&Karrah Marty

Ten years ago, Karrah and Marty were both students at Mt. Lebanon High School. Marty was a football player and Karrah was a cheerleader but they didn’t know each other very well. They were friends with each other’s siblings and knew many people in one another’s circles but they never connected. Then, almost two years ago Marty decided to reach out to Karrah’s brother and find out if a high school crush had a shot at being something real.

Almost instantly there was a spark between the two that grew despite their physical distance. Those close to them know they are both strong, caring, and exceptionally witty people, but as a pair they only enriched those qualities in one another. As one does in a post-Covid world, their relationship progressed via facetime dates, long phone calls, and many visits on the roads between Pittsburgh and Peoria.

Karrah and Marty were inconvenienced by long-distance dating and professional responsibilities, but it made them that much stronger over almost a year together. Their shared history in Mt. Lebanon built a wonderful foundation and came with a built-in support system from their hometown, but their future is growing from laughter, love, and unconditional support in their relationship.

You would be hard pressed to find another couple so connected and considerate of one another. Their marriage will surely only be a glowing representation of the love they built with wonderful communication, shared sense of humor, and dedication to their beliefs and each other.

&Leah Eric Poplowski

Caterer: Sausalido Catering (Chef Nick Mineo-owner)

DJ: DJ Rambo

Photographer: Matt Gaydos Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Katherine’s Daughter Events (owner-Joanne Cain)

Katherine’s Daughter Events was my day of wedding coordinator. Joanne Cain (owner) and I work together to coordinate. I interned with her in college and she is wonderful! Her assistant Danielle (Dani) Cunic was at my wedding assisting Joanne. We have so much fun coordinating and it’s the best side hustle! They are the best team!

Chris Hall Mollie Roth

Love by the Sea

Pristine white-sandy beaches, stunning views, and an all-in-one resort destination makes the Wildwoods, NJ the ultimate setting for your wedding.

Imagine walking down the aisle surrounded by the sparkling white sand of the Wildwoods pristine beaches and saying your vows as the sounds of the ocean waves crash onto the shore.

The Wildwoods offer numerous breathtaking spots for you and yours to say, “I Do.” There’s a variety of venues that will cater to your every need, including Urie’s Waterfront & Boathouse Restaurant, Bolero Resort, Trio North Wildwood, and Icona Diamond Beach. Additionally, the Wildwoods Convention Center’s Starlight Ballroom, with very limited date availability, features an immaculate wedding space with a classy and luxurious ambiance, second to none, with outstanding catering to fit any wedding budget.

Talk about unique wedding venues, in 2021, two U.S. service members were married on the main stage at the annual Barefoot Country Music Fest (BCMF) on the beach before forty-thousand concert goers just before the evening’s main performance!

The couple, Chris Hall, 46, and Mollie Roth, 33, from Dover, DE, are both current service members – Chris is a U.S. Air Force C-17 Loadmaster, and Mollie a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and U.S. Air Force Reservist – and met while serving together. As with many couples the COVID-19 pandemic put their wedding plans on hold; and with the help of the organizers of BCMF, Southern Entertainment, the couple got a wedding of their dreams.

With over 8,000 hotel-motel rooms and over 3,000 vacation rentals to choose from, your guests can find suitable lodging to fit any budget. Mid-century themed hotels/ motels reflect their predecessor buildings from the 1950s in architecture, décor, and color – an architectural style known as ‘Doo Wop.’

Once your location is picked, then it’s time to secure your vendors who will help bring your wedding daydreams to life. The Wildwoods are full of specialty vendors, from photographers and videographers to florists and fine jewelers, to top entertainment with either a band or DJ. Discover the professionals who have made themselves known in the wedding industry as being some of the best of the best.

The Wildwoods also offer an abundance of backdrops with unique visual flare. The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is an historic landmark with picturesque English gardens that provides a beautiful wedding background. Capture a spectacular sunset backdrop at the Wildwood Crest Sunset Lake or choose the Wildwoods Boardwalk as your setting, with a pure sensory overload of sights and neon lights to capture a one-of-a-kind wedding shoot.

For additional information about weddings the Wildwoods, NJ visit www.WildwoodsCC.com.

Wedding Vendors:

Photographer Nearly Hitched 609-796-7200

Florist Petals Florist 609-523-9500

Entertainment – DJ

Ken Schaffer 609-266-3600

Ferny Creek

A Nature Lover’s Paradise

955 Blackburn Road, Sewickley Heights

Presented by Jim Clark of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

ASewickley Heights treasure, Ferny Creek is a nature lover’s paradise set within a rolling pastoral landscape. Constructed of stone and redwood, the custom home boasts 5,800 SF of soaring, museumquality ceilings, plaster crown moldings, abundant light, and refined gathering spaces. Designed for one-level living, this sprawling ranch style home was built to allow the owner to age in place with wide hallways and doorways throughout. Adjacent to the gourmet kitchen, a light-filled atrium overlooks an expansive koi pond.

The stone fireplace warms the family room, where a wall of French doors opens to the scenic patio. The main-level bedrooms include a stunning owner’s suite with a private porch, fireplace, dual walk-in closets, and refined spa-like bath. The expansive walk-out lower level features a guest suite, full bath, kitchen, and wine room.

Rustic yet elegant, the home flows between indoor and outdoor spaces for ease of living and entertaining. Partially wooded, the 8.36 acres also boasts a beautifully restored 8-stall bank barn and more. The estate offers easy access to I-79, Downtown, and the airport.

This exclusive luxury property is offered by Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Additional information is available at www.955blackburnrd.howardhanna.com. For a private showing of the property contact Jim Clark, at 412-833-3600 or 412-600-5539.

Whimsical Artistic Masterpiece

Step through the looking glass into this whimsical artistic masterpiece, which boasts a premium location on a secluded, oversized lot in the Fox Chapel area and a sophisticated, contemporary interior.

Known as the Mirror House among its legions of fans, this elegant multi-level ranch features an open, turnkey interior with 25 skylights and approximately 4,291 square feet, an approx. 800 sq. ft. garage and a private backyard that is reminiscent of a botanical garden. Just like Fallingwater, the house emphasizes connection between the interior/exterior spaces - this open floor plan home offers hardwood floors, a living room with a fireplace, a chef’s kitchen, and more.

Showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail of a renowned local artist couple, the home includes a state-of-the-art home theater, a library/home office with built-in mahogany desk, shelving and vaulted ceilings, an artist’s studio and a finished basement that could be a perfect game room/play room. Designed for grand-scale entertaining, the home includes multiple gathering areas and a large formal dining room with vaulted ceilings, mirrored ceilings/walls, and room for a 10-12 person table.

Open to a spacious bar area with a built-in hutch, the kitchen boasts stainless counters and commercial-grade appliances, including a six-burner Wolf dual-fuel range with a grill/griddle, double ovens, a Miele dishwasher, and a butler’s pantry. With a built-in Subzero glass door refrigerator/freezer, a butcher block center island and a commercial sink, the kitchen is a highlight of the residence.

Offering something for everyone, the home includes generous secondary bedrooms, one of which includes a large retreat/office area with a bay window that provides the view of the woods, and another with a private full bath. The master has a laid-back atmosphere that does not take life too seriously, with distinctivepatterned walls and ceilings, a unique sunken tub and a walk-in shower. Equally inspiring, the art studio has soaring ceilings and a garage-style door with glass insets that opens to the Zen-like backyard.

Other highlights include a newly renovated upstairs laundry room, a newer roof, a newer water heater, new insulation, a new shed and extensive professional landscaping. A beautiful extension of the living space, the backyard includes a large alfresco dining room, a possible outdoor kitchen with a gas/water line, a deck and meandering pathways for contemplation/relaxation. Lovingly refined over the course of many years and situated in the Fox Chapel school district, in close proximity to local golf courses, parks, shops, schools and restaurants, this distinctive, iconic residence makes it possible to live inside a work of art.