Masked guests and a socially distanced reception might be markers of a 2020 event, but this wedding at Southpointe Golf Club is as timeless as ever. That’s because a chic black and white color palette, monochromatic florals, metallic gold accents, and a romance ambiance will never, ever go out of style. While COVID-19 forced this couple to downsize their wedding, change venues, and move the entire thing outdoors, it didn’t stop McCall and Casey from having a day that was full of meaning, elegance, and love. This pair let the simplicity of their style speak for itself, thereby putting an emphasis on their love story and the people who were there to witness it. McCall’s bridesmaids wore classic little black dress designed by Hayley Paige and purchased from Bridal Beginning. The bride herself wore a fresh and natural makeup look from JL Makeup Studio & Beauty Boutique, as well as a seemingly understated Rita Vinieris wedding dress (but keep your eyes peeled for a show-stopping bow in the back!) From white roses chosen for the bride’s sorority to her grandmother’s pearls serving as her “something old” to gifting guests favors of chocolate from McCall’s grandma’s candy store – nearly every part of this wedding had meaning, which makes it all the more special. We guarantee once you see theses images from Jeannine Bonadio Photography, you’re going to think so too!
About the Couple
We met at Duquesne University. Despite having similar classes and some overlapping friend groups, it took until our final semester for our paths to cross. We had a class together and quickly developed a friendship, bonding over our coursework and our love for Pittsburgh sports. It wasn’t until the night before graduation that one of us finally admitted we were more than just friends. Casey proposed a year and a half later on the rooftop of Hotel Monaco. An elaborate ruse that we were headed to a work event at the hotel ended up leading to an aisle of candles where he got down on one knee and popped the question.
About the Wedding
A lot of our vision changed when our wedding plans were altered by COVID-19. Our downtown hotel ballroom bash was downsized and simplified to a romantic outdoor gathering with under 100 people. It was certainly not my original vision but the beauty of the golf course, the stars, and the fresh air brought an effortlessly romantic feel.
From the very beginning, we knew we wanted a classic and timeless wedding. I always dreamed about a black tie affair for my wedding day, complete with tuxes and champagne. My idea was that the simplicity of the details would showcase the people and the love of the day. I opted for the simple beauty of white flowers and candles to create romance and intimacy. For my sister and sorority sisters, my bouquet was white roses. I even intentionally chose an understated dress; the giant bow was just the right of drama without distracting from the person in the dress. With the craziness of 2020, we focused on creating a timeless experience for our guests with a familial focus on our details. I wore my great grandmother’s pearls as my something old, and our favors were chocolate hearts from the candy store my Grandma owned and operated for 30 years. I also surprised Casey with a groom’s cake honoring his first true love – Pitt and Steelers football.
Favorite Moment
I always thought it would be walking down the aisle but it was actually a moment during the reception when our photographer and videographer took us to a small putting green next to the reception space for sunset pictures. Casey and I just danced and ran around holding onto each other with that “just married” bliss while we could hear our friends and family laughing and enjoying themselves in the background. After postponing and all the changes, that moment really made me pause and realize just how lucky we were to be there, how grateful I was for the village of people supporting us, and how happy I was to be looking at the incredible man that was finally my husband.
