We’ve seen a fair amount of backyard tented weddings this past year, but none of them are quite like Colleen and Brett’s. Traditional but stylish, their September celebration started at a historic church in the city before heading to a private estate in Sewickley for a sweet outdoor reception that came together with the help of All in Good Taste Productions and PartySavvy. The wow-worthy aesthetic included tiki torches to light a pathway around the property, a clear top tent filled with chandeliers, gold chiavari chairs and patterned linens, as well as autumn-colored blooms. Guests mingled around the poolside cocktail hour area before enjoying an evening that was complete with dinner, dancing, a photo booth, cookie table, a liquid nitrogen dessert bar, AND a firework display. Talk about goals! Once friends and family cleared the tent to send off the newlyweds, Brett and Colleen shared a private moment dancing to their song, which was photographer Jenna Hidinger Photography’s favorite part of the day – one she surely did capture wonderfully! You’re about to witness a great deal of wedding beauty. Be prepared to fall in love!
About the Couple
We met during my last year of medical school, while I was living in Pittsburgh. Brett had just started his career as a police officer. We went on several dates and before we knew it, we were inseparable. The challenging part came when I had to move several hours away to start my residency. Even with the distance, our relationship continued to blossom!
Brett and I were planning a Caribbean cruise, and little did I know he would be proposing on the first night! He had called the cruise line and had everything planned out to a T! He had arranged a relaxing spa day for me while he tied up the loose ends once we were on the ship. After a romantic dinner, we took a walk through the Central Park-themed area on the ship. We walked past a guitar player who was sitting on a bench in a more secluded area of the park. Once I realized he was playing our favorite country song, Brett got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Of course, I said yes! He even managed to hire a photographer to capture the moment and take us on a quick photo shoot around the ship!
About the Wedding
We wanted a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a casual, chic reception with great food and music where all our family and friends could celebrate with us in a unique setting. We had originally planned for a different, downtown venue but had to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The change was the best decision we made! We were stunned with how everything turned out!
Our reception was held at a family member’s exquisite estate. The cocktail hour was held around the pool, which was decorated with a mixture of low and high top tables each with arrangements of fall flowers. Dinner and dancing were under a clear top tent lit by chandeliers and a wall of hurricane candles behind the bridal table. The guest tables were decorated with a fall arrangement of antique hydrangeas, roses, and curly willow surrounded by gold mosaic votives. Large propane tiki torches surrounded the property so the guests could stroll around the beautifully landscaped grounds to enjoy the photo booth, the Pittsburgh cookie table, and liquid nitrogen frozen desserts station. We had specialty wedding masks created by Brett’s cousin for all our guests. We also had a signature drink called “ Ja-Mako Me Crazy”, which combined our honeymoon destination (Jamaica) and our German Shephard dog, Mako. Our big surprise after dinner was a beautiful firework display followed by a Rolls Royce replica car for our grand exit!
The color chosen for the bridesmaids was a rich forest green, which paired well with Brett and his groomsmen’s choice of blue custom suits. Brett chose to have a custom suit made by Surmesur. He was able to choose everything, down to the color of stitching, lining of both the jacket and vest, and the fun catchphrases that were sewn into each piece. Brett completed the look with special shoelaces that matched the green ties and the green bridesmaids dresses.
We took a few dance lessons to prepare for our first dance. We were nervous leading up to the wedding day but it was so fun and romantic dancing to our favorite song! It was a completely unexpected surprise for the guests, and they said it looked like we had been dancing together for years!
Favorite Moment
From the photographer…
My personal favorite moment of the day was a moment at the very end when all of the guests were cleared out of the reception, and Brett and Colleen danced to their song one last time, with all of the lights dimmed, all by themselves. It was such a sweet, intimate way to end their day! I actually teared up!
