The Wedding Story of... Mark & Amanda Pappas Uhl

Wedding with a View

Amanda Pappas was interviewing at an Italian restaurant in Fort Wayne when Mark Uhl, a waiter, couldn't help but notice or resist introducing himself to the young lady in waiting. Once she was hired, the two became closer and closer until they officially began dating in March 2008. Four short months flew by before they were forced to say their good-byes, as Mark was deployed to carry out his army responsibilities.

Mark was gone for 372 days during which hours were logged on the computer as they corresponded with love and affection. It was not a surprise that once Mark returned a proposal would be in order. Amanda comments, "We felt that we had been waiting for a whole year, so why wait any longer?"

The couple decided to "limit the craziness to just a couple months" and dove into planning for an October celebration. With only three months to pull everything together, Amanda says of her mother, "I couldn't have done it without her. She was my wedding planner and was a huge part of the planning process." Adding another level of difficulty, the wedding reception was to be held at her parents? home. After all, this was where the couple hung out often, got to know each other, where Mark confessed his love, and also where he proposed. For sentimental reasons, it was the perfect location.

Cut to Bob Mutton Party and Tent Rentals, leading experts in the Indiana special event industry based in Fort Wayne. The team at Mutton Rentals turned the Pappas family's vision into reality providing not only the four tents (yes, four), but the lighting, table-top details, flooring and carpeting. Wanting to embrace the romantic and scenic backyard, the family opted for a clear-top tent which Mutton Rentals obtained especially for the celebration.

Understanding what is needed to create a flummox-free affair, Mutton Party and Tent Rentals prepared for inclement weather and rectified less-than-ideal tent conditions before the wedding day. For example, the week leading up to the wedding was especially rainy making the ground soft, even muddy in areas. Thanks to their expertise, a last-minute call to build flooring for the backyard was a wise move. On the day of the wedding the weather was beautifully sunny and warm, but as the sun set, the temperature declined as well. Amanda recounts, "[Mutton Rentals] came to the rescue" and rolled in heaters (the family initially planned for air conditioning!) adjusting the air to a comfortable, cozy temperature.

According to the families and guests, "The decor was phenomenal." Studying to be an interior designer, Amanda enjoyed picking out the linens, china, glassware, chairs, and centerpieces-pulling together her "modern glamour with a flair of vintage" vision. The bouquets and centerpieces idyllically enhanced the theme, incorporating the bride's favorite blooms-Orchids, Tuberose, and Freesia. A significant ingredient of the designs, however, was not the beautiful blossoms. Amanda comments, "Feathers were everywhere!" An elegant alternative to an all-floral wedding, the feathers perfectly reflected Amanda's style and taste.

An important tradition in Amanda's Macedonian and Greek heritage, a highlight of the wedding celebration, was the "Bread Dance" in which a loaf of sweet bread is prepared for the bridal party and guests to dance with. Tradition says this dance provides good luck for the sweetness in life, a fortune that loved ones celebrated under the big tops.