Written by Olivia Kappler | Edited by Rachel Jones
After a few years of dating, including one spent in separate states, Kevin Rohm proposed to Andrea Carras at her favorite restaurant, in the midst of a snowstorm, surrounded by both of their families. “I was totally surprised!” says Andrea. “I had no idea!” The Duquesne University alumni decided to get married back where their love story began: Pittsburgh. Close to 200 family members and friends gathered for the couple’s ceremony at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and reception at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. With the help of Shayne Souleret of Soirée by Souleret, the day encapsulated a soft, elegant feel with touches of white and blush. Andrea fit the theme in a breathtaking lace gown, which spun across the floor during her first dance with Kevin to “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. Another favorite moment for the bride was her dance with her father. She recalls, “He totally went AWOL and was making up his own routine!”
Photographs from Weddings By Alisa
The college sweethearts felt very calm throughout the wedding process and hardly ran into any issues. “Be very decisive if you can, know what you want!”
Andrea’s sister and her sorority sisters from Duquesne University stood by her side on her big day, wearing blush gowns in unique styles that fit their personalities.
“It was perfect,” Andrea says of her dress. “I think I just really knew what I wanted.”
The couple added to their neutral color scheme with pearl and lace details. Their cake, made by Bella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique, maintained this theme with roses, pearls, and a lace-like detail on each tier.
Exactly five years after their first date, Ashley Biega and David Peton said “I do!” And they did so at the same location as their engagement. The couple, who are both members of a mushroom hunting club, were out searching for the fungi at Fallingwater when David asked Ashley to marry him. And after he received her father’s blessing and her family heirloom ring, which they took a gemstone from to create Ashley’s engagement ring, they started planning their big day. Following a “woodland fairytale” theme, the couple exchanged vows beneath a beautiful pergola among the trees, then celebrated with a rustic reception in The Barn at Fallingwater. Beautiful DIY decorations, including florals homegrown by the bride’s mother and moss collected at the wedding venue, added to the scene. As someone who grew up eating birthday pie instead of birthday cake, it was only fitting for Ashley to prefer pie on her wedding day, too. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom baked an array of pies for the occasion, but the sweetest takeaway from the day is Ashley’s advice to future couples. “Fall in love with your best friend,” she says. “He’s my best friend.”
Photographs from Natalie Mancuso Photography
Ashley rocked the off-the-shoulder trend with a flowy gown featuring delicate lace details.
Ashley’s mother arranged all of the centerpieces with flowers she grew at home, while the maid of honor crafted the bride’s bouquet with pieces from Roxanne’s Dried Flowers.
Kaitlin Thralls and John Maggio dated for over four years before he surprised her with a Christmastime proposal. While decorating the tree together, Kaitlin retrieved an ornament she didn’t recognize — only to discover it was an engagement ring from John! When deciding how to celebrate their special day, Kaitlin and John chose The Pennsylvanian as their reception venue and a classic theme that fit the setting beautifully. “It was easy to play off of the marble and gold features that were already there,” says Kaitlin. “We used black, white, ivory, and gold as our main color palate.” They also featured a live band at their wedding, The Chozen Few. “They brought such an amazing vibe to the day and guests never left the dance floor!” says Kaitlin. All of the intricate details that go into planning a wedding, including booking the entertainment for the evening, can be overwhelming. But Kaitlin says to “keep a folder with contracts, receipts, and even a checklist,” all the while enjoying every moment of the sentimental time!
Photographs from Georgestreet Photo and Video
The party wasn’t over when the reception ended! The newlyweds continued to celebrate with a honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The creative pastry chef at Rania’s Catering in Mt. Lebanon whipped up the couple’s four-tiered, ivory cake with buttercream frosting and roses and greenery cascading down the side.
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