Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography
www.CrissyEverhart.com
Meet the Kingsland Family: Megan, Steve and Cole. Although technically they’re new to Broomall, having just purchased their home here last year, their roots in Marple go back much further. And with so many relatives and friends in the neighborhood, it feels like they’ve always belonged here.
Megan (Meg) grew up in Drexel Hill with her parents, twin sister and an older brother and sister. She attended Garrettford Elementary, Drexel Hill Middle School, then graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2008. During high school, Meg loved her Advanced Placement courses and was active in sports, including tennis and field hockey. She chose St. Joseph’s University to further her education and pursue a degree in marketing. While studying at St. Joe’s, Meg said she realized she was not really business-minded; it wasn’t her passion. So, after two years there she transferred to Temple University where she shifted gears and earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism. As a Temple student, Meg interned at a local news station and volunteered as a writing and English tutor for public school students. She also earned extra money by working here in Marple Newtown at both the Winner’s Circle restaurant and Newtown Square Pizza.
After college, Meg began her career in television news at WFMZ-TV in Allentown where she worked as a producer for six years. She’s now a TV producer for Fox 29 News Philadelphia where she produces the 11 o’clock news, overseeing the production process and making sure all operations run smoothly. “I love that my job is fast-paced, exciting and different every day,” she said. “I also love bringing attention to stories and people in our communities. I’ve even been lucky to recently produce a story about Delco Steaks and one about Austin’s Army.”
Steve and his sister also grew up in Drexel Hill but attended Aronimink Elementary School. In 2005, Steve graduated high school from The Haverford School, where he was a soccer player and two-time state champion wrestler. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Ursinus College, where he continued to wrestle. Steve said he’s always been passionate about exercising and it has always been a big part of his life. He’s worked as a trainer at the former Row Zone in Newtown Square, he’s been an assistant wrestling coach at Upper Darby High School and he also enjoys working out at LA Fitness.
For the past several years, Steve’s professional career has been focused on helping run his family’s seafood business. Since 1935, Bywood Seafood has been serving fresh seafood to the residents and many area restaurants in Delaware County with retail locations in Rosemont and Upper Darby. They provide delicious and fresh seafood to many local favorite restaurants like Anthonys in Drexel Hill, Quotations in Media, Stingers in Secane and Stephen’s on State in Media. “I love connecting with customers and local restaurants,” said Steve. “I feel a sense of pride that I get to help my family carry on a family business that has been around for 87 years.” Steve said he also is looking forward to expanding the seafood business, hopefully in the Marple area!
Although Meg and Steve both grew up in Drexel Hill, their paths didn’t cross until after high school. They met at a party in 2007 where a mutual friend introduced them. “I was drawn to Steve’s friendly and outgoing personality,” said Meg. They exchanged numbers before going their separate ways after the party. The next day Steve texted Meg to ask for a date. “I was so surprised and happy!” she added.
The couple married in June of 2021 at United Methodist Church in Ardmore with a small and sweet ceremony that included close family and a few friends. Making the day extra special? Steve and Meg learned just two days before the wedding that they were expecting their first child. Because of Steve’s busy work schedule around Memorial Day, the couple had an unconventional honeymoon and traveled to a beautiful resort in the Dominican Republic two weeks before the wedding.
2021 turned out to be quite an exciting year for Meg and Steve, as all in one year, they married, found out they were expecting and settled on their first home here in Broomall. The couple had previously lived in Wyomissing and Bethlehem to be close to Meg’s job at WFMZ-TV and Steve commuted back and forth to Delaware County. Right before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Meg and Steve decided they’d like to move back to the Delaware County area to settle down and start a family.
Meg’s parents had grown up in Broomall, in fact, they are both Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) grads and knew each other as teenagers. While Meg and her siblings were growing up they spent a lot of time at their grandparents’ home near MNHS, where many family events were held. Their house had a pool that was the perfect setting for extended family to spend time there. Her parents even held their wedding there and now live in that same house. It’s still the perfect gathering spot for Meg and all of her siblings.
The fond memories Meg had of times in Broomall led the Kingslands to focus their house search on this area. The process didn’t go as quickly as the couple would have liked and they began to get discouraged. But in late 2020 Meg’s older sister sent her a listing and urged her to go see it. She happened to know the former owner of the home and their cousins even lived across the street. “The house turned out to be my dream home,” said Meg. “It was perfect for a young family!” Two days before Christmas, Meg put the offer in. “Steve was so busy with work, I just had to surprise him,” she added. “He didn’t even get to see the inside of the house until a month later at the inspection, but he loved it!” Not only is the house perfect, but Kingslands said the neighborhood is very family-friendly and within walking distance to many stores and places to eat. And not only do they have Meg’s cousins across the street, but the whole block has also been welcoming and helpful since their baby was born this past winter.
Meg and Steve welcomed Cole Christopher in March 2022. His parents say that he’s an easy-going baby and already showing so much personality. “He has a big smile and a cute laugh,” Meg said. Cole’s name has significance as his initials are “CC.” which happens to be Meg’s twin sister’s nickname. The name Cole came from a combination of her other sister’s name (Nicole) as well as some of their favorite Philadelphia sports players. Although he’s only three months old, Steve said he’s looking forward to the day he can get Cole involved in sports. “We can’t wait for him to become a Marple Tiger,” he said.
Now that the Kingslands are settling into their home and adjusting to life as a family of three, they’re looking forward to a fun summer. In honor of being featured on the cover of our July issue, Meg said they wanted to let readers know they’re especially thankful for our military, including veterans like her grandfather. From the Fourth of July parade to time in Wildwood Crest where Steve’s parents own a home, and get-togethers at Meg’s parents’ home, their summer will be packed with family fun. “Now we just need to get Steve’s sister to move to Broomall!” said Meg. “We’re here for the long haul!”
Nominate a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group! Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.