Sign our Guestbook!

We now have a virtual guestbook for all you visitors out there to sign. Please check it out at:


view my guestbook

sign my guestbook


We'd love to hear from anyone and everyone!

We've Moved!

Start Spreading the News...
Mark and Sarah are officially New Yorkers. Our jobs brought us up here about a month ago, and we already feel right at home in the Big Apple.

Welcome to our Wedding Website!

We're Taking The Leap!

Sarah and Mark
October 29, 2005

ABOUT US
Sarah and Mark are both 26 and graduates of Mount Saint Mary's College, where they met way back in 1997. They currently live in New York City, where Mark is a CPA for BDO Seidman, specalizing in the non-profit sector and Sarah is the assistant communications manager at New York Road Runners and a freelance writer. They're having fun exploring the city, cruising around by bike, and moving their car every other night (yes, it is possible to find parking in NYC!).

HOW WE MET:

Seeing that the Mount is literally a place where everyone knows your name, it didn't take long before Mark and Sarah laid eyes on one another in 1997. Perhaps it was when Sarah--a member of the cross country team--ran loops around Mark and his lacrosse teammates on the field, or maybe it was in the cafeteria line. Friends at first, Mark asked Sarah out on a hot date in August, 1998 to see 'Studio 54.' Good thing the date wasn't as bad as that movie!

THE PROPOSAL:

After their first Christmas apart in seven years, Sarah and Mark were excitedly looking forward to reuniting in New York City for New Years. And what a reunion it was! After spending December 30th strolling around the city--a jam-packed day that included breakfast in Hoboken, a drive around Brooklyn Heights, a movie in Soho, dinner in the Village, another movie in Chelsea, and drinks back in the Village--Sarah and Mark were heading in for the night when Mark suggested they head towards the Hudson River. Tired and cold, Sarah shunned the suggestion, claiming that at the late hour of 1 a.m., they'd 'probably get mugged down there.' (Editor's Note: since the area by the river is monitored 24-7 by park police, there was little chance any potential muggers would be there). Unusually persistent, Mark convinced Sarah to go down to the river, where they settled on a bench by the water under a moonlit sky. A casual chat about their future soon transitioned into a serious conversation about their love for one another. Then, in an instant, Mark reached into his jacket pocket to reveal a black velvet box, dropped down on one knee before a shocked Sarah and asked her to marry him. After a few rounds of 'Are you kiddings? Are you kiddings?' from Sarah, she finally said yes as Mark slipped the sparkling emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring on her finger.

Looking a little tired right after the proposal (it was about 2 a.m., after all!)

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION DETAILS

About the Ceremony:
Saturday, October 29, 2005 at Noon
The Chapel of the Imaculate Conception
Mount Saint Mary's Univeristy
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Click here for directions to the Mount.

About the Reception:
The reception will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing.
The Historic Gettysburg Hotel
One Lincoln Square Gettyburg, PA 17325
Click here for directions and more information .

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

We have blocks at the following three hotels in Gettysburg. The weekend of October 29, 2005 is going to be a busy one in Gettysburg, so if you do decide to stay at any of these locations, please make sure to book your room(s) under the Wassner/Flynn wedding party as soon as possible. Thank you!

The Historic Gettysburg Hotel (reception site):
One Lincoln Square
Gettysburg, PA 17235
(717) 337-2000
The Gettysburg Hotel has a tradition of hospitality that dates to 1797, when James Scott first opened his tavern. In the summer of 1863, the hotel played witness to one of the seminal events in American history as Union and Confederate troops swarmed over the small town of Gettysburg during a pivotal and bloody three-day battle. President Lincoln honed the immortal words of his Gettysburg Address at the Wills House, just steps away from the hotel. Nearly a century later, at the height of the Cold War, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower's national operations center while he recuperated from a heart attack at his nearby farm. A victim of post-war changes in America's traveling habits, the Gettysburg Hotel closed its doors in 1964. After a careful and detailed restoration, the Best Western Hotel Gettysburg once again welcomes guests to share its rich legacy.

Comfort Inn--Gettysburg
871 York Road
Gettysburg, PA 17235
800-228-5150
Hotel conveniently located less than 2 miles from Historic Downtown Gettysburg District. Close to Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery, Eisenhower Farm, Visitors Center and other area attractions. Outlet shopping nearby. Batting cages and miniature golf adjacent to hotel.

Eisenhower Inn
2634 Emmitsburg Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
800-776-8349
Gettysburg is a national treasure and the Eisenhower Hotels, Conference Center, & Resort offer a perfect vantage point for your next visit. Located just south of Gettysburg in a rural setting, the Eisenhower is within close proximity to the historical battlefields and the visitor center. Downtown Gettysburg is just 10 minutes away. Surrounded by history, and pampered by gracious hospitality, the Eisenhower hotel staff of professionals, provide the ultimate in service to ensure the success of your next event. The 307 beautifully appointed guest rooms offer a variety of lodging accommodations.

Another option: B&B's
There are also Bed & Breakfasts and Inns throughout the Gettysburg area. We do not have blocks at any of these locations, and therefore can't guarantee that they'll have any availability on October 28 or 29. For more information, click on the links below or here.

Baladerry Inn at Gettysburg, 40 Hospital Road, Gettysburg 17325, (717) 337-1342
Battlefield Bed & Breakfast Inn - 2264 Emmitsburg Rd., Gettysburg 17325, (717) 334-8804
The Brafferton Inn, 44 York Street, Gettysburg 17325, (717) 337-3423
The Brickhouse Inn, 452 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg 17325, (717) 338-9337
The Doubleday Inn, 104 Doubleday Avenue, Gettysburg 17325, (717) 334-9119
The Gaslight Inn, 33 East Middle St., Gettysburg 17325, (717) 337-9100
James Gettys Hotel - 27 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg 17325, (717) 337-1334

What to do and see in Emmitsburg and Gettysburg!

After our 12:00 p.m. ceremony, you will have about three-and-a-half hours of downtime before the reception kicks off. Not to fret--there are many, many ways you can fill this time. Here are some ideas of things to do and see in Emmitsburg and Gettysburg on October 29.

After the ceremony, take a quick drive up to The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The grotto is one of the oldest American replicas of the revered French Grotto of Lourdes, where Saint Bernadette is believed to have seen and talked with the Virgin Mary. Meander along the wooded paths while admiring the statues and mosaics leading to the Grotto, or just take a few moments to reflect amidst this beautiful and scenic site. (301-447-5318; www.msmary.edu/grotto).

Where’s the oldest parochial school in the United States? Why, it’s right in downtown Emmitsburg, just a stone’s throw from the Mount’s campus. The Mother Seton School, established in 1809, is part of the National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton. The site includes the original stone house (circa 1750) where Seton founded her religious community as well as the house where she began her school. (333 South Seton Ave., 301-447-6606)

Next to the Seton Shrine is the National Fire Academy, where thousands of the nation’s top firefighters descend upon each year to hone their skills. Standing on the Academy’s campus is the The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, dedicated to the men and women "who have lost their lives in the very act of saving others." The long brick walk to the memorial commemorates some of the worst fires in U.S. history, the bricks inscribed with the names of firefighters who died and with messages from their comrades and families. Plaques bearing the names of firefighters killed since the memorial was established in 1981 encircle an eternal flame and bronze Maltese cross. Another plaque is inscribed with the names of firefighters killed Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., 301-447-1000).

If you’re hankering for a mid-day snack, pop in the favorite hangout of both firefighters and Mount Saint Mary’s students alike. The Ott House Pub & Restaurant offers what many call the best crab cakes in all of Maryland along with other pub grub. But don’t spoil your appetite—there will be plenty to eat and drink at the reception! (5 W. Main St., 301-447-2625.)

Across the way from Ott’s is the Emmitsburg Antique Mall. If you want to collect it, you'll find it here. Dishes, patriotic memorabilia, books, toys, linens, jewelry, souvenir items, political buttons, maps, furniture, art -- the display is eclectic and endless. Antique doesn't mean ancient -- a Welcome Back Kotter puzzle and Jackie Collins paperbacks were among the items. (1 Chesapeake Ave., 301-447-6471). Also worth checking out: Callie's Collectibles offers a good mix of antiques and reproductions with interesting finds like watercolors of the area by local artists, primitive decoys and well-loved furniture that spend much of its previous life with nearby farm families. (24 W. Main St., 301-447-6700):

Can’t resist a bargain? Then stop by Gettysburg Factory Village Stores on your way up to Gettysburg. Snag steals at stores including American Eagle, the GAP, Old Navy, Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, adidas, and Reebok. (1863 Gettysburg Village Drive, Gettysburg, PA 17325, click here for directions).

A trip to Gettysburg just isn’t complete without a tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park. The site of the largest battle ever waged during the American Civil War, this park incorporates nearly 6,000 acres, with 26 miles of park roads and over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials. You can tour the battlefields on your own, with a professionally-trained guide, or with the assistance of audio tapes. (Visit here or call the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at (717) 334-6274 for many more details on battlefield tour)

If the Battlefields aren’t your thing, opt for a relaxing historical walking tour of Gettysburg. A costumed guide will lead you around town (and past our reception site!), enlightening you with an intimate look at the citizens of Civil War Gettysburg. The tours last about one hour and 15 minutes. (Tours by appointment only. To arrange a tour, call American Stories at 717-624-8154. Discounts are available for tours arranged in advance. Click here for more information)

Whatever you choose to do or see, make sure to save plenty of energy for the reception! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Sarah at swassner@gmail.com. ENJOY!

Sarah's Bridal Party

I'm honored to be having these lovely ladies by my side on my wedding day!


The Farm, Labor Day Weekend 2005
MAID OF HONOR: CRISSY O'CONNELL (COUSIN/BFF)
Also known as "Sissy," she and I were born three weeks apart and have been virtually inseparable ever since. After enduring Whetstone elementary school, MVIS, and Watkins Mill High School together, we parted ways for college only to move in with eachother in D.C. from 2002-2005. Crissy and her finacee, Erik, are currently en route to their new home in California. They will be married in December, 2005.


MATRON OF HONOR: ALIZA WASSNER (OLDEST SISTER) Doesn't she make a beautiful bride? Leezie married in September 2004 and I can only hope that our wedding is as classy as hers. Though she is an extremely hard working associate company manager for the Broadway show "Hairspray," she still finds time to dish the dirt with me on celebs, figure skaters, gymnastics, reality TV shows, and bad movies!



BRIDESMAID: REBECCAH WASSNER (OLDER SISTER) Bec is truly made of sugar, spice, and everything nice---and that's not just because she makes a mean apple crisp! But behind that pretty smile is a fierce competitor (FC for short) who excels well beyond anyone's expectations (besides her own, maybe) in everything she does. Bec is a professional triathlete who is about to begin a stint at the Olympic Training Center in California. Watch out for her in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing!


BRIDESMAID: LAUREL WASSNER (OLDER SISTER) A constant Instant-Message companion, Ula is my go-to person for advice on anything from my job to my clothes to my lunch. A stellar photographer, Ula recently joined Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine as the Associate Photo Editor. You could say she's a really "swing"-ing gal (sorry, had to do it).


NYC, 9/05
BRIDESMAID: CORINNE DRESKIN (BFF) Corinne, a lifelong friend, is one of the savviest, sweetest people I know. Ask her anything about movies---she's a walking, talking IMDB---or music and you're sure to be amazed by her infinite knowledge. Corinne works at the Society for Neuroscience in Dupont Circle, conveniently located near a Chipotle...a place we frequent together as often as possible!

READERS:

July, 2005
ASHLEY FOLEY, SHANNON MARIANI, AND ERICA QUAGLIANA: Best friends/roommates from the Mount.
These three beautiful ladies are the source of many wonderful and wild memories involving the four years we spent togerther at MSM plus the four years since we graduated. Ashley, in dental sales, is currently living in Baltimore and preparing for her own wedding (on October 1, 2005)! Erica is a fourth grade teacher who lives in Ellicott City with her husband, Dave. Shannon is pursuing her MSW at NYU and also works part time at Business Week magazine. She is engaged and we're looking forward to her wedding to Jeff in the next year or so!


LONNIE SHEKHTMAN: Longtime friend.
The lovely Lonnie and I are friends from way back! My personal litmus test for all things cool in D.C., she currently works for AAAS.

Mark's Groomsmen

I'd like to introduce everyone to five wonderful guys who I am honored to have as my groomsmen:


Best Man: Chuck Mcgarr

The BM, Chuck & I went to the same junior high together, but didn't meet up till our Sophmore year at Paul VI High School. One crazy summer working on the receiving docks of the Lord & Taylor department store at Fair Oaks Mall & we've been best friends ever since. We parted ways briefly during our college years, but reunited soon after graduation, first living at his Mom's house, then moving to Arlington together in 2003.

Groomsmen:



Kevin Whelley

Kevin & I met up at Mount Saint Mary's College, both of us (and Damion) were living on the second floor of Pangborn Hall our Freshman year. We eventually became roomates senior year. Um....whatever stories he tells you about me probably aren't true...I swear.


Damion Moore

Damion & I also met Freshman year at the Mount, we roomed together Sophmore year, living in the Terrace on 2nd Dubois (Kevin lived across the Hall). Damion later transferred to the University of Maryland, but we have stayed close over the years.


Mike McGarr

Chuck's brother and a fellow Alumnus of Paul VI. Mike, Chuck & I are currently living together in Arlington, VA. We form a crew, along with my cousin Brian (see below) and some other fine gentlemen, lovingly referred to as "The Funboyz".


Brian Gaffney

Since he's my cousin, Brian and me go way back to the days of velcro shoes and striped socks. He's also the only married groomsman and has become the mentor in this wedding journey. He also does a wicked robot.

Our Registries

We've registered at the following locations:

Macy's

Pottery Barn

Crate and Barrel