How did you meet?

Our fairytale began on March 17, 2012 when we met at a Saint Patrick’s Day party at a mutual friend’s house. It was love at first sight. After meeting, we immediately began dating and haven’t been apart since!

Tell me about the proposal!

After asking permission from Dana’s parents, Taylor met Dana at the apartment and asked if she wanted to get brunch with him the next morning. Dana said of course and once Taylor let her know that he had to take care of a project at the office first thing in the morning, they went to bed. As Dana was sleeping the next morning, Taylor slipped out of bed on his way to work…or so Dana thought! A few hours later, Dana woke up to a text from Taylor: “I don’t want to go to brunch anymore, want to go on an adventure instead?” Still tired, a little bit confused, and the slightest bit disappointed she wasn’t about to get some waffles Dana responded with a “Sure, what do you mean?”. Taylor told her to check the closet, where lo and behold the first clue was waiting! The clue instructed Dana to put on her favorite dress and meet Taylor at the Erie Zoo. So off she went. When Dana got to the zoo, she got in line to get a ticket. But once it was her turn at the counter, the cashier handed her another clue instead of a ticket! This one said to head to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, where they went on a turkey walk the year before. Once again, Dana took off to see where all this was leading. And once again on arriving at the ticket counter she was handed another clue! This one was a little tougher, but after a short deliberation, she was on her way to the Watson Curtze Mansion. They had visited this beautiful old house a few years prior to check out the Market at the Mansion. Upon arriving to her destination, Dana found that the mansion was under renovation! How was she supposed to get her clue? Luckily there was a caretaker working in the yard who recognized her and handed Dana the clue she was after. This one directed her to a special place. She knew where to go in an instant! Freeport Beach was a small park on the Lake Erie beach that Dana and Taylor had visited several times to enjoy the sunset, walk on the sand, and play on the swingsets (you’re never too old for such a thing). When she got to the beach, she saw Taylor’s car and right on the windshield was the final clue. “I’m here” it read and Dana looked up to see Taylor waiting for her in his suit by the picnic tables under the trees. She walked over, Taylor took her hands, dropped to his knee, and asked the love of his life to share the rest of hers with him to live happily ever after. And she said YES!

What was your favorite part of wedding planning?

I loved trying on wedding gowns 🙂 I felt like a princess!

What is the most anticipated moment of your wedding day?

Our first kiss as husband and wife!

What inspired your vision for your wedding day?

Our love of old England! The Hartwood Acres Mansion is the closest we could come to being married in a European castle. We took a trip to England and it was the best week and a half of our lives so far! That trip played a huge role in inspiring our wedding.

• Hair Stylist and Make Up Artist- Wanderlust Makeup Studio
• Wardrobe- House of Couture Designs in Sewickley
• Venue- Hartwood Acres Mansion
• Officiant- Perfect Promises – Pat
• Caterer- Sausalido
• Band/DJ- Steven Vance
•  Florist- Community Flower Shop
• Jeweler/Rings- Thomas Jewelers in Sewickley for bride’s wedding band Leigh Jay Nacht Vintage Jewelry in New York City for bride’s engagement ring
• Wedding Planner- Heather Dougherty of Day Of Pittsburgh