Kelly Rawlings & Brian C. Protho
September 2, 2007
FAMILY
Alan and Ella Rawlings; Henry Protho and Patricia Sealy
CEREMONY
Kelly’s uncle, Marvin Rawlings, performed the couple’s ceremony at Covenant Church on the Hill (67 Southern Ave., Mount Washington; 412/231-4333). The ceremony included a salt covenant, a display of unity described in the Bible with ancient connotations of loyalty, protection and hospitality.
FLOWERS
The bride’s grandmother Virginia Rawlings provided bouquets and arrangements for her granddaughter’s big day. She selected yellow, gold and ivory-colored flowers.
PHOTOGRAPHER
James Bilka (724/779-9779), a friend of the bride’s mother’s, captured the day on film.
WEDDING COORDINATION
Kelly began planning her wedding by herself, but quickly realized the need for an experienced assistant. Michelle Collins-Todd of Flare (412/225-0880, mcollins@wilkinsburgschools.org) helped Kelly nail down all the details for her big day.
ON THE BRIDE
Kelly wore a strapless, A-line, beaded gown with gathered tulle and gold beading from David’s Bridal (various locations; 877/923-2743, davidsbridal.com). A friend of the family, Leslie Harris, made Kelly’s veil, and another friend, Nikki Nelson (412/372-0709), created jewelry for Kelly and her attendants. Bridesmaids purchased their iridescent purple gowns at Harper’s Bazaar Bridal Boutique in Monroeville (3948 Monroeville Blvd.; 412/372-2042, hbbridal.net).
ON THE GROOM
Crisp, clean and classic-Brian looked cool in a tux rented from After Hours Formalwear (After Hours Formalwear, various locations; 412/366-3989, afterhours.com).
RECEPTION
Guests enjoyed a gorgeous city view, fabulous feast and celebration of Kelly and Brian’s marriage at LeMont Restaurant (1114 Grandview Ave., Mount Washington; 412/431-3100, lemontpittsburgh.com). LeMont also baked the wedding cake, a sumptuous, multi-tiered masterpiece made of almond batter and strawberry filling.
MUSIC
Disc jockey Jim Scollegetti (412/661-7330, 720records.com), a friend of Brian’s who also served as master of ceremonies, provided a variety of jazzy rhythms that really picked up the evening as the guests got down.