This sophisticated, colorful wedding was six years in the making. That’s right…Bianca and Peter had been together for six whole years by the time they said their I Dos. These two were already so much of a couple that they even went through the proposal process together, with Bianca picking out her own engagement ring. When it came time to plan their big day, the pair took inspiration from their very own experiences together. They both grew up going to the same Sunday mass at the same Catholic church. Naturally, that is also where they chose to exchange their vows. Bianca and Peter also both have roots in Sewickley, making their reception venue choice of the Allegheny Country Club a no brainer as well. From there, their wedding day took on a multitude of colors – blush, peach, purple, mint, ivory, gold, and silver, to name just a few – while still maintaining a chic, minimalist quality. But don’t think this wedding didn’t have a plethora of intimate, thoughtful details. Here are just a few:
- A Father/Daughter First Look! You can just feel the pride and love that Bianca’s dad was feeling for her when you see the photos of these two seeing each other for the first time that day. What a very sweet moment for them!
- Personalized invitations. Bianca and Peter enlisted the help of Tina Armenante for a custom illustration that depicted the two of them on a motor bike. A darling touch of personality to this otherwise very classy affair!
- An unplugged ceremony! It was really important to Bianca and Peter that they seeing their guests’ faces during those very special moments. So they asked their friends and family to keep their phones and cameras put away and really be present while they became husband and wife.
- Purposeful quiet time! This bride and groom made a point to carve out some alone time together on their wedding day. Just prior to joining their guests at the cocktail hour, Bianca and Peter had a few moments to themselves in a separate room. A few drinks, some hors d’oeuvres, and a little bit of relaxation allowed them to soak in the day before getting the party started!
From some beautiful getting ready shots to some downright EPIC sunset photos, Kathryn Hyslop Photography documented all of the beauty of this big day. You can never go wrong with tradition or color and this wedding is proof.
From the bride…
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
We decided to embark on the engagement stage together, without surprises. It was special and exciting to shop for and pick out an engagement ring together. I didn’t expect to know much more of the where/when/how of the engagement, but a few weeks later the jeweler called ME to confirm that my ring was ready! I relayed the message to Peter and really didn’t expect him to make it to the jeweler in time to pick it up. When I got home later that evening, Pete was waiting for me on my apartment balcony; he spoke the most beautiful and eloquent sentiments, and he got down on one knee. The proposal was not a spectacular event, but it happened so perfectly because we experienced every step of it together, as partners in life.
Describe the wedding. The look, theme, style, colors, etc.
For the ceremony and celebration, we focused on having intimate and personal experiences that were true to us. We put a lot of thought into every little detail, but nothing was over-the-top or extravagant.
The Catholic ceremony had most guests misty-eyed as they witnessed the special moments. It was important to us to walk down the aisle and see our guests’ faces, so we asked guests to refrain from using their phones and cameras.
The reception was held at the stunning Allegheny Country Club with a charming indoor space and an outdoor patio overlooking the golf course. We had about 70 guests and about 90% of the guests were our age, our closest and best friends. (We both have remarkably small families.) Our guests described our wedding as elegant, timeless, and sophisticated up until DJ Tom turned the evening into an EPIC, high-energy dance party. Our friend graciously hosted an after-party, so the celebration continued on until early the next morning.
What inspired your vision?
Both of our roots in Sewickley inspired our wedding day. We chose to be married at St. James Catholic Church, which is where we both coincidentally grew up going to the same 11:30 a.m. mass. We decided to have our reception at Allegheny Country Club because it is so naturally charming and only two miles away from the church. The reception venue shaped a vision of simple, classic, and colorful details.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
While we can’t choose one favorite moment, there are a few moments that stand out to us. For me, it was walking down the aisle during the ceremony and then while being on the altar, sneakily turning around to look at everyone during mass. My friends found it hilarious, but I really wanted to soak it in and see everyone who was present.
For Pete, he really enjoyed the “us” time that we scheduled into the day. After the ceremony and photo session, we went to a room at the Allegheny Country Club, where we ate hors d’oeuvres, had a drink, and relaxed before joining the cocktail hour. It was incredibly special to reflect on the day’s events and have quality time together before starting the celebration.
We both really enjoyed the moments when we snuck away with our photographer towards the end of the evening for photos. It felt as though time froze and the only thing going on was just the two of us being in love.
Finally, the dancing was phenomenal with every single guest on the dance floor. We’d never laughed so much, danced so hard, or smiled so wide in our lives!
Bride to Bride
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
My advice would be to not worry about what other people say, especially about rushing to make decisions. Remember, you made the biggest and hardest decision already, which was saying “yes” your soul mate. Enjoy your engagement because it is a fun time to plan an amazing celebration together. Fill your wedding with many personal touches that you both actually care about and skip what you don’t.
You do you and everyone else will enjoy your wedding because they love you!
Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live withouts? Anything you would do differently?
Can’t live withouts:
I made a budget spreadsheet that also served as my to-do list.
My superstar photographer met with us to make a detailed timeline for the day that included groups to be photographed. That timeline served immensely helpful for myself and family, as well as other vendors involved in our wedding.
Must dos:
Take at least one moment to step back with your partner to soak in and enjoy the momentous event that’s unfolding. We set out time between the ceremony and reception to be alone and reflect. Then, throughout the reception, we stepped back to look at everyone having fun together. Doing that just made us more elated and connected than ever so that the day did not feel like it was over in the blink of an eye. It’s such a special time to have all the family and friends from all stages of both of your lives to be together in the same room, all to celebrate your love……soak. it. all. in.
Research your vendors and choose wisely because if you let go and trust them and their expertise, it’s one less worry for you. My vendor list is also a must-do because I loved every one of them!
Vendors
Bride’s Dress: Bridal Beginning | Bride’s Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew | Cake: Food Glorious Food | Ceremony Location: St. James Catholic Church | DJ: DJ Tom Walter from Modern Era Weddings | Flowers: Alpha Dahlias arranged by Kristian Paladin | Hair: Hair Symmetry Two | Invitation Illustrator: Tina Armenante | Makeup: Angie Melhorn | Photographer: Kathryn Hyslop Photography | Reception Venue: Allegheny Country Club | Videography: Josh Baez from Modern Era Weddings
DJ: DJ Tom Walter from Modern Era Weddings | Photographer: Kathryn Hyslop Photography | Videography: Josh Baez from Modern Era Weddings
