The beauty is in the details. At least that’s what they say. I’m not sure who “they” are but I’m inclined to agree. Over the past year, I’ve loved seeing all of the thought that went into couples’ special days. I really appreciate when brides and grooms are thoughtful and go out of their way to make an aspect of their wedding personal or impactful. Whether a large gesture or a small one, here are the ideas and details from the past year that I found extraordinary!
Bowling After Party
In lieu of traditional favors, Lisa and Adam treated their guests to a little friendly ten frame competition in the basement of the PAA, their reception venue. Guests enjoyed drinks, pizza, and cookies while trying to knock down some pins. Now THIS is an after party!
Photos by Milla C. Photography
Cue the Confetti!
After saying “I do”, Kelly and Nate recessed back down the aisle under a colorful shower of pastel paper confetti, making for the coolest post-ceremony pics I saw all year!
Photos by Beth Insalaco Photography
Costume Change
As much as it pained me to see Brynne change out of her stunning striped JLM Couture wedding gown, I was even more floored by her second dress. For her and Zach’s grand exit, the bride slipped into a sequined LBD that sparkled almost as much as the tiny fireworks going off around them.
Photos by Steven Dray Images
Terrible “Vowels”
Heather’s words, not mine! But they refer to the fact that her husband, Dante, wrote his vowels on the back of a Terrible Towel..and read aloud from it during their ceremony! Only in Pittsburgh…but hey, that’s what makes us so awesome, right?!
Photos by Willa J. Photography
Brunch Reception
When Heather and Zach were able to snag a slot at Heinz Chapel on their desired day but not-so-desired time of 10:30 a.m., they decided to roll with it. That meant a brunch reception, complete with waffles, donuts, omelettes, mimosas, and all the fixings. Yes, yes, and more yes!
Photos by Leeann Marie, Wedding Photographers
Just Hitched
Staying true to the country chic theme for their big day, Danielle and Mike opted for an antique horse trailer as their “getaway car”. A little spray paint and a sweet message made this unique mode of transportation wedding-day appropriate!
Photos by BNK Photo
Almost Too Pretty to Eat
I said almost! Let’s be honest, I’d dive right into Lauren and Chris’s wedding cake from Prantl’s Bakery. But not without pausing to take in all its beauty first. Those are sugar flowers, people! The detail and realism is crazy!
Photos by Ann Louise Photography
DIY Flower Garland
Rachel and Reid exchanged vowels in front of strands of brightly colored carnations hanging from the tree in the bride’s grandfather’s backyard. This dainty backdrop was DIY’d by Rachel’s bridesmaids the night before the wedding!
Photos by Mandy Fierens Photography
A Little Something for the Guys
Janae and Robert set up a cigar station at their Grand Concourse reception for the gentlemen to enjoy. A nice stogie selection, some personalized match books (that doubled as favors), and an oh-so-cute sign completed the display!
Photos by Joey Kennedy Photography
Out of the Ordinary Ceremony & Reception
Guests sat in-the-round style for Molly and Zach’s wedding ceremony at Clear Story Studio. Every seat was the best seat in the house. Afterward, they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres at the cocktail style reception, meaning no seated dinner, no stuffy formalities, just eating, drinking, and dancing at their leisure. More of this please!
Photos by La Candella Weddings
Wall of Hats
Jessica and Brian brought a little family tradition to their wedding day. At their family’s cabin, there is a hat wall; everyone picks a funny hat and it’s theirs for the weekend. The couple brought the custom to their Armstrong Farms reception, where guests had a ball swapping hats on the dance floor.
Photos by Veronica Varos Photography
A Sweet Ending
To cap of the night, guests at Nicolet and Gregory’s wedding were treated to an endless display of goodies from Bella Christie. From cookies and cake pops to parfaits and even a s’mores station, there was certainly no shortage of sugar at this reception!
Photos by Elizabeth Craig Photography
What idea or detail from 2015 did you love best? What made it your favorite? Comment below!
Don’t miss my other Best of 2015 picks!
