Let’s toast to 2017 and ring in 2018 with this New Year’s Eve wedding, shall we? Anthony had teased Kelly with a NYE affair long before they were even engaged; over five years later he delivered on that promise. In typical end-of-year fashion, this was one heck of a party! After a traditional church ceremony, the newlyweds and their family and friends celebrated at a local residence (whose owners graciously opened up their home as host for the occasion!). The vibe was organic chic meets sparkly glam with long greenery table runners, taper candles, lots of metallic gold and silver details, a wooden bar handmade by the father of the bride, and sparklers to match the holiday. Polka dots and pineapples – two things that have deep meaning in Kelly and Anthony’s relationship – even made an appearance. When midnight drew near, the party moved indoors for a countdown complete with noise makers, champagne, party hats, balloons, and a confetti drop! Quite the paaaar-taaay! Enjoy every last second captured by Jackson Signature Photography!
From the bride…
When and how did you two meet?
A mutual friend posted a picture of herself and me on Facebook. Anthony said, “I need to meet that girl. Who is she?” A few weeks later, my friend talked me into going out for the Steelers game. I do not like football, which is hard to even admit growing up in the city of Pittsburgh, but I agreed to go. My friend told me she wanted to introduce me to someone and said, “I think you’ll love him!” He first said hi and then “Do you want a shot?” I now say he didn’t have me from hello but rather “Do you want a shot”!
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
Three months into dating, I was going to Punta Cana on New Year’s Day. After a few drinks on New Year’s Eve, Anthony asked me if I always do something fun or travel for New Year’s. Then, he said he wanted to have a New Year’s Eve wedding. Since we had dated for three months, I shook it off. Anthony told me that the next New Year’s Eve that falls on a Saturday would be the day I marry my best friend. He even put it in my calendar on my phone.
Four years later on October 30, Anthony proposed. That night ,we planned on celebrating our anniversary. I came home from work and Anthony wanted to take our dogs for a walk. After our walk, Anthony went to get the mail and I walked to the front door. A cute girl was sitting in front of the house nearby, and I said hi, wishing it was someone interested in the house that was up for sale. Little did I know it was my future wedding photographer! While I was opening the door, Anthony gave me a pineapple planner and said, “This is to plan our wedding.” I was so upset and confused about why he would even say that, but then I turned around and he was down on one knee!
Describe the look, theme, style, and colors of the wedding.
The theme of our wedding was gold and silver accents with our favorite pattern – polka dots. We wanted the wedding to be different and a true party. We had stations all around the house so people could walk through the house and appreciate its decor and history. We might have been crazy but our wedding happened in three different rooms, including an outdoor tent at the end of December in Pittsburgh! The cocktail hour was in the house, followed by dancing in the tent, and a party on the third floor until 2 a.m.
What inspired your vision?
Anthony created our vision three months into dating and we knew we always wanted to get married on NYE. There was always something special about a New Years Eve wedding that fit our style.
What made your wedding unique?
We wanted to have our reception where no one else had had theirs. We wanted to make it our own. Having an outdoor wedding in December is a bit risky but anyone that knows Anthony and me knew we would try and pull it off! Our parents helped bring our vision to life. My father handmade the bar and it’s now a piece we have in our house to always remember the best party of our lives. Despite having a winter wedding, pineapples were incorporated all throughout the wedding because it is one of my favorites 🙂
What was your favorite moment of the day?
One of my favorite moments was Anthony and I having a private dinner to ourselves. While our guests were at cocktail hour, Anthony and I enjoyed our dinner together. My second moment was us being introduced for the first time as husband and wife. We came out to “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. It was truly the best song to go along with the theme of the wedding. We wore Ring Pops to “put our pinky finger up to the moon”. Anthony wore bright metallic gold shoes and our bridal party had sparklers. It was a moment I will never forget.
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
Remember that your wedding day is about you as a couple, what you like, and what you both envision your day to be. Anthony and I truly were focused on having the best day of our lives, even if it included not leaving the dance floor! I think another thing to remember is details are amazing and depict who you are as a couple, but on your wedding day let the main detail be the love that you have for each other.
Vendors
Bride’s Dress: Tara Keely from Bridal Beginning | Bride’s Accessories: Kate Spade | Bride’s Shoes: Cole Haan | Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell from Nordstrom | Cake: Market District | Cookies: Priory Fine Pastries | Caterer: Just Ask Catering | Ceremony Location: St. Basil’s Church | Custom Bar: Handmade by the Father of the Bride | DJ: DJ Underdog | Favors: Copper mugs from RP & Associates | Flowers: The Farmer’s Daughter | Groom’s Attire: Indochino | Groomsmen: J. Crew | Hair: Carol Piccolino at Izzazu | Homemade Wine: Father of the Groom | Ice Sculpture: Ice Creations | Lighting: DJ Underdog | Linens: Mosaic | Makeup: Lauren Barth at Chanel | Musicians: Steven Vance Violin & DJ Music and Michael Todd Live Music | Photographer: Jackson Signature Photography | Reception Venue: Private residence | Rentals: Taylor Rental and A-K Tent Rental | Stationery: Minted | Transportation: Tortorice Limousine | Videography: Light Motion Studios
Bride’s Dress: Bridal Beginning | Musicians: Steven Vance Violin & DJ Music
