1. Real Weddings

Sonya & Scott: A Summer Wedding in Pittsburgh, PA

Though Valentine's Day and romance go hand in hand, Sonya Reynolds and Scott Zahorchak decided to put a twist on the usual hearts-and-flowers affair w

Though Valentine's Day and romance go hand in hand, Sonya Reynolds and Scott Zahorchak decided to put a twist on the usual hearts-and-flowers affair with a friendly competition over who was the most romantic. The Bride Sonya Reynolds, 29, speech-language pathologist The Groom Scott Zahorchak, 33, attorney The Date June 21 Sonya took an early lead, wooing Scott with a home-cooked meal. I searched through cookbooks for the perfect recipes for each course, says the 29-year-old speech-language pathologist. It was a great dinner. But Scott had a trump card up his sleeve -- or should we say, in his pocket. The next night, he took her to the spot of their first date, took the knee as Sonya describes it, and asked her to marry him. I was so excited that I pulled him up while saying yes and kissed him, remembers Sonya. I had to agree, Scott was definitely the winner in the most romantic contest!

After a celebratory trumpet tune, guests rang small bells as the newlyweds exited the church, and then joined the bridal party for a group photo before heading to the historic Pittsburgh Athletic Association. Cocktails were served in the Schenley Room, a cozy lounge with a large wooded bar that opens into the main reception space, the Pennsylvania Room. Inside, tables topped with sleek glass vases of calla lilies and glowing candles surrounded the dance floor.
Sonya's mother took charge of the flowers and decorations, arranging the bride's bouquet of elegant, white mini calla lilies, the bridesmaid bouquets of pink mini calla lilies -- all tied with blue ribbon -- and the single calla lily boutonnieres worn by the groom and groomsmen. Calla lilies were the flower of choice for the wedding.
A four-layer wedding cake with almond and apricot flavors completed the feast -- it was topped with not one but two family heirlooms: The cake topper was a combination of Scott's parents' wedding cake topper and his grandparents' 50th anniversary cake topper, says Sonya. It was a sweet ending to a memorable family-infused affair. Scott and Sonya chose their cake together: He finalized the flavor and she selected the design.
For Sonya and Scott's Presbyterian and Catholic ceremony, Sonya walked down the long aisle of the breathtaking chapel in a white satin strapless ball gown from Maggie Sottero. The cathedral-length veil, which the bride designed herself, picked up the exquisite crystals and beadwork of the gown bodice.
The Wedding Party Looks