Our Six Kids Served as Our Wedding Party. Here’s How We Made the Day Special for Everyone

Amanda Reichert and Peter Burns made sure their kids were involved in every aspect of their Bucks County vineyard wedding. Photography by Stacy Hart

Marriage is the joining of two families, and many couples find unique, personal ways to honor their backgrounds on their Big Day. Wearing an heirloom veil or gown, getting parents in on the entertainment or incorporating cultural traditions are among the ways duos have paid tribute to their past and combined future. For this particular couple, who held their wedding at Crossing Vineyards and Winery in Bucks County, it was all about making sure their kiddos played a big part in every aspect of the union. “Our children are the most important people in our lives,” says the bride. The photos by Stacy Hart help share their story. 

Amanda Reichert may have been late to her first date with Peter Burns (the pouring rain was a factor), but it didn’t matter — the couple ended up closing down the restaurant. “The bartender was joking with Peter that I stood him up,” says Amanda, a Doylestown born mother of two girls, Nora and Estelle. “When I walked in, he was very understanding. His warmth made me feel at ease.” Lafayette Hill native Peter, the president of Infrastructure Solution Services and father of four (Elisabeth, Quinn, Meredith and Pierce), was equally charmed. “It was casual and lighthearted,” he says of their night of appetizers and cocktails. “We were having such a good time.”

The two (who initially met on Match.com) dated for a year before Peter proposed at his home, during a game of 20 Questions with all of their children. “When it was Peter’s turn, no one could guess what his ‘object’ was,” recalls Amanda. It was, of course, one of the most important questions of all. “Everyone was so surprised. It was very special because it was with our kids, and they were able to share in the excitement with us.”

Making sure their children were involved in every aspect of their wedding — from the planning to the vows — was the top priority for the couple. “We have a great support system of parents, siblings and friends, but our lives have revolved around our kids,” says Amanda. “So it wasn’t even a discussion — we just always knew they would be in the wedding.” On their invitations, they wrote: Together with their children, Amanda and Peter invite you to celebrate their wedding. The pair was engaged for 10 months before their celebration at Crossing Vineyards and Winery and, true to form, their young ones played a key role. 

“With blending a family, it was important to Peter and me that the day wasn’t something our kids were just witnessing,” says Amanda. “They were part of the process of getting dressed, they picked songs to dance to, and they picked the songs we listened to as we drove to the venue.” The couple held their cocktail hour before the ceremony and didn’t actually walk down the aisle; instead, all eight of them stood at the front after a bite of apps like petite pulled pork and lobster rolls.

The ceremony was naturally one of the bride’s favorite parts. Her childhood best friend, Taylor Saunders, got ordained to marry them. “She had all eight of us say ‘I do,’ so we were all agreeing to be a family together. It was an incredible surprise.”

Afterward, the couple, their kids and their 100 guests spent a relaxed, casual evening enjoying the beginning of their journey together. The aesthetic was brought to life thanks to Alexis Accomando of The Little Things, with blooms by Belovely Floral & Event Design, who incorporated flowers in white, taupe, sand, blush, rose, raspberry and green to play on the rustic but sophisticated vineyard vibe. Thank you notes were placed at each setting, and cozy lounges were placed throughout to foster conversation among guests. There was an Instax photo-guest book and an escort cart display complete with a quote from Notorious B.I.G. (“It was all a dream,” natch.)

A buffet dinner of herb-roasted beef tenderloin, roasted rosemary salmon, wild mushroom ravioli, grilled summer veggies — and a mac-and-cheese bar — was enjoyed at long communal tables in the indoor-outdoor space, which looked out on the surrounding vines. (The groom loved the table settings for their color and warmth.) There were dessert bars and cookies (and a vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream by Pink Skirt Desserts), and dancing (the bride changed into a Halston Heritage jumpsuit for a chic but comfortable reception look).

Their first dance was to The Cure’s “Love Song,” covered by Adele. And, while their actual honeymoon has been postponed due to the pandemic, Amanda and Peter, along with their children, went to Sea Isle City the day following the wedding — honoring their forever with the people who matter most.

THE DETAILS
Photographer: Stacy Hart | Venue: Crossing Vineyards and Winery | Planning/Design: The Little Things | Florals: Belovely Floral & Event Design | Catering: Emily’s Cafe and Catering | Bride’s Attire: Dress from Nordstrom; jumpsuit by Halston Heritage | Bridesmaids’ Attire: BHLDN | Hair & Makeup: Salon BHB | Groom’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Entertainment: No Macarena DJ | Cake: Pink Skirt Desserts | Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress | Calligraphy: Blue Eye Brown Eye | Transportation: Chic’s Limousine; Kevin Smith Transportation Group | Rentals: White Glove Rentals; Maggpie Rentals | Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen

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