Aspinwall Riverfront Park Wedding
This was definitely the year of bigger and more amazing weddings, due to all the sweet couples who planned, replanned and finally had the party of their dreams! Beth and Ben definitely hosted a night to remember at their Aspinwall Riverfront Park wedding reception. This venue is unique as there is both an indoor AND outdoor vibe. Its clean lines and high ceiling provides endless design options. Dress it up, or dress it down for a memorable event!
Beth and Ben made this space their own, just scroll down to see all the gorgeous-ness!
What was your inspiration behind your Aspinwall Riverfront Park Wedding day?
A few words that come to mind behind our inspiration are: modern, industrial, glam and luxurious vibe with subtle nods to Pittsburgh. I’ve spent most of my professional career behind the scenes of other people’s wedding days so I felt like that gave me a huge rolodex of details to pick and choose from when it came to details that I really liked and things we were okay with leaving out. We really wanted to throw a killer party and create a memorable and unique experience for our guests that also highlighted us a couple.
How did you and your spouse meet?
Well, we actually met back in 2004 when I was 18 and Ben was 20. We had some mutual friends and played on a coed softball team together that summer. I had a thing for Ben since the first time we met. It was one of those cheesy overwhelming feelings like, “I am going to marry this guy someday”. I was super shy back then and never acted on it. Eventually Ben graduated college and started moving around the country for work. We kept in touch here and there over the years (mostly through AOL instant messenger – LOL and eventually Facebook). Overtime I’d try to drop some signals but never picked up on any of them. In December of 2016 I was sitting at work one night and swiping through Bumble when Ben popped up as one of my nearby matches. The app said he was .2 miles away from me so I messaged him asking if he was back in Pittsburgh. Turns out he was home for the holidays and was a few blocks away from my work watching a Penguin game game. We spent the next few days texting back and forth and finally made plans to meet up and hang out a few days before Christmas. We have been together ever since! 🙂
Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂
Ben had the ring for MONTHS before he finally proposed. One random night we were at a Penguins game and in between plays he asked the couple behind us to take our photo. The first photo was super quick so he asked them to take one more and as the guy was getting ready to snap Ben dropped down to one knee. Little did I know that Ben had been trying to get me to go to the bathroom or concession stand by myself so that he could talk to the people behind us and let them know what he was planning so that they could get some photos. My mom always told me never to go to the bathroom by myself so I made him come with me and he never got to clue them in, We always refer to the guy who took the photos as “Johnny on the spot” because he immediately caught on to what was happening and snapped a bunch of photos and even a couple of videos of the proposal. At this point I was bawling and being the super awkward person that I am, the game started back up and I immediately took my seat because I was worried about the fact that I was still standing and that the people behind us wouldn’t be able to see while the game was in play. Ben was still on one knee and saying, “OMG, Beth..take the ring!” and all of the people around us were cheering and yelling, “SAY YES!” Lmao. I was overwhelmed and totally forgot the part where I was supposed to accept.
What was your favorite memory from your Aspinwall Riverfront Park Wedding day?
There were quite a few hiccups throughout our day and it really did fly by in the blink of an eye. My absolute favorite memory is the ceremony. It was the only time that day that I feel like time truly slowed down and we got to be fully present and in the moment. It’s kind of ironic to have put all of that time, effort, money, and literal years of planning primarily into the reception because the best parts of the day were the quiet, intimate moments where we got to acknowledge and celebrate our love and the commitment we were making to each other.
Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Aspinwall Riverfront Park
Day of Services: Alyssa Thomas, Alyssa Thomas Events
Florist: Mocha Rose
Wedding Dress Designer: Martina Liana, Style 1122
Wedding Dress Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal
Hairstylist Name: Kelly Kratina, Studio E Salon
Make-up Artist Name: Joy Lager, JL Makeup Studio
Accessory Information: Headpiece and Earrings: Thomas Knoell Designs, Kleinfeld Bridal, Veil: Toni Federici Veils, Kleinfeld Bridal, Clutch: Etsy
Bride’s Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka (ceremony), Keds by Kate Spade (reception)
Bride’s Ring Designer: James Allen (engagement ring), Littman Jewelers(wedding band)
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Dessy Group, Bridal Beginnings
Groom Attire Designer: Jack’s Tuxedo
Groom Ring Designer: Littman Jewelers
Videographer: Amanda Sanchez, ReClick Creative
Paper Goods: Hello Beautiful Stationery
Handmade Details: My sister and I DIYed all of the acrylic signage and table numbers and Ben made all of the stands and bases. We also did the corn hole boards and memory table candle.
Catering: JPC Event Group
Entertainment: DJ Cha Che and DJ Kevin, First Class Entertainment
Bakery: Tasty Bakery
Linens: Mosaic
Furniture Rentals: All Occasions & Marbella
Custom Graphics and Event Rental Items: All Occasions/Marbella
Neon sign: The Lovely Glass Jar
Bride’s Alterations: Alterations by Netta
Block/Getting Ready Space: Monaco
Ring Bearer Sign/Outfit, Robes, Ring Box, Hangers, Bouquet Charm, Napkins: Etsy
