I met Mallory & Andy last summer at one of Mallory’s twin brothers wedding. She was one of the bridesmaids and such a spark of joy and fun. I was introduced to Andy that day as her fiancé and of course my wheels begun to spin (another Ferraro wedding? duh!) But had no work to do as her mom had already begun talking to me about being apart of their day this year. Little did we know what 2020 had in store for us.
Let’s back up to winter 2020, where we met up to take a few engagement photos for them at Hartwood Acres, a beautiful mansion and park, where a lot of weddings are hosted. It is a gorgeous location and matched their theme perfectly!
A few months before the big day, we were struck with Covid hitting the US and the lockdown began. I had received a call from the family, that the wedding would still be taking place, however, it would be a very small ceremony with a reception being held the next summer. They were all devastated and I was so sad for them. That all changed a few weeks before the wedding, once PA opened back up and brought hope to the wedding community. She had chosen another reception location and scaled down her guest list to keep within the guidelines. However, another wrench was thrown in the mix and once again, Covid guidelines became strict again. The family was not going to allow this to stop them from throwing another great party for one of their own. With just a week until the I Do’s, they moved everything around for the last time to throw an epic backyard wedding. I know it wasn’t what they had in mind when beginning to plan their big day, but one thing I do know is that the Ferraro family knows how to keep their family happy and will go to the lengths of time to make sure their daughter was as happy as humanly possible. They nailed it.
The day begun with a bit of lucky rain, just like her brothers wedding a year prior. But Mother Nature also, threw them a break, as the sun and warm weather broke through just in the nick of time. Once the ceremony had begun, the sun appeared and beautifully lit the stained glass windows as they shared their vows. After their vows we headed off to another perfect park for their photos.
Mellon parks walled garden also gives off a vintage castle vibe! The skies were a deep blue with large white clouds and the flowers that were growing in season were perfect for their day. I began with fun group photos and then led off with solo portraits and of course couples photos. Everyone was having such a great time. Once we wrapped up formal photos, we headed off to be with the guests at the reception.
The reception was held in their backyard in the Etna area. When we arrived, we were greeted by Remo’s catering and their traveling BBQ. They were firing up the shrimp and chicken on the grill and getting ready for a delicious dinner. Out back, family were reminiscing and catching up since quarantine. We introduced the couple for the first time as MR & MRS and headed right into the first dances, followed by the cutting of the cake. Mallory quickly jumped into something more comfortable and cool for the outdoor reception and they began the toasts. The best man went first, followed by the matron of honor. It was then the maid of honors turn, in which she sat everyone down for a video that followed the story line of the beauty and the beast movie. It was such a beautiful and unexpected surprise. Certainly not something I have ever witnessed in my over 100 weddings and it was so well done. Once the video wrapped up and the dinner prayer was said, it was time to eat and party. The food was so good and the kids were so excited to change into their swim suits and hop into the pool. The rest of the night included socializing, dancing and having a blast with friends and family.
It may not be what the couple had planned for a year prior but it was absolutely perfect given the current circumstances. I hope nothing but the best for the newly weds and their family and send them all the good vibes to a long and happy life together.
XoXo, ~Ashley
1. What was the venue, in what town and what was the couple’s name? Our beauty and the beast wedding venue got changed 3 times due to Covid but In the end it took place in My(mallory’s) back yard, in Pittsburgh, pa. Our names are Mallory (Ferraro) Sabolcik and Andrew Sabolcik
- 2. How did the couple meet?We meet in high school 2008 at our senior prom! Had one dance together until our dates came back to us. It was love at first site with Andys dancing skills! Lol
- 3. How did the groom propose? It was Christmas Eve, when we do the Ferraro family presents. Mallory and her dad do a gag gift every year, so her father was involved with the proposal. He gave there 3 boxes with 3 notes. The first said life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get , with a box of chocolates in it. The second box said after laughing come crying, with a box of tissues. The third box was missing it’s note but when she opened it it was empty, that’s when i got down on one knee and Mallory started (in Mallory’s words) started ugly crying!
4. What was their first date?We can’t remember our first date lol
Location of where your dress was purchased and Designer ?Davids Bridal Galina Signature
Location of ring purchase?Designer Jewelry by Lisa. Lisa Kotchey
Please list your Florist.family is doing the flowers
location of tux/suit rental/purchase?Top Hat Tuxedo
Please list your Videographer. Cassie Corsaro Elite Film Productions
Please list your Caterer.Remos Catering
Please list your makeup artistOlivia
please list your hair stylistMandie Wheeler
Please list your Cake VendorUncle Michael Ferraro
Please list your Transportation VendorUrso Busses

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