When a colorful couple marries in the hard lines of downtown Pittsburgh, it seems fitting for hues and bold shades to pop from start to finish against a black-tie wedding. For Brooke Sender and Rayce Bennett, the challenges of blending two cultural traditions led to lovely layers of tone, flavors, and formality and to leaps of freedom of expression and fun. From the first look on Hotel Monaco’s rooftop deck, to cocktail hour in their foyer, to the reception in the ballroom, playful tones of pinks and oranges, purples and reds, met the ceremonious wedding party with a sentiment of pure joy.
A Colorful Wedding for a Blend of Tradition and Modernity
For the planner, Meg Van Dyke of Yinz Getting Married, a black-tie wedding, elevated by color, means florists and photographers alike have room for creativity and personalization. “We are seeing more brides and grooms incorporate bold color which is something working vendors are especially happy about,” she says.
Florist Chris Stewart of Dormont Florist infused vibrant hues into every element of the July occasion. Pink and apricot ranunculus boutonnières stand out against the groomsmen’s black lapels and the groom’s late grandfather’s carefully kept cufflinks. An impressive explosion of fuchsia cosmos, pastel Gerbera daisies, and blush peonies wrapped in a piece of mother-of-the-bride’s own wedding dress take Brooke’s wedding-white to a new level.
During pre-ceremony photos, the surprising color-burst from bridesmaid dresses and the flower-adorned wedding party is a festive hint at valued tradition and some letting loose later in the evening. Photographer, Ryan Zarichnak adds, “I’m all about authenticity and a couple being 100% themselves on their wedding day. It just made sense that they featured bright, bold colors because Brooke and Rayce exuded positivity and good vibes all day.”
Finding a Middle Ground for the Bride and Groom
Traditional Jewish elements were incorporated into the ceremony and reception to honor the bride’s culture. “Having both of my parents walk me down the aisle was very important to me,” says Brooke. Later, the traditional breaking of the glass expresses a sentiment that paralleled a wedding of juxtapositions: somber meets merry where elegant meets bold and bright.
Even reception food and flavors played along. Formal “butler served” appetizers and dinner boasted layered colors and flavors on time-tested dishes. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a signature margarita embellished with bright tajin and tasty bites including artichoke beignets, and pickled vegetables.
Not only did color and flavor lend playfulness to the formal affair, but the bride and groom’s choice of officiant, Brooke’s 6’ 5” brother-in-law -who lightheartedly tucked his impressive stature under the color-drenched chuppah, made for a more personal, relatable event. Brooke says, “Rayce’s family is Christian and to find middle ground here, we chose to have Anderson marry us instead of a rabbi or pastor.”
At the reception’s peak, guests come alive to the hora as the couple floats on top of chairs around the circle of loved ones – a moment as big as it was beautiful.
In a final nod to coloring outside the lines, Brooke, Rayce, and friends capped the night with more dancing and also singing on stage at Howl at the Moon’s piano bar. What better way for the happy couple to enthusiastically endorse having fun with tradition and formality for a vivid event that makes room for all.
Story by Leah Hohman Esser
Photography by Ryan Zarichnak
Planning by Meg Van Dyke
Flowers by Dormont Florist
Venue by Hotel Monaco
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