Luxurious & Rustic Fall Wedding at Harmony Opera Hall: Emily & Jeff

The groom’s classic style and the bride’s affinity for the vintage, worn-in vibe were combined flawless in this luxurious but rustic fall wedding.  Emily and Jeff celebrated with 80 of their closest family and friends during a day that was both elegant and personal.  To fuse their styles, the couple mixed metallic details like sequin linens and mercury glass with wooden elements.  A chic and feminine color palette of ivory, gold, and rose gold was combined with hints of burgundy and orange to create warmth, while subtle fall touches – like painted mini pumpkins and a picture perfect ceremony arbor – brought the season to life.  The couple’s go-to beer and a dinner of comfort food made everyone feel right at home.  That cozy, close, homemade feeling is just what the bride and groom were going for, so I’d say mission accomplished.  A few things I loved the most?

• Emily’s shoes.  Talk about glamorous!  The gold BHLDN heels featured a bedazzled toe that is straight up sparkle.  I need them in my closet STAT.
• Instead of traditional bouquets, the bridesmaids carried matching rose gold Kate Spade clutches.  This spin on the status quo is cute and I am certain those clutches will be carried for many seasons to come!
• An antique car that added character to the entire day.  From Emily and her dad arriving at the ceremony in it to it making an appearance in her and Jeff’s portraits, this rented vintage ride was soooo cool.

Kelsey Kradel Photography snapped all of the swoon-worthy pics.  Prepare yourself to be inspired!

From the bride…

When and how did you two meet?

In 2010, we met on a popular dating site.  Jeff IM’ed me, “So, are you going to be my girlfriend or what?” After a week or so of chatting online, we finally agreed to meet.  And as the story often goes, the rest is history.  It was truly love at first sight.

Juicy details on the proposal, please!  Where, when, how?

On Christmas morning 2014, Jeff called me into the living room to start opening presents.  When I walked in, he was down on one knee under our Christmas tree with the most beautiful diamond ring.  We spent a few hours with this big secret all to ourselves, eating Christmas cookies, and drinking endless mugs of coffee before we told our families.

Describe the wedding.  The look, theme, style, colors, etc.

We wanted everything to look worn-in and comfortable, but elegant.  Jeff has classic taste and I have a bit of a vintage/rustic side to my style.  By dressing the bridal party in classic black apparel and pairing that with warm, ivory linens, shades of gold and rose gold, and hints of burgundy and orange in the flowers, our wedding was warm, comfy, and as elegant as we had hoped.  We were able to mix bottles of Yuengling and pot roast with pan gravy with black tie and gold pumpkins to create an ambiance we could all be comfortable with.

What inspired your vision?

We wanted everything to feel homemade, personal, and close.  We had a guest list of only 80 and incorporated rustic wooden decor items mixed with metallics to achieve a warm, cozy feeling to the entire night.

What made your wedding unique?

We had an amazing vintage car rental that drove me and my dad into the ceremony space.  It made the perfect addition to our photos around Harmony.

What was your favorite moment of the day?

Seeing Jeff at the end of the aisle made the chaos of the day melt away.  It started pouring rain about 5 – 10 minutes before our outdoor ceremony, but everyone made it work.  Once I saw his face, I warmed up and have never felt more sure about anything in my life.

What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?

Stay true to yourself.  If someone tells you they don’t like your colors, they want you to choose a different day, or they prefer fish over chicken – just smile, nod, and choose what YOU want to do.  The day goes by too quickly for you to please others.

Also, I highly recommend having a sweetheart table separated a bit from the rest of the room.  Ours was on a stage, and we were able to eat our meals in peace for a few minutes.  It was so nice to look out on all of our guests and soak in a few minutes alone.

Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live withouts?  Anything you would you differently?

Must haves: Hire a great glam squad and a day-of coordinator.  I tried so hard not to hire a coordinator, but it was well worth the cost.  She dealt with the issue of rain while I got my makeup done.  The only anxiety I felt was about what I should have been anxious about – getting married to my soulmate!

And yes, it rained on our special day.  But we still got married!  I woke up the morning of my wedding completely at peace and decided to get married in the park as planned, rain or shine.  We rented a tent, and our day-of coordinator handled the rest.  There are some things you just can’t plan for, such as the fact that it hadn’t rained in Harmony on September 30th in over 10 years!

Also, have you ever tried to do your makeup while you’re nervous?  Don’t even try to do it on your own for your wedding.  If you can’t hire a professional, at least ask a friend to help you.  Eyeliner is so hard when your hands are shaking from nerves!

Vendors

Bride’s Dress: Anais Anette from Glitter & Grit | Bride’s Accessories: Jewelry from both the mother of the bride and mother of the groom; pearl stud earrings from the groom on the day of the wedding | Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaids Clutches: Kate Spade | Cake: Tin Man Sweets Bake Shoppe | Cake Topper: Etsy | Caterer: Bistro To Go | Ceremony Location: Wood Street Park | Day of Coordinator: Denise from Eventioneers | DJ: DJ Loyal Martinez | Flowers: The Farmer’s Daughter | Groom’s Suit: Saks Fifth Avenue | Hair: Simply Captivating Styling | Linens: Linen Tablecloth | Makeup: Ryan Reed Makeup | Photographer: Kelsey Kradel Photography | Pumpkins: Soergel Orchards | Reception Venue: The Center of Harmony Opera Hall | Rentals: Eventioneers | Stationery: Bliss Paper Boutique | Transportation: BMZ Classics Antique Car Rental | Violinist: Steven Vance Violin & DJ Music | Welcome Sign: DIY by the maid of honor

Rentals: Eventioneers | Violinist: Steven Vance Violin & DJ Music

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