Love works in mysterious ways, especially for Jessie and Dan. Despite their paths crossing multiple times over the years, they didn’t officially meet until a random work event. After two years of dating and a romantic proposal in Jamaica, the pair were married on August 22 at the Rivers Casino. The contemporary chic wedding was inspired by their own real-life style and included some really beautiful details, such as:
- The color palette. Petal pink, rose, ivory, and gold came together for a look that was feminine and classic. The entire affair had a romantic feel thanks to the light shades the couples chose for the day.
- Jessie’s look. This bride is GOR-GEOUS. But add a fitted Lazaro gown, a statement necklace, and classic hair and makeup done by Allison Roth Studio and Jessie turns into a total knockout.
- The venue. Jessie and Dan both love Vegas and their families love going to the casino together. Choosing the Rivers to host their reception was a no brainer. With the service and views from their ballroom, this place literally can’t be beat.
- In lieu of traditional favors, the newlyweds treated their family and friends to casino vouchers. The after party continued in the lounge while guests tried their luck at slots or table games. So fun!
SkySight Photography and their modern style were the perfect match for this showstopper of a wedding. Wait until you see some of those portraits! Congrats Jessie and Dan! Your big day was beautiful!
From the bride…
When and how did you two meet?
Dan and I met at a work dinner. My boss introduced us and we quickly learned that we worked at the same Abercrombie & Fitch at different times in college. Dan also used to frequent a bar I worked at during the summers while in college, and we were following similar career paths. We should have met a thousand times earlier, but timing is everything I guess!
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
He proposed in Jamaica, on the beach while having a candlelit dinner. Following the proposal, he had a photographer there to take engagement photos. No wonder he told me to wear a white dress to dinner! The funny part is he tried to propose at our home the night of our second anniversary. He had rose petals lining the floor from the entrance to the living room, where he had 24 long stem roses waiting in a vase. He didn’t think that was the best way to propose, so he decided to officially pop the question a month later in Jamaica.
Describe the wedding. The look, theme, style, colors, etc.
Dan and I are contemporary. Our home has a contemporary design, so it was only natural for our wedding to be contemporary chic. Once I found my dramatic Lazaro gown, I basically centered the wedding around this ivory and accented-gold dress. I chose a petal pink, blush, and gold palette for the wedding colors. We chose to have our reception at Rivers Casino because it is truly a hidden gem. It has that contemporary look we were searching for and we knew it would be fun. I had not met one person who had their wedding there and the views of the city and ambiance is energizing. They have an area for the band, an outdoor balcony for guests, and we could have our after party down in the Levels lounge while guests gambled. Once I saw the venue, I fell in love.
I not only fell in love with the venue but with the wedding coordinator, Alissa Walker. She was on top of everything, and paid strict attention to every detail to make sure our reception was perfect. We received our guests as they walked into the cocktail hour, while servers stood handing out drinks, including our signature cocktail, the Moscow Mule. The casino went out of their way to purchase the copper mugs for the occasion.
Jason Kendall’s trio played during the cocktail hour while guests enjoyed hors d’oeurves. Once the doors opened to the reception, guests were surprised to see their casino vouchers for gambling waiting for them on their plate, bottles of champagne at the tables, and the elaborate and abundant cookie and candy table proudly displayed next to the cake. During and after dinner, guests enjoyed Jason Kendall’s four piece band and glow sticks were handed out to really turn the party up. As the sun set and the city lights began to twinkle, the uplighting began to transform the mood of the evening. You could not have a better backdrop while hosting a wedding in Pittsburgh!
What made your wedding unique?
Since Dan and I love Vegas and our families enjoy trips to the casino, having our wedding at the casino and all that it offered really set our wedding apart from others.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
My favorite moment of the day was walking down the aisle of Saint Mary of the Mount with all of our friends and family in attendance. Our priest, Father Walt, made it lovely with laughter and heartfelt sentiments. It felt like a dream.
For Dan, it was the actual ceremony, as well. He felt it was perfect and exactly what he envisioned. After the ceremony, guests were blowing bubbles and ringing bells, as we walked outside and kissed with the cityscape in the background.
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
Pace yourself, if you can. If you give yourself a full year to plan a wedding, you won’t be as stressed. We would tackle 1-2 tasks each month and we shared the work load. I was very lucky because my husband was extremely involved in the wedding planning process. I was not stressed at all while planning our wedding for these reasons. Also, when shopping vendors, check out at least 2 – 3 photographers and florists and get price quotes. That way you can compare. Don’t select the first person you come in contact with, unless you absolutely love them and their visions are similar to yours from the beginning. On the other hand, I knew the moment we visited the casino that it was the one. Just like I did the moment I met my groom. Don’t second guess yourself when you have these feelings.
Any must haves, must dos or can’t live withouts? Anything you would do differently?
Can’t live without and must haves: quality uplighting, Jason Kendall Productions, and a hands-on wedding coordinator at your venue.
What I’d do differently: If I could go back and do it differently, I would have hired a videographer. There were so many moments I felt I missed during our day because we were too busy taking pictures. I would love to watch a video to see what others were doing and how much fun everyone was having.
Vendors
Band & Musicians: Jason Kendall Productions | Bride’s Dress: Lazaro from Bridal Beginning | Bride’s Accessories: Kate Spade | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bari Jay | Cake & Caterer: Rivers Casino | Ceremony Location: Saint Mary of the Mount | Flowers: Bloom Brigade | Hair & Makeup: Allison Roth Studio | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse | Photographer: SkySight Photography | Reception Venue: Rivers Casino | Rentals: Elegant Chair Cover Designs | Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas | Transportation: Vogue Limousines
