Jake Becker and Katie Talada were married at the Broad Street Market on Sunday. Photo by Philter Photography.
A typical weekend for Katie Talada and Jake Becker includes getting lunch at the Broad Street Market. This past Sunday, they did more than just grab a bite to eat there—they got married.
“We visited all the traditional wedding venues, and, at the end of the day, I didn’t feel connected to any of those places,” Talada said. “We spend a lot of time at the market.”
The couple moved to Midtown a few years ago, and now Talada sits on the board of the nonprofit community group, Friends of Midtown.
Talada and Becker’s ceremony took place outside in the courtyard between the market’s two historic buildings, with the brick building serving as a grand backdrop for their vow exchange. Close to 100 guests gathered to see the couple tie the knot.
Guests moved into the stone building for the reception, which resembled a typical day at the market, just fancier. Although the market is closed on Sunday, many vendors participated.
Taquitos Atenco, Pikowski’s Pierogi Place, R.G. Hummer Meats and Cheese, JB Kelly Seafood Connection and Raising the Bar provided food for their cocktail hour. Zeroday Brewing Company poured the drinks. For dinner, Knead Pizza served their pies, Hummer’s provided meats and Phyllo added a vegetarian option. Raising the Bar made the couple’s wedding cake, and Sweet 717 provided favors. The floral arrangments were made by D. McGee Design Studio.
“We tried to incorporate as many people as possible,” Talada said. “We’ve built a lot of really good relationships through this.”
The couple’s wedding was the first ever at the Broad Street Market, at least as far as anyone could recall. Talada said the market’s manager, Josh Heilman, hopes to hold more events like this.
Talada added that supporting local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was important to her.
“We really wanted to bring new people to the market, and that was one of the best parts of it,” Becker said. “It was important for us to show it off, and I think we did that.”
Most of the guest were from out of town and had never visited the market before. Becker said that people kept telling them how good the food was.
Talada was especially happy that they were able to showcase vendors who wouldn’t typically be thought of for a wedding.
Sharkman poses for a photo with the groom. Photo by Philter Photography.
Harrisburg’s famous Sharkman even rollerbladed by, stopping by for a few photos and to drop off a gift.
Overall, the couple said they had the perfect Midtown wedding.
“It was very meaningful to us,” Becker said. “Someday, we will be able to take our kids to the market on a Saturday and tell them, this is where it all started.”
