Pennsylvania Weddings

When a Victorian Garden Plays Backdrop to Your Wedding…

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From the Bride… I knew I wanted a fall wedding with rich colors and a whimsical feeling. We were really going for a sophisticated fairytale sentiment (think: a whimsical take on Robin Hood and Maid Marian’s wedding, a woodland backdrop with earth and jewel tones along with pheasant feather accents). As a wedding planner I see so many fun trends and could not resist making them all come together in one day. Our color palette was all jewel tones, and we loved mixing rich burgundy with light pink, teal blues and metallics. Although our wedding was in Pittsburgh, many of our vendors were local to Chicago where we live and work. It was incredible to have vendors that were friends helping us create our wedding day. I let our florist surprise me with my bouquet – I knew I wanted something bold with a king protea as the center. I loved giving him the creative vision behind everything and being surprised just like all of our wedding guests at the final outcome. Instead of a traditional cocktail hour we had a “beer and bubbles” bar! We served champagne with a ton of different topping options, including our favorite handcrafted marshmallows from XO Marshmallow which is local to Chicago.

Jeff wore a custom-made chocolate brown suit by Knot Standard, paired with other neutral accessories and a pheasant feather pocket square. I wore two gowns, both from designer Hayley Paige. I went with an embellished, long sleeve, ball gown for the ceremony and photos, and then a fun open-back, short sleeve option when the party got started!

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Jenny Yoo

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

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The Tie Bar

Spring 2015

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Wedding Dresses

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Spring 2013

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Blush by Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige Occasions

Fall 2016

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Spring 2018

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This couple shares a love of the great outdoors, so when they began planning their Pittsburgh summer wedding, a whimsical day designed with wildflowers and natural greens was an obvious choice. They fully embraced in-season blooms and Mt. Lebanon Floral delivered in every way. Peek at their reception space (and entire day!) photographed by Joey Kennedy and you’ll leave utterly inspired.

From the bride… Cary and I met in college down in South Carolina where we both shared our love for adventure and outdoors. A year or so after graduation, Cary proposed to me when we were at home for Christmas. It was wonderful to have my whole family around to celebrate this exciting event. Shortly after we were engaged we made a big move from South Carolina to Colorado, so we could continue sharing our love of outdoors together.

The wedding was inspired by our love of the outdoors, plants, and the mountains. We had the wedding in Pittsburgh where my immediate and large extended family all reside since we are a close knit group.

We were planning the wedding while living in Colorado, so my mother was a huge help in orchestrating everything. Our vendors were absolutely wonderful, and we thank our florist, Carmel, for her creativity. We told her we wanted a somewhat whimsical and bohemian feel that really showcased the local, in season wildflowers and greenery. She came through and brought us more than we could have imagined. The tent, flowers, lighting, music, and photography all came together wonderfully to create the unique and colorful day we had imagined. It had a beautiful woodland feel with a relaxed atmosphere, just like we wanted.

This Couple First Met When They Were Just Four Years Old

You guys, this adorable couple first met when they were just four years old…I mean, how incredibly sweet is that?! Fast forward 25 years later and these toddlers are now totally in love and married in one of the prettiest ceremonies ever. With Eva Lin Photography behind the lens capturing every moment to share, we invite you to witness their new beginning in The Vault!

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Forget Gold – This Wedding Proves Silver is Just As Pretty

From The Bride…Would you believe me if I told you that the first time I met my husband is when I was 4 years old? Neither would my 4 year old self! But, fast forward 25 years and here we are…married! RK and I grew up together hanging out at our swimming club in the summer. Between pool games like running bases, sharks and minnows and red rover, we’d see each other from time to time at the club until we were 15…then our lives took different routes. I went to public school, he went to private school. I went to PSU for college, he played lacrosse at Hobart, I lived in Austin after graduating, he moved back to Pittsburgh. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I saw a picture of him at an old friend’s wedding and decided to reach out. A few weeks later, we met at a bar (I took my sister and brother-in-law for in-case-of-emergency-backup) and we ended up having a blast! From that moment on, I realized RK was incredibly special. He’s thoughtful, smart, funny, and his dapper looks definitely don’t hurt either. I truly felt happy being around him and I realized that I never wanted to lose that feeling…or him.

A few months (yes months!) RK and I were sitting on a beach in Cape Cod. He proposed on Little Beach, my favorite spot in the entire world and that day was something I’ll never forget. The sun was out, our emotions were high and he surprised me by flying our family and closest friends to Chatham for an engagement party! We laughed, drank and celebrated the day away and decided that May 14, 2016 would be our wedding date.

I’d like to think of myself as romantic with a healthy dose of flower child so for our wedding I wanted to create a theme that felt feminine, elegant, earthy and traditional. We picked Longue Vue Country Club for the ceremony and reception. Something about the drive through the lush and windy road that led to a beautiful stone building on top of a hill spoke to me. The mossy stone, the perfectly constructed archways, the beautiful blooming dogwood trees…it felt so right for the theme that we wanted to create. For my gown, I chose a silk chiffon skirt made my Antonio Gual and a custom halter top created by Jen Rocket studio. Because the skirt was such a standout piece, I wanted to create an elegant and classic silhouette for the top and decided to go with a low back halter. Jen saw my vision perfectly and produced a beautiful piece to wear. We kept the colors of the bridal party traditional with black Aubrey Hepburn-inspired Alfred Sung dresses and black suits for the men. Then, for pops of color I included pinks and golds to create a softer look. Flowers for my bridesmaids were leafy green floral with hints of white. My bouquet was bursting with parrot tulips, Iceland poppies, coral charm peonies, anemones, hydrangeas and soft trailing greenery. My flower crown was mostly greenery with hints of baby’s breath throughout. I kept my hair half up but incorporated lots of braids for texture adding a bohemian touch. The juxtaposition of traditional, feminine and bohemian detailing was what created the look that I was going for.

The ceremony was supposed to take place on a stone patio outside but as Pittsburgh weather goes, it rained so we said “I Do” inside the ballroom. We placed giant urns (two at the beginning of the aisle and two at the altar) filled with flowers similar to my bouquet and transformed the dining area into a beautiful floral space. Gold Chiavari chairs lined either side of the aisle and a sturdy gold chandelier hung above us. Music is a big part of my family so for the ceremony, I recorded and walked down to “When The Right One Comes Along” by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio with my father. I remember feeling so nervous and excited as my bridesmaids headed towards the alter one by one. Seeing RK standing there was the best thing and reminded me how lucky I was at that very moment to be marrying such an amazing guy.

To create a more personal feel, I enlisted the help of Jessi Evans from Orchard Made to design a flag that emulated the monogram on our invitations and hung at the archway where our guests were greeted. Inside, she also created a floral photo backdrop, a banner with one of our favorite quotes and two “here comes the bride” pennants for the ring bearers. These additional pieces truly transformed the space into that soft, romantic and bohemian feel that I was going for.
RK and I decided to do the tradition of cutting our 4 tiered cake before the first dance. The cake itself was stunning! Each butternut cream layer was given a different texture to produce a unique vision for our guests to enjoy. To add something a little extra we placed mini gold and white donuts around the cake. I have a thing for donuts so really this was just a personal request for me to enjoy even more sugar on the big day. Ha!

As the night went on, toasts were given by my father, Max, RK’s best man and my amazing MOH and sister Callie. One of my favorite parts of the speeches were how heartfelt each one was. Love is an amazing feeling and to celebrate with the people you care about most is something so special! As a gift, my father, a talented singer and songwriter wrote me my very own song…it was magical!

After guests enjoyed their meals, our band Jason Kendall Productions got the dance floor moving! I loved laughing, singing and generally having a great time with my best friends, RK and family. My skirt was perfect for dancing, so most of the night I was making myself dizzy by spinning it around!

After hours of fun, it was time to go. Our guests lined up under the stone archway and lit sparklers as we walked to our getaway car, a Rolls Royce Phantom. An overwhelming sense of joy and love filled my entire body as we said goodbye to our closest family and friends. Our wedding was a fairytale and although it was one of the best days of my life, I know there will be many more with my amazing husband RK.

To all of you future brides out there. Enjoy every second of your wedding day! It’s a reminder of how lucky we are to know what it feels like to love and to be loved.

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Bridesmaid Dresses

Alfred Sung

2014

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

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You first met our girl Abby Silverman and her beau Tom for their Pittsburgh engagement session, and today we’re peeking into their modern ballroom wedding infused with shades of silver. Abby drew her inspiration through countless trips to The Vault and made certain every last detail was styled, chic and personal to them. Check out Michaelwill Photography’s pretty captures and scroll below for more ideas to add a touch of silver to your wedding day.

From The Bride… Tom (the hubby) and I met at Syracuse University in 2008 (almost eight years to the day we tied the knot). Tom, was an graduating senior and I was a outgoing sophomore. Needless to say, when we first met, the idea of getting married was well… not on our minds. However after eight years, countless miles of long distance driving and several apartments between us, we made it official!

Never have I ever felt so prepared and so unprepared for what was ahead of me. However, someone asked me recently what I would change and I couldn’t think of a thing! Sure, there were hiccups along the way, but nothing else mattered when I saw Tom for the first time and I walked down the aisle with my dad (to Kisses and Cake from P.S. I Love You).

Tom and I were very lucky! We had the support of our incredible friends, family and a team of AMAZING vendors who helped to take our idea’s and make them a wedding-bliss reality. Choosing the right team (and I mean it, they are your team) is so important. Getting married in a hotel ballroom has its challenges, but with the help of Hens and Chicks decorating the space to perfection with succulents, peonies, earl gray roses and countless other blooms and Michael Will capturing every moment, it was nothing short of breathtaking.

Some words of advice from a former bride to future brides: Enjoy every moment! Even if that’s spray painting Ikea picture frames silver and realizing you only ordered enough for seven tables (we had 15 tables). Things happen and what really matters is in that moment of chaos appreciate how special and momentous it all is – because seriously – it’s over in a flash … but totally worth the extra car ride to Ikea.

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This Garden Wedding Is Purple with a Purpose

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More Silver Wedding Moments We Love

Stunning Silver Wedding Details

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Stunning Silver Wedding Details

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Bachelor Boys Band

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Jennifer Behr

Jennifer Behr Bridal

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Garden weddings are (without a doubt) high on the list of things we’re crazy madly in love with, so when Palermo Photo sent over this purple hued Mellon Park pretty we were absolutely smitten. A day graced with love, elegant details, and a naked cake that’s worth sharing, we’ve got it all waiting for you to pin in The Vault!

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April Showers Bring May Flowers For This Springtime Styled Shoot

From the Bride…Aaron and I met in college, at a summer job on campus. He changed light bulbs in the dorms over the summer and I kept track of his and other students work in the housing department office. I didn’t know that he liked me until I realized how easily I could make him blush.

Aaron proposed to me about a month after my birthday and Valentine’s Day, right when I had given up on engagement for another year. He and my best friend, Brooke, had secretly gone out shopping for the perfect ring but because the sapphire had to be ordered special, it was later than he expected. In hindsight having it actually be a surprise was worth it.

Wedding planning was hard for me, I knew what I wanted the wedding to feel like, but translating that into lots of tiny decisions was difficult. Having a sister and mom with a lot of ideas and encouragement helped. Somethings were definitely easy, Maria was the only photographer I wanted to work with and Stephanie from Blue Daisy Florals had such beautiful arrangements and understood what I wanted right away. Raina included a lot of details in the place settings that I wouldn’t have considered but when it was all put together it was too good to pass up.

The day of the wedding came together much better than I could have planned. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, it rained before we got to the venue, stopped raining enough for us to take pictures outside– rained again before the ceremony, and cleared up just in time for us to be married in the garden where I had told Aaron 4 years prior that I wanted to be married there. The day felt like a dream, we were surrounded by friends who had come as far as the Netherlands to be with us— it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. One of my favorite parts of the day was when our master of ceremonies (it was a self uniting ceremony, so a close friend led us through the ceremony) took a moment and told us to look out at all the people who came to our wedding to support us, and who loved us. That was a powerful, unexpected touch that brought a busy, crazy day to a standstill for a few moments.

After a crazy winter (seriously, there were weeks in those scary single digits), we’re all welcoming spring with WIDE OPEN ARMS. But spring doesn’t always arrive on time. It teases us a bit, stops by, leaves, comes back around…and this time of transition is what inspired The Event Group to create the scene before us. Playing on the darkness of winter up against the bright incoming spring, copper and slate complement each other and we’re all the better for it. Eva Lin and All Heart Photo & Video snapped away and with these pics in our Vault, we’re ready to dive head first into the season before us!

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From The Event Group… Whimsical and edgy, “In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb” draws inspiration from the lingering northeast winters and the promise of spring. Commonly an overlooked time of the year, this collaboration will invigorate the wedding world with a refreshing and creative take on the transitional months of March and April. Warm copper tones, dramatic florals and complementary textiles will create a delicate balance between the romance of winter and the playfulness of spring.

Encompassing this dark versus light concept, the Ace Hotel ballroom was the perfect host for this collaboration. The abundance of natural light not only makes for exquisite photographs, but also touches on this airy hope for spring, while the contradicting black drapes speak to the darkness of winter.

P.S. The models in this shoot are a real life married couple and are absolutely adorable!
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Continue to get pumped for spring here!

Rustic + Elegant Fall Wedding

You know what makes me happy? This wedding. This rustic meets elegant Pittsburgh affair featuring one of the cutest duos you will ever virtually meet. Pair their awesome love story + never-ending smiling faces with a fabulous team of vendors (ahem, The Event Group) and it’s the best way ever to spend your Tuesday. See it all captured by Tim Will Photography in THE VAULT right here.

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Urban Pittsburgh Engagement Session

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From the Bride… Although Ben and I had not officially met one another until we were in our 20’s living in New York City, it seems that our lives were intertwined from the very beginning. Not only did we grow up a mere five blocks away from one another, but we also went to the same high school and sleep away camp. Our families also knew each other and urged us to meet one another, hoping we would make a connection. What can I say, they were absolutely right!

We knew we wanted to have an outdoor fall wedding in our hometown of Pittsburgh, and luckily the weather was on our side! We were going for a look that was elegant, but that also incorporated whimsical touches and an overall understated feel. An abundance of eucalyptus set an organic, backyard tone to the evening with gorgeous soft pops of color. Our intricately lit tent was draped with thousands of string lights, making the whole evening feel truly magical.

It’s hard to say what the most memorable part of the day was, but I think it was the moment when we were standing under the Chuppah and we turned around to look out at the crowd, realizing that our favorite people on the planet, our best friends and family members, were right there with us celebrating our big day! Another special moment was while everyone moved to the dance floor immediately following the ceremony, Ben and I took a moment for ourselves in our cousin’s 1961 shasta camper, sharing a glass of champagne and soaking everything in!

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See more Rustic Weddings in THE VAULT!

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Carolina Herrera

Spring 2015

Spring 2016

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Joanna August

Babes of the Nile

Ceremony

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You know we’ve got a thing for urban engagement sessions, but when the Bride-to-be is one of our own, it’s all the more exciting. She works hard behind the scenes to keep this pretty blog ticking, so when we heard Abby Silverman and her other half, Tom were set to tie the knot, we knew their pics by Michaelwill Photography would be perfect. They took to the streets of Pittsburgh for a “city chic” engagement, and there’s lots more to see inside The Vault.

From the Bride-to-be... Tom and I really wanted our engagement session to feel like us – which meant something easy going and casual. We both live in New York City and wanted our backdrop to feel like we were on some tree-lined street in Brooklyn. While Pittsburgh (where we are getting married) is certainly not Brooklyn, we found the perfect compromise with the Mexican War Streets of Pittsburgh.

The beautiful row houses there have so much unique character and charm. With the help of our incredible photographer Michael Will, we found an absolute gem tucked away from the North Side (and away from tailgaters celebrating a big Steelers win). The light (and temperature) was perfect for a casual stroll around the city. The Pittsburgh skyline is a cannot miss and we happened to catch it right as the sun was setting. It was perfect!

Photography: michaelwill photographers | Dress: Club Monaco | Shoes: Gilt Groupe | Necklace: J.Crew

Timeless + Modern Country Club Wedding

If you’re looking for glamorous wedding inspiration, look no further than this pretty Pittsburgh fête. With a timeless yet modern feel, sleek gray-and-white color palette, dramatic design from Save The Date Events and Michaelwill Photography to capture it all, this sweet couple said “I do,” in the wedding of their dreams. And thanks to THE VAULT, you can enjoy each and every special detail.

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Modern

From Save The Date Events…Nicole and Tyler wanted their wedding to have the feel of timeless elegance with a modern spin. The gorgeous grounds at Fox Chapel created a beautiful setting framed by large modern florals. Tall classic white florals adorned the tables with crisp modern grey linens and laser cut metal thank you notes at every place setting. The head table had a mix of romantic tall candles with low lush white florals to compliment a gorgeous sparkle runner. Nicole’s hair and makeup were naturally beautiful and allowed her gorgeous gown and shoes to be the star of the show. After dinner the guests moved to the ballroom where blue lights and modern white furniture transformed Fox Chapel into a modern club. Nicole changed into a custom made skirt and top so she could get down on the dance floor! The bride and groom had a choreographed break dance as their first dance and guests danced all night long. This wedding was the perfect marriage of timeless and modern!

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Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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Della Giovanna

Fall 2014

2015 Collection

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5 Picture-Perfect Mid-Atlantic Wedding Venues

After finding the perfect man, finding the perfect venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. And these Mid-Atlantic beauties? They’re as perfect as it gets. Rustic, glamorous, timeless and romantic, these gorgeous venues are some of the best the East Coast (and the rest of the country) has to offer.

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5 Picture-Perfect Mid-Atlantic Wedding Venues

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards (shown above): Set amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains with sprawling lawns, rolling vineyard-covered hills and a rustic yet elegant event space, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, in Charlottesville, Virginia, is the perfect setting for your dream day. Plus, with the founder of Easton Events behind this gorgeous venue, you know any wedding here is bound to be stunning. See it here.

Evergreen Museum + Library: Baltimore’s Gilded Age mansion and adjacent Italian gardens will transport you and your guests back to a more glamorous time. The exquisite estate is classic elegance at its very best, just like every wedding that takes place here. See it here.

DAR Constitution Hall: This National Historic Landmark Building offers couples a rich history, the excitement of Washington D.C., classic Beaux-Arts architecture and countless spaces for a glamorous affair. See it here.

Frick Art + Historical Center: Beautifully landscaped gardens surround this historic Pittsburg Gilded Age mansion. With a timeless elegance and sophisticated vibe, the Frick Art + Historical Center allows couples to create the stunning wedding of their dreams. See it here.

The Biltmore Estate: Asheville’s Biltmore Estate is as close to a fairytale wedding as you can get with expansive grounds and a European-style castle all nestled into the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. See it here.

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Photography: Josh Gruetzmacher

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Easton Events

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Classic + Romantic Golf Club Wedding

The classic vibe of the black and white tile flooring of Fox Chapel Golf Club, the elegant yet subtly sexy wedding dress (a Matthew Christopher creation) and the bouquet of white and cream roses… it all added up to one chic celebration captured by Elizabeth Anne Studios for us to devour. And devour we will, because classic-meets-stylish weddings might just be my jam. See it all right this way!

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Romantic Pennsylvania Ballroom Wedding

From the Bride… I feel like I should start by saying that I’m not that girl who’s been planning my wedding since I was, like, eight years old. I always knew I wanted to get married, but as far as when and where and what my dress would look like? Never crossed my mind. So when Hutch proposed to me last August, the rush of panic came almost instantly. His only request was that the wedding be a “kick a** party.” What a guy thing to say. And not helpful whatsoever. There were so many decisions to be made. And for a person as indecisive as I am, this was sure to be a long and painful process.

That panicked feeling started to subside once we figured out that it only made sense for me to get married in my hometown of Pittsburgh. I’m a Pittsburgh girl through and through, and though I haven’t lived there since high school, it’s the only place that has ever felt like home to me. My mom and I started researching locations and we both absolutely fell in love with Fox Chapel Golf Club. The idea of getting married in a country club setting never appealed to me, but there was something different about Fox Chapel. The black and white tile in the foyer, the terrace overlooking the dining room, and of course the view. What a view!

The feel of the club went perfectly with my idea for a romantic, classic wedding. We looked at so many different color combinations, but I kept coming back to the pale pinks and golds. I knew I would never look back at photos and say what was I thinking? It was simple, yet elegant and memorable, and so “me.” Although I’m sure my bridesmaids wanted to kill me for putting them in such a pale color (Dessy ‘cameo’ from Nordstrom), I thought they all looked gorgeous.

Now for the dress. My mom is my best friend, and she also happens to be a personal stylist who is very opinionated. She was in Pittsburgh and I was living in South Carolina, and there was no chance that I could be trusted to pick the dress on my own. So I booked a flight to Pittsburgh and we made it our mission to find THE dress by the end of the weekend. I wanted something that was classic, yet had a little sex appeal. I know that’s a strange thing for a bride to say, but it made sense in my head. I wanted my husband to see me walking down the aisle and think “wow my wife looks good,” instead of “wow that’s a whole lot of fabric.” I think I accomplished that with the Matthew Christopher Sofia. It hugged me in all the right places, not to mention the built-in corset, which was a Godsend for someone who is self conscious about her waistline.

The flowers were honestly a complete surprise to me. By the time we got to that point, I had made so many decisions that I simply couldn’t find the energy to make one more. I told my mom and the ladies at My Garden Floral that I wanted to keep with the simple, romantic feel and to avoid bright colors. They did a fabulous job. And being surprised on the big day was actually really sweet and special. It made it even more memorable.

I wanted to brand the wedding with something special that would tie everything together, from the invitations to the menus and favors. My little sister is a graphic designer, which was absolutely amazing throughout this whole process. I wanted a logo that stayed true to that classic, elegant theme, and she hit the nail on the head with her design. The wreath with our initials was exactly what I was looking for. And she was so patient with me, even when I changed my mind about 500 times.

Among my favorite details were the welcome bags. I wanted to welcome our guests to Pittsburgh with a personal touch. I’m a popcorn aficionado, so when someone told me about Pittsburgh Popcorn, I knew it was love. I bought brown bags and put a logo sticker on each one. I stuffed each bag with two personalized water bottles, a bag of Pittsburgh Popcorn, and an itinerary for the weekend. It was simple and thoughtful, and helped add to the excitement of the weekend.

Another DIY project was the wedding favors. I would say this was the most time consuming part of the planning process. I bought three cases of mini champagne bottles. We hand stamped small circular labels and tied them to the bottles with ribbon and gold and white striped straws. They turned out really cute, and it was worth the possible arthritis I incurred from all the stamping and tying.

I’d have to say my absolute favorite detail from the whole day was the entertainment. The Jason Kendall Band was a huge hit. They played some great cover songs, and per my request, steered clear of any cheesy wedding tunes. You know the ones (think Cupid Shuffle). We also hired The Slow Motion Booth at the last minute, and what a genius decision it was. It was such a fun little attraction, and gave people something to do besides drink, which is always a plus. It was perfect for both kids and adults. I can’t even tell you how many of our guests have contacted me just to say how much they loved the slo mo booth.

Overall, the entire wedding day was beautiful and perfectly executed, with only a few bumps along the way. The details were special and uniquely “us.” Most importantly Hutch and I started our new life together surrounded by so much love. Not to mention, I think I delivered the “kick a** party” he had in mind.

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Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

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Dessy

Bridesmaid 2014

Women's Tuxedo

Tuxedo

Fall 2014

Spring 2015

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As an inspiring event planner, this beautiful Bride has a vision for her wedding day, and that vision was completely stunning. With the help of an amazing team, her vision of an intimate (even with 514 guests!) and elegant black-tie wedding came to life. And thanks to Joey Kennedy Photography, we can enjoy all the beauty.

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Glamorous 1920s-Inspired Pennsylvania Wedding

From the Bride… Mine and John’s love was magnetic. The second that our eyes met, my soul kicked with such joy that I knew right then that I found my forever. Yes, I was smitten with his Kennedy-esque looks, but his sense of humor and genuine demeanor pulled me in unlike anything I have ever experienced. There was never a question in my heart; I found my soul mate.

A year and a half later, we found ourselves soaking in the golden beauty that is Pennsylvania in the fall. John planned a lovely day for us that started with a tour of Fallingwater and ended with an al fresco picnic at his family’s farm. Since I am normally the planner in our relationship, I sensed that something was up and that same soul-kicking feeling was fluttering inside me all day long. As silly as it sounds, I instantly regretted not wearing my new maxi dress and thanked the heavens that I by chance had my nails done (like it actually matters). While enjoying champagne and our delicious picnic spread, John rose to retrieve what would be the ring and accidentally stepped on his crystal champagne flute, sending shards of crystal all over our picnic. After a laugh-worthy clean up, some crystal foot extractions and a relocation of our picnic, John attempted to grab the ring once more and got on one knee, asking me to be his wife.

After announcing and celebrating our engagement, we set our date for September of 2014, my absolute favorite month of the year! Coming from big Irish and Italian families, we always knew that we were going to have a large Pittsburgh wedding; the wedding party itself consisted of 15 bridesmaids and 13 groomsmen! We decided to have our wedding ceremony at St. Bede Church, a small parish church where John’s family belonged. With a final guest list of 514 invitees, we booked the stunning Omni William Penn Hotel ballroom to host our reception.

My bridal party and I got dolled up for the 3:00 ceremony in a suite at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Music, laughs and lovely sentiments filled the space and, when the time arrived, my girls helped me put on my blush lace Monique Lhuillier gown. I was given the honor of donning John’s mother’s lace cathedral veil for the occasion and I also pinned a piece of my mother’s wedding dress into my dress so that I would have a piece of both of them with me all day long. I also decided to keep a sweet tradition from my collegiate years and wore the Penn State Pi Beta Phi bridal pin on my gown, which has been passed down to bride-to-be’s since 1954.

The one thing I loved about hosting such a large wedding in a smaller church was that every single pew was filled with guests, decked out in their finest black tie garb. There wasn’t an open seat in the house, much like a scene straight out of a movie! The excitement was contagious. This atmosphere was only amplified by John’s older brother, an ordained Catholic priest and the celebrant of our Sacrament of Matrimony. Bringing the crowd to both laughter and tears, Father Chris Donley, and my now brother-in-law, delivered a heartfelt and personal homily which will sit in our hearts forever. Our ceremony was both religious and deeply personal, making it my favorite part of the day. We left for our reception in true vintage style, jumping in John’s dad’s 1930 Rolls Royce.

As an aspiring event planner, I had a pretty detailed vision for our wedding reception from the get-go; a blend of organic elegance with vintage touches, creating a rich, intimate atmosphere. It was important for us to host a formal, black tie event without all of the stuffiness that those can sometimes entail. Guests were welcomed into our cocktail hour with walking hors d’oeuvres and an open bar as well as some fun, personal touches; two giant gold Jenga sets and vintage typewriter guest books set the tone for the lively evening ahead.

Dinner was held in the grand ballroom, featuring kings’ tables, candlelit balconies and candelabras, a live quartet and a personalized round dance floor. Shades of gold and elegant pomegranate centerpieces cast a warm tone throughout the ballroom, creating a charmingly intimate vibe throughout dinner. Personalized menus led guests to their seats where they enjoyed a four course meal and poured wine service.

One of my favorite parts of any reception is when the groom toasts his bride, and John certainly rose to the occasion. Being the stoic Irish man that he is, John is not one to share his feelings with the world, so his toast touched me deeply. The sincere and beautiful words that came from his mouth resonated with the entire room and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house (mostly just the women I should add)!

After toasts and the cutting of our gilded gold cake, we were all led into the dance portion of the evening in the former cocktail hour room, which was now complete with lounge seating, a full 9-piece band, dance floor, slow motion video booth, coffee bars and a crepe station. My Italian family owns a pretty famous pizza shop in the Pittsburgh area, so the crepe station eventually made a late night switch to a pizza bar, which the guests enthusiastically embraced. The remainder of the evening was spent dancing, singing and laughing with our closest family and friends.

If I had to pick one theme for the entire day, it would be joy. It surrounded every detail and every minute of our wedding day; so tangible you could feel it! It truly was a magical day, and the best part is that it is just the beginning for us.

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It’s all the little details that make this glamorous wedding such a huge success. From the custom Monique Lhuillier lace gown and mismatched Amsale bridesmaids dresses, to the Ring Bearer’s adorable top hat and the reception’s 1920s speak-easy vibe, this Pittsburgh wedding captured by Clean Plate Pictures really wows. Fall in love with all the pretty here.

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From Clean Plate Pictures… On a perfect September evening, Ashley and Jeffrey Czaplicki began a new journey together with a ceremony on the steps of the Frick Art & Historical Center’s museum patio in Pittsburgh, PA. Soft tulle and crystal beading draped the trees with the aisle railings covered in lush greenery. The bridal party included friends, family and siblings, as well Sammie, the couple’s adored pup, who shared a moment with the groom. As a piano and trumpet played, the bride arrived with her father in a vintage car wearing a custom-made Monique Lhuillier gown with a cathedral veil. Guests cheered as the couple shared their first kiss and the pastor, who married the bride’s parents more than 30 years ago, announced the newlyweds. The couple released a pair of doves to signify that they will forever fly together.

The bride carried a full white and blush bouquet containing, Vitality, Patience and Peach Juliet David Austin roses, ranunculus, cabbage roses, seeded eucalyptus, ivy weaved through and dusty miller at its base. The bridesmaids wore different variations of Amsale gowns and carried David Austin Keira roses, spray roses, cabbage roses, seeded eucalyptus, greens weaved into bouquet and dusty miller at its base and tied with a white satin ribbon.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to the lawn of Henry Frick Mansion which had been transformed into a 1920s inspired speakeasy complete with signature drinks from the era. The ritzy affair featured a biography table detailing the couples’ journey from first date to matrimony, the sounds of smooth jazz from the Boilermaker jazz band and singer and appetizers served by a set of flappers. Textured linens and pearls draped over roses, as well as lots of palms and bartenders outfitted in black bow ties, set the theme.

As night began to set in, guests were invited into the peaked tent on the Great Lawn. A walkway led friends and family into an elegant fabric draped sanctuary complete with luxurious crystal chandeliers and beauty around every corner. The couple shared their first dance to “1000 years” by Christina Perri before inviting everyone to join in on the fun.

Guests danced to a live band on a white dance floor with a custom monogram. Afterwards, the couple cut their six tier wedding cake outfitted with pearls and fresh roses. Guests joined each other at tables covered in gold sequin linens that featured gold candelabras dripping in ivy and adorned with blooms including, David Austin roses and hydrangeas. Each centerpiece was surrounded by candles. The place settings included gold china and flatware and matching gold rimmed glassware.

The bridal party sat in front of a custom built live ivy wall covered in ornate gold mirrors with the newlyweds sitting together in a tufted white leather chair. Custom designed stationary was found throughout the evening. From the ceremony program to the dinner menu, to the amazing 10 foot tall mirrors which served as the place setting assignments to a beautiful handwritten signature drink menu, all were designed and created by the groom’s talented sister.

After dinner, guests enjoyed watching the bride dance with her parents and the groom with his mother. Many guests enjoyed dancing the night away, enjoying a treat from the traditional Pittsburgh cookie table, exploring the beautiful grounds of the venue and socializing in the lounge. Guests also enjoyed a special surprise when the bride revealed her second dress. As her bridesmaids gathered around the bride, the groom sat waiting for the bride to reveal that underneath her tulle skirt was a gorgeous full lace down.

The couple enjoyed a two week honeymoon in St. Thomas and St. John. They are enjoying life as newlyweds and anticipating the arrival of their first child in July 2015.

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Monique Lhuillier

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Elegant Summer Wedding at Pittsburgh Golf Course

Some weddings make my heart beat a bit faster and this elegant-meets-vintage affair is one of them. From the beautiful florals to more perfect personal touches than I can count, I’m in love with this couple and every inch of their celebration. Palermo Photo captured it all and I dare you to soak up this gallery and not find a smile spreading across your face.

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Organic + Vintage Mellon Park Garden Wedding

From Palermo Photo… I am so thrilled to share with you this beautiful wedding from this beautiful couple. Kate and Danny were married on August 16, 2014. This Brooklyn-based couple decided to swap the Big Apple for the ‘Burgh to exchange vows in the Bride’s hometown. It was truly a family affair, with sentiment and family ties woven throughout the wedding day. The bride wore two necklaces tucked beneath the intricate lace of her gown – an heirloom necklace from the bride’s grandmother and the groom’s grandmother. The bride also held a lace handkerchief with her bouquet, a Puerto Rican tradition from the groom’s family. Speaking of the groom, he was a beacon of style and class, yet still sentimental and family-focused, donning a vintage YSL tuxedo that belonged to his father.

The sun shone bright on the happy couple as they entered the Pittsburgh Golf Club to share drinks and dances with friends and family, after saying “I do” at the Epiphany Church in downtown Pittsburgh. Fun was had by all, between the tears and hugs of course.

A quick trip back to the beginning: these two smitten kittens met freshman year in college at Fordham University in New York. As these things often go, they were great friends but star-crossed, one was always taken when the other was single, and visa versa, until one fateful moment arrived senior year at Fordham that brought these two lovebirds together. Danny and Kate have been together ever since, and now are happily married!

From The Bride… Danny and I live in New York, but we decided to get married in Pittsburgh, where I grew up and where my parents live. We’re so glad we did! It was so special showing our friends and families a city that we both love. I’m not the kind of bride who relished the idea of spending tons and tons of time planning a wedding, so doing so from another city also allowed us to take a pretty laid back approach to everything. (My mom helped tremendously as well!) I wanted our wedding to have a garden party feel to it, so the Pittsburgh Golf Club, which sits on a golf course in the largest park in the city, was the perfect setting for our reception. The Golf Club and the Church of the Epiphany, where we were married, are both Pittsburgh historic landmarks, so we wanted to the wedding to have a simple, timeless feel. We incorporated a lot of items and traditions from both of our families – I wore necklaces from his grandmother and my grandmother, and my wedding band was my other grandmother’s. I also carried a white lace handkerchief with my bouquet, a tradition from Danny’s family. Aesthetically, I wanted our wedding to have an romantic, floral, classic, sort-of vintage vibe to it. Loose bouquets, white hydrangeas and Queen Anne’s lace with some light pink wax flowers and pops of bright green. Very garden-y, and an (understated) flower crown on me! We just wanted our wedding to be a really fun party, with great music (anything from Beyonce to Al Green to the Talking Heads) and LOTS of dancing because our friends and family are big on dancing. And special thanks goes to our vendors, most especially Maria Palermo, who is not only an amazing photographer but also hilarious and patient and fun.

I’m coining this day Organic Garden Fairy Tale Magic… it’s absolute ethereal beauty, with the most delicate touches of whimsy. The loveliest of floral crowns, itsy-bitsy flower girls in garden green that will make you melt, paper cranes floating about and so much more. I promise you, Joey Kennedy will surely steal your heart with his gorgeous captures.

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Classic Weddings Vintage

From the beautiful Bride… When we began planning our wedding, Patrick and I wanted to create a beautiful but relaxed day focused on celebrating our love with our families and closest friends. We wrote our own ceremony, selecting readings, songs and traditions that reflected who we are as a couple and where we come from. The entire day was saturated with personal touches and hand-made details with an overall organic, vintage feel. With the help of a family friend who did our calligraphy we created our own wedding invitations. I spent months collecting vintage china and brass candlesticks for the reception. We were very lucky to have our talented friend and chef create a beautiful meal for our guests, served by the most amazing crew who made our reception seamless. We designed and created all the floral arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres and crowns with the help of our family on the morning before the wedding. Other projects included our paper mache table numbers and oversized initials, favors, custom match-boxes for our sparkler exit, our dessert table ribbon back-drop, paper crane ceremony backdrop, and our pressed-leaf escort cards hung from gold tree branches. But the most amazing personal touch that I will treasure forever was my talented mother who designed and hand made my wedding gown using mostly antique fabrics that belonged to by grandmother. She also hand made the bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses and groomsmen ties. It was a labor of love, and it made the whole experience of being a bride so very special for me.

We were very happy with our venue choices for our day. We let the beauty of the Walled Garden in Mellon Park shine on its own, and the Pittsburgh Opera, a renovated Westinghouse air-brake factory with an industrial feel, gave us a blank slate for us to create our dream reception. The few vendors that we did use were wonderful, with the whole day captured by the extremely talented Joey Kennedy.

Take a stunning golf course setting, add in an adorable bride and groom, a talented team of vendors and moment after moment of pure happy and this is what you get: a dream-like day filled to the gills with beautiful stylings and cultural details that will make your heart sing. In other words? It’s vibrant, classic and all sorts of pretty. See it captured by Mandy Fierens in the full gallery.

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