How did you meet?

We met for the first time in 2009 when I was a freshman and he was a junior! But we started dating my senior year of college in 2012 – we both attended George Mason University and we were reunited at our school’s homecoming.

Tell me about the proposal!

The proposal was perfect. He was so calm; I had zero clue it was happening. I thought I was going to brunch with my friends and he was driving me into DC because it was snowing that morning and I didn’t want to take the metro or Uber. He said he wanted to make a pit stop at a furniture store because our coffee table was broken (I don’t know why I didn’t think this was weird). We stopped and I was freaking out because it was snowing so hard and I had heeled booties on as we ran across four lanes of traffic. We started walking through a park together and he told me to stop, and then he dropped down!! I was so shocked that I barely remember what he said. I just was yelling “Really? Are you serious??” and started crying. I noticed someone creeping in the background when he got down on one knee, and when he finished I realized it was one of our friends from college taking photos of the proposal!! We still went to brunch after – we crashed a friend’s birthday brunch (he texted her and asked if we could so I wouldn’t get suspicious) and somehow none of them spilled the beans!

What was your favorite part of wedding planning?

Menu tasting, meeting cool vendors, dress shopping.

What inspired your vision for your wedding day?

We wanted it to be something different than other places we’ve been. I love the different settings in the botanic garden and I was looking for a gardeny, romantic feeling. I wasn’t really into a full on barn/rustic wedding or a hotel wedding, so this fit for us perfectly.

What is the most anticipated moment of your wedding day?

The first look!

• Hair Stylist- Samantha Colton Hinnebusch (JL Makeup Studio) + assistant
• Make Up Artist- Alexis Vince (JL Makeup Studio) + assistant
• Wardrobe- Dress – Allure from Sorelle’s, Veil – Etsy, Shoes – Badgley Mischka, Bridesmaid dresses – Mori Lee , Groom’s suit – Jos A Bank, Groomsmen suits – Black Tux, Ties – Tie Bar
• Venue- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
• Officiant- Lisa Ann Goldsmith
• Caterer- Tallulah’s
• Band/DJ- Pittsburgh DJ Company
• Bakery/Cake/Baked Goods- Prantl’s + Assorted array for cookie table (family + other bakeries)
• Stationery and Paper Goods- Minted
• Florist- Gida’s
• Jeweler/Rings- Ginger’s Jewelry (Roanoke, VA – where the groom is from!)
• Wedding Planner- Exhale Events (day of coordination)
• Wedding Day Transportation- Pittsburgh Transportation Group
• Furniture and Decor Rentals- Vintage Alley Rentals + Ambassador Tent Rental
• Favors- Etsy