A Sustainable Wedding at The Lodge at Tussey Mountain

Tell us about the proposals.

Marriah proposed first on May 30, 2020, during a camping trip near Lake Tahoe. While looking out over the Truckee River, Marriah revealed a wooden box that she and my dad had made together from a Valley Oak tree – my favorite. Inside was an engagement ring nestled on a bed of wildflowers. It was such a special and meaningful moment. 

A month later, after we moved across the country for my PhD program, I planned my proposal. I created an excuse for a fancy date night at home, complete with printed menus. After the third course, I brought out “dessert”: a ring box surrounded by flowers. Proposing to each other felt right for our relationship and was a beautiful way to honor our love.

Why did you choose The Lodge at Tussey Mountain for your wedding?

When we started looking for venues in Pennsylvania, we knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony and a natural, relaxed vibe. The Lodge at Tussey Mountain, an active ski lodge, stood out right away. Its rustic charm fit perfectly with what we had in mind. Plus, it’s a place we can revisit for events and live music, which makes it extra special to us.

What inspired the theme for your wedding?

Our wedding was all about simplicity and sustainability. We wanted to keep things natural and stress-free. Ferns became a central element in our decor. Instead of floral arrangements, we used potted ferns, which are now planted in our backyard as a living reminder of our day. Our table markers featured illustrations of different tree species, honoring our love for trees and how we met. Even my bouquet and Marriah’s boutonniere, crafted by Hidden Botanics Weddings, incorporated dried flowers and fern leaves.

What were your favorite DIY projects?

We loved adding personal touches to our day. I designed all the printed signage, like welcome cards and ceremony signs, with the help of Paper Culture. We also created a time capsule filled with advice and hopes from our guests, which we opened on our first anniversary. One of my favorite projects was sewing burlap covers for the potted ferns. These little details made our day feel uniquely ours.

What were some stand-out moments from the day?

One of the most memorable moments was during the ceremony when we started crying early on. Marriah had a handkerchief in her suit pocket, so we passed it around – even our officiant, my brother, needed it. It brought some laughter to an emotional moment. 

Another highlight was the tree-planting ceremony we held the morning after the wedding. We planted an Allegheny serviceberry tree at the venue and another in our yard. It was a meaningful way to honor our story and symbolize growth.

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

Share the planning responsibilities as evenly as possible. We both have different strengths when it comes to organizing, so dividing tasks helped. Also, try not to sweat the small details too much. Decide which aspects of the wedding are most important to you and focus on those. Everything else will fall into place.

What does marriage mean to you?

To us, marriage is about partnership. We vowed to learn and grow with each other, to support and love one another unconditionally through all the seasons of life. Marriage is an ongoing balance – some days one of us might only have 30 percent to give, and the other steps up with 70 percent. It’s about gratitude, celebrating the little things, and pushing each other to be our best selves.