PHOTO BY RACHEL ROWLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROWLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

When Nick Met Brian

Years before they met, Nick Rubano and Brian Savolskis seemed to have been connected by an invisible string.

They unknowingly followed similar paths to Cleveland for their undergraduate studies before each moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to pursue professional opportunities and for Nick to attend law school.

Their paths never crossed until they both returned to the Pittsburgh region, where they had their first date on Sept. 30, 2016. They shared drinks at Allegheny Wine Mixer before moving on to dinner at Piccolo Forno — while bonding over their shared history.

“We had a great conversation that lasted from Friday to Sunday,” Brian says. “It was the first date that never ended. I think we’re still on it.”

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROWLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

He Said Yes

Four years after their first date, Nick had hoped to propose during a trip to southern Italy in the summer of 2020. When the pandemic forced the couple to cancel their plans, Nick chose a new proposal approach: A trip to Topsail Beach in North Carolina with a group of the couple’s closest friends that August.

On the second day of their trip, Nick proposed on the beach with a ring from local Studebaker Metals — a piece forged in local steel, much like his and Brian’s relationship. The couple spent the rest of their vacation as an extended engagement party.

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROWLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

The Big Day

Nick and Brian meticulously curated their wedding with a chic, inviting atmosphere for their guests. Taking inspiration from their time in southern Florida, the couple transformed the Fairmont Pittsburgh into a golden hour Miami champagne bar for their wedding on Sept. 30, 2023 — the seventh anniversary of their first date.

Two of their friends officiated the ceremony, and three other friends recited pieces from the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case allowing same-sex marriage, a monologue from the “Will and Grace” episode “Coffee & Commitment,” and a selection of quotes about love by RuPaul.

“We wanted to do something that would resonate,” Nick says. “That sequence [identifies] where the law changed, where we’ve come, and how we’ve progressed [while] stringing along this positivity and this level of love.”

The centerpiece of the reception was a custom bar created by All Occasions Party Rental, where drinks were “sponsored” by their miniature Goldendoodle, Vinnie, including two signature cocktails, the “Vinnie Margarita” and a “Dirty Vintini.” The couple’s cookie table was crafted with creative direction from Nick’s mom who, along with the couple’s aunts, baked more than 20 varieties and a total of 350 dozen cookies. And as a nod to their love of music festivals, the couple had custom merchandise including koozies, sunglasses and fans.

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROWLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

Happily Ever After

Nick and Brian honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas. The couple both work for Highmark where Nick, 36, is an attorney in the Regulatory Affairs Department and Brian, 40, is a director of operations. They live in Lawrenceville with their miniature Goldendoodle, Vinnie.

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROWLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

Vendors

Photographer Rachel Rowland Photography
Ceremony & Reception Site Fairmont Pittsburgh, Downtown
Caterer & Cake Fairmont Pittsburgh
Dessert Italian cookie table
Hair/Makeup MSTR
Tux/Suit Custom Indochino
Rings Marke Fine Jewelry
Flowers greenSinner
Music & Entertainment DJ Jess
Stationery/Invitations Minted
Favors Custom Nick + Brian Merch
Lighting EF Lighting
Rentals/Linens All Occasions / Lendable Linens
Photobooth Rachel Rowland Photography
Ceremony & Photobooth Backdrops Lucy Blossoms
Officiants Meghan Angus + Matthew Galmoff
Wedding Planner Nick + Brian with creative assistance from Joanna Bazzano, Fairmont, Jimmy + Katlyn, greenSinner.