Weddings Under Glass: Janelle and Andy

By Alexa Sinatra

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.

In 2012, Janelle and Andy met as freshman during their first week of college at Mercyhurst University. Janelle’s roommate invited her to have lunch with some friends, including Andy! She admits, “Embarrassingly, I was immediately smitten. We became friends almost immediately, and over time grew even closer to one another.” Eventually, Andy decided to ask Janelle out and they have been inseparable ever since!

Just after the height of the pandemic, the couple planned a relaxing vacation to the beaches of the Outer Banks. Janelle says, “The day of the proposal I had a hint something up as Andy was radiating nervousness.” Once they got to the quiet beach, Janelle was searching for seashells until Andy walked up to her, took her hands and got down on one knee. Andy explained to her that the proposal was long overdue, and he didn’t want to make her wait any longer, and he had one more surprise up his sleeve! His parents drove all the way from Cleveland, Ohio and hid on the sand dunes to capture some beautiful photos of the engagement! Afterward, they all celebrated with snacks and champagne.

Based on Janelle’s lifelong desire to get married in a garden and Andys fond childhood memories visiting the Conservatory, Phipps was the perfect venue for their special day! While both attending graduate school in Pittsburgh, they visited Phipps several times and were blown away by how carefully everything was attended to.

The couple held their ceremony in front of the waterfall on the Tropical Forest patio followed by a reception in the Special Events Hall. As for the style of their wedding, Janelle says, “We wanted a simple but classic garden party-esque wedding. Our colors were ivory, peach, champagne yellow, sky blue, dusty blue, gold, sage and hunter green.” They love being able to look back at their wedding photos that feature a view of the glasshouse and the stunning waterfall all surrounded by lush greenery.

Currently Janelle works in a vaccine research lab at the University of Pittsburgh while Andy works in the registrars office at Carlow University. This coming May, the couple plans to take their honeymoon trip to Italy since they’ve both been wanting to visit since high school! In the coming years, they hope to save up for a house with a backyard so that they can adopt a dog and start a vegetable garden!

Vendors:

Photographer: Christa Lee Photography 

Wedding Cake: Bethel Bakery