Pittsburgh Luxury Wedding Planner | A Restaurant-Inspired Wedding at Hotel Monaco
- Sequoyah
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
There is something inherently romantic about a favorite restaurant. It’s the dim lighting, the clink of glassware, the intentional service, and the feeling that the rest of the world has faded away. When Madison and Chris came to us, they didn’t just want a wedding reception; they wanted a fine-dining experience. As planners with a deep passion for high-end hospitality, SHE loved the challenge of designing a day that felt like a one-night-only reservation at the city's most exclusive spot. Welcome to Fox + Wyn.
To bring this restaurant-inspired reception to life, we moved away from traditional formalities to lean into the feeling of arriving at a world-class hotel bar. In lieu of a static escort display, guests were greeted by live hostesses who welcomed them with champagne and personally escorted them to their tables. This high-touch approach transformed the ballroom into a living, breathing space from the very first moment—a signature element of a luxury wedding where every guest touchpoint is curated with intention.
One of my favorite parts of the design process was watching Madison’s personal style evolve into a brand identity. We leaned heavily into the hotel’s existing Art Deco aesthetic and reimagined it through a custom fox motif.
A subtle, personal nod from the bride, the fox became the signature for Fox + Wyn, appearing within the invitation suite and later greeted guests at the host stand and at each place setting as a laser-cut place card holder. To keep the tablescapes truly restaurant-esque, we skipped traditional menus in favor of tri-fold table numbers that acted as the menu itself. It was clever, sophisticated, and felt like a nod to a boutique spot in SoHo.
Madison’s vision for the floral story was refreshingly non-traditional, trading classic blooms for a lush, greenery-forward palette that felt both organic and sculptural. We used a low glow of tabletop lamps and varying candlelight heights to keep the atmosphere moody and sophisticated throughout the evening.
The literal heart of the room was a 360-degree tree installation that anchored the space. It brought a sense of scale and life to the room, making guests feel as though they were dining in a secret, indoor garden hidden within the architecture of the hotel.
While the dinner felt like an intimate culinary experience, the evening was far from quiet. Once the final course was served, the energy shifted seamlessly from a refined dining room to a high-energy celebration. An electric band + DJ hybrid performance took the stage, ensuring the transition from dinner reservations to an after-hours lounge was effortless. It was the perfect finale for a couple who knows that the best nights out always end on the dance floor.
Madison and Chris, your vision for a hospitality-first celebration was a dream to execute. Watching you step into the roles of hosts for your own curated brand was a highlight of our season. Thank you for letting SHE build the world of Fox + Wyn for your beautiful wedding day. We’re still dreaming about this one!
Planning: Shayla Hawkins Events
Venue: Hotel Monaco
Photography: Dawn Derbyshire
Floral Design: May Chester Design
Branding + Stationery: Loree Mayer Design
Draping and Rentals: The 1978 Collection
Rentals: Event Source
Custom Host Stand, Banquettes + Bar: Vast Made Studios
Linens: Mosaic
Lighting: Gray Phoenix
Cake Design: Bella Christie's Sweet Boutique
Band + DJ: EBE Talent
Hosts: Florida Elite Events
Bridal Gown: Bridal Beginning
Groom Attire: David Alan Clothing
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