Weddings Under Glass: Ryan and Laura

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.

After meeting through mutual friends at Wake Forest University in 2013, Ryan and Laura were inseparable. Laura, a Pittsburgh native, took Ryan to Phipps on his first visit to the city and to their surprise, eight  years later they returned to get married!

Ryan proposed on the rooftop of their apartment building in May 2020 where he set up a romantic dinner with a table full of flowers, pictures of the two of them over the years, and their favorite drink of choice, tequila. As soon as he got down on one knee, Laura said yes, and the planning began. Due to their love of nature and flowers, they knew Phipps would be the perfect venue for their wedding.

In October 2021, Ryan and Laura tied the knot in the outdoor garden followed by a cocktail hour throughout the conservatory and reception in the special events hall. “The exhibits could not have been more beautiful and provided the perfect backdrop for our day.” says Laura. Their romantic yet modern wedding featured a light color palette with a splash of maroon to tie in the fall season.

Following their wedding, the happy couple went to Bora Bora for their honeymoon where they are already planning a return trip! Now you can find Ryan and Laura enjoying married life in downtown Washington DC. “We still make sure to make a trip to Phipps every time we go to Pittsburgh to visit my parents!” says Laura.

Vendors:

Planner: Shayla Hawkins Events (Alexis Allen)

Photgrapher: Michael Will

Videographer: Jermemy Scott Films

Flowers: Hens and Chicks

Hair/Makeup: Beauty Justified LLC

Dress: Anne Gregory Couture

Band: No Bad Juju