Welcome to the Real Love Series! This is where you’ll find beautifully styled and uniquely personalized Pittsburgh weddings, engagements, and styled shoots. What better way to find inspiration for your own Burgh wedding than by looking at all of the lovely events that take place right here? This series is sure to be a favorite and I can’t wait to show off all of the local goodness.
First up, Brynne and Zach at The Club at Nevillewood. All I have to say is “Wow.” This wedding is so insanely gorgeous. As soon as I saw sneak peeks of it on photographer Steven Dray‘s blog, I knew immediately I wanted it to be the first real wedding featured on Burgh Brides. Not only do both Brynne and Zach look like models (really, it’s not fair), but their June 7 chic nuptials were styled nearly to perfection. The traditional affair was inspired by the bride’s love of pastel colors, with touches of metallic, sequins, and crystals to really make things sparkle. Steve did an amazing job capturing the day, including my favorite details:
- That dress! It’s not every day you see a striped wedding gown, or a bride who can rock it so stylishly.
- Sequin linens = my favorite
- A unique guest book that is sure to be a forever favorite in Zach and Brynne’s home
- A sparkler exit that that may or may not include a dress change
- Some of the most beautiful bridal portraits that I’ve ever seen. I’m usually a sucker for black and white photos but there is something so special about the way Steve captures color. Wait until you get a load of how blue Brynne’s eyes are.
Brynne and Zach, thanks for allowing me to start the Real Love series off with such a bang. Let the wedding envy begin.
From the bride…
When and how did you two meet?
Zach and I met in December of 2009 at Penn State. We met through mutual friends halfway through our senior year of college. Once we met, we were nearly inseparable. We started out as great friends but that quickly grew into a relationship.
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
March 2, 2013. Anyone who knows Zach knows that he loves Penn State and it holds a special place in both of our hearts. We traveled back to Penn State one weekend with friends to enjoy a weekend together. We all decided to take a walk along campus, which meant we needed to get some pictures at the Lion Shrine. As Zach and I were getting our last picture together, he helped me down off the lion and got down on one knee. He fumbled in his coat pocket for quite some time (it seemed like forever) and then he pulled out the ring box. Of course, I started crying, but we have the best pictures from our friends to look back on!
Describe the wedding look, theme, style, colors, etc.
Lots of pastel colors and crystals, ultimately creating a chic, whimsical look!
What inspired your vision?
I love soft pastel colors and being that our wedding was at the beginning of June, I felt like it would work perfectly. It was really all I ever imagined it to be.
What made your wedding unique?
We had a very traditional wedding, which we wouldn’t have done differently. We also had a lot of out of town guests so to know that they were traveling long distances just to be with Zach and me on our wedding meant so much to us and was really special.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
My favorite moment followed immediately after our ceremony. After we walked down the aisle together, we walked into the bridal suite and it was our first time together as husband and wife and it was just us two in the room. That was a really special moment that I will never forget; it felt so surreal. We were both just so happy to be married and couldn’t wait to see all of our family and friends.
Bride to Bride
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
Your engagement will fly by! So be sure to take in all of the little moments with your family, friends, AND fiancé. I’d also recommend getting plenty of rest the days leading up to your bridal shower, bachelorette party, and wedding day. Although they will be amazing days for you, they will also be exhausting!
Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live with outs?
Some people choose not to get a videographer due to the added cost, but I am so glad Zach and I decided to use Pictory Productions for our videographer. In addition to our beautiful photographs by Steven, it captured our day in a way I could never explain!
Anything you would do differently?
Yes, I wouldn’t have stressed so much over the little things. It’s funny because your family and friends will tell you this, but until your wedding day, that’s when you understand that the little things really aren’t so much a big deal. All you’re thinking about on your wedding day is all of the love in the room surrounding you and your husband.
Vendors
Bride’s Dress: JLM Couture at Bridal Beginning | Bride’s Jewelry: Custom-made Swarovski crystal bracelet and earrings from Gifted Hands | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale at Garnish Boutique | Cake: Cakes by Tammy | Caterer: The Club at Nevillewood | Ceremony Location: Sts. John and Paul Parish | DJ: DJ Matt Miller from Pittsburgh DJ Company | Flowers: Mocha Rose | Hair: Eikon Hair Lounge | Lighting: Provided by Pittsburgh DJ Company | Linens: Purchased by the bride on Amazon | Makeup: Valarie Panei | Menswear: BLACK by Vera Wang at Men’s Warehouse | Photographer: Steven Dray Images | Reception Venue: The Club at Nevillewood | Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental | Stationery: Love, Jessica | Transportation: Elite Transportation | Videography: Pictory Productions | Wedding Planner: Michele Fischer at The Club at Nevillewood
Love the maiden voyage you took us on! Beautiful wedding! Intrigued that she got her linens on Amazon….will have to check that out! Keep the posts coming!!