Green Pond Country Club is an elegant, full service event venue located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Located on the grounds of an 18-hole golf course, our venue offers a perfect backdrop for any event. We pride ourelves on offering affordable elegance with wonderful food, traditional decor and attentive staff that is sure to make your wedding memorable. Our traditional style venue accommodates up to 300 guests for a reception in the main event space, featuring a private bar, hardwood dance floor, dedicated space for a DJ or band, and an uncovered patio. The neutral décor provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding theme, color preferences and overall aesthetic. And if you choose to say “I Do” onsite, there are two gorgeous options for wedding ceremonies – a beautiful indoor option with a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace or a private outdoor gazebo that boasts lovely scenery for photographs.

Stroudsmoor’s enduring reputation for gracious hospitality paired with old-world charm and scenic views of the surrounding mountains have made the Inn a wedding cornerstone in the Poconos for 40 years. Situated atop its own mountain and sprawling across 200+ acres bordering the nearby Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Stroudsmoor boasts six diverse wedding and event venues from which our couples may choose to host their celebration. With capabilities for hosting everything from the most intimate affairs to the grandest parties numbering well into the hundreds, you’re sure to find a venue here to suit your vision. And with a dynamic in-house staff comprised of our Floral & Décor Team, Spa & Bridal Studio, Event Planners & Event Execution specialists, Group Lodging Specialist, Culinary & Confection Professionals, and more, we ensure that every one of our clients has all the assistance, tools, and services needed to make sure their wedding is remembered fondly for years to come.

Bello Giorno Estate is a modern interpretation of a romantic Italian villa in Tuscany. The grounds were inspired by and seek to emulate the villas of Tuscany's countryside. Situated alongside the scenic and historic Pequest river in Belvidere New Jersey, our Estate personifies an intimate natural elegance. Our grounds are carefully curated with a grand entrance gate, flowing gardens, and seasonal designs that provide the perfect accompaniment to our three outdoor ceremony spaces. Bello Giorno Estate also offers a separate 'Grooms Room' and Bridal Cottage for the wedding couple. Both spaces serve as the perfect place for your groomsmen and bridesmaids to privately enjoy pre-ceremony drinks and appetizers. Our riverside rock walls complement the outdoors and provide a place to sit quietly with your loved one and enjoy a specialty cocktail as you watch the river flow and native fauna pass by.

Celebrate in our beautiful Pavilion or chose our ballroom that can accommodate up to 220 guests and say your vows in our outdoor wedding garden. We are minuets from route 78 and 22 in warren county New Jersey. When it comes to weddings, our services are designed to turn your dream day into a flawless reality. From the initial planning stages to the last dance, we offer a comprehensive range of services that cater to every aspect of your celebration. Our expert event coordinators will work closely with you to customize every detail, from room selection and décor to catering and entertainment. We provide top-tier catering services with a diverse menu to suit every palate. Our professional staff will handle all logistical arrangements, leaving you free to enjoy your day without worry.

From picking the dress and choosing the décor, to sending invitations and scheduling photography time, we forget about the two little words that really matter …”the venue”. At Bear Creek, the only two words you need to remember are “I do”; the rest is in our hands. This unique wedding venue offers everything you need for your wedding including your choice between three reception rooms & ceremony sites, on-site hotel and spa, two full-service restaurants, as well as outdoor and indoor pools and hot tubs. With over a decade of hosting weddings on 330 acres of scenic property, Bear Creek provides precise planning services and exceptional event execution with stunning views overlooking the mountain.

Our venue offers the best of both worlds Indoors or outdoors can accommodate any pivot - Micro wedding large outdoor casual wedding indoor formal event. Our staff has 20 plus years making events become memories.

Nestled on 150 acres in the rolling hills of Eastern Pennsylvania, Glasbern Inn is the perfect destination for your exclusive wedding. Come experience our culinary excellence featuring farm to table offerings paired with our exceptional service. Choose from a private indoor or outdoor ceremony space and then dance the night away in our elegant Grande Lodge or intimate Glasloft. Offering luxury cottages and elegant rooms for your guests to stay the night, they are sure to be enchanted from the moment they arrive for your wedding. Our dramatic hillside wedding venue in Fogelsville, PA creates the perfect backdrop for your special day. With our expert team of professionals, all there is for you to do is arrive and relax while we orchestrate the wedding of your dreams.

Monterre Vineyards is a family owned and family operated vineyard, specializing in unique weddings & events. The rustic, charming facility can hold up to 125 guests. Saturdays have a 75 person minimum- all other days 60. Monterre is a BYO alcohol facility that saves you a ton of $ by purchasing your own alcohol. The convenience and simplicity of inclusive food, facility and staffing packages make it easy to create a truly unique experience for your guests. Located in the Lehigh Valley in close proximity to routes 22, 78, and 476. Hotel accomodations can be made nearby through a number of partnered establishments.

We can accommodate every wish and family tradition for your ceremony, offering spectacular venues to make your fairy tale wedding absolutely perfect. Your Rehearsal Dinner is the beginning of your wedding festivities and a wonderful way to welcome guests from near and far. We welcome the opportunity to host this special event, and whether it’s a plated dinner or cocktail reception you have in mind, our Certified Wedding Planner will work with you to ensure its success.

A wedding is one of life's most precious moments... full of love, family, and friends. We are fortunate enough to share in these moments and are honored to work with all couples to make their wedding day dreams a reality. From different menu options and custom wine bottle labels to multiple ceremony locations and a dedicated wedding staff, we want to ensure you and your guests have an exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience. Our gorgeously designed wedding space is one of a kind in the area, and features rustic elegance perfect to accommodate many different wedding styles.

Elegant Weddings The Loft at Sweet Water Country Club is the area's premier wedding and banquet facility. We offer brand new indoor and outdoor settings with spectacular views situated on a magnificent golf course. Our expert staff is dedicated to serving all of your needs and will custom design a menu to fit every budget. Wedding specialists will work with you to make sure your desires are met with old fashion hospitality, elegant cuisine and outstanding service. Our 1800's barn has been beautifully restored to provide elegance and charm for any occasion. With our elegant outdoor terrace which wraps around the Loft, we provide many options and access to our picturesque garden, waterfall and landscape.

Our Farm sits on 54-Acres in Bucks County. Our Seed Barn was originally built back in the 1820's. Our Seed Barn was restored in the Summer of 2016 & seats 160-200 people. Attached to the back of the Seed Barn is a beautiful deck that overlooks the ceremony site. In the lower level of the Seed Barn is our Groom’s Suite! Here you will find a pool table, TV, lounge seating area & more. In 2020 we built our Harvest Barn attached to the Seed Barn through a breezeway. This is home for our commercial kitchen, on-site bathrooms, smaller event space and bridal suite. Lastly, we have a Farm-to-Table bakery onsite for your dessert table & custom wedding cake. The Farm is truly a wonderful place to host your big day! Our goal is to work with each couple to carry out their vision for the day! What is great about The Farm is it truly can be anything you would like it to be, from a backyard barbecue to a beautiful sit down farm-to-table dinner! We would love to serve you on your Wedding Day.

Built in 1917 by the “king of silk” George Dery, this exquisite example of early 20th century architecture boasts two ballrooms, stained glass ceilings, a vintage bar, indoor swimming pool, and beautiful grounds.

With two acres of picturesque grounds adorned with century-old trees and a dedicated staff willing to help you create the wedding of your dreams, is it any wonder that Sayre Mansion has been the venue for so many happy couples? There’s no better place to host Lehigh Valley Weddings than our stunning bed and breakfast.

All you could ever dream of is at La Massaria. Rustic elegance awaits you at our breathtaking banquet facility, created out of the original stables of the homestead. Careful attention was paid to restore the stone walls, barn boards, and beams from the original structure, dating back to 1802. This intense attention to detail has resulted in a facility that makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time to the grandiose ballrooms of the past. Our restored buildings provide the perfect backdrop for you to enjoy fabulous food and professional service, making your special day enjoyable and memorable for you and your guests. We have a 100 guest minimum and a 220 maximum capacity, with guest minimums varying by the day of the week.

A 280-year-old family farm nestled in rural Pennsylvania, Graystone Farm is perfect for your wedding memories. Our goal is to provide you the backdrop for the wedding you've dreamed about on the budget you already have. Our Stress-Less rental agreements include all the set-up and tear-down time you need, event insurance, and restroom facilities... because who needs more things to plan for their wedding?

Stone Spring Farms is nestled at the foot of Blue Mountain, among the rolling hills of a working crop farm in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The foundations of the barn were first laid in the 1820’s, with the current structure built in the 1930’s. Once a large orchard, the farm continues to be an operating crop farm. Renovations of this historic barn and property provide updated conveniences while still remaining true to its natural charm. The venue offers several distinct areas that can be used for ceremonies and gatherings, including the main barn; a large deck and patio overlooking fields & mountains; and a beautifully landscaped lawn and patio area. The serene vistas of the Blue Mountains; crop & flower fields; and ponds are the unforgettable natural backdrop that will frame your event or wedding day. The property provides a beautiful setting to spend quality time with friends and family and to ultimately assist in making your event memorable and unique.

Overlooking beautiful Lake Nockamixon in bucolic Upper Bucks County, The Lake House Inn is an exquisitely renovated 19th-Century structure featuring contemporary spa-like decor. Whether you are looking to host a wedding or a company retreat, the Inn is the perfect destination for making your plans a reality. Featuring 14 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, a cocktail area, billiard lounge, and stone wine cellar, this venue is perfect for any special occasion. Immediately beyond the grand ballroom, award-winning terraced landscaping and lush gardens, stunning lake views await.

Stokesay Castle is an enchanting wedding venue that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern elegance. Modeled after a 13th-century English castle, the venue provides a romantic, fairytale setting for your special day. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes, the castle boasts grand stone architecture, a newly renovated sophisticated & modern ballroom, and intimate spaces that are perfect for getting ready on your big day. Stokesay offers a beautifully manicured Wedding Garden for an open-air ceremony, many picturesque backdrops for photos, and a stunning ballroom for an unforgettable reception. With its elegant decor, historic ambiance, and top-notch service, Stokesay Castle ensures a memorable and magical wedding experience. The castle's experienced staff is dedicated to personalizing every detail, from gourmet menu options, to wedding coordination, and a customizable room set-up, making it a magnificent setting to begin your Happily Ever After!

If you plan on getting married near the King of Prussia, in Western Montgomery County, Pennsylvania area, we pride ourselves in our versatility. Conveniently found on the borders of both Chester and Berks County, The Loft at Landis Creek is an ideal place to hold your wedding and reception. Historical grounds, with picturesque trees and lovely greens spanning across the countryside will be the perfect backdrop for your special day. Our spacious loft banquet room with the cottage air about it will enhance your wedding reception and your guests will enjoy miles of scenery as they remember your wedding day for many years thereafter. Your guests will delight in our extraordinary surroundings. Because of its timeless elegance and unrivaled service, The Loft at Landis Creek has developed a reputation as one of the best places to have a wedding reception.

You and your guests will enjoy the charm of what was once a 1700’s dairy farm, without sacrificing the modern amenities that make for top-notch events. With original wood beams and stone walls adorned by wrought iron chandeliers, the Barn on Bridge offers the perfect canvas for your rustic wedding dream. “DIY” to your heart’s content or let us handle everything. One of the most unique features at Barn on Bridge is the two-story carriage house hospitality suite! This is a spacious dressing area for you and your wedding party that will feel just like home! Exchange your vows or mingle for cocktail hour in the lower garden, overlooking a charming creek and wooded field. The upper garden features a permanent tent designed to protect your guests from the blazing sun or harsh rain—the Barn on Bridge eliminates the need for a “Plan B” and costly rentals. Exclusive reception packages from Robert Ryan Catering take all of the guesswork out of planning! Let's get started!

Welcome to our wedding venue, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury. Nestled in the heart of Palmerton, our venue offers a picturesque setting for your special day. Our experienced team is dedicated to making your wedding dreams a reality, from personalized decor to exquisite cuisine, we ensure every detail is perfect.

Blue Mountain Resort provides couples with a scenic outdoor location to host their momentous ceremony and two elegant indoor event spaces to choose from. Blue caters to couples who have always dreamt of mountainous scenery combined with a refined atmosphere and sense of sophistication.

A venue as unique as you. A staff as committed to excellence as you are to each other. A day surely to be as unforgettable as the vows you will exchange, and the memories you will create together. The Reading Public Museum is home to the most treasured and distinctive wedding venues in Berks County. Contact us for a complimentary tour to find out why – we would be thrilled to help you bring your vision to life!

Spring Hollow Golf Club understands the significance of your big day. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our exceptional service, outstanding cuisine, and the dedicated event professionals and staff who are here to assist you at every turn. We pride ourselves on ensuring your day is nothing short of perfect. Allow us to handle all the details so you can relax and cherish your special day!

A 225 yr old converted barn in beautiful Bucks County, Stone Ridge Farm Inn was recently renovated and has 9 ensuite king bedrooms, dramatic entertainment space in the Inn, a Carriage House that can host up to 50 guests, and an adjacent flagstone patio, all on 10 bucolic pastoral acres. Designed to be rented in its entirety, the price includes two nights for up to 21 guests, and up to two events on the property. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding weekend, or need a beautiful space for the wedding party or close guests, and a venue for the rehearsal dinner or brunch after, Stone Ridge Farm Inn is able to help you create an entire weekend of amazing moments and special memories.

At the top of Morgan Hill in Easton, Pa sits The View at Morgan Hill - the best kept secret in the Lehigh Valley for all of your wedding and event needs. Our intimate and modern space can hosts weddings and events from 20 people up to 150.

"Where the sky meets water." A country estate of the first order, Welkinweir is nestled into a hillside of 197 acres in the heart of Chester County. The property takes its name from the Old English translation of "where the sky meets the water." To this end, five ponds and a meandering brook are just the beginning of a true visual feast. Remnants of a 200-year-old stone barn, a springhouse, protected forests, abundant wildlife and a 55-acre arboretum paint a scene of incredible beauty and tranquility. Formal gardens and terraces surround the venerable estate house, its earliest roots traced back to the 1740s. Listed on the National Historic Register, the residence lends a time-honored backdrop for indoor/outdoor events. Welkinweir is the home of Green Valley Watershed Association, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to protect and preserve the water resources of Northern Chester County through advocacy and education. Only accepting 6 more weddings in 2025!

It happens on the rarest of occasions. That special feeling you get when you know that everything about your reception is absolutely right. The perfect setting. The incredible food. The right price. It’s a magnificent experience and it can be all yours at RiverCrest!

The Plumsteadville Inn combines historic charm with modern amenities, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for weddings. The venue’s beautifully restored interiors and lush outdoor spaces offer a picturesque backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. Exceptional service and attention to detail ensure a seamless celebration. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger event, The Plumsteadville Inn delivers a memorable experience filled with warmth and elegance.

Your wedding is one of the biggest celebrations of your life. The Franklin Commons in Phoenixville provides a beautiful rustic, industrial, & eclectic setting for your big day. With catering & management by The Drexelbrook, our staff shares in the excitement of making your vision a wonderful reality. We are passionate about providing you, your family and friends with an extraordinary wedding experience; Simple or Elaborate, Modern or DIY, we have the perfect setting for you!

The Kimberton Inn is a special place to get married. The historic building has been lovingly cared for by the same family for over 40 years while the fine food, wine, and cocktail programs have evolved along a modern and artful path. We are located in a small village named for Emmor Kimber. We are a twenty minute drive from Valley Forge National Park. The experienced team you dream your day up with will be the same team who guides you and your guests when your wedding day arrives. We hope you love your wedding so much that you find yourself celebrating each romantic anniversary here with us, as so many other happy couples do. Please give us a call so that we can start a conversation!

Named after the William R. Mercer family’s ancestral estate in Perthshire, Scotland, and modeled after the Compton Wynyates in Warwickshire, England, Aldie Mansion stands on more than 10 acres of carefully tended grounds. While this early 20th-Century estate’s period charm adds to the character of any special event, the restored mansion offers the space and amenities of a more contemporary venue. Aldie Mansion is home to Heritage Conservancy, a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to protect our natural and historic heritage. Aldie’s own story is one of a successful preservation effort, making it a fitting headquarters for the group. When you choose to hold your event at Aldie Mansion, you are providing support for open space preservation, planning for sustainable communities, natural resource protection, property stewardship, historic preservation, the adaptive reuse of existing structures and wildlife habitat restoration.

Timeless elegance meets trendy sophistication at The Belle of Blue Bell. Grand chandeliers draped in crystals, charming sconces, elegant panels and woodwork... all surround your exclusive cocktail hour, candle-lit dinner, and celebratory reception. Our professional and attentive staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your event is as unparalleled and exquisite as "the belle of the ball."

Support the legacy of America’s famous conservationist. As the one-time home of John James Audubon, the Audubon Center strives to continue his work by connecting people with nature through his art and the fascinating story of the American conservation movement. The Center provides educational programs to the public regarding the conservation and protection of wildlife habitats and species as well as providing a sanctuary for local bird species. Holding your special event at the John James Audubon Center supports this cause, as a portion of rental proceeds go towards the Center’s wonderful mission. Quietly secluded off Route 422 in Audubon PA, the John J. Audubon Center is just minutes away from the heart of King of Prussia with access to hotels, shopping and major roads.

The newest Terrain location, Terrain Gardens at DelVal, is situated on the campus of Delaware Valley University, granted with a historic charm that allows for a uniquely memorable experience. Adjacent to Terrain at DelVal, Terrain Gardens beautifully merges indoor and outdoor spaces to create unexpected color and texture combinations resulting in a one-of-a-kind beauty. The venue is adorned with elements like natural wood floors, vintage-style chandeliers, and skylights to create a unique aesthetic. In addition to our bespoke event spaces, Terrain at DelVal boasts a terrain retail store and Terrain Cafe. Terrain at DelVal is located at 2100 Lower State Rd, 1 hour outside of Philadelphia.

Our elegant ballrooms offer something for everyone as you enjoy the historic charm of a 300-year-old gentleman’s estate at Normandy Farm Hotel. Situated in the heart of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, our property features two ballrooms of the rustic elegant style with spacious outdoor terraces and gardens, a farm-chic contemporary restaurant, 141 hotel rooms, including suites in our meticulously restored gate and carriage houses, and many world-class amenities to make your next gathering an extraordinary affair. Whether you choose the Silos Ballroom ( holds 160 guests ) or the Grand Ballroom ( holds 350 guests ), our professional staff will personally oversee your affair to assure that every detail is managed with thoughtfulness and care. We guide you through the many choices that you will make and help create a day for you that expresses your personal style and taste and is, well, historic.

When you plan your next event at Elmwood Park Zoo, not only do you treat your guests to a highly interactive experience at the most unique event venue in the Greater Philadelphia area, but you also support an important nonprofit organization. The zoo is centrally located in Montgomery County and is easily accessible to guests from Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties. From intimate affairs with your closest loved ones, to all-out bashes with every far-flung friend and relative, Elmwood Park Zoo is your choice for the most unique and exciting wedding venue.

City style meets suburban setting at The Warrington’s all new cosmopolitan retreat. With $4MM in recent renovations and located on five manicured acres in scenic Bucks County, The Warrington is the perfect place to host your wedding and leave your guests with enchanting memories that will last a lifetime. In 2023, over 100 five star reviews were written on WeddingPro alone for our picturesque setting, expert event planning services, attentive day of event staff, handmade seasonal menu, and easy accessibility from surrounding Montgomery County, Philadelphia and New Jersey. The Warrington is the premier destination for the event you are planning.

Fox Barn at Twenty9 combines rustic charm with a contemporary style, and is ideal for a dinner receptions, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers, Wedding Buyouts, Family Functions, Bar Mitvahs, and more. Spacious and welcoming barn venue, it is a great choice for parties big and small. With multiple, adaptable spaces available, it allows couples to dream big when planning their celebration. The venue is conveniently located for guests arriving from far and wide, situated in the subburb of Malvern, Pa and close to downtown Philadelphia.

Step back in time and relax in this circa 1740 farmhouse and its 1792 Federal Barn, located within the community of Chesterbrook, situated on the fringe of Valley Forge National Historical Park in Chester County. We invite you to stroll through our three acres of landscaped grounds and experience this unique pastoral setting, perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings and events. Duportail (Du-Por-tie’) House and The Federal Barn are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can accommodate gorgeous weddings and large special celebrations with up to 160 guests depending on usage and time of year.

Beautiful iron gates surrounded by rustic stone and brick welcome guests upon their arrival. Chandeliers gently illuminate hanging ferns and archways above. A cozy courtyard, located near the entrance, offers a great space for guests to mingle. Enter through to a spacious open-air banquet hall that has ample space for a large group and is fully customizable to suit any occasion. Continue through to the covered garden, an ideal space for outdoor ceremonies without the worry of the weather. Brick pavers, lush greens, and delicate lights strung above adorn this tranquil space.

If you are looking for an intimate outdoor ceremony site, our garden is a peaceful and beautiful space. We are located in the fooothills of the Pocono Mountains of PA. From 2 to 35 people, Harmony Gardens can accommodate you beautifully. If your wedding is smaller, most resorts may not be a good fit. Or if it's just the two-of-you, you still deserve a charming setting for this important milestone in your life.

Your wedding should be as stress-free as possible, so let us take care of your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception. On one of the most important days of your life, we will make sure that no detail is too small for an unforgettable day with friends and family. Perfect for groups of various sizes, The Alloy Hotel meeting and event space is ready to host your next event. Our prime King of Prussia location is flexible for your convenience, and continues to be a hub for various community events. Our hotel boasts 25,000+ square feet of conference and event space, 27 individual meeting /event rooms, and all the services you come to expect from a world class event space. Whether you are looking for a big social gathering, or an intimate get together, we know just the place.

Experience the charm, warmth & genuine service of The Desmond Hotel Malvern, a DoubleTree by Hilton. Our award winning wedding venue and hotel has earned a superior reputation for hospitality, events and restaurants in the area. Situated in historic Chester County, our hotel boasts easy access to Philadelphia and the Main Line. Philadelphia International Airport is only a 35-40 minute drive. We would be honored to host your entire wedding weekend, from the meet and greet reception and rehearsal dinner, all the way to the after-party and the final farewell breakfast. We'll offer you and your guests the luxury of never having to leave the property all weekend long! Plus we have the most extravagant reception package on the Main Line, award winning culinary team and a caring team of professionals - everything you'll need for your big day.

You will love the unique, country vibe of Ash Mill Farm. The property is perfect for creating the outdoor wedding of your dreams. Expansive country grounds and a rustic barn with character laden wood floors make this the perfect setting to host an intimate wedding surrounded by your friends and family or an elegant gala under the stars. Flexibility on the farm allows us to help you grow a wedding just for you. As a wedding guest, you'll have exclusive access to the property with all its extras and fun areas to explore.

Surrounded by 3,500 acres of rolling green meadows and towering trees, The Philander Chase Knox Estate provides an oasis of natural beauty for your elegant outdoor event. Prepare for your day in a fully appointed hospitality suite. Exchange your vows in the meadow overlooking Valley Creek and colorful wildflowers. Located inside Valley Forge National Historical Park, photo opportunities are plentiful. For your reception, you and your guests will be awed by the luxury carpeted tent and reclaimed barn wood farm tables. All-inclusive packages and a top-notch team helping you every step of the way takes the guesswork out of planning. The estate is rich with history - from an encampment site in the Revolutionary War to the home of Attorney General, Philander Chase Knox. Your wedding not only becomes a part of American History - it helps to preserve it for future generations!

Set along the banks of the Delaware River and historic Tow Path, just one hour from both Philadelphia and New York City, this beautifully preserved, Industrial Age village in the quaint town of Stockton, NJ is exclusively yours for your event. Extensive lush grounds seamlessly lead guests from picturesque outdoor nooks, perfect for exchanging vows, to historic spaces within the village set to create timeless celebrations. While the layout of the property sets the ideal stage for a beautifully curated microwedding, the Grist Mill can accommodate formally seated dinners of roughly 130 guests, and more for cocktail receptions. With breathtaking river views, textures and backdrops, the options are endless to create and share your love story with family and friends.