1. Real Weddings

Lisa & Mike: An Interfaith Wedding in Coraopolis, PA

Lisa and Mike first met at a work event. They didn’t start dating right away -- actually, they weren’t even friends at first, but Lisa says, “That was

Lisa and Mike first met at a work event. They didn’t start dating right away -- actually, they weren’t even friends at first, but Lisa says, “That was a moment we both remember so vividly, and we know that’s what started it all.” The two got to know each other, and after a few months Mike’s “patience and persistence” paid off as Lisa finally realized that they “were meant to be more than just friends.” The Bride Lisa Ziviello, 31, project manager The Groom Mike Padnes, 29, writer and producer The Date September 29 The couple soon had their first date on Lisa’s birthday -- Mike surprised her with a slice of carrot cake (her favorite). A year and nine months later, Mike made Lisa a relaxing dinner at home. Later in the evening, he asked, “Did you like dinner?” She replied, “I liked dinner a lot.” He then asked, “Do you like me?” She replied, “Well, I love you!” Mike then pulled out a ring box and asked her to marry him. “I was so surprised,” Lisa says. “It was perfect.”

Lisa and Mike cut into a round, white-on-white cake adorned with Swiss dots and their bakery’s signature doves. Fall-colored flower petals scattered on the cake table brought in their seasonal style.
Mike wore a single calla lily on his lapel.
Each of Lisa’s bridesmaids carried a bouquet of roses in a single autumn hue. The bride’s bouquet combined all of the colors of those roses plus calla lilies.
Lisa and Mike married in the hotel’s junior ballroom in an interfaith ceremony that combined Christian and Jewish traditions. “Mike’s favorite part was stomping on the glass at the end,” Lisa says.
Lisa and Mike shared their first dance to The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You.”