Erica and Pete said “I do” at Pittsburgh’s Phipp’s Conservatory last month on a warm, sunny June day. It was nothing short of perfect! Their elopement day was effortless, filled with cute touches and many fun moments!

To get a feel for Erica+Pete, I want to share a story that they shared with me. It’s the perfect summation of these two.

“We went on a trip to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. Our plan was to stay in Portland for a few days and then rent a car and drive to Seattle. The day we left for Seattle, we looked at the map and saw that it was about a 2.5 hour drive if we drove straight north. We decided instead to drive West through Tillamook State Forest, and then drive up Route 1 along the coast. We ended up making that 2.5 hour trip into a 12-hour journey - stopping along the way whenever we saw something cool.

One stop along the side of the road was a nondescript Oyster shack held together with driftwood and street signs, manned by a person with a story of terror and triumph. Freshly shucked oysters alone on the coast with no plan and nowhere to be is our idea of contentment and happiness. It just felt right to be there together and that we were headed in the right direction.

It was a very memorable day spent adventuring just the two of us - it was all about the journey and not the destination and that's how we'd like to continue approaching life.”

Their day was easy, centered around the love they share and the celebration of their union…incorporating many personal elements, oysters included.

The day began with the sound of a vinyl record filling the air (Roger Miller incase you’re wondering), the cozy living room served as their getting ready space. Their home adorned with fragments of their love story - photographs, handwritten vows, and a beautiful bright wedding bouquet. In this intimate space their love blossomed, a testament to their journey with one another. They chose to get ready together, Pete helped Erica with her finishing touches, buttoning up her dress and making a solid and successful attempt at fastening the tiny clasps on her heels. All while sharing laughs and reminicing about their first few dates together.

From here they hopped on a trolly which took them to their intimate ceremony at Phipps Conservatory. A handful of their loved ones joined them. Erica’s brother officiated, making for an personal touch to that portion of their day. The ceremony was thoughtful and meaningful. Erica+Pete exchanged Dr. Suess inspired vows after her brother read one of our personal favorite readings- (Union By Robert Fulghum). The ceremony concluded and there were many happy tears and big hugs!

Afterwards, their families enjoyed some time meandering around Phipps while we stole them away for photos of just the two of them. We all met back up and hopped on the trolly for a champagne toast and a lovely ride around Schenley Park. Their families then took a short break back at their hotel, while Erica+Pete headed to Merchant Oyster Co. for more photos and an oyster shooter. After enjoying some one-on-one time their families arrived to celebrate together with a curated reception dinner. Complete with cat-themed cocktails (peep the cutest illustration of Rhonda+Roxie below), the most spectacular cake and an oyster bar that looked+tasted like it was straight from New England.

Their entire day was filled with intentional, meaningful elements and moments. It was simply perfect and we are so grateful they chose us to come along and document it! Kind couples are who we aim to work with and these two couldn't fit that description more perfectly. Kind to each other, kind to their loved ones, kind to us. We are truly so happy for these two and wish them so much love as they start this next life adventure as husband and wife!

“We had such an amazing day and cannot stop thinking about it.  We’re so grateful that we were able to work with you.  Your planning advice along the way helped us bring our vision to life and make the day meaningful, special, and entirely authentic to us.  You and JP were such a joy to have along for the ride.”

| Vendor Love |

Hair+Makeup | Black Label Society

Florals | The Farmer's Daughter

Caterer | Merchant Oyster Company

Cake | Tasty Bakery

Cocktail Signage Illustrations | Jen Joyce Art+Photography

Attire | Luxe Redux Bridal / Eddie Jacobs

Shoes | Bella Belle

Rings | Henne Jewelers

Trolly | Molly’s Trolleys