Who says an ACE Hotel wedding can’t just ooze romance? Even though this now-closed (RIP) Pittsburgh wedding venue was a bit untraditional, that didn’t make it any less gorgeous. Phebe and Daniel were inspired to create a wedding day ambiance that contrasted beautifully with the industrial and hipster vibes of the old gymnasium ballroom. With a little help from A & L Events, EF Lighting, Gidas Flowers, Mosaic, and All Occasions Party Rental, lush, feminine vibes were brought to life. String lights, golden chairs, and florals in shades of white, blush, and sage softened the reception space. This seemingly traditional wedding wasn’t without a few surprises though. A funfetti wedding cake, a groom in a checkered suit, and custom cookies to resemble the couple’s beloved dogs were big hits! With images from Kathryn Hyslop Photography, this sweet and swoon-worthy wedding is sure to capture your heart!
About the Couple
We met in high school. We had chemistry together (which is incidentally one of Daniel’s favorite jokes to make and was incorporated into our wedding ceremony by our officiant, my cousin, Mora). After I graduated with my Master’s, I moved back to Pittsburgh and we got engaged a little less than a year later. It was a Thursday evening in June. We were walking our dogs in Frick Park and suddenly Daniel was down on one knee. Neither of us actually remembers what he said, but I do know it was absolutely perfect – just the two of us, in one of our favorite places, doing something we love to do together.
About the Wedding
The Ace Hotel was such a unique venue and informed a lot of our choices. Getting married in “an old gym” doesn’t exactly sound romantic, but it was SUCH a cool venue and Daniel fell in love immediately. A & L Events was instrumental in making it all come together so beautifully. We wanted to go with classic blush and white florals and tons of greenery and gold accents to contrast with the industrial feel of the venue. We also chose uplighting and string lights to draw attention to the awesome high ceilings in the gymnasium, where we held the reception. The non-traditional venue inspired and emboldened us to make a lot of less traditional choices and make sure our personalities were infused in the day. Daniel’s checkered suit and reception sneakers, the mismatched bridesmaids dresses, a funfetti wedding cake, and eclectic music choices were really fun and special for us. We made sure to include our pups by donating to the animal shelters where we adopted our dogs instead of doing favors, and my mom had custom cookies made to look like Carmen and Wade! Above all, we wanted our wedding to be a fun party for all of our family and friends who have supported us and loved as individuals and as a couple. I think we achieved it!
Favorite Moment
My favorite part of the day was when Daniel and I did a first look in our reception area. Spending a few quiet moments with each other enjoying the results of months of planning and preparation was so special. Some of my favorite pictures are ones of us sitting at the table and talking in the empty gym.
Daniel says, “When I saw Phebe walking down the aisle, it was just a feeling of joy. I knew in that moment all of the years of long distance and the struggles that came with it were so worth it to end up where we did.”
