Abby and Tim’s big day was one part whimsical fairy tale, one part shabby chic, but 100% adorable. It’s easy to see that these two are crazy about each other, and their June wedding was a laid-back celebration of love and family. The Union Project provided the perfect blank canvas background and Abby went to town DIYing and making the space their own. From chalkboard signs and other rustic touches to mason jars and wild flower-inspired centerpieces, this wedding contains so many sweet elements that really gave it a homemade, personal vibe. Some of my favorite parts of the day?
- A wedding day color scheme that blended together various shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green to create a youthful, fun palette. I love a bold couple that isn’t afraid to bring some COLOR to their big day!
- First looking in the heart of the Strip District. The contrast of a pristine wedding dress in graffiti alleyways and against gritty metal doors always slays me. Plus the looks on Abby and Tim’s faces are just too precious.
- Instead of a stuffy four course meal, guests feasted on a good ol’ fashioned BBQ buffet from Two Brothers BBQ. This is seriously my kind of wedding!
- As if a table full of cookies AND cupcakes AND cheesecake wasn’t enough, the couple topped their dessert table off with the best.sign.ever. Keep your eyes peeled for it!
- To cap off the night, an artist drew up guests’ caricatures, making the perfect take-home gift!
Red Flats Photography captured the sweet day so beautifully. Congrats Abby and Tim! Your day looked perfect!
From the bride…
When and how did you two meet?
I actually went to high school with Tim’s brother. Joe always said Tim really wanted to take me out but I thought he was some big player. Boy, was I wrong! Tim is the absolute sweetest guy I have ever known.
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. We were cuddling in bed, not wanting to leave those covers. I got up to run to the other room and came back to Tim hiding under the covers. I lifted the covers and there it was…my favorite person in the world holding a shiny diamond right in my face. He just laid there, smiling. Before any words were even spoken, I said, “Yes!” He had plans to propose the following Friday during our date night but he just couldn’t wait any longer!
Describe the wedding. The look, theme, style, colors, etc.
Whimsical 🙂
What inspired your vision?
I just wanted it to be “us”. And thank God for Pinterest! I took so many ideas and turned them into what we love.
What made your wedding unique?
First, I purchased my dress at Carlisle’s of Pittsburgh. Both of my grandmothers purchased their wedding dresses there, so it was really special for me to find mine there as well.
I walked down the aisle to Ingrid Michaelson’s “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You”. Our toddler walked down before me holding a balloon that said “Here Comes My Mommy”. Tim bawled. It was so cute 🙂
I absolutely loved the Union Project! Those stained glass windows are to die for, especially at sunset! Everyone there was so easy to work with. Carol, the director of space rental programming, actually officiated our wedding. One stop shop! Plus, the Union Project is a non-profit so it really felt great to help our community. We also did so much DIYing that I feel like I could open up an Etsy shop! Plus, our wedding was so real. The whole day was just so “us”. The morning was a rush. I dreamed of complete relaxation, sipping mimosas, but it was the total opposite. But I wouldn’t change a thing! It was just who we are and I loved it. Babies crawling all around us, laughing uncontrollably, Tim trying to learn how to tie a bow tie for 47 minutes, etc. That’s just so much of who we are. Tim and I did our first dance holding our beautiful toddler, and I just look back and laugh because that is so our family 🙂
What was your favorite moment of the day?
Groom: When the music started for Ab to start walking down the aisle, it just became so real. I couldn’t hold back.
Bride: Our first look was ABSOLUTELY my favorite part of the day. I was so stinking happy to finally see him! It was like a weight was lifted off my chest and I could finally breathe. I was standing next to my soon-to-be husband and it was our wedding day and it was just so perfect. We were soooo happy in the moment. My other favorite moment was the huge party we had at our house afterward. We all hopped on the school bus and went back to our place and laughed and cried and just had so much fun.
Bride to Bride
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
Don’t worry; the image in your head will turn out beautifully. Do exactly what you want. I promise you, it will turn out perfectly! Don’t stress and get upset about anything. There will be lots of times that you just want to throw in the towel and hop on a place and tie the knot with no one around…but it will all be worth it! Embrace the whole experience!
Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live withouts? Anything you would do differently?
GET A VIDEOGRAPHER! I’m heartbroken that we didn’t. I wish I could relive that day!
Vendors
Bride’s Dress: Carlisle’s of Pittsburgh | Bride’s Belt: Amie Noel Designs | Bride’s Jewelry: Sabika | Bride’s Shoes: RSVP | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Angelo | Cake: Jennifer Snyder | Caterer: Two Brothers BBQ | Caricature Artist: M.C. Sturman | Ceremony & Reception Location: The Union Project | Desserts: Beth West | DJ: BIFF Entertainment | Flowers: Flowers by Jade | Hair: Noreen Marusic | Menswear: Alfani | Photographer: Red Flats Photography | Rentals: Vintage Alley Rentals | Stationery: Vistaprint | Transportation: First Student | Wedding Planner: The bride