A Pittsburgh Marriott North Wedding | Czarmaine + Nick

August 31, 2024
Photography by Margaret James Weddings

An August Celebration Full of Laughter, Family, and the Start of Something New

Nick and Czarmaine’s wedding day felt like the perfect end-of-summer celebration—filled with family, heartfelt moments, and the kind of joy that sticks with you long after the last song plays. From getting ready with their closest people to dancing the night away at Pittsburgh Marriott North, every moment was full of intention and warmth.

This was also one of the first weddings that sparked the idea for Rewind the Moment, my sister brand that invites couples to capture the day from their guests’ perspectives. More on that later—but let’s start at the beginning.

Getting Ready at Pittsburgh Marriott North

Czarmaine began the morning with her bridesmaids, popping bubbly and soaking in the moments before slipping into her dress. Her look was sleek, simple, and stunning—perfectly complimenting her graceful presence.

Nick got ready with his guys, and I caught a sweet moment as his dad helped him tie his tie. It instantly reminded me of a scene from New Girl, with Nick Miller talking to his future self—probably because Nick’s dad is also named Nick. The resemblance between the two was uncanny, not just in looks but in their energy. Both of them were all smiles, radiating that easygoing, happy-to-be-here kind of joy.

Before heading to the ceremony, I handed both sides of the wedding party camcorders. I told them to capture the day however they saw it. It was from this wedding that Rewind the Moment was officially born—and the footage we got back? You’ll want to read to the end.

A Beautiful Ceremony at St. Kilian Church

Though it rained earlier in the day, the skies cleared just in time for Nick and Czarmaine’s ceremony. Czarmaine waited quietly downstairs at St. Kilian with her bridesmaids, while Nick greeted guests with a steady calm.

Both of Czarmaine’s parents walked her down the aisle, a moment that felt as meaningful as it was beautiful. The two exchanged vows during a full Catholic mass, surrounded by their loved ones in a space that echoed tradition and reverence.

Portraits at North Boundary Park

Following the ceremony, we made our way to North Boundary Park, where the light broke through just enough to give us a soft, dreamy glow. We found a hilltop shaded by a line of tall trees—the perfect setting for portraits.

Czarmaine’s bridesmaids wore a mix of light blue dresses that added a cool, calming palette to the scenery. Petal Burst Designs created lush bouquets filled with blush, ivory, and pops of orange—ranunculus and dahlias in full bloom. Her veil was long and ethereal, trailing behind her gown and adding so much movement to every frame. And despite the August heat, Nick and his groomsmen looked sharp and never once let on just how warm it was.

A Joyful Reception at Pittsburgh Marriott North

Back at Pittsburgh Marriott North, the reception kicked off with a soundtrack of ’90s and early 2000s favorites—exactly the kind of playlist that fills a dance floor. From the very beginning, guests were ready to celebrate.

One of my favorite personal touches? The cookie table. Nick’s grandmother beamed with pride as guests admired the incredible spread she helped bring together—a true Pittsburgh wedding tradition, and one of my favorite parts of the evening.

Later, guests cooled off with a late-night ice cream bar. The night wrapped up just the way it started: full of love, laughter, and moments that mattered.

The Start of Rewind the Moment

This was one of the very first weddings where I invited the wedding party to film parts of the day with camcorders—and the result? Magic. Through the eyes of the people closest to you, the day feels different. More lived-in. More real. Nick and Czarmaine helped me realize that there’s something truly special about capturing those raw, in-between moments—ones even a professional might miss.

A Day Rooted in Family and Full of Legacy

Nick and Czarmaine’s wedding was about more than just a celebration. It was about families coming together, generations honoring one another, and a couple starting a life rooted in laughter and love. I’d relive it with them again and again.

 

Vendor Credits

Ceremony: St. Kilian Church

Reception & Getting Ready: Pittsburgh Marriott North

Coordination: Events by Michaella

Photography: Margaret James Weddings

Videography: Rewind the Moment

Dress: Essense of Australia, Amanda’s Bridal Loft

Hair: PGH Glam Team

Makeup: Esfir Koles

Groom Attire: Top Hat Tuxedo

Engagement Ring: Helzberg Diamonds

Bride’s Band: Noah Gabriel

Groom’s Band: Hall Jewelers

Florals (Bouquets & Boutonnieres): Petal Burst Designs

Reception Centerpieces: Flowers by Gerard

Invitations: Marry Me Paper Boutique