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Elke and Jon rocked such an amazing Thursday night dinner party wedding with their pup, and intimate crew of loved ones, a champagne pyramid, “Mint to be” favors, donuts, and so much more. Don't miss the bride's super chic dress and epic flower crown!
Here are some details and advice from the bride…
My husband (husband!! still eek-ing over that one…) and I wanted our wedding to basically be a really good dinner party with friends and family. So we knew from the start that we would keep the day fairly intimate, and we focused on sharing fantastic food and wine with the people who matter most to us.
Our favorite moment was when we saw each other on either end of the aisle at the ceremony. We had opted not to do a first look and it was just the right choice for us. But really, we have so many amazing memories. Our ceremony, which we worked with friend/officiant Meg to create, and which we think ended up being a really true reflection of our values and what we want from our partnership. My dad’s prayer at the start of the ceremony — neither Jon nor I are especially religious, but my dad always says a very simple, heartfelt prayer at family events, and I knew from the beginning that I wanted him to do the same at our wedding.
Walking back down the aisle with our dog Pippa was a special dream of mine. My mom’s toast at dinner was very her and lovely and the one thing I wish we had a video of.
Also our faves: seeing Jon’s grandparents sharing a dance (they’ve been married almost 70 years!), walking out of the bathroom to find every person at the wedding singing and dancing madly along to Whitney Houston’s “Dance with Somebody,” my flower crown (SO GOOD), our baby champagne tower, and the 10-person pyramid Jon and his friends made at the end of the night (for mid-thirties those guys are pretty agile!).
Lastly, I know for sure that we had the absolute best team of vendors in Pittsburgh. Seriously, we did our wedding on a pretty good budget (hello, Thursday wedding out of town and simple details!), and that we had these amazing, best of their kind, caring people working with us still blows my mind. We will be forever grateful.
Also, I was really overwhelmed at the beginning of our engagement, which is when everyone else was the most excited, and I feel like I didn’t take enough time then to just let people have their conversations and ideas with me and later on I wished that I had. Learn how to listen to people’s ideas without agreeing or disagreeing right away.
Simply saying, “Thanks for sharing, we’ll think about that” followed up later by, “We don’t think that will work with us,” will leave room for you to have your own ideas without creating a barrier between you and your friends and family.
Vendors
Photography: Steven Dray Images • Venue: Union Hall at Bar Marco • Event Planner: Melissa Crawford, Devoted to You Events • Florist: The Farmer’s Daughter • Wedding Dress: the bride's dress was her mom's, made by her great-grandmother in 1977, and remade by Tashina Hunter • Hair and Makeup: Marissa Julin • Accessories: Bracelet was made by The Neshama Project • Bride’s Shoes: Charlotte Stone • Bride’s Rings: engagement ring – vintage (purchased at Love Adorned); wedding band – Young in the Mountains • Groom's Attire: Ted Baker • Groom's Ring: Julio Benez at Artisan LA jewelry • Calligrapher: WillowWynn Co.
Gallery
About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
I enjoyed so much reading about the re-designed Mother’s wedding dress. It is so delicate and gorgeous. The wedding ring chosen from a vintage shop makes it extra special. I love that idea as jewelry that is older and previously has a history. My one question is about the cropped fur coat. Is it one that the bride borrowed or already owned? Is so glamourous!! Blessings for the happy couple Elke and Jon.