National Aviary

The Masquerade

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour with Aviary Access

Reception

Our Wedding

In the sprawling digital wilderness, a spark of fate ignited between Marisa in the misty North and Vivian on the sun-drenched coast. Their "once upon a time" began with the quiet discovery of kindred spirits across thousands of miles, fueled by shared dreams and a mutual devotion to the Steel City. This connection proved so magnetic that Marisa soon set out on a flight into the unknown to finally unmask the mystery. That first week was pure electricity; a confession of love under the stars turned a visit into a destiny, leading Marisa to perform a leap of faith, loading a U-Haul and trading the Pacific Northwest for a new horizon in San Diego within a few short months. Ten years of laughter and shared moonlight eventually led them to the ultimate city of masks: Venice, Italy. On the quiet, rainbow-hued shores of Burano, Vivian playfully mused that the moment felt perfect for a proposal, only for Marisa to pull a ring from her pocket with a grin and a breathless, "Well, yes... it is!" Amidst the colorful houses and the salt air, a decade of devotion was sealed with a laugh and a joyous "Yes." Now, after ten years of walking between the light and the shadows together, they invite you to join them as they officially bind their fates. On this All Hallows' Eve, the masks are on, but the hearts are open.

The Tale of Marisa & Vivian

Our Story

Q + A

We've booked a hotel block at the historic Omni William Penn located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh just a short 1.3 mile drive to the Aviary. Please use the provided link to book with our hotel block.

Omni William Penn Hotel

Accommodations

Step into the shadows of the Steel City. As the autumn leaves turn to copper and the October mist settles over our three rivers, we invite you to peel back the veil and explore the storied corners of Pittsburgh. Beyond the masquerade, our city holds secrets in its cobblestone alleys, historic haunts, and candlelit corners. Use this guide to find your way through the gloom and the glamour of a Hallow’s Eve weekend you won’t soon forget. <a href="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Phipps Conservatory Fall Flower Show</a>: Just minutes from downtown, these glass gardens host a stunning "Fall Flower Show" every October. It’s an indoor-outdoor oasis perfect for a peaceful stroll. <a href="https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/neighborhoods/strip-district/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Strip District</a>: This is Pittsburgh’s historic market district. On Saturday morning, it’s buzzing with local coffee roasters, specialty grocers, and street vendors. Great for grabbing a souvenir or a quick bite. <a href="https://www.duquesneincline.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Duquesne Incline</a>: Ride the wooden cable car as it creaks up the hillside. At the summit, the city lights flicker below like a sea of embers—a romantic, sweeping view that is hauntingly beautiful after dusk. <a href="https://www.tour.pitt.edu/tour/cathedral-learning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Cathedral of Learning</a> (Oakland): A 42-story Gothic Revival skyscraper that looks like it was plucked from a dark fairytale. The "Nationality Rooms" inside are heavy with stone and candlelight vibes, while the lawn outside offers a dramatic, towering backdrop. <a href="https://www.ppgplace.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PPG Place</a> (Downtown): Known as the "Glass Castle," this complex features 231 spires of reflective black glass.Standing in the center of the plaza at twilight feels like being inside a dark, shimmering prism—perfect for a masked photo. <a href="https://thepennsylvanian.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pennsylvanian Rotunda</a> (Downtown): A stunning, arched stone rotunda originally built for the railway. It has incredible natural acoustics and a regal, slightly weathered grandeur that feels like a portal to another century. <a href="https://laprima.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Prima Espresso Co.</a>: A dark, intense ritual for the true devotee. Standing-room-only Italian espresso that feels like a quick exchange in a film noir. <a href="https://www.defer.coffee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">De Fer Coffee &amp; Tea</a> (Strip District &amp; Downtown): A sanctuary for the bold. With its high ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial ironwork, De Fer feels like a refined warehouse for the modern mystic. By morning, it’s a hub for hand-poured coffee; by afternoon, it transforms, offering curated wines and craft cocktails for those who wish to start their revelry early. <a href="https://commonplacecoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commonplace Coffee</a>: Wander the Mexican War Streets, where Victorian architecture and overgrown ivy set the perfect stage for a crisp morning stroll with a dark roast in hand. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.thespeckledegpgh.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Speckled Egg</a>: Nestled within the cathedral-like grandeur of the Union Trust Building. Sip a cocktail under the gilded shadows of the rotunda—it’s the ultimate setting for a moody, high-society brunch. <a href="https://www.pghtours.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pittsburgh Tour Company</a>: For those who wish to see the city’s bones without the toil of travel, the big red double-decker buses are your vessel. It is the easiest way for a large group to traverse the city's winding paths. The Vibe: From the open-air top deck, you’ll be at eye-level with the ornate gargoyles and Victorian details of Downtown and the North Shore. The Journey: It’s a 90-minute narrated loop that hits every haunt—from the Strip District to the towering Cathedral of Learning. Pro-Tip: Buy a "Hop-On, Hop-Off" pass to move like a ghost through the city, appearing and disappearing at any of the 21 stops at your whim.

Things to Do

Photos

To celebrate the spirit of the evening, we invite our guests to join us in semi-formal cocktail attire with a masquerade twist. We encourage you to embrace the theme with ornate masks, dark lace, or rich velvets in your favorite moody autumn hues.While the reception will be held warmly indoors, please keep in mind that our ceremony will take place under the open Pittsburgh sky. October evenings can be a bit crisp, so we recommend bringing a light wrap, a stylish blazer, or a pashmina to stay comfortable while we exchange our vows. Once the sun has set and the masks are on, we’ll move inside to celebrate the night away!

Dress Code

Wedding Party

Registry

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