Chic Understated Wedding at the Carnegie Music Hall: Nina & Justin

The chic beauty of this understated wedding proves that sometimes all of the bells and whistles are just too much.  Sometimes you just need to let the natural beauty of things speak for itself.  And that’s exactly what Nina and Justin did.  Sophisticated and modern, this wedding is one for the record books.  From Nina herself to the decor at the Carnegie Music Hall, the overall theme for the day was understated elegance.  Everything from the bridesmaids dresses to the centerpieces was quietly beautiful and the overall chic style was flawless.  That, combined with all sorts of sweet, thoughtful details, means this wedding quickly became one of my favorites.  What did I love best?

• The neutral color palette of ivory and gold kept things classic and clean.  A few sparkly elements, like the gorgeous Adrianna Papell bridesmaids dresses, gave the day a healthy dose of glam.
• Just wait until you see Nina!  She was simply stunning in her high neck lace Allure Couture dress with cap sleeves.  Add some statement earrings, Jimmy Choos, and a low up do, and she was a vision of beauty and grace unlike any I’ve seen before.
• These bridal portraits are some of the all-time best, which probably explains why I insisted on including so many of them.  I simply can’t deprive you of them.  Not only are Nina and Justin crazy in love, but it doesn’t hurt that they’re both gorgeous.  I’m talking old Hollywood couple style.
• The marble pillars, the balcony, and the cavernous space of the Carnegie Music Hall instantly gives any event held there a feel of grandeur.  It will always be one of the most beautiful venues in Pittsburgh!  I’m so glad Nina and Justin let the beauty of the architecture take center stage with tall florals and simple decor.
• In keeping with Nina’s Italian heritage, guests were treated to traditional bombonieres from Il Bello.  Those, plus a cookie table and a caricature artist, meant that guests left with plenty of treats to take home.

There was no one better capable of capturing the chic day than Rachel Rowland Photography.  Timeless and traditional, this wedding as close to perfection as I think it gets.  Take a look and see if you don’t agree.

From the bride…

When and how did you two meet?
We were introduced by a mutual friend in the summer of 2010.  Sparks didn’t fly but we became friends and talked occasionally through text.  Fast forward a few months and we spent hours on the phone and eventually realized we wanted to give dating a shot.  Three years later, we were engaged!

Juicy details on the proposal, please!  Where, when, how?
Justin planned a trip to Washington, DC to visit a friend.  Little did I know, he was picking up the ring that he had shipped there from Henne Jewelers in Shadyside.  Upon his arrival back in Pittsburgh, he told me to take a ride with him.  His hand was shaking and I could tell something was happening.  Being the type of person that needs to know everything 10 minutes before it happens, I was asking a million questions.  He decided to pull over by our church and asked me to take a walk, probably to get me to quit talking!  A few minutes later, he was down on one knee and the rest was a blur.  We celebrated with dinner and drinks with our family later that evening and it was perfect!

What inspired your vision for your wedding day?
I knew I wanted something fancy and glamorous yet still tasteful.  I started with the bridesmaids dresses.  I knew from the get go I did not want traditional bridesmaids dresses.  The girls would never wear them again!  Instead, I opted for a Nordstrom sequin and tulle gown that was flattering on everyone.  The venue was chosen because when we walked into the room, we were blown away!  It was classic elegance and something like I’d never seen.  I chose flowers that complimented the detail that the room already had, but that stood out on their own.  From there, wedding dress shopping began!  I wanted something that you don’t see every day and when I tried on this gown, the lace, high neckline, and mermaid fit made me feel like a classic bride.

What made your wedding unique?
Our wedding was unique because we thought outside the box.  We had a caricature artist drawing faces all night, our favors were traditional Italian bombonieres, and the venue was out of this world!  There was also so much love in the room that it made everyone feel so special.

What was your favorite moment of the day?
Walking down the aisle.  I don’t think a single person wasn’t crying.  I come from a family of boys and being the only girl – and the youngest – having my dad walk me down the aisle and seeing my handsome soon-to-be husband with tears in his eyes…it was a fairy tale.

Bride to Bride

What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
Stay true to yourself.  Be unique.  Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to favors, bridesmaids dresses, your bridal gown, and entertainment.  You and your guests will remember it and it sets your wedding apart.

Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live withouts?  Anything you would do differently?
Every part of the day was perfect!  I wouldn’t change a thing!

Vendors
Band: Hot Metal Strings | Bride’s Dress: Anne Gregory for the Bride | Bride’s Accessories: J. Crew & Nina at Nordstrom | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Adriana Papell | Cake & Caterer: Parkhurst Event Catering | Caricature Artist: Vince Ornato | Ceremony Location: St. Peter’s Catholic Church | DJ: Pittsburgh DJ Company | Favors: Il Bello Italian Favors | Flowers: Bella Flora | Hair: Izzazu | Lighting: Benack Sound Productions | Makeup: Kiss and Makeup | Menswear: Vera Wang at Men’s Wearhouse | Photographer: Rachel Rowland Photography | Reception Venue: Carnegie Music Hall | Rings: Henne Jewelers | Stationery: Etsy | Transportation: TDF Limousine

Save

Save