Victoria Bushmire & Justin Deardorff
Two years after their first meeting, Justin Deardorff invited Victoria Bushmire to coffee with a Facebook message. Victoria, who had been “kicking herself” after letting one of the good ones go, happily agreed. After relighting the spark, the couple planned a wedding that incorporated dazzling décor against the “very Pittsburgh” backdrop of brick and exposed duct work at the Pittsburgh Opera. Every detail of the juxtaposition-themed nuptials glittered in the industrial setting. Victoria’s gown from Sorelle Bridal Salon had a mermaid silhouette, sweetheart neckline, beaded belt, and chiffon ruffles. Her bridesmaids shined bright, too, in silver strapless dresses.
The Proposal
On Christmas morning, Victoria found a small jewelry box at the bottom of her stocking with a note penned by the couple’s dog that read, “Will you be my mom? Love, Kane.”
The Bride’s Advice
With bellies full of butterflies, the couple’s first-look photo session was one of Victoria’s favorite memories of the day and something she encourages all brides to do, too.
The FlowersUsing a color scheme of purple and silver, freelance florist and Victoria’s co-worker Kate Walter added orchids and bright pink roses for some extra flair.
The First DanceA group of friends performed Dustin Kensrue’s “Pistol” during the couple’s first dance, as 150 guests looked on. DJ Andy Booth spun the sounds for the rest of the evening.
The DessertsBella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique filled every inch of the dessert table with truffles, cupcakes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and, of course, some treats baked by the mothers of the bride and groom.
The HighlightVictoria says the highlight of the night wasn’t even planned. A friend snuck in a pink inflatable guitar that incited an epic air guitar battle on the dance floor. “It’s just a big party, and that’s what people will remember — not the details of the flowers or cake, but that it was fun,” she says. “In the end, you’re getting married, and that’s the most important thing.”
Amanda Crocker & Sean Coyle
New Yorkers at heart, Amanda Crocker and Sean Coyle were destined to be engaged in the Big Apple. Four years after meeting at a restaurant in New York City, Sean popped the question on a roof deck overlooking a Christmas-decorated Downtown Manhattan skyline. Says Amanda, “We went upstairs, walked outside, and I saw roses, tea lights, and the top of the Empire State Building right in front of me!” They returned home to Pittsburgh for a Heinz Chapel ceremony and a Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens reception to celebrate their wedding, which included touches of New York, like a New York Knicks groom’s cake from Batter & Dough in Bridgeville. Amanda, the store manager of Lululemon Athletica on Madison Avenue, hosted a morning yoga session, led by Kristen Hannan of South Hills Power Yoga, for her guests before the nuptials. The morning after, following brunch at the Omni William Penn Hotel, the pair jetted to Coachella in California and Maui for their honeymoon.
The CakeBella Christie & Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique created a three-tier cake with fondant waves to mimic the style of Amanda’s dress, alternating layers of almond cake with raspberry mousse and chocolate cake with chocolate mousse.The Proposal
On Christmas morning, Victoria found a small jewelry box at the bottom of her stocking with a note penned by the couple’s dog that read, “Will you be my mom? Love, Kane.”
The Bride’s Advice
With bellies full of butterflies, the couple’s first-look photo session was one of Victoria’s favorite memories of the day and something she encourages all brides to do, too.
The FlowersUsing a color scheme of purple and silver, freelance florist and Victoria’s co-worker Kate Walter added orchids and bright pink roses for some extra flair.
The First DanceA group of friends performed Dustin Kensrue’s “Pistol” during the couple’s first dance, as 150 guests looked on. DJ Andy Booth spun the sounds for the rest of the evening.
The DessertsBella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique filled every inch of the dessert table with truffles, cupcakes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and, of course, some treats baked by the mothers of the bride and groom.
The HighlightVictoria says the highlight of the night wasn’t even planned. A friend snuck in a pink inflatable guitar that incited an epic air guitar battle on the dance floor. “It’s just a big party, and that’s what people will remember — not the details of the flowers or cake, but that it was fun,” she says. “In the end, you’re getting married, and that’s the most important thing.”
Amanda Crocker & Sean Coyle
New Yorkers at heart, Amanda Crocker and Sean Coyle were destined to be engaged in the Big Apple. Four years after meeting at a restaurant in New York City, Sean popped the question on a roof deck overlooking a Christmas-decorated Downtown Manhattan skyline. Says Amanda, “We went upstairs, walked outside, and I saw roses, tea lights, and the top of the Empire State Building right in front of me!” They returned home to Pittsburgh for a Heinz Chapel ceremony and a Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens reception to celebrate their wedding, which included touches of New York, like a New York Knicks groom’s cake from Batter & Dough in Bridgeville. Amanda, the store manager of Lululemon Athletica on Madison Avenue, hosted a morning yoga session, led by Kristen Hannan of South Hills Power Yoga, for her guests before the nuptials. The morning after, following brunch at the Omni William Penn Hotel, the pair jetted to Coachella in California and Maui for their honeymoon.
The DressIn search of the winning dress, Amanda, her mother, and her soon-to-be mother-in-law visited Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City, where she found her Marisa gown. Says Amanda, “I thought this visit would be just for fun. But, I knew the moment I put it on that I didn’t want to take it off. It was perfect!”
The FlowersHens and Chicks in Shadyside captured the theme with bouquets of hydrangeas and other blue blooms.
The HighlightAmanda’s favorite memory came from her father, Bruce, who planned a skit with DJ Joel Lindsey. “The speech revolved around my dad trying to write a song for us, and the struggle he faced when trying to rhyme with the line ‘Amanda and Sean,’” says Amanda. “So, during the speech, Joel would chime in with a jingle like, ‘Two beautiful beasts, the Panda and Swan, can’t hold a candle to Amanda and Sean.’"
The Bride’s AdviceAmanda’s vision of romance, with a color scheme of lilac and deep blue, was made possible by Alexis Maddox from SHE | Shayla Hawkins Events. Her top tip to brides is: “Get a wedding planner right away. Alexis took any and all stress out of planning, and put my ideas and dreams to life!”
Brian Curtis Corey & Andrew O'Connor (written with Andrea Bosco)
Nine months after meeting in Queens, N.Y., Brian Curtis Corey and Andrew O’Connor both knew they had found “the one.” The pair moved to Pittsburgh when Brian was cast in Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s production of CATS. On opening night, Andrew proposed with wine and a prepared speech in his hotel room, just before the curtain opened! Says Brian, “Talk about having a million emotions at once! I have no memory after that because I had to go into hair and makeup, and open a show. I do remember keeping my ring on under my ‘paws.’” Their marriage was not only a celebration of personal love, but a momentous occasion for the state of Pennsylvania. In June, the couple participated in a group ceremony, officiated by Mayor William Peduto, as one of 19 couples to be married at the City Council building! “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Brian. “Who gets to get married during Pride Week and have a parade as their wedding processional?” Fairmont Pittsburgh and the Mayor’s Office collaborated with Sean Gray of Sean Gray International (SGI) to plan every detail, which included a white dove release and a group reception in pastel pink, green, and yellow. Says Brian, “We fell in love with Pittsburgh and waited it out — it was totally worth the wait. Who doesn’t want to get married in the place they call home?”The AttireBrian and Andrew wore steel gray tuxedos by John Yves from Top Hat Tuxedos, adding their own lavender and robin’s egg blue details.
The CelebrationBrian’s favorite memory is the roar of applause that followed their “I dos,” and the “whoops and hollers” during the Pride parade. “People were yelling and congratulating us every step of the way,” he says. “There was so much energy in the air that I actually felt like I was vibrating.”
The CakeFairmont Pittsburgh Pastry Chef James Wroblewski created a five-tier, raspberry-filled confection. Says Brian, “Cutting the cake was the first ‘traditional’ thing we had done that day. Every bride and groom has done the same thing for centuries, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow! Now, it’s finally my turn. This is really happening.’”
The CakeFairmont Pittsburgh Pastry Chef James Wroblewski created a five-tier, raspberry-filled confection. Says Brian, “Cutting the cake was the first ‘traditional’ thing we had done that day. Every bride and groom has done the same thing for centuries, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow! Now, it’s finally my turn. This is really happening.’”
The FloralsJoe Mineo of Something New Events in Canfield, Ohio, transformed the Grand Ballroom into a romantic reception. Using roses and hydrangea in lavender, celery green, and ivory, he created a floral frame, which served as the decorative backdrop. For added design, he entwined mirrored rings to hang inside the frame.
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