Weddings Under Glass: Caitlin and Zach

By Hannah Nowicki

Weddings Under Glass is a monthly blog series where we highlight the stories of couples who chose to begin their happily ever after in the lush backdrop of Phipps, named one of the best outdoor garden wedding venues by Elle and Harper’s Bazaar.

Caitlin and Zach joke that they met at a crazy bachelor party where Zach jumped out of a cake. In reality, they did meet at a bachelor party, but it was a low key, co-ed affair, and the pair just happened to hit it off.

Caitlin and Zach were living in Chicago when Zach decided to propose. Usually he got home from work later than Caitlin, but one evening he came home very early to set up his proposal plan. He laid out a trail of votive candles in glass jars and a series of cartoons showing special moments in their relationship – past and future – in the vestibule of their apartment. Imagine Caitlin’s surprise when Zach was not only home before her, but he was also waiting for her down on one knee. Of course she said yes!

Even though Caitlin and Zach were living in Chicago, Phipps was on their radar while deciding upon a venue. “My parents grew up in Pittsburgh and remembered trips to Phipps and excursions to Schenley Park,” Caitlin says. She had happy memories of attending the Phipps Winter Flower Show with her father, who was gravely ill at the time of their wedding and has since passed away.

“We chose Phipps for many reasons,” Caitlin says. “Phipps offered architectural as well as natural beauty that felt both timeless and modern, and allowed us to combine indoor and outdoor settings.”

Caitlin and Zach’s ceremony was held in front of the fountain in the Outdoor Garden, followed by a cocktail hour under an illuminated tent and dinner reception in the Special Events Hall.

“We wanted our wedding to feel elegant, yet simple and relaxed,” Caitlin says. “Phipps was perfect for that because the natural beauty of the plants and grounds is beautiful but not fussy.” Their warm, inviting wedding colors were inspired by autumn – corals, soft oranges, variegated greens and pops of gold were beautifully enhanced by flickering candlelight.

Caitlin’s favorite detail was their banquet-style head table. “Zach and I were surrounded by our wedding party, which included all our siblings, their spouses and partners, our parents, and our officiant,” Caitlin says.

Most of all, though, Caitlin and Zach loved having all of their family and friends eat, drink and celebrate together in a place that holds many memories. “Because of our long history with Phipps, I felt connected to family members who had passed away and had loved Phipps. They were definitely boogying down with us in spirit!”

After their wedding day, the couple traveled to Paris for their honeymoon, where they enjoyed unforgettable views from an upgraded suite with a balcony overlooking the Champs Élysées. Caitlin has some words of wisdom for honeymooning newlyweds: “My advice to any newly-married couple: don’t be shy about it. People want to comp your champagne, but they can’t do it unless you let them know.”

Caitlin and Zach now live and work in Washington, D.C. Caitlin is a research analyst and Zach is a data scientist. Outside of work, the couple enjoy being trivia regulars at a local bar.

Would you like to plan your special day at Phipps? Please contact our events team by email or by calling 412/622-6915, ext. 6404.

Vendors
Photographer: Noah Purdy at Michael Will Photography
Makeup Audrey Griffith, All Dolled Up 
Hair: Elisha Evans, Elisha Evans Styling 
Cutting Cake and Cookie Table: Bella Christie & Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique 
Florist: Paulette Still-Khouri, Posy Floral and Event Styling