By Abby Dudley | Photographs from Anna Laero Photography
After Elena Kakogiannis and Brittney Tyler met at an open-mic night in Lawrenceville, they became instant friends. Both from out of town, the two bonded over their new city, which became the backdrop of their relationship. “We fell in love with each other as we fell in love with Pittsburgh,” Elena remembers. Fittingly, Brittney presented Elena her ring at the West End Overlook with a perfect view of the city, and Elena returned the favor the next morning. Officially engaged, the two started planning their wedding around the theme of being “rustic, woodsy, and warm.” They achieved the feeling on the big day with the help of a planner (“Hiring a coordinator is absolutely worth it!”) who used tones of burgundy and ivory, brought out in bouquets of wild flowers, berries, eggplant calla lilies, and sunflowers. A string quartet at the ceremony created a beautiful moment for the couple and their guests. “Looking out of the window, seeing the sun shine through the trees, and hearing the sounds of the string quartet come through as all of our loved ones took their seats is our favorite memory.”
VENDORS
Caterer: Medure’s Catering
Ceremony & Reception: The Audubon at Succop Conservancy
Cupcakes: Sugar Social
Dresses: Glitter & Grit
Entertainment: Innocenti Strings, DJ Craig Lawrence of Red Hot Chameleon
Favors: Country Canners
Flowers: Lauren Work Phillips of The Farmer’s Daughter
Hair & Makeup: Marissa Julin of Plush Salon and Spa
Honeymoon: Maui, Hawaii
Planner: Melissa Crawford of Devoted to You
Rehearsal Dinner: The Barn at Chatham University’s Eden Hall Campus
Stationery: Smitten on Paper

Personalized apple butter doubled as place settings and favors.

Champagne raspberry, vanilla bean, classic chocolate, red velvet, blueberry, and pumpkin spice cupcakes made up the scrumptious assortment.

Brothers, sisters, and best friends made up the 10-person bridal party in dresses from Alfred Angelo and tuxes from Vera Wang Suits.