When it comes to wedding styles, one of the hottest trends in recent history is organic chic and boy, have I got a doozy for you today! Not only does this wedding embrace the latest look, but it also incorporates hint of vintage glam for a combination that is sophisticated, romantic, and timeless.
Lauren and Danny describe themselves as “old souls”, but Lauren has also always dreamed of a outdoor wedding. So they designed a day at the Frick Art & Historical Center that brought the two ideas together in perfect harmony. To embrace the simple beauty of the venue’s grounds, sage green, white, ivory, and champagne played the ultimate classic color palette. Florals were kept lush, fresh, and abundant, while decor was natural and wooden with a hint of sparkle thanks to some mercury glass. There was even beauty to be seen in the countless, thoughtful details Lauren and Danny incorporated into their big day, such as:
- The literary nods. Lauren is an English teach and she wanted the event to feel like a Jane Austen novel come to life. Mission accomplished, but the table numbers hand-painted on old book pages was an adorable extra touch.
- Killer decor. Crystal chandeliers hung above wooden tables adorned with beaded, sheer table runners. A beautiful combination of the organic chic look and the vintage feel.
- Speaking of vintage, keep your eyes open for Lauren’s grandmother’s antique typewriter, that served as the guest book. A vintage camera and suitcase from Vintage Alley Rentals were added as other decor pieces too!
- Old timey music. A Frank Sinatra impersonator performed Lauren and Danny’s first dance and during dinner. The bride and groom first bonded over their mutual love for Old Blue Eyes and I love that they wove his music into their big day in such a special, entertaining way.
- A grand exit. A 1940 baby blue Dodge served as Lauren and Danny’s getaway car as the couple brought their love of anything vintage to life in one final way!
Fresh and classic with a throwback twist, this wedding, which was beautifully documented by The Brand Studio, is sure to leave you swooning. As least it did for me. I’m certain it will for you too.
From the bride…
Describe the wedding. The look, theme, style, colors, etc.
Our wedding could be described as vintage chic. I wanted the vibe to feel literary and romantic. We chose to have our reception under a tent at the Frick Art & Historical Center, which was the perfect place for this event. It provided a very chic yet outdoorsy and vintage feel. I wanted to stay very neutral, classic, and natural with the colors, so I chose white and green florals and champagne colored bridesmaids dresses. The linens were ivory and white. Each table was adorned with small wooden boxes and mercury glasses filled with peonies, ranunculus, roses, and other assorted white flowers, along with greens. I chose rustic wooden chairs and wood tables with beaded runners to keep with the vintage chic feel. Chandeliers underneath the tent completed the look.
What inspired your vision?
I am an English teacher and lover of all things romantic and historical. My favorite writer is Austen, so I wanted this event to feel as though it were out of one of the pages of her novels – a romantic step back in time. I’ve always dreamed of a classy, outdoor wedding.
What made your wedding unique?
I wanted to keep with my vintage chic idea and loved how it all turned out. We drove to and from the ceremony in a trolley, and had a Frank Sinatra impersonator, Michael Sonata, perform during our first dance and dinner hour. We also rode away in a 1940 baby blue Dodge, which was the selfless act of a Pittsburgh stranger who later wrote us a heartfelt letter.
As for little meaningful touches, my friend Elise took the time to hand paint table numbers onto old book pages for me, which was representative of my love for literature. My cousin Jessie, a graphic designer, designed pamphlets for the ceremony and made escort lists that she glued onto a mirror. My aunt brought my grandmother’s typewriter to set on the guest book table, which also held a vintage camera and suitcase from Vintage Alley Rentals. My parents had a watercolor painting of the Frick Art & Historical Center displayed on the table as well, which was a wedding gift for us. I wanted every detail to speak to the vintage chic theme that I wanted for that evening. I’m glad I put the time into thinking about the little details as well as the big ones.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
My favorite moment was probably our first dance, which we practiced for months. We took lessons at Arthur Murray, which was a huge accomplishment for my husband Danny, who is averse to dancing. After months of practice, we finally had him waltzing. Michael Sonata sang “All The Way”, and it was beautiful how it all turned out. He then sang during dinner hour, and so many guests old and young commented on how special that was. When Danny and I first met, we bonded over our love of Sinatra despite our differing tastes in music. Whenever a Sinatra song comes on in the car, we think about that night and how much that meant to us. We both describe ourselves as “old souls”.
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
Do your research, plan ahead, and stay calm! Just enjoy this. It is such a special day.
Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live withouts? Anything you would do differently?
I would say to book an excellent photographer. I researched and talked with brides about this. I loved ours, The Brand Studio. Sean and John were so professional and took gorgeous photos. The day goes so quickly, and before you know it, it’s over. Invest in a great photographer with a good eye for your style and a sense of professionalism because they will preserve the memories you’ll have to peruse forever and they will be there every step of the way the day of your wedding.
Vendors
Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander from Bridal Beginning | Bride’s Accessories & Shoes: Nordstrom | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew | Cake & Caterer: Rania’s Catering | Ceremony Location: St. Paul Cathedral | Ceremony Programs & Escort List: Jessica Salinas | Decor: Party Savvy | Flowers: Mt. Lebanon Floral | Hair & Makeup: Salon Vivace | Linens: All Occasions Party Rental | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse | Music: Anthony Molinaro with Steven Vance DJ & Violin Music & Michael Sonata | Photographer: The Brand Studio | Reception Venue: Frick Art & Historical Center | Stationery: Nota Bene | Table Numbers: Elise Bimbaum | Transportation: Molly’s Trolleys | Videographer: Nate Scherer | Vintage Rentals: Vintage Alley Rentals
Linens: All Occasions Party Rental | Music: Steven Vance DJ & Violin Music | Vintage Rentals: Vintage Alley Rentals
