Real Pittsburgh Weddings

Melissa Sue Larrick &
Nathan Andrew Henry

May 25, 2008

Family

Thomas and Joie Larrick; Dennis and Claudia Henry

Ceremony

Melissa and Nathan were married on a Sunday during Memorial Day weekend. The Rev. J. Douglas Patterson officiated at the nondenominational Christian ceremony, which took place at Smithfield United Church of Christ (620 Smithfield St., downtown; 412/281-1811, smithfieldchurch.org).

Wedding Planner

Katherine Elise Shaw (412/267-2108, trendstotraditions.com) helped Melissa and Nathan create a memorable, masquerade-themed wedding. Melissa had no idea how to start planning, and Nathan was skeptical that guests would embrace the masquerade theme suggested by Katherine. However, thanks to their wedding planner's help, the couple found top-notch vendors and entered their reception to find hundreds of enthusiastically masked guests.

Flowers

Gerard Boeh Flowers (20555 Route 19, Cranberry Township; 724/779-3900, gerardboehflowers.com) embraced the masquerade theme, creating bouquets with Black Magic roses adorned with feathers, and red and yellow centerpieces for the reception hall.

Photographer

Tracy Brien (724/272-2193, tracybrienphotography.com).

On the Bride and Groom

Melissa purchased her gown, designed by Maggie Sottero, through Katherine Shaw. Katherine's connection saved her more than 30 percent on the modified mermaid gown with lace and crystals; she also supplied bridesmaids dresses and all tuxes for the wedding party.

Reception

Festivities carried on the masquerade theme at The Chadwick (10545 Perry Highway, Wexford; 724/935-5950, chadwickevents.com). The walls and ceiling were decked out in black, red and gold linens, and custom lighting (J4; 412/931-2021) enhanced the mood of the event. Katherine Shaw hired a juggler and a caricature artist, whose drawings served as favors for the guests. A candy table laden with black, red and gold sweets replaced the more traditional cookie table.

Cake

Nontraditional chocolate-mousse cheesecakes were ordered through The Chadwick. The bride and groom sampled the dessert on a Valentine's Day visit to Fresco's, the restaurant attached to The Chadwick.

Music

DJ Dale Allen (724/344-4948) provided all the music for the reception. When the bride and her mother couldn't agree on a song for the father/daughter dance, Dale provided the ultimate compromise. He mixed a track that started with "Daddy's Little Girl" and ended with "Brown-Eyed Girl."

Larrick Henry wedding

Continue to the next Real Pittsburgh Wedding >>

To see ten more Real Pittsburgh Weddings, click here or call 412-622-1360 to order the PITTSBURGH Weddings 2009 Issue.