Thank you for visiting our event site. Here you'll find everything you need to know for the event. We are both excited and cannot wait to see all of you at this happy occasion. Because of it's lifetime of memories, Shawnee was our one and only choice to host this event. We have stayed in the villas known as Shawnee Village, which is in the same area as the Inn, countless times since we were dating through timeshare which Cyndi's parents owned and we inherited until it was sold in December. Our children and grandchildren enjoyed it as well. The Inn was once a part of the village but separated from it years ago.The Inn and it's beautiful surroundings is the perfect setting for such an occasion.
We can't wait to see you all there and since there will be an open bar we hope you'll consider staying over. You'll find a list of nearby motels here. The Inn itself, where the event will actually take place, is also available for event guests. How should you dress? Casual or formal. It's up to you. No dress code. Just have fun!
The event will take place on May 2, 2026 at the Shawnee Inn located at 100 Shawnee Inn Drive, Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356. We chose Shawnee for its lifetime of family memories.
May 2nd is the date of of our wedding anniversary. It will be 45 years to the day.
So, what do we mean by doing it again, doing it right? Well, when we did it the first time it just wasn't what we really wanted. So, we're doing it again and this time we're doing it the way we want it. So please join us as we celebrate, once again, the beauty of joining together under God.
Since our marriage in 1981 we have been blessed and we have all we need. What we don't have material wise we have in our love & affection for each other and our family. Having all of you together for this happy occasion is all the gifts we need. So, no gifts please. If you wish you should give to your favorite charity in lieu of gifts. Just bring yourselves, your family, and have a great time! That's what it's all about.
Getting to the event is easy. From Rt 22 go North on Rt 33. At the 209 split stay right onto 209 North. Follow 209 until it exits onto 80 East/209 North. Follow 80/209 to exit #309 (exit for 209 North). At 3rd light turn right onto Buttermilk Falls Road (Pocono Beer on right). Follow to end and turn left onto River Road. The entrance to Shawnee Inn will be on the right about a 1/2 mile or so.
Note: Entrance is somewhat hidden by brush and comes up quick. From Allentown area it is about 45 minutes to an hour drive.
The ceremony will take place just outside the Inn on the grass with the New Jersey mountains and the Delaware River in the background. Seating will begin at 3:00 and the ceremony will begin at 3:30. In the event of adverse weather, the ceremony will be held on the North veranda (Inn porch) or inside. The veranda is a large porch that spans the entire length of the Inn. Guests will be directed as to where to go at arrival.
We are deeply honored to have our eldest son, Stephen, walk Cyndi down the isle. Our youngest son, Jason, as the best man and our daughter, Amanda, as maid of honor as well as our two granddaughters, Bella & Aubrey as brides maids and our eldest grandson, Mason, as a groomsman.
Afterwards you'll enjoy Hors d'oeuvres & cocktails under the red pavilion just to the left weather permitting. If the weather does not permit, Hors d'oeuvres will then be served on the North Veranda or indoors. The North veranda is the large porch at the front of the Inn. Guests will be directed as to where to go at that time.
At 5:00 the reception starts inside the beautiful ball room at the Inn. You'll start with a shrimp cocktail and garden salad. Then entrées will be served. Kids 12 and under will be served chicken tenders as their entrée. Of coarse, they'll be dancing and an open bar. Soda will also be available.
The reception goes to 9:00. Afterwards the River Room & River Room bar will be open until 11:00 for those who want to continue the party. This will be a cash bar. Hope to see you there!
The order of service will go as follows:
Prelude
Processional
Greeting
Giving of the bride
Scipture readings
Wedding address
Exchange of vows
Exchange of rings
Prayer of dedication and communion for Bride and Groom
Presentation of the couple
Recessional
Staying over? The Inn is reserving 15 rooms for guests. However, these rooms are pricey and there's a 2 night minimum stay. They are, however, offering some rooms with a 1 night stay. As of now there are 5 rooms available for 1 night but more may become available in the near future. The bad news is the price. It is around $234/night. The good news is you'll be staying right on the premises where the event will occur. Their phone number for reservations is 570-424-4000. They can tell you whether or not there are one night stays available. If booking with the Inn tell them you are booking for the Gellis Wedding. There are good motels close by at a much cheaper rate. We've compiled a list of motels close to the event for your convenience:
Pocono Inn & Banquet
Distance from event - 3 miles.
Address: 101 broad street, Delaware Water Gap, PA, 18327
Phone: 570-424-0337
Average price: about $90
Rating: 7.0(Good)
Quality Inn East Stroudsburg - Poconos
Distance from event - 5 miles
Address: 320 Greentree Dr, Interstate 80 at Exit 308, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301
Phone: 570-424-5451
Average price: about $94
Rating: 7.6(Good)
Fairmount Inn & Suites
- Stroudsburg
Distance from event - 3 miles
Address : 101 Broad Street, Building B, Delaware Water Gap, PA, 18327
Phone: 570-476-0000
Average price: around $105
Rating: 7.6(Good)
Super 8 by Wyndham
Distance from event - 4.4 miles
Address: 340 Greentree Dr, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301
Phone: 570-420-7267
Average price: around $83
Rating: 8.0(Very good)
Staybridge Suites East Stroudsburg
Distance from event - 3.9 miles
Address: 561 Independence Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301
Phone: 570-420-2828
Average privce: $220
Rating: 8.4(Very good)
Pocono Ridge Inn
Distance from event - 6.5 miles
Address: 650 Resica Falls Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18302
Phone: 570-223-0160
Average price: $89-$119
Rating: 7.4(Good)
Red Roof Inn Stroudsburg
Distance from event - 5.8 miles
Address: 100 Park Avenue, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360
Phone: 570-424-1771
Average price: $159
Rating: 6.8(Good)
Hampton Inn Stroudsburg/Poconos
Distance form event - 6.2 miles
Address: 114 S 8th St, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360
Phone: 570-424-0400
Average price: $179
Rating: 8.4(Very good)
The Penn Stroud - Stroudsburg
Distance from event - 4.7 miles
Address: 700 Main St, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360
Phone: 570-421-2200
Average price: $123
Rating: 9.4(Exceptional)
Rainbow Mountain Resort
Distance from event - 1.8 miles
Address: 210 Mt Nebo Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301
Phone: 570-223-8484
Average price: $105
Rating: 6.0(Good)
Paramount Motel
Distance from event - 2.8 miles
Address: 2220 Milford Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301
Phone: 570-421-2141
Average price: $79
Rating: 6.8(Good)
Glenwood Inn
Distance from event: 2.6 miles
Address: 167 Main St, Delaware Water Gap, PA, 18327
Phone: 570-476-0010
Average price: $89
Rating: 7.0(Good)
Stroudsmoor Country Inn
Distance from event - 5.8 miles
Address: 257 Stroudsmoor Road, Stroudsburg, PA, 18360
Phone: 570-421-6431
Average price: $120
Rating: 8.4(Very good)
Baymont By Wyndham
Distance from even - 8.7 miles
Address:
116 Turtle Walk Ln, Bartonsville, PA, 18321
Phone: 570-476-1500
Average price: $103
Rating: 8.2(Very good)
Of coarse the best part of any party is eating! On the RSVP page you'll choose from 3 entrées (kids 12 and under will be served chicken tenders with fries):
Flat iron steak with caramelized onion and port wine jus.
Grilled bone-in pork chop in apple cider gravy
Pan seared cod with herb butter.
We've tasted all of these and they're all delicious! We had a hard time choosing our meal. So, no matter which you choose you'll love it! We hope!
Entrées include herb roasted red potatoes and a side of chef's market vegetables. A jumbo shrimp cocktail and a garden salad will be served before entrées. So, bring your appetite!
Kids are definitely welcome! A party isn't complete without them! They are the life of the party! So, forget about the babysitter! They'll have a great time. And what child doesn't like chicken tenders & fries, right?
If you're planning to stay a few days there are things to do nearby. Right next to the Inn is the famous Shawnee Brewery. There you'll find many types of beers. They are open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. They also feature outside fire pits where you can sit and enjoy a drink while listening to a live band perform.
Also within walking distance is The Gem and Keystone Tavern. They are a restaurant and bar. They are open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM everyday.