Ariel & Brandon | Romantic Backyard Wedding | Pittsburgh

Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh. Where do I even BEGIN with this wedding?? You'll be happy to know that I am not going to break it up into several blog posts; you get one, giant post so that you can get the whole feel of this wedding. It is spectacular, warm, inviting, down home yet so very luxurious. It was the most absolute perfect mix of Pittsburgh and elegance and I want to give a special shout out to Sean Gray of Sean Gray International because he is the event planner that brought all of this together and it was totally spot on. Hopefully you remember Ariel & Brandon from the incredible day we spent with them in their home for their Engagement Session. Ariel & Brandon share a very intimate relationship and that showed in the fact that they didn't want a traditional E-Session....they wanted to document the 2 of them doing what they do together: hanging out, making breakfast and just spending time together in their amazing home that they designed themselves. Their E-Session was so representative of who they are as a couple: warm, loving, intimate and private. And this is exactly what they pulled off for their wedding. They could have easily gotten married at one of the most luxurious venues in Pittsburgh but they chose to hold their wedding day at Ariel's father's home in Squirrel Hill, which I thought was so touching and warm.

Tents with clear ceilings (which I loved loved loved) lined the entire front, side and backyard, which were layered with special lighting designs. Turf carpeting was laid in certain areas to bring in some luxury and warmth (yes...I just said that....they carpeted the grass and the back patio), wooden benches were used for the ceremony and then moved to line long family-style tables for guests to sit. Lovely flowers in milky white vases could be found everywhere, an accordionist played for the ceremony, a bluegrass duo for the cocktail hour and a fabulous jazz swing band played the reception. There were jam jars for favors, sweet treats and homemade doughnuts being made on site, the most adorable wedding cake you'd ever want to see and so so so much more. But here is the cous de gras: instead of having the event catered and going thru all the trouble and money that is associated with catering a small event at your home, Ariel & Brandon hired the BRGR Truck and the Pittsburgh Taco Truck to feed their guests. And let me tell you...it was adorable, it was fantastic and it was BRILLIANT! What a special treat it was to see the guests' surprised looks when they saw the trucks pull up out front and raise their windows and begin to take orders. Incredible!! BRGR also hosted the cocktail hour with fabulous hors d'oeuvres. And everywhere I turned there were these adorable cocktails in mason jar glasses with all kinds of herbs in them like mint and basil, topped with cucumbers or limes. So charming!

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee and take your time cruising thru this post. I just know you're gonna love it. ;-)