“If the sun refused to shine,
I would still be loving you.
When mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be you and me.”

About a year ago, Zach got in touch with me about his proposal to Andi. He was planning a romantic evening on Mount Washington, a classic proposal location in Pittsburgh. Jp and I tied the knot on September 21st, he asked Andi to marry him on the 23rd. As Jp and I were still on cloud nine after our wedding, witnessing these two get engaged was beyond beautiful to us. It was like passing on the engaged life torch to another couple. Though Jp grew up hanging out with Zach, we have gotten to know these two as a couple so much over the past year. From their proposal, to engagement, and now their wedding. It was truly a full circle moment to witness them say “I do”.

Zach and Andi met at Slippery Rock University while studying the same major. Naturally they shared a lot of classes and activities together which included going to the gym. They were both prepping for a bodybuilding show so they were in prime shape at the time. Soon they also bonded over their shared love for pizza after they both won the competition and promptly celebrated the win with all the carbs! Another fundamental likeness they shared was their love for cannabis, which over the years has morphed into them both working in the PA Medical Marijuana industry. After spending a while as just friends, Zach eventually asked Andi out on their first date. They went to Compadres, a family owned Mexican restaurant in Grove City Pa. They admittedly were so nervous on that first date that they didn't even eat the chips and salsa at the restaurant, as Andi says “who does that?!” Ha! But the date went well and they naturally started going out together more, even becoming regulars that summer at The Camelot restaurant in Slippery Rock. If you’re ever in the area you have to stop in for breakfast!

In September of 2019, Zach planned a date night, keeping the details a secret. Andi knew she was in for a nice date night but had no idea anything else was planned. On the way into the city, traffic was terrible and they started getting behind on Zach's planned timeline. Even though he kept pushing back the time of their reservation by 10-15 minutes, he still insisted on going to the overlook on Mt. Washington. He was set on taking a selfie before dinner, since they were all dressed up. Andi was worried about being late for the reservation and started to get frustrated about said selfie. They finally made it and after parking and walking to the overlook, Zach said "We aren't here for a picture." and at that moment Andi realized what was happening. She couldn't believe she didn't see any of it coming and of course said yes! They walked around Mount Washington at golden hour during a short proposal session, totally high on those just engaged vibes! Their evening ended with a romantic dinner at Altius, overlooking Pittsburgh. What a night!

As their wedding day approached it became clear that they would be shifting their original plans due to Corona-virus. Originally they planned a Phipps Conservatory ceremony with a reception in North Park. But like many couples those plans pivoted over the past few months and they ended up shifting everything to take place in her dad’s backyard. It allowed for a relaxed day with much less to coordinate and freedom to celebrate in an authentic way. Backyard weddings are making their debut in the wedding world this year and honestly it’s long overdue!

With just a few immediate family members and close friends they kept the ceremony and dinner portion of their day intimate. Inviting others to celebrate with them later on in the evening with hors d'oeuvres, dancing and a patio fire. We spent the day taking in all of the genuine sentiments. I only cried a few times… Andi wore the same dress that both her grandma and mom wore on their wedding day. She opted for a first look with her dad and to say he was surprised when he saw her in that dress would be an understatement. You could feel and see his pure joy in that proud dad moment. Their handwritten vows and meaningful speeches from their friends contained so many touching words. After all of this they shared their first dance to Led Zepplin’s “Thank-You” as Zach gently sang the words to Andi. Let me tell ya, the love shared throughout the day was real friends.

Andi+Zach, thank-you for trusting us to document your love story over this past year. We are so grateful for your endless support and friendship! The genuine deep love that you share together is going to carry you throughout a beautiful lifelong journey as husband and wife. Here’s to many years filled with good pizza, even better marijuana and shared adventures along the way!

Vendor Love:

Make-Up: Beth Carter
Caterer: John Marshal Catering
DJ: Easy DJ productions DJ Gary
Dress: Vintage Family Heirloom
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse