Armstrong Farms Winter Wedding

What was your inspiration behind your Armstrong Farms winter wedding day?

We called it rustic-chic, and I’d say our inspirations were snow/ice and evergreens! I (Maria) love all the sparkle, so that, of course, had to be worked in! 

Advice to share with brides planning now?

Take it one day at a time. Everything truly does fall into place in the end! The things you’re worrying about most likely will work themselves out or won’t matter on the day of your wedding, so try to not let it consume you. Enjoy the process as much as you can, because it will fly by.

How did you and your spouse meet?

We were introduced by my (Maria’s) stepsister, who was dating Jonathan’s friend at the time. She had a feeling we would hit it off, and she was right!

Proposal Details! How did it happen?

One late summer evening, the two were headed home from a family gathering when it started pouring rain. After several weeks of dry weather, it felt like a sign. With some of Maria’s favorite romantic Taylor Swift songs playing in the background, they waited in the truck for a break in the downpour. When they began talking about how lucky they felt to be together, building their lives together, Jonathan realized he still had the ring hidden away in his glove compartment. It couldn’t have been a more perfect, spontaneous moment when he told her he’d be the luckiest man if she would marry him. Of course she said yes!

What was your favorite memory from your Armstrong Farms Winter Wedding?

Our first look! I (Maria) was somewhat against it at first — I wanted Jonathan to see me for the first time when I was walking down the aisle. But, after talking about it, and after realizing that we needed to be smart on time with it getting darker earlier in January, we decided it would give us that intimate moment just the two of us before the ceremony. It allowed us to shed a few tears privately so that we weren’t quite as emotional at the alter! We even shared our written vows with one another then, because we both knew it would be almost impossible to get through them during the ceremony. All in all, it was the best choice for us, and we wish we could relive it again!

Venue: Armstrong Farms Fieldstone

Florist: Posies by Patti

Wedding Dress Designer: Madeline Gardner

Wedding Dress Boutique: One Enchanted Evening

Hair and Make-Up: Wanderlust Beauty

Accessory Information: Headband (my something borrowed from Jonathan’s stepmother, who wore the headband when she married his father), earrings (my something old that my late father gave my mother when I was born)

Bride’s Shoe Designer: Sam Edelman (pumps), Betsey Johnson (boots)

Bride’s Ring Designer: South Hills Jewelers

Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Jasmine

Groom Attire Designer: Jos. A. Bank

Groom Ring Designer: South Hills Jewelers

Paper Goods Company: Minted

Catering: Stephen’s Kitchen & Catering

Entertainment: Steven Vance Entertainment — Ron Molinaro, violinist; Mike Greca, DJ; Art Campbell, photo booth

Bakery: Oakmont

Bartending: Ray’s Last Call