Wedding Day

Wedding

Yawger Brook Banquets

Reception

Our Wedding

Heather and Paul met one sunny late summer day - on Paul's own front porch.&nbsp; Heather had been helping a mutual friend campaign for state rep all summer, and on this particularly warm day chose to go door to door in&nbsp;Luzerne, PA.&nbsp; Now, it's no secret that Heather and Paul also worked overlapping shifts at Mohegan Sun Pocono and their departments even shared a hallway, but the two did not happen to meet until this fateful day. Paul answered the door wearing his signature outfit: a grey pocket t-shirt and gym shorts.&nbsp; He even so graciously chose to make small talk with Heather on his front porch - cut short by the most epic wasp vs. spider battle of all time.&nbsp; It was quite thrilling to watch, and the pair had a good laugh while their friend chatted politics with Paul's parents.&nbsp; When it came time to move onto the next house on the list, Paul asked Heather if she'd be at Party on the Patio that week ,&nbsp;a day Heather normally would work but took off so that she could enjoy the final show of the summer,&nbsp;a perfect opportunity for a first date. Heather and Paul met up at that Party on the Patio and over multiple $2 Coors Lights danced the night away. It was as though Heather had known Paul and his tight-knit group of friends her whole life.&nbsp;&nbsp; After that first date, Heather and Paul spent many a day off (they also had similar days off) at Heather's tiny apartment cooking for each other and eating off of Heather's coffee table sitting criss-cross-applesauce on the floor.&nbsp; It was over those little meals that they became best friends. It wasn't much longer after that first date that Paul asked Heather, "Would you like to maybe, I&nbsp;don't know...be my girlfriend?"&nbsp;

How Heather & Paul Met

In the summer of 2017, Heather and Paul moved to the Finger Lakes Region of New York for a new job opportunity for Heather.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was Paul's first big move, and their first big move away together.&nbsp;&nbsp; While working long hours, the pair had to find a home. In the interim, however, the housing situation was...something special.&nbsp; Heather and Paul lived in a camper (thanks Mom and Dad Cook) for the first 4 months of the move.&nbsp; It was these 4 months that tried the couple the most - it's certain they'll never be part of the "tiny home" fad!&nbsp; But though this was a cramped and stressful start to their life in the Finger Lakes, they grew closer than ever.&nbsp; Fast forward to Spring 2018, in a home in Geneva.&nbsp; It was about 8PM, and Paul suddenly jumps from his chair and mumbles that he's got to go to Walmart.&nbsp; Or Wegmans.&nbsp; Or Walgreens.&nbsp; Any store with a W, apparently.&nbsp; 8PM is breaching bedtime for the household, so this is curious indeed.&nbsp; Heather was somehow certain this had something to do with a ring and clearly immediately started investigating. The investigation lead nowhere and after that one weird night nothing strange happened again.&nbsp; Until May 4th. Heather often calls her parents a few times a week on her way into work.&nbsp; On this particular day, as many others before, her Dad asked what their plans were for the weekend.&nbsp; Heather explained that they had plans to hike Taughannock Falls near Ithaca, to the response of "Yeah! Paul told me!".&nbsp; Heather didn't know Paul called her parents that week, so when she asked when her father had talked to Paul, he said he probably saw the plans on Facebook...which they were not disclosed. So something was happening soon, Heather was sure of it.&nbsp; But who takes an engagement ring on a hike?&nbsp; Maybe soon but not on the hike they had planned.&nbsp; The following day, Cinco de Mayo, the pair took their hike to the base of the Falls - an awesome sight to behold.&nbsp; As Heather was taking in the view and taking pictures...Paul made his move.&nbsp; He tapped her on her shoulder and when she turned around, he was standing behind her holding a small red box.&nbsp; Heather, now overwhelmed with every emotion imaginable, stared at Paul standing there (not kneeling yet, though was going to get there on his own accord) and shouted&nbsp;"DO&nbsp;IT&nbsp;RIGHT!".&nbsp; And so, without being able to say the words he wanted to say, Paul hastened to one knee&nbsp;and opened the box. He did it right, and Heather said yes. Heather and Paul were #CincodeEngaged.

The Engagement

Our Story

Details

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Catherine is Heather's middle sister.&nbsp; Heather and Catherine grew up fighting over Barbies and&nbsp;Polly Pockets, and grew up to be the best of friends.&nbsp; The two are exactly 3 1/2 years in age apart, which always lead to fun birthdays and half birthdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;    Catherine is always willing to listen to a rant or a story, always down for a Lord of the Rings marathon (so long as they can rewind and rewatch the "potatoes" scene in Two Towers).&nbsp;&nbsp;Catherine is Heather's best friend, sister, & confidant, and&nbsp;Heather would want no one else to stand by her as Matron of Honor on this very special day.    Catherine lives in Lenox, Pennsylvania with her husband Karch, their daughter Riley, and their pets; Angus, Mookie, and&nbsp;Cheddar.  

Catherine Kilmer

David is Paul's older brother and only sibling. Despite an age difference of just over five years, they have always been close.&nbsp;David is a fan of fanny packs and a lifetime supporter of the Ranch Wagon franchise.

David and his wife Linh live in San Diego with their son,&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexander.











They say you can choose your friends, but not your family. But this would have been an easy choose as David has always been the most important person in Paul's life, a position he now shares with Heather.

David Osolnick

Lauren is Heather's youngest sister.&nbsp; Heather and Lauren have spent time discussing recipes and their mutual love of food - though Lauren clearly has the upper hand on both cooking and baking.&nbsp; But thankful for that, since Heather always will need someone to explain weird ingredients like Xanthan Gum.    Lauren is always there to lend an ear or to reminisce over old stories of growing up.&nbsp; A best friend, the inspiration to follow your dreams no matter what the cost, the most obvious Maid of Honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;    Lauren lives in Taunton, Massachusetts with her fiancé Karl.

Lauren Cook

    Danielle is Heather's cousin, but also so much more.&nbsp; Danielle was born only a little more than a month after Heather, so&nbsp;Danielle was Heather's first friend.&nbsp;&nbsp;    The pair have spent many days napping facing the inside of the couch during soap operas, playing The Lion&nbsp;King on the rock outside of her parent's home, and pretending to be hairdressers&nbsp;(Heather got a brush stuck in Danielle's hair once and suffered the wrath of Danielle's mom for that one).&nbsp;&nbsp;    Now, as Heather makes the man of her dreams her husband, Danielle will stand alongside as Bridesmaid.    Danielle resides in Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania with her husband Adam and their daughter, Cora Elizabeth.

Danielle Pajka

Neil and Paul also&nbsp;met in middle school. Becoming close friends in the final years of high school and early years of college.&nbsp;Along with a passion for&nbsp;Philadelphia Eagles&nbsp;and Penn State football, which he shares with Paul, Neil also enjoys cold Miller Lites, long walks on the beach and getting caught in the rain.Neil has always been a genuine and thoughtful friend and in 2019 honored Paul with making him a groomsmen&nbsp;for his own wedding . And in September of that year, Paul got to witness two friends, Neil and his wife Santina, start their lives together.Neil was also kind enough to agree to marry Heather and Paul as he will officiate the wedding.&nbsp;

Neil Dorman

Emily is also Heather's cousin.&nbsp;&nbsp;Always close (as all the cousins were), but not quite as close as they have become in adulthood.&nbsp;&nbsp;    The pair are known for their wild nights at local bars (twerking on tables optional), love of Just Dance on Wii, and for obsession with a well-marinated pork loin.&nbsp; Emily is always down for a lunch date for pho or an afternoon exploring.&nbsp;&nbsp;    Heather couldn't imagine making this special day happen without Emily by her side.    Emily resides in Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania with her son Kasen.

Emily Mikulak

Jared and Paul met and became friends at Wyoming Valley West. You'll sense a trend here as Paul's high school had no shortage of good friends. They could have, however, used a few more decent soccer players.

Jared and Paul are both fans of the Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers, so they have shared a lot of heartbreak together.&nbsp; They also enjoy playing tennis and Paul is eagerly awaiting the day he finally wins a match against him. To be fair, Jared cheats.The most important part of Jared's life, however,&nbsp;is his family and especially his nieces and nephews.&nbsp;Jared is currently a Forensic Toxicologist (fancy&nbsp;police officer) in Columbia, South Carolina.&nbsp;



Jared Castellani

    Alyssa is Heather's best friend.&nbsp; The pair met after Heather had transferred schools when Heather bashfully mentioned she liked Alyssa's Harry Potter backpack.&nbsp;    The two have spent hours listening to local bands at crummy venues, summers spent making YouTube videos trying to be famous, and years being the best of friends.    Inseparable forever, Heather is so happy to have Alyssa with her on her wedding day.    Alyssa resides in Simpson, Pennsylvania with her husband Tony and their daughter Delilah Rose.

Alyssa Venezio

Mike and Paul meet in the Peace Corps on the western coast of Africa...just kidding, they meet in high school at WVW. With a shared passion for multimedia journalism, they quickly became friends in and out of the classroom.&nbsp;Whether it's conquering Space Mountain or actual mountains, Mike and Paul have enjoyed many adventures together. Over the years, Mike has always been a good friend.&nbsp;Whether it's helping Paul getting a job, or giving Paul a ride home from the bar while Paul drastically reduces the resale value of Mike's car in the backseat, Mike is the guy you want in your corner.Mike currently works in design in Tampa, Florida.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michael Klimek

Tyler and Paul meet on the job at Del Lago resort and casino and from the start, Tyler's strong character&nbsp;stood out to Paul as someone he could admire and call a friend. Although the job didn't stick for either of them, the friendship did.&nbsp;

Over the last few years, they have helped each other grow into the professional&nbsp;roles they currently hold. Tyler did much more of the helping on that front, helping Paul find a career working with Tyler's wife, Gabby,&nbsp;at her family's company.&nbsp;

They have also spent the last 3 years debating politics, almost non stop, much to the enjoyment of their significant others. Tyler and Gabby welcomed&nbsp;their first child, a boy named Bryce, this past summer&nbsp;and Paul and Heather are very excited for their friends to start this new journey in their lives.

Tyler Simmons

    Sarah and Heather met while working at Mohegan Sun&nbsp;Pocono.&nbsp; At first,&nbsp;Heather was Sarah' s supervisor.&nbsp; But the two knew this would grow into a great friendship when more than one guest asked if they were sisters.    Sarah and Heather eventually ended up working together in Sales at Mohegan Sun&nbsp;Pocono and became the best of friends.&nbsp; Sunday drives, truffle fries, and ricotta cookies are just some of their favorite things.    Heather is so happy to have Sarah with her when she marries Paul.   Sarah lives in Drums,&nbsp;Pennsylvania with her fiance Kyle and their son, Elias.

Sarah Connors

Drew and Paul meet a long time ago, but if hard pressed, I doubt Drew would even remember it. Drew is Paul's youngest cousin and has often been something closer to a younger brother for Paul and David.Looking back on years of family events, the trips to the family farm and countless poker games have been some of the happiest of the Osolnick family gatherings for Paul. Providing some much needed catching up and some unwilling loaning of money via the card table on Paul's part.Along with family cookouts and texas hold'em, Paul and Drew are also alums of Penn State and have been lifelong fans of the football team. Drew is currently working in Finance in New York City.

Drew Osolnick

Linh is Heather's sister-in-law after Heather and Paul say "I Do".&nbsp; Though a country separates Heather and Linh, the two have become sisters through the distance.    Linh is always there to share a deep love for antique Pyrex, fun GF and Vegan baking recipes, and when they do get the chance to be together - hiking, farmer's markets, pumpkin picking, and Trader Joe's trips are sure to happen.    Linh is going to be Heather's 3rd sister on 9/18/2021, and couldn't ask for anyone better to fill that role and that of Bridesmaid.    Linh lives in&nbsp;San Diego, California with her husband David and their son, Alexander. 

Linh Nguyen

Kristie is the newest of friends to Heather - they met when Heather started working at del&nbsp;Lago in 2017.&nbsp; However new of a friendship this may be, the two became quick and close friends the past two years - clearly a friendship meant to be.    Kristie is also Heather's most blunt of friends - which may sound bad at first glance but Heather is always grateful for a day that Kristie reminds her that her outfit looks bad, for when Kristie catches Heather complaining too much, for every laugh after a bad batch of banana breads makes its way to work.    Heather is so happy Kristie has become such an amazing friend so quickly and will be there when she marries Paul.    Kristie resides in Farmington, New York with her fiancé Nick in their new home.

Kristie Schiefer

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Benedict’s will provide transportation from del Lago Resort and Casino to the venue at approximately 3:45PM and approximately 4:30PM. Return trips back to del Lago Resort and Casino will depart Yawger Brook at approximately 9:30pm and 11PM.

Heather & Paul

Heather & Paul

Travel

Benedict's Bus Service