PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

When Corey Met Michelle

Corey Burns and Michelle Watson met after a mutual friend messaged Michelle on Instagram. She said that she had a guy in mind she thought was perfect for Michelle, and she wanted them to try it out. Michelle shared her phone number with the friend, and Corey, who was living in Washington, D.C. at the time, texted her. When Corey visited Pittsburgh that month, in January 2019, the two had their first date at an art gallery with lunch at Roman Bistro.

While the distance sometimes made things complicated — “He’s a texter, I’m not,” Michelle says with a laugh — she also knew the relationship had potential.

“I committed to texting and long distance to see where it would go,” she says. They spent their time traveling to visit each other, taking cooking classes and going to Miami, their favorite vacation spot.

PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

She Said Yes

In January 2022, the couple’s daughter, Elle, was born — three years exactly from the day that they met. Later that year, on Christmas morning, Elle was in charge of the sign that read, “Will You Marry My Daddy?”

“It was a complete surprise. I had no clue it was going on,” Michelle says. “I don’t think he told anyone until the day before.”

Michelle’s mother was there for the big proposal, and Corey had created a PowerPoint presentation with dates for ring shopping so that they could find one together.

PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

The Big Day

Michelle and Corey left the brunt of their wedding planning to Michelle’s best friend, event planner Shayla Hawkins.

“We gave her a vision, and she put it together,” Michelle says.

Their vibe, which the couple calls “courthouse chic,” was achieved through everything from the small guest list of 80 people, the black formal-attire dress code and the decision not to have a bridal party. Corey and Michelle were married on the grand staircase of the historical Frick Building, Downtown, where Michelle’s grandfather, a 101-year-old retired judge, had his courtroom. Guests watched their “short and sweet” ceremony from the surrounding balcony.

“It was laid back and fit our personalities, nothing was forced,” Corey says.

PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

Happily Ever After

Michelle, 40, and Corey, 41, live in the Hill District in Crawford Square with their now 2 ½-year-old daughter. The couple work together as real estate investors and Realtors, doing everything from rentals to flips, Airbnbs and consulting.

PHOTO BY KRISTI TELNOV PHOTOGRAPHY

Vendors

Photography & Videography: Kristi Telnov Photography
Ceremony: Frick Building, Downtown
Reception: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Pittsburgh, Downtown
Cake: Bella Christie’s Sweet Boutique
Ceremony Dress: Luxe Redux Bridal
Reception Dress: Albina Dyla
Hair: Muse Me Hair Studio
Makeup: BeatByNesh Beauty Studio
Tux: Calvin Klein
Rings: Diamonds Direct and Cartier
Floral Design: May Chester Design
Musician: DJ Drummr (Dennis Garner)
Branding & Stationery: Melissa & Seventh Design Studio
Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental
Linens: Mosaic
Custom Towels: Sew Special by V
Photobooth: Moxie Events
Wedding Planner: Shayla Hawkins Events