Chic Urban Garden Wedding in Pittsburgh: Tiffany + Jimil

Sometimes the love of your life is standing right in front of you and you don’t even know it! Tiffany and Jimil met in high school. Although they had many friends in common, they were remained distant acquaintances. Fifteen years later, their paths would cross again at a high school alumni function in Pittsburgh. They did not speak at the reunion, but upon the instance of mutual friends, Jimil decided to ask Tiffany out. It took fifteen years for them to talk and go out on a date, but when they did, the attraction and chemistry was palpable.

Their summer garden wedding was full of meaningful moments and stunning decor. They chose a refreshing color scheme of fuchsia, grey and navy blue. Their reception, which was held in an outdoor tent, was decorated with beautiful hanging centerpieces made out of paper lanterns and greenery. Gorgeous table runners made from a fabric with a quatrefoil pattern added a subtle hint of color and interest to their silver table linens. Quatrefoils and other complementary geometric patterns were repeated throughout their stationery suite. SHE- Shayla Hawkins Events  ensured that every detail was executed to perfection and Craig Photography captured every moment!

Wedding Story
written by Angela Conner
Featured in the FW14 issue

Jimil truly surprised Tiffany with his proposal. They had a vacation planned for the summer of 2013, and Tiffany was sure Jimil would propose then. However, it happened earlier on her birthday. Tiffany assumed she was getting an I-Pad, so when Jimil pulled out a ring, she thought he was joking! After she got over her shock, she said, “Yes!” She got the I-Pad the next day.

As the couple began wedding planning, their biggest challenge was picking a theme. They visited a number of different venues that lent themselves to different wedding themes including: “black-tie barn”, “Hollywood Glam,” “Speakeasy” and “Tuscan.” However, when they found their dream venue, an outdoor garden at the Phipps Conservatory, they decided to forgo a formal theme and instead worked to enhance the garden’s natural beauty.

While their venue and decor were breathtaking, the most memorable moment for both Tiffany and Jimil is when they saw each other for the first time during the ceremony. Tiffany was glamorous in a beautiful strapless Hayley Paige ball gown, with a natural waist, silk radzmir crossover bodice, full tulle skirt with horsehair flounces and a chapel train.

For their ceremony, the couple adapted a Jewish tradition – the sheva brachot, or traditional seven blessings. They asked family and friends to write personalized blessings incorporating author Bell Hooks proposed elements of transformative love: affection, respect, recognition, commitment, trust, care and, open and honest communication. Guests then recited the blessings during the ceremony. Tiffany shares, “When the blessings were recited it was the first time we’d heard what they had written. Their blessings made our ceremony deeply touching, meaningful, and personal. And after having a hand in every detail of the day, it was especially nice to have this element of surprise!” The blessings or family and friends are truly what makes every wedding memorable.

Love Notes

Tell us one thing he loves most about you?:

Her smile.

Tell us one thing you love most about him?:

His humor and generosity of spirit. It makes loving him and our life together so fun and easy.

Vendors

• Wedding Dress Designer: Hailey Paige
• Wedding Dress Salon: Bridal Beginning
• Maid of Honor Dress: Tadashi Shoji
• Hair/Makeup: Beauty Justified by Justine Lynn
• Shoes: Badgley Mischka
• Ceremony/Reception location: Phipps Conservatory 
• Catering: Phipps Conservatory (In-House)
• Band: House of Soul
• Photography: Craig Photography
• Videography: Post Script Productions
• Wedding Planner: Shayla Hawkins Events 
• Florist: Mocha Rose Floral & Event Design
• Cake: Prantl’s Bakery
• Stationery Designer: Bellamy + Belou
• Grooms Tuxedo Designer: Custom Tuxedo by Hickey Freeman
• Grooms Tuxedo Store: Bentley (sales associate) at Larrimor’s
• Linens: Party Mosaic