Woodsy, warm, and welcoming, this Seven Springs wedding is proof that there’s just something extra special about a January fete. Amy and Joe chose the mountainous Pittsburgh wedding venue because they wanted a winter weekend getaway for all of their guests. With a layer of fresh snow on the ground, the newlyweds’ family and friends got to enjoy skiing, snow tubing, hiking, and relaxing in the lodge before celebrating the couple’s union. After a snowy first look and exchanging their vows privately, Amy walked down the aisle wearing a delicate lace gown from Bridal Beginning while sporting a soft half-up hairstyle and a burgundy lip from JL Makeup Studio & Beauty Boutique. The rustic yet sparkling Winterberry Room provided the cozy ambiance Amy and Joe were looking for for their ceremony and reception. Jessica Elyse Events oversaw all of the details, which included faux fur textures, gold beaded chargers, and frosted acrylic signs. The Rick provided the entertainment while Alyssa Vanston Photography captured every picture-perfect moment. If you’re looking for the benefits of a destination wedding weekend without going too far from home, this wedding is sure to inspire.

About the Couple

From the groom…

We planned a fall trip to the Finger Lakes in New York to go on hikes and visit the wineries and breweries in the area. The day before the planned proposal, there was a huge storm that took down power lines and caused major flooding around the lake. My plan to propose by a waterfall was potentially ruined because the stream we had to cross to get there was now too high. I called the photographer and owner of the property to see if the waterfall was still a possibility. The owner called me back and told me he had built a wooden bridge that morning so we could make it across the stream to get to the waterfall. We finally made our way to a little café on the property, where we enjoyed lunch and some wine. The waitress (who was in on the plan) suggested we walk around the property and check out the waterfall. We made our way down the trail and I finally convinced Amy to cross the bridge to check out the waterfall. Once we got to the spot, I got down on one knee and proposed with the photographer hiding in the woods under camo gear to capture the whole thing. We celebrated with champagne by the waterfall and took a few more pictures before surprising Amy with a nice dinner and room at a new hotel by the lake. The final surprise was leaving two days early and meeting our families at Lake Chautauqua for a surprise engagement party.

About the Wedding

We wanted a venue that was warm and welcoming and would allow us to spend quality time with each other and our loved ones. We chose Seven Springs because we wanted to enjoy time together in a cozy winter resort while giving our guests the opportunity for a winter weekend getaway. The fresh snow right before the wedding weekend provided the perfect backdrop to our wedding. Seven Springs was the perfect location to meet up with our guests throughout the weekend. Many guests enjoyed skiing, tubing, and hiking while others spent time relaxing at the lodge or catching up at one of the many bars and restaurants on the property. We enjoyed many benefits of a destination wedding without having to travel too far from home.

Favorite Moment

Our favorite moment was reading our private vows right before the ceremony. We got to spend some time alone with snow falling around us in front of a beautiful waterfall. Helen’s, the restaurant close by, brought us champagne and let us come in to get warm around the fire. We were so thankful to have this time together in the middle of the day. We also really enjoyed dancing together surrounded by our family and friends to a perfectly curated set by The Rick.