Rachel & Micky | Wedding at THIS IS RED in Munhall, PA

They’ve been together for 7 years and it feels like they’ve been together forever.
So long, in fact, that the question: “Are you ever going to get married?” has been casually tossed around enough that it was met with casual shrugs and laughs.

(If you want to go back and catch up on Rachel and Micky’s story, hop back to their engagement blog post HERE!)

Well – they did plan on getting married – someday, but there didn’t seem to be any rush.

And that’s when Rachel and Micky found themselves out to dinner for Micky’s birthday. They went to a fancy Japanese seafood restaurant in Pittsburgh, and as they were enjoying their meals, Micky looked across the table at Rachel and as if struck by a sudden bolt of lightning said: “I don’t have a ring, and I want to get your Grandparent’s permission, but will you marry me?“

Rachel was completely surprised and slightly taken aback, but after the moment of shock passed, that infectious smile Micky had fallen so deeply in love with came back in full-force as she said, “Yes.”

Micky kept his word: he talked to Rachel’s Grandparents and they joyfully and whole-heartedly gave their blessing upon the engagement and marriage.
And instead of heading into a local jewelry store to find an engagement ring, Micky wanted to give Rachel his Grandmother’s ring. It had to be re-sized, but finally, with the ring on Rachel’s finger and with her Grandparent’s blessing pronounced – things were officially official.

And, this past Friday was the big day!
(Thankfully, everything was planned for the east side of Pittsburgh – which meant we weren’t affected by the Taylor Swift concerts happening this past weekend! WHEW!)

Rachel and Micky’s day was an incredible and beautiful mix of Rachel’s Russian ancestry, her family’s Jewish background, and Micky’s tri-state heritage. There were Pittsburgh traditions, Russian traditions, Jewish traditions – and it all blended together into this magnificent culmination of Rachel and Micky. They included so many personal touches to their day: from the library books and card catalogue seating chart (paying homage to how they met), to the different foods and desserts that were served, to the “hidden” mementos of their cat, Eve, scattered around the venue.

It was a perfect day.

I have to tell you about Rachel’s dress!!
This thing was truly a work of art (and dedication on Rachel’s end!)
She knew she wanted to wear a jumpsuit – and she searched high and lo for one. Every bridal shop she called told her that they simply did not carry bridal jumpsuits.
So, she broadened her search. And it took her all the way to the famous Kleinfields in New York City. They told her that they didn’t have a huge selection (to be honest, they only had a handful), but thankfully, in those few, she found the perfect “base”.

She brought it home and with the help of her Grandma and a seamstress, she went to work transforming the jumpsuit into her dream “dress”. The sleeves and lace embellishments were added – and a skirt was created to wear over the jumpsuit during the ceremony.

It was truly a masterpiece.
And it was so 100% Rachel – it was magnificent.

Micky looked pretty sharp as well – but I would be remiss if I didn’t say that Rachel completely stole the day!

Aren’t they just the most adorable things ever?
Their happiness was palpable and infectious.

This is the Carnegie Library of Homestead – we had to hike straight up-hill plus climb 794 steps to get up here (okay, not quite that many, but it felt like it) – but DANGGG was it worth the hike!! Doesn’t it look like a castle?

THIS IS RED is such a strangely eclectic space, but I think Rachel and Micky did a splendid job of putting their own touches on it.

During dinner, Rachel’s Father and Step-Mother explained that in Russian wedding tradition, everyone must toast the couple and the newlyweds have to kiss while everyone counts to 10.

You know I had to sneak Micky and Rachel outside for just a few portraits in her jumpsuit without the skirt!

As the icing on the cake of the evening, The Polkamaniacs performed at the end of the reception! What a BLAST!

Remember those hidden mementos I mentioned of Eve, Rachel and Micky’s cat, that were scattered around the venue? Here she is!

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Rachel & Micky’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony and Reception: THIS IS RED in Munhall, PA
Wedding Coordinator: Katie Mikula-Wineman
Catering: Sprezzatura in Millvale, PA
Cheesecake: Ava’s Sweet Tooth in Pittsburgh, PA
Wine: BR Cohn Winery and Olive Oil Company in Sonoma, CA
Beer: Voodoo Brewing Company in Pittsburgh, PA
Makeup Artist: Ziiada Beauty World
Florals: DIY by Rachel using old book pages provided by Burton Public Library in Burton, OH
Bridal Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City, New York
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Menguin
Wedding Rings: Rachel’s Ring – Family Heirloom, Micky’s Ring – Greenfield Jewelers in Pittsburgh, PA
Cake Topper, Signature Cocktail Design, Pin Design: Desi
Carboard Cutout of Eve the Cat: Voyage Print
Favors: Lapel Pin Junction
Officiant: Rabbi Art Donsky of Rabbi Without Walls in Pittsburgh, PA
DJ: The Polkamaniacs in Pittsburgh, PA
Videographer: Sasha Livshits
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA