#SEENWedding: Bewitching Romance

As the SEEN editor, I have covered my fair share of fabulous weddings over the last few years and I’ve seen many brides shed a few happy tears while walking down the aisle. But it was a first Sunday night at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, Downtown, when Maggie Carr — dazzling in a twopiece tulle ballgown from Glitter & Grit — belly laughed her way to the altar.

But who could blame her when 280 of her closest friends and family were dressed to greet her in Halloween costumes, with stand-outs like Buddy the Elf, Zorro, Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln and the Little Mermaid? And so the tone was set for one of the most delightful and joyful services I have ever attended.

The wedding officiant, Connor Diemand-Yauman, a long-time friend of the couple, started things off on a silly note as he began the service: “Distinguished guests, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, it is truly a momentous occasion to see my debut as a wedding officiant,” he said to the roar of the crowd. But the silly moments turned sweet as loved ones took to the stage, beautifully singing renditions of songs such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “In My Life.”

Ms. Carr, 28, and the groom, Billy Hepfinger III, 29, are both actors living in New York City, so it was fitting that so many of their friends would get into the fun, sharing their talents on this truly special day.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception artfully crafted by eVents by Vickie Violi, who embraced the romantic dark side of this holiday with dark lace linens by Mosaic Inc. and dramatic bouquets by Hepatica. The Westin crafted delicious “Pittsburgh favorites” such as pierogies while Bethel Bakery made an elegant four-tiered white almond cake with mango filling.

The Man of Honor picked out “best costume” winners as guests danced into the night with tunes by DJ MobileMix Entertainment. It was a ghoulish good time!