The low key wedding trend is in full force and I’m all about it. Marissa and Adam were too. Rather than making their special day a big production, they opted to keep things casual. Thirty friends and family joined under a massive tree in the middle of Frick Park to take in the sunny day and the couple’s vows. Despite the woodsy setting, Marissa still looked ravishing in a figure flattering off-the-shoulder sheath wedding dress from none other than JCPenney. After the unconventional yet heartfelt ceremony, Marissa and Adam joined their guests for a family style feast at their favorite local restaurant – Legume. The party didn’t stop there though. The crowd enjoyed cake and dancing at the oh-so-inspirational Workshop PGH. The space, which typically hosts DIY classes and events, gave off the perfect whimsical-meets-industrial vibe with some fun, colorful pennant banners, cool art installations, and eclectic pieces. Marissa said it best with, “Remember that it’s about the people, not the things.” This wedding is what it’s all about folks – love, laughter, and being surrounded by those that mean the most. Enjoy the beautiful coverage of this intimate day from Whitling Photography.
From the bride…
Tell me about yourselves! When and how did you two meet? How long have you been together? How did you get engaged? All the juicy details!
Adam’s a kick-ass cancer survivor/recent med school grad who’s looking to specialize in Radiation Oncology. He’s also an insanely good cook (in my opinion) and a whiz when it comes to DIY bicycle repair. I am obsessed with our local farmers market and have recently rekindled my love affair with the Harry Potter series (this time on tape). We are both voracious readers, love Asian food (of any kind), and most weekends can be found either hiking through the woods, chilling in the park, or eating dumplings.
Adam and I grew up together, but we didn’t start dating until our friend circles started mingling the summer before our junior year of high school. Since then (~11 years?), we’ve weathered long distance dating, major life changes, multiple moves, med school, and a year-long bout with cancer and chemo (Adam’s been cancer-free since June 2015! Woot woot!).
If I could, I would attach a picture of the both of us in our pee wee soccer photo. We are adorable, but neither of us remember being on the same team.
Describe the look, theme, style, and colors of the wedding. What inspired it? What was unique about it?
Our wedding was everything we could have hoped for: intimate, sunny, low-stress, and full of laughter, good food, and music. We wanted to show our loved ones (most of whom are from out of town) why we fell in love with Pittsburgh, so we got married in the beautiful Frick Park, had dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants (Legume), and partied at a really fun venue near where we live (Workshop PGH). We didn’t want the day to feel like a big production and we wanted to be able to spend time with our guests, so we kept the guest list to about 30 people. This meant that on our special day, we were surrounded by our nearest and dearest and actually had time to eat!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
We have many, but here’s a sample:
- Exchanging our vows
- Seeing all of our favorite people having a great time during dinner
- The impromptu sparkler dance party that happened later that night outside of Workshop PGH
- The cake! There is nothing quite like Prantl’s burnt almond torte, and we LOVED their red velvet cake.
Is there any advice you would give to other couples planning their big day?
- Perfect is the enemy of good. Your wedding doesn’t have to be Instagram worthy; it just needs to make you and your partner happy.
- Remember that it’s about the people, not the things.
- Stick to your budget, but have an emergency fund for unexpected items.
- Smile, take deep breaths, and focus on having fun. Don’t sweat the small stuff (see item #1).
Vendors
Bride’s Dress: Scarlett from JCPenney | Bride’s Bracelet: Charming Charlie | Bride’s Earrings: Francesca’s | Bride’s Flower Crown: Workshop PGH | Bride’s Shoes: Forever 21 | Cake: Prantl’s Bakery | Cake and Dance Party Venue: Workshop PGH | Caterer: Legume | Dinner Venue: Legume | DJ: DJ Hypnotik from Loyalty Entertainment | Flowers: Workshop PGH and Legume | Hair: DIY | Lash Extensions: Luxurious Lashes by Lisa | Lighting: Loyalty Entertainment | Makeup: DIY | Rings: Orr’s Jewelers | Menswear: J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, Allen Edmonds, and Calvin Klein | Photography: Whitling Photography | Stationery: Walmart | Transportation: Antique Coach Excursions
Photography: Whitling Photography
“Perfect is the enemy of good. Your wedding doesn’t have to be Instagram worthy; it just needs to make you and your partner happy.”
May be my favorite thing I’ve ever read on a wedding blog. Or about a wedding.
We need to make t-shirts that say that. It’s so perfect.