It warms our heart when couples incorporate heirlooms to honor their past loved ones. This bride wore the same veil her grandmother did 65 years ago. And to keep their spirit’s up (literally and figuratively) the decided to honor the groom’s mother’s by adding her favorite cocktail, a Mudslide Martini, to the menu. RHM Photography did a beautiful job capturing the day. Just keep some tissues on hand for the video by Be Films.
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From the Bride… Growing up in Philadelphia my family and I spent our summer at the shore. It has always been my most favorite place and I cherish every memory I have there. I brought Ben on vacation 5 years ago and he fell in love with the shore too. We loved the idea of having both of our families together in a place that meant so much to us.
I wore my grandmother’s veil, which is 65 years old! It is a stunning mantilla-style cathedral length, made of Chantilly lace with delicate details. My mother, my aunts, my sister, and now myself have worn it. My grandmother passed away 9 years ago so I felt very blessed to have a part of her with me on my wedding day.
Ben lost his mother to ALS disease 8 years ago so it was very important to honor her as well. Her children wear pieces of her jewelry every day. I wanted to share in that special tradition so I wore a piece of her jewelry as well. I also surprised Ben with a signature drink, a Mudslide Martini, which was his mom’s favorite cocktail.
As guest entered the Avalon Yacht Club they were greeted with a vintage bicycle built for two surrounded by photos, frames and flowers. Instead of a traditional guest book, our guest signed their names and well wishes on small paper luggage tags that were arranged in a handmade custom shadow box frame. This table also included vintage Polaroid cameras and handmade props. Guests spent the evening snapping pictures and displaying each photo on a custom antique window.
We had a gift table filled with antique and vintage luggage surrounded by glowing candles and small vintage bottles filled with a single bloom. To represent a Pittsburgh wedding tradition, friends and family of the bride and groom baked cookies for the reception. The table was displayed with a variety of vintage baskets and tins filled with homemade cookies and baked goods. Personalized treat bags were provided so that guests could take home cookies when the party ended.
Ben is a big cigar fan so we had a cigar bar on the south deck of the yacht club. Guests relaxed throughout the evening and enjoyed an array of cigars that we provided from different regions around the world.
Our favors were a combination of succulent plants and small vintage pink bottles with a single bloom. They also doubled as our seating cards. They were attached with vintage inspired paper luggage tags with each guest name and table number.
We chose non-traditional cupcakes in a variety of flavors for our guests. Our cake was very simple white with a blush pink band around the bottom and the cake topper was a made of burlap flags that said ” I’m Yours.”
Photography: RHM Photography | Videography: Be Films | Event Planning: Bel Momento Weddings And Special Events | Dress: Anne Barge | Ceremony: Maris Stella Church | Reception Venue: Avalon Yacht Club | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair & Makeup: Mia Crivaro | Transportation: Great American Trolley Company | Bridesmaids\' Dresses: JLM Couture, Inc | Escort Cards: Just Be Studio | Floral Design & Styling: Primrose and Company | Groomsmen\'s Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Music: Vincent James Band