family portraiture. Uzcategui is considered the Main Line’s premiere baby and family photographer. Her breathtaking photography and approach to fine portrait, customized work favors the summer season. “I feel I have a modern style to approaching family portraits; there is not a lot of posing. What my shoots are all about is connecting with the families in what they do day-to-day. That is so inspiring to me; my clients want their memories to be representative of who they are. I let my clients dictate, it’s not about posing. You get so much more personality and depth if you do more custom portraiture,” explained Uzcategui.

Bernadette, an active blogger and social media guru, explained classic studio photography is fading away. And, with the digital revolution, consumers want to approach photography and family portraits with a fresh philosophy.In addition, since natural light is more flattering to any photo session, Uzcategui prefers to shoot outdoors when possible. “It’s a huge part of the overall look of the session. With the exceptions of newborns, I really prefer to work with mother nature to create an interesting and beautiful backdrop for my shoots. And, one that is unique to every client’s successful session.”

5) Splurge
A Customized Sauna
www.balticleisure.com
www.paolidesigncenter.com

It’s not the ‘typical’ Dad’s Day gift, but after meeting with the dynamic team from Baltic Leisure a few weeks ago (Chris Smeltzer, Director of Business Development and Sales Manager Mike Lombardi) we were sold on the value and cool gift concept behind a customized sauna. Lombardi and Smeltzer are doing a brisk business with Main Liners upgrading their houses in a down real estate market and builders who are incorporating every luxury amenity into their new construction to stay competitive.

With saunas starting around $5,000, Baltic Leisure (headquartered in Oxford, PA and also located within the Paoli Design Center on Lancaster Avenue)has been a leader and innovator in the manufacturing, customization and distribution of premium quality modular pre-built and pre-cut sauna kits, steam rooms and showers, wine storage systems, towel and robe warmers, benches and planters, and humidors. And, after 34 years in business, their motto says it all: A Legacy of Creating Luxury.

Grab a great piece of clothing for Dad this Father’s Day at Bryn Mawr Boutique Pants.

6) Cool Duds for Dad
Bryn Mawr Clothing Boutique Pants
www.shop-pants.com

Looking for some great new fashion finds for your favorite dad? Look no further than Bryn Mawr Men’s Boutique Pants. Owner Jon Segal, almost a year into his successful Main Line business, offers his clients (guys, dads and grandfathers) one-on-one style advice, a beautiful, welcoming retail space and a great personal touch.

Segal stocks some of the hottest brands-including Theory, Splendid Mills, Howe, Majestic, Lois Hill Jewelry, Takel and more. And, a few weeks ago, the store just started carrying Northern Liberties-based brand Commonwealth Proper shirts. Proper, owned and operated by attorney Craig Arthur von Schroeder, is starting to get some buzz around their gorgeous brand of fitted-shirts ($105-$250). The Proper look (their website is under construction) is ideal for the corporate Main Line dad who wants to look finished and professional, but doesn’t want the restrictions of a traditional suit-and-tie office look. Commonwealth Proper will have a trunk show on July 1st at the tres chic Pinot Boutique at 227 Market Street.

Pants is located at 931 Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, on the second floor above the women’s boutique Skirt and adjacent to the Bryn Mawr Car Wash. Patrons can park in the rear and access the back entrance. The boutique is closed on Mondays. For more information on store times and promotions, contact owner Jon Segal directly at 610-527-6900 or email Segal at: info@shop-pants.com.

Christopher’s Restaurant, Wayne, PA

7) Wonderful Wayne
Walk Around The Main Line’s Most Popular Town

From family restaurant Christopher’s to Flanigan’s Boathouse, Teresa’s Next Door, Great American Pub, Margaret Kuo’s, Johnnie’s Dog House, Saxby’s Coffee, Café Elegance and more-Wayne offers over half a dozen options to those family and friends who want to browse around the Main Line’s top town. Looking for a great appetizer, Belgium pale ale and frites or large frappucino? A two block area along Lancaster Avenue and North Wayne Ave offers boutiques, outdoor dining, and great ambience for a date with Dad that won’t disappoint.

And, just down the road, Radnor’s Fleming’s Steakhouse, a stone’s throw from the Blue Route, is offering an affordable Father’s Day Brunch from 11:30 to 3pm, $29.95 per guest. Families who treat Dad to brunch at Fleming’s will receive a complimentary $25 Dining Card. And, all locations will serve their regular menu throughout the day and evening.

How do you plan to spend Dad’s Day 2009 around the Main Line? Feel free to share in our comment section below.

By AML Publisher
Photos by Life Art Imaging

Beckham, a die-hard Phils fan, is the owner of Rittenhouse’s upscale Gastropub, Alfa Bar.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and for Center City restaurant owner and bachelor Joe Beckham, the opportunity came knockin’ in the form of our new summer singles column with AroundMainLine.com. We’ve been putting feelers out with our connections and friends and when Beckham’s name surfaced not once but four times as a top single in the city, we had to give the Wyndmoor native a call. So, we are excited to highlight Beckham as the first eligible and sensational single-in what I know will be a well-received series.

The 36-year-old baby-faced entrepreneur is 6’3”, with brown curly hair, soft blue eyes and a sensational personality to match. Beckham resides in Fairmount but you can find him most Sundays at home having dinner with his family in Ambler-parents, sister and grandmother included. The next lucky lady who gets to wine and dine with Beckham and the ‘rents’ better come prepared for a sophisticated dinner experience. “We are a family who loves conversation. There is nothing idle about our family chitchat. It’s like the McLaughlin Group -my mother will lead the charge on politics and my father on religion. I try to play the devil’s advocate, and my sister is the voice of compassion. Dinner at the Beckham house is not for the faint of heart. You have to know your history, your vocabulary, and your rhetorical skills must be honed. Otherwise you can probably get by if you can do a funny accent that will make us all laugh,” Beckham explained.

Beckham opened Alfa Bar, an upscale pub, in April of 2006 with longtime friend Giancarlo DiPasquale after they launched the Walnut Room on the second floor of the property the year before. “I try to keep my friends close, but it proves more and more difficult as I get older. My closest friend Giancarlo is my business partner-we’ve known each other since childhood. Working in the restaurant industry together has made us more into ‘war buddies’ than childhood friends,” said Beckham. Singles, and for that matter all discriminating diners looking for a great night out in the toniest section of Rittenhouse, can choose from a sensational small plate menu (at Beckham’s Alfa) and an eclectic, American main menu including: Crispy Baby Eel Fritters with Lemon ($6), Blackened Chicken Quesadilla with Oxaca Cheese and Bacon ($13), Ahi Tuna Slider with Avocado, Tomato and Lemon Pepper Aioli ($17), Grilled Pesto Chicken Sandwich on Ciabata with Provolone and Garlic Aioli ($12), and Guinness Bread Pudding with Jameson Crème Anglais ($7).

Photos courtesy of Stacey Granger
www.lifeartimaging.com

As for Beckham, he wants to dispel the myth that working in the restaurant industry in one of America’s largest cities gives him a daily opportunity to meet a number of women. “I am very focused at work, running Alfa, so it’s not really the environment in which I am going to meet someone. There are so many misconceptions about the (restaurant) business because a lot of people get into it for the attention and glamour-and that’s not why I do what I do. It’s a career for me-I’ve worked in restaurants since I was very young and I’m not relaxed enough at work to shift gears that way. I think it’s important to keep that part of my life separate. But, I want people to know that I don’t work all the time, another industry misconception, and I have the time in my life to find and date an exceptional woman.”

Get to Know Joe

Age: 36

Hometown: Wyndmoor, PA

High School: Springfield (Montgomery County)

Occupation: Owner of Alfa Bar, Center City

Sign: Sagittarius

What Are You Looking for in a Woman? Balance, for one. This is crucial for all of us. (See the Greek concept of the Golden Mean) The other thing I look for in a woman is summed up perfectly in Jack Nicholson’s line, “You make me want to be a better man.” Finally, she’s gotta dig on poets – Baudelaire and Rilke would be enough.

What Makes a Great First Date? I have witnessed many first dates, and many last dates in my years in the restaurant business. I have come to the conclusion that the vast majority of bad restaurant experiences occur because we go to restaurants with people we don’t like. Therefore, if I am into the person we could go to Chili’s; we could go to a dirt track race; we could get drive thru from a Sonic and I wouldn’t really care.

My First Kiss Was: Messy

First Time My Heart Was Broken …It was well deserved

In High School I Was: A Thespian Nerd

Faith: Nothing organized. If I had to describe it I would probably say it was a blend of Taoist transcendentalism mixed with Spinoza’s quasi-Christian ethos.

Political Affiliation: Progressive with oscillations between Rand and Hayek

Voted For: Obama

Celebrity Look Alike: I hear one of the guys from Wings

Female Celebrity Dream Date: Monica Belluci

Biggest Misconception About Me Is: I work all the time

Favorite Sports Teams: Fightin’ Phils

Favorite Philadelphia Professional Athlete: Ron Hextall

Wheels: 1999 Toyota Tacoma

The bar at XIX at the Bellevue is one of Beckham’s favorite city spots to grab a drink. Joe’s top spot to take a date? He’s not telling.

Secret Date Spot in the City: I will absolutely not tell! That being said, the bar at XIX (at the Bellevue) is always nice.

Describe What You Would Make a Date for Dinner at Home? Simple in the summer: Marinate calamari and throw it on the grill, caprese salad, then some pasta basilica. I’ll have some Italian white on hand, preferably the Jerman Tunina, but I will probably be drinking the High Life in pony bottles.

Favorite Jersey Shore Town? I don’t really do the Shore. I am more of a mountains kind of guy. When I go away, I like it to be very quiet and very serene.

My Mom Would Say I Am: The best son she has

My Friends Would Describe Me As: Just this guy, you know?

Kiss on a First Date? I’m sorry, did I just time warp back to 1956?

Five Bands on My iPod Today: Fela Kuti, the Kooks, Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, Death From Above 1979, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

Favorite Musician: Frank Black

Favorite Morning Radio Station: NPR

Thing About Philly I Love the Most: The Parking Authority because it brings all Philadelphians together in an unbreakable bond of mutual hatred.

Philadelphia is a City of: Magnificent Potential

Beckham says a female companion has to “dig on poets – Baudelaire and Rilke would be enough.”

Most Attractive Physical Part of A Woman Is: I’m an enthusiast, so all the parts are great.

I can’t stand women who: Fortunately, I never have to stand women; they seem to do a pretty good job of standing for themselves these days. So I guess the answer is I can’t stand a woman who can’t stand for herself, metaphorically speaking of course…

I love women who: Eat, drink, smile, laugh, play, and aren’t afraid of getting dirty

Favorite Food: Batali’s Truffled Egg Toast from Enoteca – but they make a pretty decent one at Tria too.

Favorite Cocktail: The Boodles Gibson but the onions have to be just the right size and not too sweet and very crunchy, and the Boodles can’t be shaken and I have to be at the bar at Caesars in Vegas.

Favorite BYOB In the City: Matyson is always good, but to be fair I rarely go to them because the damn things close their kitchens way too early for me. They also don’t open on Mondays. I really want to try the new Melangrano. I love their space.

Favorite Coffee Shop: The Beehive – South Side, Pittsburgh

Best Way to Spend a Sunday Afternoon: Hiking in Utah

What About the “M” word? If the right person comes along, I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to the idea.

If you could ask a Philadelphia TV personality out on a date who would it be? Sorry ladies, but it would be a ‘man-date’ with the late, great Harry Kalas. We would watch a double header at The Dive (so he could smoke), and at the end of the night I would put him back in a cab to Heaven.

I make a great catch because: I had so much practice playing right field in Little League. (Layers of meaning, people…layers of meaning)

Favorite Movies: Glengarry Glen Ross, All Cohen Bros but Barton Fink in particular, Empire Strikes Back, Amelie (for the girls), Caddyshack, Life of Brian

Date Pet Peeves: I am really, fundamentally, truly and wholly not interested in your ex-boyfriend. I’m sure it was traumatic, or there were good times-or there was really this funny story once. But please, keep it all under your hat. This was a public service announcement brought to you by all men, everywhere.

When I date a woman they can expect: To come to my rescue when I forget EVERYBODY’s name. Also, you might have to listen to one or two of my harebrained schemes, sorry.

Joe Beckham is the owner of Alfa Bar, Restaurant and Lounge located on 1709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. For restaurant or lounge reservations, call 215-751-0201 or check out their website at alfa-bar.com. Alfa is open 5pm-2am, 7 days a week with their kitchen open till 1am. Joe Beckham is active on Facebook.

Want to nominate a sensational single for AroundMainLine.com to consider? Email: singles@aroundmainline.com with a picture and a maximum 50 word description. Singles can reside anywhere throughout the Delaware Valley, minimum age required is 21. Nominations will be kept strictly confidential.

I never thought there would come a day when the two most important beverages in my life would be found under one roof. Brew/ Ultimo read my diary; the recently opened spot serves up hand-crafted coffee, brewed drip-style alongside bottles of exotic and eclectic beer. Brew/Ultimo just opened on May 8th and so far only has coffee for sale, but the beer is coming soon, says owner Aaron Ultimo.

Ultimo, who happens to be a U.S. Barista Championship Certified Judge, went into this coffee business endeavor with his wife, Elizabeth. John Lawmaker, owner of the Philly Taproom directly across the street from Brew/Ultimo, is handling the beer end of the deal. In 2001, Ultimo began working with coffee. “It was quite accidental, but it became apparent that I enjoyed it a lot,” Ultimo says of the serendipitous journey. Ultimo himself is enough reason to come to Brew/Ultimo (as if beer and coffee wasn’t enough); running the show at his coffee bar puts him in the spotlight, where he flourishes like Tom Cruise in Cocktail.

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A cozy winery hidden on a hilltop in Bucks County has much to offer Main Liners looking for a pleasant daycation this summer.
Peace Valley Winery, Chalfont, PA

In 1967, Susan Gross was working as a chemist, rubbing elbows with horticulturists and thinking about her next career move. A country winery was not on her radar. But, before she knew it, Gross was a proud owner of a bare stretch of cornfield in quaint Chalfont, Pennsylvania. She had never been on a tractor in her life. As many first time entrepreneurs do, Gross went with a gut feeling-experimented with her new piece of property and planted three acres of wine grapes along with a large experimental plot of hybrids from France and Germany.

Seventeen years later, Peace Valley Winery opened (in 1984) with Robert Kolmus as a partner. Today, Peace Valley is a quaint, country winery in the heart of Bucks County farmland with over twenty acres dedicated to over two dozen varieties of grapes. “Our philosophy is one of a laidback approach. We are certainly not wine snobs out here at Peace Valley. We are a working farm and small town vineyard, and our loyal customers prefer us to the state store brands-because we have great wines and they can support a local business” Gross explained.

Each season there seems to be something on the harvest for wine lovers to enjoy at Peace Valley. In the spring, Peace Valley rolls out their well known Spring Fling, based on the German style of spring wines that have a secondary form of fermentation or additional ‘spritz.’ It’s flavored with an herb called woodruff, with its sprigs used to sweeten the batch. Gross serves Spring Fling in a punch bowl at the winery (for lucky guests) and adds frozen strawberries to the mix to keep the wine cold and refreshing-while allowing the strawberries to release their natural flavors.

Starting June 5th through the 7th, Peace Valley will release their Summer Solstice wine, one of their most popular in their selection. “It’s sweet and fruity and comes in a very attractive blue bottle. So many people anticipate the release of our Summer Solstice to put aside as a great holiday gift. It has wide appeal,” explained Gross. And, in the fall, Peace Valley offers a ‘pick your own’ event where visitors can select their own grapes in the sprawling fields. For families, the property is also home to several acres of dwarf apple trees which bring in large crowds come harvest time.

The ever illusive and legendary Moe has become part of the vineyard experience with regulars of Peace Valley.

Gross is proud of the selection and quality of her wines that keeps regulars coming back, part of a loyal family of local fans and vineyard enthusiasts. “We have a very interesting and wide selection of wines. Our chardonnay is one of our most popular, it’s a Chablis style that has been fermented in very cold temperatures and is very light with lots of fruit flavors and very little oak. It sets us apart from other chardonnays,” explained Gross.

The cozy winery sits high on a hidden hilltop overlooking Peace Valley Park. Besides a stop at Peace Valley, which offers a satisfying daycation for suburbanites, this pristine pocket of Bucks County countryside is packed with other must-sees. Down the road from the winery is a lush lavender farm, a bike trail, a 365-acre lake where people can sail or take an eight-mile hike, a quaint country farm market and the historic Pearl Buck House. “It’s really quite a day trip to come out this way! So many of our first time guests are so pleasantly surprised when they see what is here in this region of Chalfont-it really is ‘God’s country,’” said Gross.

Part of the great appeal of Peace Valley is the resident feline, Moe. Moe’s adventures in and around the winery are well-known by regulars and documented in monthly e-newsletters. Through the years, his squabbles with winery visitors (other cats, an opossum or two) have done their damage on his battle-worn ears. “Everyone always wants to know what Moe is up to! He is quite the cat and came to us with two brothers from a stray that was hanging around. Moe is a survivor-he had two brothers, Manny and Jack, who have since passed. Moe seems to have a certain je ne sais quoi that draws people in,” explained Gross.

Peace Valley is one of thirty-six wineries participating in the 19th annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival, June 13th and 14th at Split Rock Lodge in the Poconos. Visit splitrockresort.com for full details.

Peace Valley will also be one of the thirty plus Pennsylvania wineries participating in the 19th annual PA Wine and Food Festival coming up on June 13th and 14th at Split Rock Lodge in the Poconos. For wine lovers across the tri-state region, it’s a golden opportunity to conveniently sample some of the best wines the state has to offer. “We have been a loyal part of the festival since its inception and would not miss it for the world! There is nothing else like it for wine enthusiasts across the state of Pennsylvania. Instead of traveling hundreds of miles to visit and sample all of the amazing wines that these vineyards offer, wine lovers can spend the weekend at Split Rock and have them all in one convenient location. There’s a great sense of camaraderie among the industry as well, so for us as a small vineyard, it’s a reunion of sorts with all of our Pennsylvania vineyard friends,” enthused Gross.

Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival

When: Saturday & Sunday, June 13th & 14th 12pm-6pm

Event Details: Thirty-six wineries across the state will be on hand providing educational seminars throughout the weekend. The festival will feature continuous musical entertainment on three separate stages, Pennsylvania’s finest wineries and a wide selection of food vendors to tempt your taste buds. Split Rock also offers a weekend package for our overnight guests. Each Festival attendee will receive a commemorative wine tasting glass, and you must be over 21 to be served. Pets are not allowed on festival grounds.

Website: www.splitrockresort.com/wine-festival.php

Cost: Advance Tickets $25/Group (25+) $22/Day of Festival $29Attendees Under 21 $6/Children 2 and Under are Free

For more information on the festival or for reservations, call 800-255-7625 or log on to www.splitrockresort.com

Peace Valley Winery will be exhibiting at the 2009 PA Wine and Food Festival. Their winery is located at 300 Old Limekiln Road, in Chalfont, PA. If you are interested in tour information or contacting Peace Valley Winery, call 215-249-9058, email peacevalwinery@enter.net, or visit their website at: www.peacevalleywinery.com.

Peace Valley Winery is less than an hour drive from the heart of the Main Line, approximately sixteen miles off the 309 exit from the PA Turnpike.

Hours of operation are: Wed-Fri & Sun 12-6pm, Sat 10-6pm

Chula es Puebla is Philadelphia’s newest Mexican taqueria, whipping up some delicious entrées off an extensive and flavorful menu. Located on 1356 North Second Street, this eatery offers everything from the common Mexican dishes, such as nachos and quesadillas, to the more sophisticated plates such as campechanos and mole poblano. Next time you have a craving for some tasty tacos, sculpted with the freshest ingredients, be sure to grab a few friends and a six-pack of Dos Equis and head over to Que Chula es Puebla for an unforgettable meal.

Whether it’s going green or cutting out the carbs, social trends dictate the lifestyles we lead. For restaurant, XIX (Nineteen) at Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, it’s health-conscious drinks and smoothies that are the buzz. Brazilian Nutritionist, Patricia Teixeira, developed the tasty beverages with the intention to help travelers recover from travel stresses and exhaustion. Each smoothie specifically targets certain areas in the body. Patricia Teixeira’s Healthy Smoothie– made with banana, orange juice, strawberries, mint leaf, soy milk and almonds–was created to reduce heart tension. Try out each smoothie variation for $10.

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Peonies are a very popular flower of choice for brides in 2009--from bouquets and boutonnières to simple but aromatic accents to centerpieces.

I’ve enjoyed the most magnificent cluster of powder pink, magenta and snow white peonies beautifully blossoming this time of year since 1982—when my mother (whose green thumb marvels Martha’s) planted 8 rows of these great, fragrant plants along the Wayne driveway of my childhood home. I saw the other day the buds were blanketed with an ensemble of ants—they will be in full bloom once again this week for my family to celebrate with their sensational aroma. Sweet and succulent and simply the most beautiful of late spring flowers, peonies are a personal favorite of mine. And, there is no better way to celebrate this great flower than during a summer or spring wedding…which leads me to my next point.

You may have noticed AroundMainLine.com has begun publishing some very exciting online wedding-related editorial. Today, brides are planning and researching for their weddings almost exclusively online-and relying on the internet more than ever before. And with the influx of limitless resources on the world wide web conveniently at their fingertips, who can blame them?! Long gone are the days of painfully paging through the dozen of wedding binders and 200-page costly wedding books or magazines.

Modern brides on the Main Line, and beyond, are utilizing blogs, wedding sites, discussion boards, Facebook pages, and more to help plan their big day. But we know, all those comprehensive, national sites with thousands of pages and dizzying amounts of information can get pretty daunting and overwhelming when the clock is ticking on planning your perfect day. That’s where AML is going to step in-as your local and targeted online resource for your wedding in the Delaware Valley, Jersey Shore or, perhaps, your parents’ own backyard.

So, join us as AML will be ramping up this ‘matrimonial’ focus throughout the summer months-from profiles of local engaged couples to wedding tips from experienced planners, to the Main Line’s most popular wedding cake connoisseurs, flawless wedding day makeup, local ceremonies, creative centerpieces and much more…the AML team has got it covered! And, with the help of the Philadelphia region’s finest wedding and lifestyle photographers, we promise to bring you breathtaking photos and content superior to any local newspaper or regional magazine. I’ve been keeping a sharp (and late night) eye on floral trends, hot gown designs and, the ‘buzz’ in the wedding industry. So, brides-to-be…stay tuned.

Last but not least, check out one amazing local wedding show: Wedding Inspirations 2009, Sunday June 7th from 12-4 p.m. on Liberties Walk hosted by our new AML friends Kendall Brown of Eclatante Designs and Donna O’Brien of Beautiful Blooms. Brown and O’Brien, megastars in the Philly wedding planning scene, recently opened dual retail spaces in Northern Liberties. Their chic, welcoming stores offer one-on-one custom consultations, sophisticated home décor, beautiful fresh and dried flowers and more.

Wedding Inspirations 2009 is free and will feature special guest Ann Chertoff, senior editor of Brides.com and formerly of Martha Stewart Weddings. The full details are below. And, if you are interested in being featured as one of our local engaged or recently married couples (or you know someone who would jump at the chance), feel free to send me an email at: info@aroundmainline.com.

Enjoy a summer full of romance and great expectations!

Sincerely, Sarah Lockard
ePublisher, AroundMainLine.com

Donna O’Brien of Beautiful Blooms and Kendall Brown of Eclatante Designs have joined forces to offer discriminating brides a dynamic duo of premiere wedding style. And, their new Northern Liberties retail spaces will soon offer classes on event planning, etiquette and floral design.

Donna O’Brien knows a thing or two about chic event planning-and floral design. The Philadelphia-based owner of well-known Beautiful Blooms, a full service floral and design company, started her entrepreneurial vision out of her home seven years ago. Look closely at the credits of the next breathtaking Philadelphia or Main Line wedding you see highlighted online, it most likely has O’Brien’s elegant touch. “I had a career in fashion and floral design for years and I began to recognize that people seemed to appreciate my taste level. It evolved into not just providing flowers for events, but into offering my clients a one-stop shop. I felt like Philadelphia was lacking a company that took fashion and design and combined it with floral expertise, and that is really how Beautiful Blooms has evolved. Now, in conjunction with Eclatante Event Design, we do lighting, draping, table accents, you name it,” explained O’Brien.

Wedding Inspirations 2009 is a unique wedding event being held on June 7th in Philadelphia's Liberties Walk. Local brides-to-be looking for amazing inspiration and exciting local vendors do not want to miss this opportunity! For more information, email: Leila@eclantantedesign.com or call 610-565-9977.

O’Brien has a 6,500 square foot space in Philly and, with business partner and Eclatante owner Kendall Brown, decided to open dual retail spaces on Liberties Walk last month. The strategic piece of real estate in a bustling area of Northern Liberties will be the exciting backdrop for their aforementioned first elegant wedding event on June 7th. Classes on event planning, etiquette and floral design are in the works.

Similar to my first memories and introduction into the world of peonies, O’Brien’s appreciation of beautiful blooms is steeped in her own childhood. “I grew up in England and then we moved to Bucks County when I was a young girl. I always remember my mother bringing in these massive fragrant bunches of peonies from her garden. They are so romantic and there was always that great scent in the house,” recalled O’Brien.

In early May, O’Brien worked on a wedding in which the floral focus was on an exciting new variety of peonies that were the most perfect shade of pale yellow. (O’Brien’s business partner is photographer Marie Labbancz and the wedding photos with the bride’s bouquet of yellow peonies are currently featured on her blog, artoflove.com). “The bride had pale yellow, her maids wore a gold-hued silk and they held (peony) bouquets that were white. It was simply magnificent,” said O’Brien. “Peonies are so special, our clients are always asking for them. I feel like I am breaking their hearts when a bride wants a bouquet of peonies in late August or September. They simply won’t hold up. They will always be one of my favorites and I am definitely seeing an increase in demand-from brides, to corporate events and bat mitzvahs, everyone seems to want perfect peonies this year while they are in bloom.”

Floral designs pictured courtesy of Beautiful Blooms, beautifulblooms.com

Wedding Inspirations 2009
A Unique Wedding Event

Hosts: Donna O’Brien/Beautiful Blooms, Kendall Brown/Eclatante Event Design

When: Sunday, June 7, 2009 12-4p.m.

Where: Liberties Walk, Philadelphia

Featuring: Anne Chertoff, Senior Editor of Brides.com

Showcasing: Eclatante Event Design, Beautiful Blooms Boutique, Two Paperdolls Invitations, Claudia Seyler Hair and Makeup, Marie Labbancz Photography, Max Hansen Catering, Eventions Productions, DVideography, Truli Confectionary Arts, Spa-East, The Little Candy Shoppe, The Flour Pot Cookie Boutique

Highlights: View spectacular table décor and fine jewels, taste exquisite hors d’oeuvres and cakes, learn from the very best experts in wedding style and function…leave inspired!

To RSVP: Contact Leila Miller, Eclatante Design, Leila@eclatantedesign.com or Call 610-565-9977. The new Beautiful Blooms Boutique, open and ready for business, is located at Liberties Walk, 1021 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA. Donna O’Brien, Owner and Creative Director of Beautiful Blooms, can be reached at 215-925-3111. www.beautifulblooms.com; www.beautifulblooms.com/blog

“It's always a great party with fantastic food and sophisticated music. We look forward to it every year,” said Tak Papariello, General Manager of Main Line Land Rover and Jaguar. Pictured are Papariello and Jazz Fest Co-Founder Jennifer Bailer

Call it the ‘sixth’ year itch. Organizers of the annual Main Line Jazz and Food Festival knew this year it was due time to change up the format of their popular June event. The past five years the festival has been held on a Sunday afternoon in early June, along Wayne’s North Wayne Avenue. Jennifer Bailer of Main Line Jaguar and Land Rover, one of the original founders of the festival, said they wanted to change up the approach to keep the party atmosphere fresh. “We had always envisioned an evening event, under the stars with the Jazz Fest. Our sponsors, restaurants and guests’ feedback have confirmed that’s the way to go! Due to the heat and always having it on a Sunday, not being able to stay for the fabulous headliners, it’s now clearly a natural progression,” explained Bailer.

That ‘progression’ has been the talk of the Main Line since word has gotten out all restaurants on North Wayne Avenue will be serving alcohol (and food) outside all day long for the first time ever. North Wayne Avenue will be closed off starting at 7am the day of the event, Saturday June 13th, to allow the dozens of local businesses who are exhibiting to set up. All restaurants located on Wayne’s restaurant row will have tables and dining areas outside starting at 11am, in lieu of the previous five years where patrons were confined to a beer tent. “We’re hoping that holding the festival in the cool of the evening will garner bigger crowds and make performing a little more comfortable for the musicians, too. It helps that township regulations on outdoor dining changed, in our favor, last year. Now the restaurants on the street can put out tables and offer an enticing respite to concert goers,” explained Laura Munich, a local musician who is part of the exciting lineup and a Jazz Fest cofounder. “We’d always hoped to include some evening concerts and are thrilled that everything has come together to allow us to create an evening event. We envision the 100 block of North Wayne Avenue transformed into a European piazza, with bistro tables and umbrellas, friends and neighbors sharing delicious food and conversation under the twinkling lights strung across the street.”

Belgian Frites, Foam and a Fantastic Jazz Fest Await…Al Fresco For All Who Will Attend. AroundMainLine.com is the online media sponsor of the 2009 Jazz Fest. Come visit AML at our booth, beer in hand, on June 13th and say hello!

The new evening approach, which organizers hope will offer a more adult ambiance, will no doubt set the stage for a record attendance, anticipated in excess of 5,000 locales. The festival itself has become a Main Line tradition that offers local musicians a great stage to celebrate their talents. ”From the inception, the street itself, with all it has to offer, logistically and culturally was the perfect place for a food and jazz festival. We wondered why it had not been done before-the walking traffic, the Septa accessibility, the talent, and the restaurants. In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to relax, in the cool of the evening and enjoy great food, music and company. By having the Jazz Fest on a Saturday with evening entertainment, it’s great for the attendees not to have to wake up early the next day,” encouraged Bailer.

And, for area jazz lovers and aficionados, the scheduled performers will not disappoint. This year’s lineup offers one of the most diverse groups of Philadelphia and local jazz musicians in the festival’s history. “We have everything from a Latin jazz dance band to nujazz-funk fusion to straight-ahead jazz,” said Munich who is part of the lineup. Munich adds the new approach for Jazz Fest 2009 will make it the most successful year to date. “With our eclectic musical and culinary offerings, our festival is the only event of its kind on the Main Line. Folks can really make a day, and evening, of it! Families can come out in the afternoon, peruse the art and craft vendors, then settle in for an evening of great live music that represents the full complement of jazz’s diversity and history. All that while you enjoy a great meal under the stars at any one of a number of the region’s best restaurants. What could be better?”

Deanna Muth, owner of Wayne’s popular gift shop The Pear Tree, will be open late for Jazz Fest.

Tak Papariello, of Main Line Land Rover, the presenting event sponsor and a 2009 exhibitor, says this type of community event is the ideal opportunity to connect and reap the benefits with potential and established clients in a personal and effective manner. “One of the key components of the ‘Land Rover Way’ is ownership experience. The relationship between the dealership and the client extends out into the community. The Main Line Jazz and Food festival is the kind of community event that attracts our neighbors and our Land Rover owners. Not only does the casual setting allow potential customers to experience the distinctive brand, it also gives us an opportunity to host a great event. It’s always a great party with fantastic food and sophisticated music. We look forward to it every year.”

Main Line Jazz and Food Festival 2009
Presented by Land Rover Main Line

When: Saturday June 13th, Noon to 9pm

Where: North Wayne Avenue, Wayne, PA ‘Restaurant Row’

Website: MainLineJazz.com

Dine Al Fresco: All restaurants on North Wayne Avenue will be serving drinks and food outside, for the first time, all day long starting at 11am.

Performers and Schedule:

Restaurants participating in this year’s 6th annual festival include: Christopher’s, Teresa’s Next Door, The Freehouse, Georges’, Margaret Kuo’s, and The Boathouse

4PM: Ellas y Amigos

Ellas y Amigos is a predominately female band featuring flute, saxophone, piano, bass, drum-set and congas, with vocals in English and Spanish. Philadelphia’s sizzling Latin Dance/Jazz Band, has won the hearts of audiences everywhere it has played. Specializing in Salsa, Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Puerto Rican, Brazilian and Dominican music, their expertise is applying authentic rhythms to beautiful melodies and rich harmonies, thus creating theirunique and enchanting sound.

5PM: Laura Munich with special guest Larry McKenna

Laura Munich began playing piano at the age of five, the violin at seven and has been singing as long as she can remember. She has studied at the Settlement Music School and Temple University. The Philadelphia Inquirer praised her “mix of soulful, sultry jazz” and called her “a versatile singer who knows the mechanics of music”. Her quartet plays an eclectic mix of classic straight-ahead and Latin jazz as well as creative arrangements of contemporary pop and R&B.

Larry McKenna, a well-known Main Line community ombudsman and Wayne resident, is one of the leading jazz saxophonists in America and has performed as soloist with jazz stars such as Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Jon Faddis, Buddy DeFranco, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Bootsie Barnes, Frank Sinatra and many more.

6:30 PM: Highbrid

Highbrid, is a nujazz-fusion octet lead by vibraphonist, composer, and arranger Michael Cain. With intricate horn lines, soulful grooves and “de-rangements” of music by artists like Nirvana and Metallica, Highbrid brings the best of the Jazz, Jam, Rock and Soul together into a musical fondue. Led by percussionist/composer Michael Cain, the octet employs some of the most talented and versatile up-and-coming musicians in the region.

8PM: The Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra

The Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra was founded in 2000 by Lars Halle and has quickly become a highly regarded ensemble in the Philadelphia area. It consists of 17 of Philadelphia’s finest young musicians, ranging from 22 to 32 in age. The bulk of the repertoire is composed and/or arranged by Lars Halle who also leads the band from behind the drum set. The band also performs selections from the books of Count Basie, Thad Jones, Stan Kenton, and Rob McConnell.

“We envision the 100 block of North Wayne Avenue transformed into a European piazza, with bistro tables and umbrellas, friends and neighbors sharing delicious food and conversation under the twinkling lights strung across the street,” explained musician and Jazz Fest co-founder Laura Munich.

Transportation: Coming from the city or suburbs? Travel safely and responsibly with Septa’s R5—which will deliver Jazz Fest partygoers directly (and conveniently) off in the center of downtown Wayne.

Come Visit Us: As an online sponsor of the festival, AroundMainLine.com Inc. will have a welcome tent at the festival. Come by our booth and be sure to say hello!

Event Sponsors: AroundMainLine.com Inc., Joseph P. Melvin Company, CF Holloway III, Builders, Main Line Today, Wayne Jewelers, Mainline Print Shop, Wayne Business Association, Goddard School Strafford, Penn Liberty Bank, Your Next Step, MJM Builders, Albed Rug Company, TD Bank, Nolan Painters, Wayne Art Center, Wayne Presbyterian Church, Charles Schwab

Event Exhibitors Include (But Not Limited To): AroundMainLine.com Inc., Land Rover, Wayne Business Association, Penn Liberty, TD Bank, Wayne Arts Center, Cupcakes Gourmet, Maggie Moos, Charles Schwab, Main Line Today, Harmony Glass Works, Harmonia Spa, Music Workshop, Whitaker Eye Works

Abby designed her charming centerpieces with vintage vases her mother collected over the course of the year from yard sales and flea markets, accented by Spanish moss. Table runners were made from mismatched shades of $1/yard blue fabric.

You could say Abigail (nee: Newlin) and Michael Lalonde are a throwback. The couple has been dating since they met in 1993, sophomore year at Coatesville High, outside Miss Harkins’ English class. Abby had the class the period before Michael. “I still remember the first day I saw Michael walking down the hall in his Marvin the Martian t-shirt and skater haircut. He was adorable. He had homeroom with my best friend at the time, and we didn’t have any classes together until the following year,” recalled Abby. They started officially dating on December 14, 1993 and fell in love during study hall in the library while “we looked at books and hung out between the shelves,” said Abby. During the ice storm of ’93, they kept each other company the entire week and, ever since then, have been inseparable.

The two Coatesville natives, now 31, tied the knot last September at Abby’s childhood home. Since the couple waited so long for their big day, they wanted to put their own signature style on a very highly anticipated wedding. “We definitely don’t do things by the norm, I guess you could say,” explained Abby. “The weddings I have always enjoyed are ones in which the couple put their individual touch on the day. And, that was very important to us. Plus, after fifteen years our family and friends were expecting something spectacular, yet very much ‘us.’”

The enterprising bride googled “How to Make a Boutonniere” and cleverly handcrafted her groom's from flowers purchased at Produce Junction.

The Newlin/Lalonde wedding began with Abby’s selection of a most unique wedding dress that fit her to a tee. Abby’s two bridesmaids spotted a fabulous frock in the window of Center City’s Mia one evening. The pair called the bride to tell her they found the perfect dress. “I so fell in love with it when I saw it. I felt like Carrie Bradshaw and Cinderella wrapped up into one when I put it on! I had a budget, and was really scared to even ask the price. But, I was so excited when I found out I could afford it! It was under $500, did not need one alteration and, when I looked in the mirror, I felt like a movie star,” said Abby.

Abby and Michael knew they wanted to keep within their wedding budget and use a large part of their investment on a great photographer. When they came across Shea Roggio from Conshohocken’s Cake and Pictures (roggioweddings.com), they were sold. “When we look back at our pictures, we are truly blown away. I can’t tell you how pleased I am with my wedding photos; Shea did an absolutely phenomenal job. He is so talented and just captured every detail, every key moment so beautifully and seamlessly. Our wedding day was a long time coming, but worth the wait and the best day of our lives. And the one thing we can walk away from with that experience are the gorgeous pictures that we have that will last forever,” said Abby. And, eight months since their big day, the bride is still in newlywed bliss. Of her groom she beams, “He is beautiful and stubborn, caring and crass, funny, hard working and a little crazy. He’s my constant.”

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, Bobby, to Processional: Concerto Grosso in G minor ("Christmas Concerto") by Arcangelo Corelli. Abby’s father planted day lilies on the family property in Coatesville over a decade ago—in anticipation of having his daughter’s wedding day at the family home.

Wedding Details

The Proposal: Michael, a software engineer for Comcast, had originally planned on proposing in the black and white photo booth at an arcade in Cape May, NJ. His parents own a Victorian at the quaint South Jersey beach town and the couple spent many summers there. But, when they arrived they found that the photo booth was out of order. A nerve-wracked boyfriend turned to Plan B. “It tore apart my insides to wait nearly 15 hours after I originally wanted to propose! I almost popped the question while sitting on the porch the night before. But, I waited and luckily had a good second option in place, which was at the top of a beautiful lighthouse,” explained Michael.

The two went out to breakfast at a diner the morning after they had discovered (the out of order) photo booth, with an unsuspecting bride-to-be. “It was so funny, there was an ad for the lighthouse on our placemats-so Michael mentioned it a few times during breakfast and it made sense to me (seeing it in print), lucky for him I guess. We got to the top of the lighthouse and enjoyed the view. We had a lovely romantic moment looking out at the ocean. He told me he loved me, we kissed, and then he said, ‘There’s only one thing left to do.’ He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

The Ring: The couple chose a custom-made vintage style with filigree accents courtesy of Henri David’s Halloween (on the corner of Juniper and Pine Streets in Philadelphia) with anchors flanking the center diamond. The ring was constructed using a mold of an old family ring that belonged to Abby’s grandmother.

Abby’s beautiful cluster of hydrangeas was a casually chic choice.

The Symbolism of ‘Anchors’: Abby, who works in animal control, has an anchor tattoo on her wrist with her groom’s name, Michael is an avid sailor. During their romantic morning proposal in a Cape May lighthouse, there was an old, giant anchor at their feet.

Wedding Colors: Baby blue, black, white and silver

Ceremony Venue: 155 family members and friends celebrated Abby and Michael’s wedding on a beautiful clearing on the brides’ parents front yard in Coatesville, PA

A Wedding Planned on The Web: Abby drew inspiration from many wedding sites, blogs and discussion boards but credits offbeatbride.com with supplying the best, unique inspirations for the big day, including the groomsmen’s pale blue Chuck Taylors.

Reception Entrance: The newly married couple entered the reception rocking out to Reputation by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts.

Reception Details: The resourceful bride spent hours researching online how to add affordable accents to her charming home wedding. She hung lights around the party from Target. And, Abby found a helpful tutorial on MarthaStewartWeddings.com and her mother-in-law pitched in to create chic ceiling pom-poms for the reception tent.

In addition, Abby bought fabric from Jomar in Philadelphia (jomarstores.com), a discount fabric store that carries hundreds of choices of $1/yard fabric. The bride’s cousin acted as the DJ, and they rented tables and a dance floor. With a subtle nod to one of the couples’ favorite holidays, Halloween, Abby walked down the grassy aisle framed by perfectly pale orange pumpkins from Linvilla Orchards.

True Blue
Abby with her two bridesmaids who were asked to simply dress in blue; (L) Matron of Honor Assunta Grobels-Henry and (R) Maid of Honor Rica Perez.

Wedding Menu: The menu, as was a large portion of the wedding, was DIY (Do It Yourself) as Abby explained. The guests were served many types of appetizers lovingly prepared by the bride and groom, wedding party and friends of the family. The bride and groom are both vegetarians so they opted to cater their own wedding…which looking back they advise other couples to reconsider. “Kids don’t try this at home! Seriously, if I had to do it again I would probably hire a caterer. It was very challenging,” recalled Abby.

Appetizers included: stuffed mushrooms, vegetarian pigs in a blanket, a variety of cheese and crackers, bruschetta, mini quiche, roasted and stuffed jalapenos, vegetarian chicken salad in endive, crudités and caprese salad skewers. Entrees were served via a buffet with a pasta and fajita bar. The bar featured signature drinks of pomegranate sangria and a champagne punch, wine and three types of beers including Victory’s Prima Pils, one of Michael’s favorites.

Wedding Cake: The bride and groom decided to forgo the traditional tiered wedding cake and went with six individual cakes all in different flavors from Lotus Cake Studio, out of East Falls (www.lotuscakestudio.com).

The charming wooden canopy the two wed under was a hand crafted wedding present from the matron of honor’s husband, Jake Henry. It will be converted to a headboard in their master bedroom.

First Dance: The bride is a huge fan of the movie Say Anything, so the couple selected Peter Gabriel’s In Your Eyes.

Wedding Dress: The bride wore a platinum, strapless, princess-style ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. The off the rack $472 Joli Prom dress (joliprom.net) was purchased at Mia’s of Philadelphia (1748 E Passyunk Ave; 215-465-2913) and included six layers of pastel tulle netting. The romantic gown was adorned with a dusty mauve tulle belt accented by a sea foam green brooch at the waist.

Something Old: Abby’s veil was a birdcage style and was reworked from something her mother wore as a bridesmaid over thirty years ago. The bride had a baby chick embroidered vintage handkerchief pinned inside my dress, as her mother’s childhood nickname for her is ‘Peep.’

Something New: The dress

Something Borrowed: Abby’s earrings were borrowed from a client and friend, Joanie Murphy, and matched the dress perfectly.

Something Blue: The dress, veil, bouquet and…ahem, the bride’s undergarments.

Bridesmaids Dresses: Abby’s two bridesmaids were asked to wear blue dresses of their choice.

The couple’s first dance was to their favorite high school song, Peter Gabriel’s In Your Eyes. Of his bride Michael says, “Abby makes me want to accomplish more. I am unbelievably lucky to have her round out my rough edges.”

Flowers: Abby and her friends purchased flowers from Produce Junction and Whole Foods and created the boutonnières, bouquets and the table arrangements themselves. They also used wholesale asters and mums to adorn the surrounding areas and the wedding arch.

Bride’s Bouquet: Hydrangea cluster from Produce Junction

Most Unique Wedding Gift: One of the couple’s friends who lives abroad couldn’t make it to the ceremony. So, they gifted Abby and Michael with a Quaich, a special kind of shallow two-handled drinking cup or bowl from Scotland. (The name of the cup derives from the Gaelic term cuach–meaning a cup.) Abby and Michael’s friend Chad, who served as the officiant, poured Powers Irish Whiskey into it during the ceremony and they each took a sip from the cup.

Vows: The couple wrote declarations of love to one another and kept them a secret until the actual ceremony.

Honeymoon: The newlyweds had planned to go to Greece, but decided to reschedule that trip for their one-year anniversary. Instead, they spent a week in Montreal at the Omni Hotel. “It was heaven, Montreal was an amazing time and we throughly enjoyed the city,” said Abby.

Wedding Photos courtesy of Shea Roggio of Conshohocken’s Cake and Pictures. Inquiries for weddings can be directed to: Carley Hennessey, Studio Manager (610) 260-0234; www.cakeandpictures.com; or Carley can be reached via email at: carley@cakeandpictures.com

AML staffer K. Kittles is spearheading Main Line Meow, a new column bringing all the latest suburban business and people news to local desktops. Have a compelling tip for Kittles? Email him at: kittles@aroundmainline.com.

They say curiosity killed the cat. Well, not in my case. Let me introduce myself to the few of you (Main Liners most especially) who do not know me. My name is Kittles, K. Kittles, and I’ve been around these parts for the better half of eleven years. I’m a lucky little feline if you ask me. Besides my brilliant owners being hard core Villanova basketball fans (thus my clever moniker), they are pretty terrific people. Over a decade ago, I was hanging out at a local SPCA shelter waiting for someone to fall head over heels in love with me. At the time, I was still developing my looks and this handsome mug of mine—but I was pretty darn cute at five-months-old. So, a little coercing on my part behind the bars of my cage and a few coy little poses, and before I knew it I was whisked up, kissed an inordinate amount of times and on my way to my new forever and fabulous Main Line home.

Fast forward to today, May of 2009, and I guess you could say I’m a local celeb. There aren’t many people who don’t know me, or recognize my gorgeous green eyes, soft gray and black striped fur or sensational, confident strut. And, after ten years of hitting the streets (and I mean the streets), I pretty much have my paw on the pulse of what’s going on around these suburban Main Line parts.

A few weeks ago I humbly accepted my new position as a guest columnist for what I think is an ingenious new business. Since you’re here reading this column, it’s suffice to say you’ve heard about these guys. AroundMainLine.com, Inc. is an innovative, e-publishing company that’s been redefining the way the region celebrates its people, places and events. Let’s face it; nobody is reading newspapers or magazines anymore. Everyone is online ALL THE TIME, including yours truly. And, with the print industry (newspapers and magazines) becoming obsolete because of the exponential reach of the internet, these guys from AML saw an opportunity to celebrate, highlight and discuss the Main Line exclusively online. They say timing is everything and I think it’s a super cool…and timely idea.

With their company’s exciting growth, AML put a tweet out the other day looking for some new online contributors. Last Tuesday I was sunning on the back porch with my new Catberry by my side (eyeing up a fine-looking baby robin) when I got the news. So, I decided to shift my focus and send over my resume for consideration. I thought to myself ‘what the heck’? And, as luck would have it, the AML publisher emailed me back saying she was specifically seeking a male feline with stunning good looks and a lot of ‘street smarts.’ I nailed the interview despite my new boss having some hard feelings towards my peeps (she’s a UConn alum, has a thing for huskies I guess).

And, so here I am with my first column. If you are wondering what Main Line Meow will be all about–I’ve decided to keep a positive, timely and intriguing spin on what’s happening in and around the suburbs and even the city. We are not talking about parent meetings at the local library (which would bring on several catnaps and be uber-boring!) But, I will be pounding the pavement to find out what new businesses are opening, what events are coming up and what’s the hottest buzz that’s got everybody curious. (There’s that curious thing again-I guess it’s just natural for me.)

So, here I am–your personal go to Main Line man or feline, however you would prefer to perceive my gorgeous self. If you want to send me some hot info for consideration in my next column shoot me an email at: kittles@aroundmainline.com. That way my nosy boss can’t see what I am working on! As luck would have it, I’ve got some purr-fectly private scoop on Jay Wright to start out. There’s nothing like being a part of the Nova Nation.

Splish Splash!

Looks like the dog days of summer won’t be so darn hot for steamy Wildcat head hoopster Jay Wright and his family. The Wrights (wife Pat, their two teenage sons and ten-year-old daughter) will be breaking ground on a luxury pool soon at their Villanova mansion. A good feline friend of mine reported surveyors were at the property last week getting the project going. I have word that a major privacy fence will keep some pet-parazzi at a distance—who can blame them snooping for a snapshot of the fiercely good looking head Nova coach in his bathing suit!

I was curious to know what the bill might be on a ‘Final Four’ financed project of this scale. So, Main Line Meow consulted with a local pool company and was told you can’t break ground on a ‘backyard pond’ on the Main Line these days for under $50k. My pool buddies assured me that kind of dough is just a basic cost–a no thrills approach. Have a feeling the Wrights will be putting on the full court press on their new luxury investment. I’m not a big fan of water, but I’m sure it will be one lovely place to sun for a few of my furry Nova neighbors…poolside.

Bottoms up to a successful Main Line Jazz Fest 2009! Pictured are Teresa’s Next Door bartenders Katie Jones and Ryan Bloome, both of Wayne.

Main Line Beer Fest…I Mean ‘Jazz Fest’

I was prowling around North Wayne Avenue a few weeks ago and noticed all the restaurants (Teresa’s Next Door, Boathouse, Christopher’s and Great American Pub) had posted one day outdoor alcohol permits for Saturday June 13th. Hmm?? Then I put two-and-two together and realized this year’s Main Line Jazz Fest was setting the stage for every Wayne restaurant to serve brewskies outside. YUM!!! Even an eleven-year-old tee-totaling feline can appreciate that appeal and party atmosphere.

Organizers of the Main Line Jazz and Food Festival, now in its sixth year and traditionally held on a Sunday afternoon on a closed-off North Wayne Avenue (I refer to it as restaurant row), decided to shake it up this year. The 2009 Jazz Fest will start in the late afternoon (4 p.m.) and last into the early evening (9 p.m.) with great local performances (including Wayne’s Larry McKenna) slated throughout the night. North Wayne will be closed off starting at 7am that morning and there will be other activities and vendors exhibiting throughout the entire afternoon starting at 11am. A full schedule and vendor details are available on their website, mainlinejazz.com.

The Main Line Jazz and Food Festival is Saturday June 13th with performances slated from 4-9pm.

And, as I mentioned, most appealing to the five thousand attendees expected, all participating restaurants who reside on North Wayne will be serving alcohol outdoors, all day long. So, instead of the traditional beer tent offered the previous five years, Jazz Fest ’09 is looking more like a North Wayne Beer Garden. Main Line Meow, well I should say AroundMainLine.com, is the online media sponsor of the festivities. So stop by and visit my boss at our booth and say hi—cold beer or two in hand-on Saturday June 13th. And, make sure you mention you are a fan of Main Line Meow (I’m working on as many ‘brownie’ points as possible)!

Main Line Meow wants to hear from you! Have a great tip for our columnist K. Kittles? -We’d love to know–restaurant openings, hot chit chat, celebrity sightings, festivals, promotions and more. Send us an email with full details to: kittles@aroundmainline.com. Editorial tips and sources will remain strictly confidential.

Claire Inie-Richards as Primrose and Nathaniel Brastow as David in Y York’s EGGS based on the acclaimed novel by Jerry Spinelli. “I think Primrose just wants to be a kid and she doesn’t want to take care of anyone else, let alone her mother. Then, along comes David and the winds of change are put into motion,” said Inie-Richards.

In EGGS, People’s Light and Theatre company’s rendition of the popular book by Jerry Spinelli, which is enjoying an extended run through Sunday May 31st, 9-year-old David and 13-year-old Primrose are both pretty unhappy with life at home. David is sent to live with his grandmother after the death of his mother, and Primrose’s mom is a fortuneteller who barely notices when Primrose moves into the van parked outside their house. Nathaniel Brastow plays the role of David. “He is very sad that his mother has died and confused. The reason he is so mean to his grandmother in EGGS is that he feels like he has to save this space in his heart for his mother and without that space, the hope of his mother coming back is gone,” explained Brastow.

Their unlikely friendship includes midnight trash picking and hanging out with Refrigerator John, the local refrigerator repairman. They set off on an unexpected journey that leads to self-discovery and new perspectives on friendship and family. Playwright Y York summed up the EGGS experience. “I think this is a play of complex characters and of life lessons on how fragile each person is as a human being. And, I don’t think you leave EGGS with all the answers. It’s one of those plays that will stick with you and keep offering a valuable experience after you walk out of the theater.”

EGGS has extended its run at Malvern’s People and Light Theatre through Sunday May 31st. Photography courtesy of Mark Garvin Photography markgarvinphoto.com

Director Mark Lutwak, York’s husband and part of the dynamic pair that have translated Spinelli’s novel so captivatingly to the stage, explained EGGS is about the fragility of human relationships. “What is moving me most about the play is this theme of care and universally caring about people. This is the matrix that we base our lives and when you break that, when there is a rupture in someone’s life like David and the untimely death of his mother, it has a ripple effect. EGGS demonstrates what happens when the care relationships are reversed, what happens when someone else steps up and cares because no one else is. And that is the thematic terrain for me with this play.”

An underlying theme of the play, explained York, is that there are more important things in life than what you own. “The only thing of value on the stage is the human beings. And, even if there were nice things in (David’s grandmother) Margaret’s house it would not matter because of the state the house has fallen into. And there is no love between David and his grandmother. There is false hope between the two characters with David and Primrose. They have to relinquish the biggest hope of their lives in order to have real hope because the hope they are holding onto is not possible-David to bring his mother back and for Primrose it’s for her mother to tell her the photograph of her father is not really her father,” explained Y.

Claire Inie-Richards, 17 and a Kimberton resident, portrays the role of Primrose, and is appearing in her fifth production at People’s Light. “Primrose is a total tomboy who is struggling with her relationship with her mother. Half her battle is that she wants her mom to grow up and Primrose just wants to be a kid and she wants her mother to grow up and be the adult. And Primrose’s mother has fabricated this bizarre story that Clark Gable is her daughter’s father. And, so this picture of Clark Gable, this old black and white picture, is this ticking time bomb where Primrose and her mom have to come to grips with the reality. It makes for an interesting relationship throughout the play,” explained Inie-Richards.

“What is moving me most about the play is this theme of care and universally caring about people. This is the matrix that we base our lives and when you break that…it has a ripple effect,” explained EGGS director Mark Lutwak.

Jerry Spinelli Goes One-on-One with AML Publisher Sarah Lockard as he discusses his inspiration for EGGS, childhood memories of Norristown and exciting details on his next two upcoming books.

AroundMainLine.com: Let’s start with where the premise for the book, EGGS, came from. It’s an interesting story of the complexities of human relationships—but, like we have discussed before with many of your literary inspiration, its roots lie in your childhood memories.

Jerry Spinelli: Yes, EGGS started simply from the annual Easter egg hunt as a child. I do remember it very clearly. All the kids in Norristown would line up along this windy road and there was this grassy hill that led into a forest of pine trees. After you ran down the bottom of the hill, there were eggs for the taking. The problem every Easter (for me) was that I’ve always been very indecisive, even as a young boy. So, I would end up standing there admiring the perfect pastel eggs, all looking very compelling, but unable to decide quickly which one I was going to grab first.

AML: Are you a Libra by any chance? Because I am and I’m very indecisive…

JS: Nope, Aquarius. So, I never did a good job of coming back with eggs because by the time I made up my mind, they were all scooped up!

AML: So you take that simple five second memory of an Easter egg hunt and it becomes a best-selling children’s book? How does that process really work? Because we all have those same memories but we are not translating them into gems of children’s lit.

Copyright 2007 by Hachette Book Group, Inc. Cover photos copyright by Corbis, MasterfileCover design: Gail Doobinin

JS: I guess the best way to explain it is that my imagination comes into play. I think back to how it was and the thought of as a young boy, moving further and further away from the hill and into the woods looking for more eggs. And, then as I am working through the concept of a book based around an annual childhood event, things come to mind. I came up with the idea that the young boy at the bottom of the hill moves further and further away from the hill and into the forest. And, he sees this pile of leaves and starts moving them around to look for eggs. And, instead, under the leaves he discovers a (dead) body of a pretty young girl in that forest, just a few feet from the pastel eggs everyone is scrambling to collect.

AML: So, if I can understand this–it starts with the great juxtaposition of something so horrible and dark on a day of new life and celebration and innocence?

JS: It’s a crude idea, I guess the contradiction appealed to me to begin with-and I take that and work on how I can define the premise into a full story. Of course, that’s only the first three pages and there are two hundred more to work with. That concept became a book called Who Cares, which I wrote fourteen years ago. It did not include the idea of a dead body, although to the main character she (the young girl) appears to be dead at the time. I sent it to my editor at the time and she had major problems with it. So, I started to work through fourteen typed-written pages from my editor on things she insisted I rework for Who Cares. That’s just a tremendous amount of edits-but I tried to be professional about it and conquered the first two pages…then let it sit for a month. I was getting so discouraged and I was really running out of stomach for it. So, I switched horses and started to go into a different direction with another book I had an idea with.

AML: So, you put Who Cares on the shelf and ran with another book?

JS: Yep, it started jiving after a week and before I knew it I had finished this book called Wringer–that same one you walked into this interview with.

[AML publisher Sarah Lockard brought a copy of Wringer, to the interview for Spinelli to autograph for a family friend. In 1998, Wringer was named a Newbery Honor book.]

AML: You are kidding, that’s so ironic. So, what happened to Who Cares?

JS: Fast forward about ten years after Wringer and my wife Eileen and I are traveling up to BEA [Book Expo America] in New York, the national convention, and Eileen asked me, ‘What ever happened with that book you were writing years ago that the editor did not like?’ And, neither of us, for the life of us, could remember what the name of it was. So, when we got back I looked all over for the manuscript and could not find it. Then, I found it in a pile of about 200 I had all the way at the bottom of a closet in my office. And, since Eileen is an author too, I gave it to her to read back over and she came back to me and said, ‘I really don’t understand what all the issues were that your former editor had with this book. I think it’s quite good.’

AML: And, so you ‘dusted off’ Who Cares and it became EGGS?

Brian Anthony Wilson as Refrigerator John and Claire Inie-Richards as Primrose in Y York’s EGGS

JS: In essence yes, we reworked it and that’s the story of EGGS. And the interesting thing is the cover does not have the name of the book on it, just the image. Just like Stargirl has the image of the young girl–those are my only two works where the name is not on the cover.

AML: And, so this stark symbolism of the egg carton is very interesting.

JS: Parenting is a huge issue in the book, with both David and Primrose being, to the extent, half orphans with one missing a father and the other a mother. And that’s where Refrigerator John steps in to foster both of these children because they have this fragility, much like an egg.

AML: What I have deduced from your books and your career is that you always have drawn from your childhood, from your memories in Norristown. Those seem to shape your characters and stories.

JS: I’ve given workshops at writers’ conferences called ‘Mining Your Memory.’ We all have these shared life experiences-but we have all interacted with the world in our own individual way.

AML: What is your next book that the millions of Jerry Spinelli fans across the country, across the world, can look forward to?

JS: Hokey Pokey.

AML: Ok, that is the name of the book? So, I’ll take the ‘scoop’ …

JS: Yes, When I was a young boy in the ’50s there was this man in Norristown called the Hokey Pokey man. This predates what we now call water ice. He was from Italy and he would push this white cart with two handles and big wooden wheels up and down the streets of Norristown. He had this huge block of ice that he would scrape with a big metal scraper, dump it out into a paper cone and drizzle with one of his container of syrupy flavors. He had it down pat and he knew what time the kids were getting out of what schools, and there he would be.

So, the Hokey Pokey man became absolutely iconic in Norristown. If you go to Norristown now and ask people who have lived there all their lives, their eyes will glaze over. At the time he was just part of the scene, you did not give him much thought. But, forty, fifty years later there is a treasured memory and a signature memory that represented that time and place in a way few other things could. And now that is gone forever, along with the Hokey Pokey man himself.

AML: Forever.

JS: Yes, forever and ever. There will never ever be another Hokey Pokey Man.

AML: So, it’s called Hokey Pokey…

JS: Yes and a man with a cart will make an appearance. It’s not finished, working on it with Harper Collins.

AML: And that’s your next book?

JS: That is the next work of fiction; I have a book coming out with Eileen this fall. It’s our first collaboration together. It’s called Today I Will.

AML: Cool, what is the premise?

JS: It’s a book of inspirational thoughts, every day there is a little note to read to treasure and inspire someone.

AML: That’s great. I so needed that by my bedside this morning. It’s sometimes just those one or two sentences that can lift you, an affirmation…or motivate someone or point an individual in the right direction. I so believe in the power of positive and intentional, goal-oriented thinking. It has a way of creating its own results, successes.

JS: I’m very much looking forward to it. It was Eileen’s idea and I guess to round this out, if I hadn’t listened to my wife that one morning on the way to New York we wouldn’t be here talking about EGGS, there would be no EGGS. Eighty-percent of my ideas come from Eileen.

AML: That’s a nice way to end this interview. I’m sure your fans across the Philadelphia region and the country will very much enjoy reading this, especially the children. And, as always, I feel so fortunate to have this time to learn more about your work and get to know you better. It’s very generous of you and a distinct pleasure, thank you!

JS: You are most welcome.

QUICK FACTS

WHAT: EGGS by Y York, based on the novel by Jerry Spinelli

WHEN: April 23 – May 31, 2009 on the Steinbright Stage
Because of the success of the play, EGGS has been extended a week from its original schedule.

WHERE: People’s Light & Theatre Company 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355

PRICES: Adult tickets are $29 and youth tickets are $20, with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more.

GROUPS: Meal and ticket packages available for groups of 10 or more at Places! Bistro, our on-site restaurant. Call Adria Charles for more information at 610.647.1900, ext. 134 or email group@peopleslight.org.

CONTACT: For tickets or information call the Box Office at 610.644.3500 or visit www.peopleslight.org