Dripping in dazzling details and oozing hard core romance, this ivory and gold wedding is straight up gorgeous. After a very heart-string-tugging proposal (full story below), Dina and Brad designed a wedding day that was reminiscent of the one she had always dreamed about as a little girl – one that was luscious and had this chic color palette. Mission accomplished, you guys. The opulent ballroom of the Omni William Penn hotel was a picture perfect backdrop for an affair that included lush roses and hydrangeas, hanging and eleveated florals, textured linens, and the most amount of candlelight I’ve seen in a single space. Ever. And it was STUNNING! The entire balcony of the ballroom was lined with ivory pillar candles of varying heights, creating a glowing halo around the entire room. So incredibly romantic. It doesn’t stop there though. There were plenty of other details that you should keep your eyes open for:
- Custom monogrammed handkerchiefs at the ceremony. Guests at St. Stanislaus Kostka church were greeted with a way to catch their happy tears that was adorned with a gold crest featuring the bride and groom’s initials. I love when couples don’t forget to style their I Do’s too!
- A cake worthy of a Pinterest board. The five-tiered sweet treat was encrusted with edible pearls and glitter and a metallic fondant. It was then made even grander by three layers of fresh flowers in between. This one should totally be pinned to your “Dream Wedding” board.
- The wind. Ok, ok, I know this may seem like a strange favorite detail. BUT it literally made these portraits! Whitling Photography knocked it out of the park by incorporating some classic Pittsburgh locations and by snapping the shutter at just the right time when gusts lifted Dina’s cathedral length veil and sent it flying. It was magical.
Elegant, glamorous, and timeless, this feature is one you won’t soon forget. So.much.goodness.
You’re also going to want to dedicate a few minutes to Dina and Brad’s highlight video from Traveling Heart Productions. Trust me on this one!
From the bride…
When and how did you two meet?
On July 23, 2011, there were a large group of girls starting at my house to eat, drink, and have fun for a friend’s bachelorette party. We made our way down to Station Square. The large group of girls were hard to miss as we went from location to location. We ended up at a club called Whim. The girls and I were dancing and having a great time when out of the corner of our eyes we saw a handsome man standing along the edge of the dance floor. Well, it did not take even five minutes for my best friend to go over to him with a sly pick up line. She saw that he had a large college ring on, so she said, “I love your class ring.” He, of course, politely (and probably confused) said, “Thank you.” She then said, “Oh by the way, this is my friend Dr. Dina.” As she pulled me over (since I was not upfront and forward when I was single), a conversation started between Brad and me that continued into the wee hours. We danced and had a wonderful time. This was the start to something great!
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
On February 12, 2016, Brad and I were getting off work and thinking of somewhere to grab a bite to eat. Since we are living healthy, he said “Let’s go to Hello Bistro.” I agreed with resistance but agreed. I headed home from work to pick up Brad and was waiting for him in the turn-around of The Cork Factory. He jumped in the car and quickly said we should stop at the Idaline Street house (our rental property) to finalize the paint and floor since the carpenter was coming the next day. During the past few weeks, we had been renovating my mother’s rental house, which happened to be the house that my mom and I lived in when I was a little girl. We hopped over to the rental unit quickly and looked at the first floor for paint and floor colors and were going to head out to Hello Bistro and Lowes. Brad stopped and said we should check out the second floor really quickly to make sure that nothing needed painted. I, of course afraid of my own shadow, did not like to go upstairs due to it being dark. Brad went upstairs first and I followed him. He went into the room where my mom and I slept when I was little (I slept next to her until about 15 years old). He was looking in the closets finding a few things the last tenant left. He opened one closet and said, “I do not know what to make of this.” I almost ran from the room thinking it was a dead animal or some random scary thing. He abruptly said, “No, no come look.” He opened the doors and there was a flickering glare and rose petals everywhere. I knew what was happening but at the same time was just in a total state of shock. Inside the closet was over 200 roses, candles, and 100 pictures of us throughout our whole relationship. I stared for a very long time and turned around to see Brad. Brad said so sweetly, “I know that you have been dreaming of your wedding day since you were a little girl in this exact room, and I want to start that journey with you in that same place.” (or something like that but much better said). And then he said much more that is so special to me! Of course I was bawling and said, “Yes!!!” Wow, what a surprise. The beautiful ring was hanging from a red ribbon. Brad took it down and placed the ring on my left hand. Oh my, did it sparkle.
Describe the wedding. The look, theme, style, colors, etc.
Elegant, romantic, but yet glamorous. Full of passion. A beautiful mix of ivory and gold with a pinch of champagne. Very classy Pittsburgh.
What inspired your vision?
My vision was inspired by the dreams I had of a luscious ivory and gold wedding since I was a little girl. The combo of roses and hydrangeas mixed with accents of gold just have a way of stating elegance.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
The opening of the doors at St. Stanislaus Kostka church to see each other for the first time in front of 260+ guests. The second favorite memory was the rose petals coming out of the ceiling of the church when we walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs.
Vendors
Band: City Heat | Bride’s Dress: Ysa Makino from Anne Gregory for the Bride | Bride’s Accessories: Lisa Marie Kotchey Designs | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: The Exquisite Bride | Broach Bouquets: DelPizzo Designs | Cake: DelPizzo Designs | Candy Bar: DelPizzo Designs | Caterer: Omni William Penn Hotel | Ceremony Location: St. Stanislaus Kostka Church | Cookies: Margaret Sammel | Decor: DelPizza Designs | Desserts: Oakmont Bakery | Flowers: Primrose Flower Shop | Hair: Izzazu | Lighting: SoundWaves Event Group | Linens: Mosaic | Makeup: Valarie Panei | Menswear: Jack’s Tuxedos | Photobooth: SoundWaves Event Group | Photographer: Whitling Photography | Popcorn Bar: Pittsburgh Popcorn Company | Reception Venue: Omni William Penn Hotel | Rentals: VaseSource | Stationery: Arabella Papers | Transportation: Elite Coach Transportation | Videography: Traveling Heart Productions | Wedding Planner: Dolly Kust
Photographer: Whitling Photography | Videography: Traveling Heart Productions