In an effort to show their guests the world through their eyes, Jamie and Jason made sure every single detail of their wedding day reflected them as a couple. That’s why only two simple things were the inspiration for their eclectic July affair – their family and their Brooklyn apartment. The couple wanted their day to be about them and those they hold near and dear.
They did their best to include each immediate family member in a special way…the bride’s uncle officiated the ceremony, the wedding party was made up of only relatives, the bride’s 8 year old nephew played the piano as guests found their seats, and her other nephew played the sax during the cocktail hour.
For decor, pieces of Jamie’s father’s unique antique collection were incorporated. His vintage mattress spring became a mini art installation with the help of Mocha Rose, who turned it into a floral escort card display. Custom table runners were handmade by Jamie’s mom, using the same fabric as that in their sofa. The tented reception and nearby patio areas were full of hanging plants in macrame holders, just like those in the Brooklyn space Jamie and Jason call home.
Besides all of the ways this duo paid homage to their loved ones, here are a few other details about their wedding day that I absolutely loved:
- Jamie and her crew prepped for the wedding day at the home of her dad’s cousin. As a surprise to the bride, they hired a masseuse! Chair massages for everyone! What an amazing way to ensure a calm, stress-free start to festivities! Best. Idea. Ever.
- Sampsonia Way, an otherwise quiet street near The Mattress Factory (the reception venue), just might go down as the coolest ceremony site in history, thanks to this pair. With the help of a city permit, the bride and groom exchanged vows in this alleyway that is lined with brightly painted homes, birch trees, and other gritty elements. To the couple, the seemingly ordinary spot was the perfect place to say “I do!”
- In between partying the night away and partaking in the Polaroid camera-style guest book, friends and family enjoyed yummy late night snacks courtesy of Pittsburgh Taco Truck!
- In lieu of traditional favors, Jamie and Jason treated their guest to a Pirates game the day after the wedding! Since most of the group was from NYC, the Buccos-Mets mash up was the perfect way top off the weekend.
Family-focused, artistic, ethereal, and a bit modern, this wedding is a magical, outside-of-the-box dream come true. See what I mean with all of the loveliness captured by Anthony Wincko Photography.
From the bride…
When and how did you two meet?
When I first moved to NYC in 2005, I worked at an animation studio and had a co-worker named James. James lived in Queens with a friend named Jay. He often talked about his roommate, but we never met. I left the job only after a few months to start a career in beauty PR. Three years later, I bumped into James having lunch with Jay. James and I reconnected and he started to invite me places when Jay was around, including a Jets game. I was cold and Jay offered his sweatshirt – he purposely didn’t ask for it back. A few days later, I bumped into Jay again on my lunch break and we started to Facebook chat…then G-chat…then drunk text…and then eventually go on real dates! We got engaged in 2012 and I’ve yet to give him the sweatshirt back! To honor James for being the connection, we asked everyone at the wedding to treat him to a shot of Jameson and thank him for introducing us.
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
It was a Friday and my assistant Annie predicted that I would get engaged that night. I said she was crazy and we made a bet. If I got engaged, I had to buy her Starbucks and if I didn’t get engaged, Jay had to buy her Starbucks.
When I got home from work, Jay asked if I wanted to grab dinner. We went to a restaurant in the neighborhood and during dinner, I told him all about Annie’s bet. After our meal, Jay suggested a walk in the park. A lot was on my mind, so I was talking his ear off. He eventually interrupted me and said, “You own Annie Starbucks.” Before I knew it, he was down on one knee!
What inspired the vision of your wedding day?
Our Brooklyn apartment – the first place we called home together – inspired our vision. You can read more on my blog.
What made your wedding unique?
What made our wedding unique was the ceremony venue choice. We fell in love with the neighborhood surrounding The Mattress Factory and specifically Sampsonia Way. We secured a city permit and got married in the middle of the alley under a canopy of overgrown vines. We also wanted to make the day about our family: my uncle married us, the wedding party was made up of only relatives, my 8 year old nephew played the piano as guests found their seats, and my 27 year old nephew played the sax during cocktail hour.
Another unique element is that we treated our guests to a Pirates/Mets game the next day. We thought it only fitting since half of the guests were from NYC/Long Island. We had an entire section to ourselves and our friends and family got to take in the city of Pittsburgh with us and enjoy a beautiful day in PNC Park.
Oh, and the PGH Taco Truck! We were his first wedding!
Bride to Bride
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
Hire a day-of wedding coordinator! It was my biggest mistake not to do this. I’m a very hands-on person, so I managed all vendors. On the day of the wedding, it was very tough to give direction when I also wanted to just relax!
Don’t sweat the small stuff and cherish every moment. It’s so rare to have everyone you love from all over the world in one place, so make the most of your time with them.
Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live withouts? Anything you would do differently?
The day-of coordinator is a must and my biggest regret.
Vendors
Bride’s Dress: Watters | Bride’s Hair Accessories: Lovely | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bride’s Wedding Band: Cartier | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Cake: Oakmont Bakery | Cake Topper: Etsy | Ceremony Location: Sampsonia Way (street near The Mattress Factory) | Ceremony Refreshments: Turner’s Iced Tea | DJ: DJ Zimmie | Musicians: The Giambelli String Quartet, CAPA jazz trio, & piano recital from the bride’s 8 year old nephew | Favors: Tickets to a Pirates game! | Flowers: Mocha Rose | Hair: Swank Hair Studios | Late Night Snacks: Pittsburgh Taco Truck | Linens: Handmade by the bride’s mother | Menswear: Suit Supply | Photography: Anthony Wincko Photography | Reception Venue: The Mattress Factory | Stationery: The groom! | Videography: Produced by a friend | Wedding Planner: The bride
