Mendenhall Inn

Welcome Party Gathering

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Good-bye Brunch

Our Wedding

It was a Monday morning on October 1, 2018, when Sarena, newly graduated and eager to make her mark, started her nursing job at Kindred Hospital. She first noticed Atif as he was heading to his car to eat lunch alone. His quiet demeanor and occasional stares intrigued her, though she initially found him a bit weird and to reserved. Atif was a seasoned staff member, he was popular, and was known for his friendly demeanor and dedication to patient care. According to Atif he also noticed Sarena at first glance and thought “One day she will be my wife”. Over the next few weeks, Sarena and Atif found themselves working together on several shifts. Despite Atif's initial shyness and awkward attempts at conversation, they began to bond over shared moments and Atif's quirky sense of humor. Sarena, who didn't eat meat, found herself amused by Atif's playful jokes about her dietary habits. One day, Atif was walking by in the hallway and seen Sarena was making her way to lunch. Atif in panic says, " On your way to lunch Rabbit". Sarena was so confused but relieved that Atif finally said some words, she tells him “I thought you didn’t speak”. After that conversation, Atif, was struggling to muster the courage to ask Sarena out. For a few more weeks, the two bonded over funny random videos that Atif would show in the middle of work. Atif started to average 6 videos a day, Sarena really started to connect with Atif, but thought maybe he just wants to be friends. One day, Atif enlisted the help of their coworkers in a humorous yet slightly clumsy plan. Pretending there was an urgent call from a doctor, they got Sarena out of a room as she was elbow deep cleaning poop, giving Atif the opportunity to nervously ask for her number. (It was in fact not a doctor on the phone, and they heard my mouth about it! Liars! Lol). Sarena did give him her number. That night, Atif texted Sarena and they soon found themselves spending hours on the phone, laughing, watching movies, and sharing stories like teenagers in love. Their relationship deepened as they navigated the complexities of balancing their personal lives with their demanding careers. As their bond strengthened, Sarena and Atif became each other's pillars of support through difficult shifts and celebrated milestones together. They learned to communicate openly, sharing their hopes and fears, and discovering in each other not just romantic partners but best friends. They even bought their first home together in December 2022. Their journey from colleagues to companions taught them about the power of love and resilience. With time, they realized they had found in each other a deep and FOREVER connection that transcended their initial impressions and challenges. Their story at Kindred Hospital became a testament to the unexpected ways in which love can flourish, even amidst the busy corridors of a hospital. P.S. I Still call Sarena my bunny

Colleagues to Bestfriends

Our Story

Picture Perfect

Q + A

Black Tie "Elegance in Summer"

Dress to Impress! We can't wait to see everyone looking their best! The dress code is Black Tie. Any color can be worn except for WHITE. No jeans or sneakers, short dresses, or casual wear. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask questions. For Inspiration, see below!

LADIES EXAMPLES

Opt for long floor-length gowns. Think Satin, flowing chiffon, silky fabrics, Glitz, Glam, and unique dresses. Avoid wearing whites or creams. Embrace the theme of elegant summer wedding.

GENTLEMEN EXAMPLES

A tuxedo or very nice suit and tie, with dress shoes are the perfect choices. NO SNEAKERS. The colors of black, blue, or gray are welcome. Men, you can get creative with a pop of color, have fun and be unique! Please avoid a white, ivory, or cream jacket.

EXAMPLES OF "WHAT NOT TO WEAR"

Gallery "What to wear?"

HOW TO BOOKBook with Mendenhall Inn, wedding and events are located on the property. Click link provided. If not, Go to <a href="https://www.mendenhallinn.com/book-now/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mendenhallinn.com</a>, tap hotel accommodations, book now, and scroll to group bookings. Use group code X32ZC9X3. DETAILS ON THE HOTEL Gracious is the word for this Inn located in Chester County. The moment you enter the Inn at Mendenhall and the Mendenhall Inn Restaurant, an 'Old World' sense of hospitality and charm greets you. Enjoy our convenient location, central to several museums and gardens including Winterthur and Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Art Museum, and Brandywine Battlefield.

Mendenhall Inn Restaurant

Hotel Accommodations

This garden is less than 10 minutes from the venue. Food, snacks, and pictures for a midday activity before the wedding. Longwood Gardens spanning more than 1,100 acres, our Gardens showcase horticultural splendor, intricate fountain systems, architectural grandeur, and so much more—all with conservation at the core of our mission. With our spectacular displays and year-round, dynamic beauty—made possible by our renowned horticultural expertise—we are proud to be one of the most-visited gardens in the country.&nbsp;

Longwood Gardens

Chadds Ford Winery is a relaxing summer activity, and can get a little toasty pre wedding. Winery is about 10 minutes from the hotel. Chaddsford Winery sits in the heart of the beautiful Brandywine Valley and continues an award-winning tradition that began in 1982. Much like our diverse wine portfolio, we hope to guide you towards the experience that best suits your interests.

Chaddsford Winery

This is our favorite restaurant! On Saturday this restaurant opens at 12pm. Trolley square oyster house are about 15 mintues away from the venue. It's a cool hot spot with stylish, rustic accents &amp; a patio for raw bar, seafood plates &amp; clever cocktails.

Sarena & Atif

Sarena & Atif

Picture Perfect

February 15, 2019

June 06, 2019

December 25, 2019

April 10, 2021

December 29, 2022

March 25, 2023

March 25, 2023

July 12, 2025