Love isn’t cancelled, weddings just might have to look a little bit different right now. We’ve seen people pivoting and getting really creative with things like micro-weddings and virtual weddings gaining in popularity.
We spoke with a few local brides who are currently planning their weddings to see how they’re handling all of these changes. Today, you’ll get to meet the lovely and charismatic Carey! Of course, Gary is pretty awesome, too.
A few quick facts about the couple:
Carey works for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Development and Alumni Relations. Gary is the General Manager of Panera Bread in Oakmont. They are settling into their beautiful new home just in time for the holidays (congratulations!!)! Gary’s son – also Gary, but lovingly referred to as G – calls Carey Babe, which is just too sweet.
When are you getting married?
June 11, 2021 <3
How did you meet?
We first met in 2006. Gary and I worked together at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Gary worked for Service System Associates and worked the catering side of special events – wedding receptions, picnics, company parties and in the park food service. I worked on the Zoo side in marketing/rentals/special events and sold the event to the client. Both of us would be on-site to ensure client satisfaction. Gary left Pittsburgh in 2013 to take a job at the Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, but came back in 2015. Our story started in 2016 when I was in need of a wedding date, he volunteered and the rest is history.
How did he propose?
We had planned to do family photos along the North Shore the evening of July 31. We were walking along the Riverwalk between PNC Park and Heinz Field and he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him with the most gorgeous city view behind us. It was extra special because his 4 year old son was part of the proposal too, presenting me with a pair of earrings that belonged to Gary’s grandma. We were incredibly lucky to have Jen there to capture the moment!
How far are you into the wedding planning process?
We are in pretty good shape with the planning. We have our venue, photographer, band, florist, Gary’s suit and my dress. We have an appointment with the bakery in January, and then it will be filling in the little details. Our save the dates have been mailed with wishful hearts.
Have you had to change your date due to the pandemic?
Not yet, and we agreed that we won’t be changing our date. No matter what the world looks like in June of 2021, we will be getting married on June 11. We may not be able to have all of the friends and family we would like, but to us, starting our marriage is the most important part. We can celebrate another time if we would need to/choose to.
How has the pandemic changed how you’ve gone about planning your wedding?
We are planning as though we will have the wedding we are envisioning, but we have also agreed that we will make a decision in April before our formal invitations go out in regards to the number of people that will be able to be invited. We are ok with a small ceremony/reception of 30 people, and a full ceremony/reception of 200. We hope our friends and family will understand if they received a save the date, but no formal invitation. We are hopeful, but realistic. We both had friends that needed to pivot and host a much smaller wedding than they imagined in 2020, and there was something very special about both being so intimate.
How are you feeling about all of this and what impact has it had on you and the excitement you anticipated (if any) about planning your wedding?
We try not to think about it when it comes to making choices on things we want. We understand we may lose some deposits, but if we are healthy and our friends and family are safe and healthy, that’s most important. We are excited and laugh thinking our wedding may be the first social outing for many, and with our band, it may be everyone’s first concert too! So many friends and family have said that our engagement was the best news and the news they needed to hear to get through 2020. Here’s hoping we can all come together and celebrate in 2021. Our fingers are crossed!
A huge thank you to Carey for answering all of our questions and opening up about her experience! Next week, we’ll hear from Katie & Anthony about their 2022 Autumn wedding plans!
Mary Kay Abdulovic says
A very sweet story about three very special people! So happy to be a part of their lives ?Can’t wait for June 11th!