As special as their wedding was, the way they met was almost as unique. Lauren’s mother gets all of the credit for the meeting of these two great people. As the story goes (and it was part of both the best man and the maid of honor’s speeches), David and Lauren’s mother happened to be on the same train platform during a terrible snowstorm a few years back. Lauren’s mom saw David and immediately struck up a conversation. Before long, she mentioned her daughter and how she thought that Lauren and David should meet! Believe it or not, she gave him Lauren’s name and number and they went their separate ways. Lauren says that she was initially horrified at the idea before meeting David but the rest, they say, is wedding history!

Both Lauren and David got ready at The Duquesne Club a few floors away from each other. While the girls enjoyed their time getting prepared, David and his father headed over to the Tap Room at The Omni William Penn to meet up with the other groomsmen as well as a few cocktails. David and his father spend a good deal of time together and it was obvious how close they have been their entire life.

The ceremony at Heinz Chapel was very touching and topped off by the attentiveness that Lauren and David showed for one another throughout the entire mass. There was one moment that really stood out, as all of the guests held hands during a prayer and as everyone spread out, there was a moment when no aisle was visible and there were friends holding hands across the entire chapel.

The reception was incredible, fueled by the energy of the band Cityscape and by the non-stop stamina of everyone on the floor! The entire day was coordinated splendidly by Shayla Hawkins and her crew at Shayla Hawkins Events and they were awesome to work with

The reception lasted until almost 1 a.m. and they would have kept dancing if the band wouldn’t have stopped. The reception was filled with hysterical speeches, bridesmaids being lifted high in the air, and most importantly, Lauren and David who could not be separated from each other the entire night! Elizabeth and I are so tremendously happy for you both and we want to say congratulations one more time!!

A rainy morning cleared up almost instantly as the first hints of makeup touched Amanda’s face. They did all of their preparation in a room high above the club, which resembled a luxury suite within a hotel. The hairdresser and make up artist shuffled seamlessly throughout the rooms making sure that all of the girls were ready to go.

The wedding was a small, intimate affair held inside at The Duquesne Club. Amanda and Fred’s children were a big part of the wedding and Amanda made her short walk down the aisle while holding the hands of her two children. The ceremony was short and extremely sweet. At one point, everyone joined hands for a prayer to make for a very unique moment.

The John Parker Band was the entertainment for the evening and they did not disappoint! After dinner, Amanda and Fred had a memorable first dance (which they actually got to practice during dinner when they snuck out to the dance floor!) which quickly blended into few parent and family dances. It ended with Amanda, her dad and her daughter dancing together, with her father pointing to the sky when someone shouted that he was a lucky man! it was a fantastic evening and I was honored to be a part of it.

Congratulations Amanda & Fred!!