Pittsburgh residents Natalie and Matthew met the old-school way—sans dating apps. They instead met in person, a rarity these days. While playing darts at a local watering hole, Matt’s friend was...
Melissa Bigner & Wade Razzi
July 25, 2015
Summerall Chapel & The John Geddes Home
As editor of Charleston Weddings, I’ve sometimes puzzled over couples who wed in the steamy peak of the summer here. But when I got engaged to Wade Razzi, a teacher who is only off in the middle of the year, I realized that you marry when it works, and if you’re lucky enough to say “I do” in the most romantic city in America, who cares about the humidity level? As I dove into planning our July 25, 2015, nuptials, a few other unforeseen tweaks knocked my Big Day vision around, a vision that had formed almost as fast as I slipped that engagement ring on my finger. The “edits”—from sharing ideas with Wade, finances, logistics, or limited hours in the day—led to compromises, a great foundation for a first year of marriage, and my favorite wedding ever (sorry, I’m partial). Here’s a peek at a handful of our inspiration board items—some that made it to the festive, super family-oriented (and slightly quirky) wedding and some that merely inspired it. —Melissa Bigner
EDIT YOUR INSPO ELEMENTS
1. Use What’s at Hand
One of my eldest niece’s elaborate doodles turned into invites, table numbers, butler cards, and more thanks to the SAS-E Ink team.
2. Follow a Pattern
Royal Copenhagen—an obsession of mine since childhood—directed the colors, patterns, and airy vibe.
3. Put the Ring in Ring Bearer
One of our bell-ringing ring bearers carried this little charmer. We found it (and the others) at Goodwill for less than $5 total.
4. Follow your Inner Cinderella
I first bought these L.K. Bennett pumps but ended up in sandals that better suited the surprise gown (pre-hemmed as it was pre-owned) my mom gifted me. Even so, they informed a lot of the wedding...and I haven’t been able to part with them yet!
5. Tie One On
Ushers borrowed bow ties from Wade’s collection, while groomsmen got commissioned ones from local maker Spit Shine Goods.
6. Set the Table
We splurged on patterned china then saved with classic (rather than signature) glass and silverware.
7. Have your Cake
Pal Jessica Grossman of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group hand-painted the fondant cake in the Royal Copenhagen china pattern. The bottom tier was real but the others were foam core falsies because a) she indulged my obsession with the pattern and b) we craved home-style desserts, too, like these additional treats (a hummingbird cake for me and a cannoli cake for him).
8. Light the Way
Delft and Royal Copenhagen pillar candles (found on eBay and used on tables) were later gifted as thank yous to contributing friends. When I couldn't get them all in the Royal Copenhagen pattern (it was discontinued), we ordered a host of mix-and-match blue-and-white ones.
9. Bough Down
Flower girls (in pick-your-own blue-and-white dresses, like the bridesmaids) held camellia boughs. Bridesmaids walked arm-in-arm with groomsmen. The point of both? We got to skip pricier bouquets all around.
10. Think Outside the Centerpiece
Centerpiece terrariums made by friend (and master gardener) Joan McDonald featured comical and sentimental figurines that told little life stories. (There was one with graded papers for Wade and a mini version of Charleston Weddings with a tea cup in another for me).
11. Tomato, Tomahto
Cru Catering set up an heirloom tomato tasting bar outside with house-smoked mozzarella and fresh basil. Tags (with my niece's invitation motif) noted the varieties and farms.
Vendor List
Design: A Charleston Bride, www.ACharlestonBride.com
Wedding Images: Lucy Cuneo Photography, www.LucyCuneoPhotography.com
Florals: Gathering Floral & Event Design, www.GatheringEvents.com
Terrariums: Joan McDonald, (843) 469-1531
Rentals: Snyder Events, www.SnyderEvents.com (chairs, white linens, tables, silver, china); EventHaus, www.EventHaus.com (glasses, china); Polished!, www.PolishedTabletop.com (china, cakestands); BBJ Linens, www.BBJLinens.com (taupe)
Printed materials: SAS-E Ink, www.SaseInk.com
Cakes: Jessica Grossman, Patrick Properties Hospitality Group, , www.PPHGCharleston.com
Catering: Cru Catering, www.CruCatering.com
Bride’s gown: Fabulous Frocks, www.FabulousFrocks.com
Beauty: Patrick Navarro, hairbynavarronyc@gmail.com (hair); Madison Hughes, www.Instagram.com/hairandmakeup_bymadison/ (makeup)
Groom's attire: EZ Tuxedo, www.EZTuxedo.com (jacket); The Tie Bar, www.TheTieBar.com; Turnbull & Asser, www.TurnbullandAsser.com (ties)
