Kate + Ben's day was spectacular in every way—the couple, families, fabulous guests, cuisine, + experience were a 10/10! Pittsburgh + Milwaukee born but NYC living, the cool pair had a relaxed meets classic preppy style. As members, Kate grew up going to Fox Chapel Golf Club with her family so we wanted to make sure the day felt different than any other time they've been at the club. We love that Kate + Ben did some things their way! There were some formalities they chose to keep and some traditions that just weren't important to them. For example, they spent the morning of the wedding getting ready together and included immediate family + close friends instead of a bridal party.
They weren't into a "color palette" and wanted each part of the day to just take on it's own look + vibe. One of their big asks (that required a lot of prayers) was to incorporate as much of the outdoor spaces as we could throughout their wedding day—challenge accepted + prayers answered! The weather was perfect for the ceremony on the hillside of the shooting lodge with a view overlooking the pristine golf course. Fox + the Fleur did an outstanding job with the floral! The design boasted with very curated low + lush floral runners down the aisle + flanking the altar. Fun fact--one of their first dates was at Kiki on the River in Miami, hence the nod to some tropical flair in early fall.
SHE loves an attire request. Guests arrived looking oh-so-beautiful in their festive black-tie attire and were greeted with a custom bar + signature drink while mingling before the ceremony.
Once the ceremony ended, guests moved to the club and servers greeted them with wine + champagne. We tied the couples love of visiting lighthouses into the guestbook. There were post cards with lighthouses from all over for guests to write a message to the couple and "mail" in the box.
Cocktail hour in the beautiful atrium had it's own feel with hues of blues, greens, yellow, and white. Delicious hors d'oeuvres were heavily passed or guests could have their choice of options at the raw bar. You may have caught an oyster with their wedding crest!
The flow continued onto the terrace with a captivating custom bar installation that guests were able to enjoy all evening. The branded acrylic + gold seating chart were also a focal design detail in this area. To wrap the buzzing cocktail hour, Kate + Ben grabbed some drivers + hit a golf ball together while guests cheered them on. They kicked off the dinner portion of the evening with their first dance + a dance set with their guests.
Kate had a vision of "an evening under the stars" so we draped the ceiling of the ballroom, terrace awning, and clear top tent with heavy fairy lights for a whimsical + festive evening of dinner + dancing. With the French doors open, guests enjoyed indoor + outdoor dining. The finer details of the tablescapes did not miss as we cohesively combined different table styles to include a gorgeous mix of patterned linens with natural rattan chargers, floral salad plates, and moss water goblets.
Guests raved over the ease of flow between the indoors + outdoor spaces throughout the evening. They loved the separate dancing area on the patio! It was fun to watch guests dance between courses with the Philly-based band. By the end of the evening, an abundance of joy, smiles, laughter, and dancing filled the entire space. With a surprise fireworks display ending the night, guests were sad to have the evening end chanting "one more song" to the groovy band!
Kate + Ben's beloved family + friends left on a high note. We are so honored to share in this very special memory that guests will rave about forever. SHE had the very best time planning with Kate + her mom, Marcy! They trusted the process and we all couldn't be more pleased with their stunning celebration.
XOXO,
Shayla
What's your favorite part of this wedding? Comment below and check out the amazing vendor team behind the magic.
Planning: Shayla Hawkins Events
Venue: Fox Chapel Golf Club
Photographer: Joey Kennedy Photography
Videographer: Wiley Wedding Film
Floral Design: The Fox + the Fleur Linens: Mosaic
Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental
Lighting Design: Media Quest
Stationery: The Printery
Wedding Crest: Blue Harbor Paperie
Embroidered Towel: Sew Special by V
Cake: Oakmont Bakery
Glam: JL Studio
Dress: Carolina Herrara
Here. For. It!!!
The epitome of a SHE bride doing things her own way! ✨