A Real-Life Fairytale: An Old Hollywood Wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Carnegie Museum

Elisabeth Dorosh
Feb 2
3 min read

Colleen and Alex’s wedding day unfolded like a love letter—to family, to faith, and to a life intentionally built together.

On a crisp and golden autumn morning in Pittsburgh, they began their day at The Oaklander Hotel, surrounded by quiet anticipation and the kind of calm that only comes when you know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Colleen slipped into a gown made even more meaningful by her mother, who lovingly transformed her own wedding dress—more than 40 years old—into a robe, bag, and floral holder for her daughter to carry into this next chapter. A legacy stitched into every moment.

bride and groom walking hand in hand down the front steps of the exquisite Saint Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh on their autumn wedding day at sunset.

Their ceremony took place at the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, where light poured through towering arches as Colleen walked down the aisle—still, always, her father’s little girl. A sweet father-daughter reveal set the tone for a ceremony rooted in reverence, devotion, and deep commitment. Surrounded by family and friends, they spoke vows that reflected who they are: thoughtful, grounded, and unwavering in their love.

Drone aerial photo of Saint Paul Cathedral in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh in autumn showcasing the architecture of the iconic church prior to a wedding ceremony.

B+G kissing on the steps of Saint Paul Cathedral following their catholic wedding ceremony at sunset on an autumn afternoon with a Molly's Trolley behind them.

bride and groom standing side by side, gazing into one another's eyes with bride holding bouquet, wearing cathedral veil and groom is in black tux with white jacket on an autumn afternoon in Pittsburgh

Colleen is a woman with a rare gift—she sees people fully. Empathetic, fiercely loyal, deeply rooted in her faith, she is both warrior princess and Disney-loving romantic who found her real-life Prince Charming. And Alex—steady, warm, patient, quietly profound—is the calm presence beneath it all. The family’s favorite doctor. A man with so much depth beneath the surface, who brings peace wherever he goes.

A beautiful, smiling bride is reading her vows from a vow book wearing a white robe created from her mother's wedding gown and her hair swept in an updo and makeup done to perfection by glam to go.

A gorgeous bridal floral bouquet created by Community Flower Shop bound in a white ribbon with a mix of white, rose, purple and greenery sitting on a gold and white chair in the Founders room at the Carnegie Museum and draped with the bride's flowing cathedral veil

They met senior year at Davidson College, drawn together by shared values and an undeniable connection. Over dinner and sangria, Alex convinced Colleen to be his girlfriend—and from that moment on, they’ve been choosing one another with intention. Together, they bring out the very best in each other.

Their reception at the Carnegie Museum felt like a true grand soirée—an Old Hollywood–inspired evening worthy of their vision. Black, white, gold, deep green, and blush tones filled the space. A live band carried the night. Guests were treated to a classic Pittsburgh cookie table and a late-night pierogi bar—because celebration, like love, should always feel generous.

Bride and Groom dancing in Oakland near the Carnegie Museum in front of the large Dippy the Dinosaur display outside on a Fall day. Bride is wearing a cathedral veil and holding her dress and veil with one hand, and the groom's hand with the other. He is wearing a white tux jacket with black pants. The are small in the frame, showcasing the grand scale of the dinosaur.

Bride and Groom seated on the front steps of Saint Paul Cathedral in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, gazing at one another through fall foliage after thier cermony. Bride's hands are on the grooms knee and her veil and gown are cascading down the stairs.

Colleen’s bond with her sister—her dream duo—was woven throughout the day, just as Alex’s quiet steadiness anchored every room he entered. Laughter echoed. Tears were shed. And love, in its truest form, filled every corner.

On one of the most beautiful fall days Pittsburgh has to offer, Colleen and Alex committed to a lifelong partnership built on love, care, and trust. A marriage rooted in friendship. A celebration worthy of a classic romance.

They are worth melting for—and on this brisk winter day, their love is the warmest thing of all. 🤍✨

All Star Vendor Team:

Ceremony | Saint Paul Cathedral

Reception | Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh (Weddings & Events)

Planner | Hello Productions

Photographer | LeeannMarie Photography

Videographer | Dorosh Documentaries

Florist | Community Flower Shop

Hair + Makeup | Glam To Go (Hair & Makeup)

Getting Ready Venue | The Oaklander Hotel

Wedding Dress | Anne Gregory Couture

Christian Louboutin | Christian Louboutin (Official Site)