A successful relationship starts with great chemistry and Marissa and Chandler just so happen to share a lot of it! As chemists who both met and work at PPG, it only made sense that they implemented a science-style theme into their PointView Hall wedding. To spruce up the space with elements relating to their field of work in an elegant manner, they enlisted a talented team of Pittsburgh wedding vendors including Eventioneers and The 1978 Collection to make it happen. Purple florals – courtesy of Hearts and Flowers Floral Design – sprouted through lab beakers serving as glass vases, table numbers were named after periodic elements, favors were displayed in test tubes, and molecules were hand-drawn on every escort card by the bride herself. Tasty Bakery even added a molecular design to the couple’s wedding cake that was complete with an acrylic geometric cake topper. The countless thoughtful details were certainly not overlooked by guests or Weddings by Sal & Bella, who delivered a must-see gallery that received a positive reaction!
About the Couple
Chandler and I are both chemists. We met the first day I started working at PPG. I vividly remember meeting him as he came to greet me after my orientation. Chandler was welcoming and helpful that day and throughout my training. Our relationship as colleagues started as a friendship. It wasn’t until about six months later after spending more time together socially through work events and happy hours with our fellow coworkers that we decided to start dating.
Four years later, Chandler proposed at our townhouse. During the proposal he spoke of the Celtic trinity knot and how the three points stood for our unity, faith, and commitment to each other. He iterated that the knot has no beginning or end and therefore represent our eternal love. When he showed me the engagement ring, it had two Celtic trinity knots on either side of the diamond. The ring was more beautiful and unique than anything I would’ve designed for myself. Most importantly, I think about the meaning behind it and all the thought Chandler put into it every time I look at it!
About the Wedding
Not only is chemistry often used to describe compatibility in relationships, but it is literally what brought us together, so I knew I wanted to use it as the theme for our wedding. At first, we weren’t sure what venue would be right for us. As soon as I thought of the Kamin Science Center, we knew it was the perfect fit, especially after seeing PointView Hall. Being a chemist has also led me to being a very detailed-oriented person, so I really wanted to incorporate chemistry elements into all of the little details. I think what truly made our wedding unique is the way we were able to incorporate those chemistry details in a classic and elegant way so that it still had the feel of a traditional wedding. My vendors helped to bring my vision to life – from lab glassware used for the floral centerpieces to periodic element table numbers. I even drew organic molecules onto each of the escort cards. During this timely process, I wondered if anyone would even notice little details such as these. However, the day of the wedding, I had multiple people ask which molecule I had given them. In that moment, I realized how much everyone appreciated the effort Chandler and I had put in and that it was all well worth it!
Favorite Moment
Our favorite memories from the wedding involve our first dance. It includes two moments: one the day before the wedding and the other on the day of the wedding. The first was when we were practicing our first dance one final time before our big day. Although we had practiced it so many times previously, that day I really listened to the lyrics and noticed Chandler and I smiling at each other throughout. I got emotional when we finished because in that moment it finally felt real that after all of the preparation – we were actually getting married and we couldn’t have been happier.
The other moment was during our first dance in front of family and friends. Throughout our lessons, we had been practicing a lift towards the end of our routine and had found it challenging to master. On our wedding day though, Chandler lifted me higher than he had the numerous other times we had practiced! Everyone instantaneously bursted into applause. I just remember the joy and excitement we felt in that moment and being able to share it with all of our loved ones. Both moments were so special in their own ways and I’m so glad we had made the decision to do a choreographed first dance!
