WHIRL weddings
Carisa Sirak + Ryan Griffin
For dessert, Vanilla Pastry Studio created a vanilla butter cake with lemon buttercream icing. Bill Chisnell Productions created the stunning floral arrangements.
By Rachel Jones Photographs from Muse photography
W
hen Carisa Sirak and Ryan Griffin first told each other their life stories, it seemed like they were reading from the same book! They both majored in engineering at Big 10 schools, moved to Phoenix, earned their MBAs, and moved back to the East Coast for family reasons. Within a year of meeting, the similar soul mates were engaged. “I was opening birthday gifts from him, and the last gift was a robe with my new monogram,” Carisa says. “When I looked up, he was already down on one knee.” Carisa and Ryan hosted their ceremony and reception on the 12th floor of Three PNC Plaza with an outdoor ceremony on the terrace, overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline. Sticking to a modern and clean theme, the couple decorated the space with white, gray, black, and spring green elements. Of course, this Italian couple made food a priority, sharing an extensive, family-style menu. Guests also sipped on the couple’s signature drink, the Veranda: a refreshing mix of Wigle Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and basil-black pepper simple syrup. We’ll drink to that!
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We loved our venue because it is a unique “ wedding location,” Carisa says. “They typically don’t host events. In fact, we were their first wedding.” arkhurst Dining and Crested Duck P Charcuterie cooked delicious bites with local ingredients for the reception.