Our Love Story
Vinnie and Emily knew they were meant to be from the third day of college. Well, maybe not from the very start. It took their first date (frozen yogurt a five minute walk from campus), their first kiss (Em's fault), and Emily's first calculus lesson (one of the very first dates; Vince found out Emily had never learnt this field of mathematics. In an effort to be spontaneous, he reserved a couch and whiteboard in one of the University's academic buildings, brought multiple colors of dry erase markers and coffee, and proceeded to try to teach Em calculus ... for three hours.) to really seal the deal. When Vinnie asked Emily to marry him, two years later, she immediately said yes. Ever since then, they've been learning and exploring the world together.
Emily couldn't have asked for a better travel partner, someone to share a pot of tea with, have pancakes or listen to "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" each Sunday morning with their doofy cats. She has shown him Karlskirche in Vienna, introduced him to the beauty of Stord, spent wintery mornings with him in her mother's kitchen in Maine, and explored nearly half of the 90 neighborhoods in their adopted city of Pittsburgh by his side. In return, he has shown her what it means to be patient; how to access empathy, even when she is angry; and how to trust another person completely.
Vince knew that Emily would be one of his best friends the moment they met, and since then she has been so much more to him. Living and being together these last six years has changed both of them in ways they couldn't have imagined, and as partners they have had amazing experiences, challenges, and adventures together. Making mistakes and loving one another have led to so many happy moments, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. Now that they have finally settled down in Pittsburgh, they are ready to enter the next chapter of their life together,
Reception
Our Reception will be held immediately following the conclusion of the ceremony, beginning with a cocktail hour on the patio of Schenley Park Cafe as the Bride and Groom take photos with family members and select friends. Beginning at 11:30 am, brunch will be served in a buffet-style; speeches from family members will commence at noon, followed by the couple's first dance.
Dress code is brunch semi-formal; think Easter best or garden party, and you're on the right track! We recommend light summer suits, dress guyaberas with slacks, or slacks and sports coats and button-downs for the gentlemen. Ladies, summer dresses and shawls, light skirt or pantsuits, or slacks and blouses are very welcome. No tuxes or evening gowns; you need to be able to play bocce with us! We request no flip flops be worn. Please do not wear any dark colors or only white.
There will be lawn games available for play throughout the day, including bocce, ring toss, and giant connect four. We encourage everyone to play in teams, and to challenge other members of the wedding party! Your children are very much invited, but we will not have child care available on site; please be aware of this. We want all to have a great time!
To learn how to play bocce, click here.
We look forward to your attendance at as many events as you'd like to participate in! We know you've traveled a long way, and can't wait to spend some time with you! Please note, all events are pay as you go unless otherwise stated.
Sunday, July 1
We encourage those who are traveling from abroad to join us at the beginning of the week to maximize your time here in the States. We are so happy you'll be joining us. As such, we will be hosting a reception party at our home at 7334 Whipple St. from 4 pm to 9 pm, welcoming you all to Pittsburgh and to our festivities!
Monday, July 2
Monday is an activity TBD. Unfortunately, the Pirates are out of town.
Monday evening, we will be hosting a late-night screening of "the best and worst of Eurovision" at our home from 9 to 11! Feel free to drop by for popcorn and professional critiques from our EU friends!
Tuesday, july 3
One of our favorite places in all of Pittsburgh is the Strip District. We will be meeting up for lunch at Di'Anoia's at 12 pm, and then meandering the Strip District. You're welcome to break off into family or friend units to explore; it's a very cool neighborhood, full of culinary delights and niche shops.
In the evening from five to eight, feel free to join us for live jazz downtown! Find out more here.
wEDNESDAY, JULY 4
The Fourth of July! Come spend the afternoon with Emily and Vince at a public park grilling, flying kites, playing games, and arguing the merits of different beers. (We have obtained the alcohol permits, so please feel free to BYOB) We will supply some food and drink, but hope that this can be a potluck-like event! Location: Vietnam Veteran's Pavilion, Schenley Park, Pittsburgh.
Friday, July 6
Vince and Emily will see you Saturday! To get ideas of how to spend your Friday in our awesome city, please go to the Your Stay In Pittsburgh tab.
Thursday, July 5
Ohiopyle has been cancelled due to thunderstorm warnings. Instead, we are going to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA at 11 am. We hope you'll join us!
About VINCe
Vicente Richard Estrada was born July 12, 1993 in St. Louis, Missouri to Christine Estrada and Vicente (Jose) Estrada. He has two younger sisters, Sofia and Olivia, who are currently in their senior and freshman years of college, respectively. He currently lives with Emily and their two cats at their home in Pittsburgh.
Vince graduated in 2017 from Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and currently works as an engineer at Marsh Bellofram in Newell, WV.
Vince enjoys camping, listening to podcasts, long walks in Frick Park, drinking coffee, and occasionally reading a book. One day he aspires to follow through on learning a second language.
About Emily
Emily was born in El Paso, Texas with her twin brother, Robert, and raised by her mother, Margaret, in first Texas and later Stockton Springs, Maine. She currently lives in Pittsburgh with Vinnie and their two cats, Ooli and Louie. Emily currently works as a researcher and project manager in the fields of Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence at Carnegie Mellon University.
Emily loves cooking, food writing, applied ethics, silly tv shows, and traveling to new places and ordering off a menu in a language she does not yet speak.
Emily has wonderful families all over the world. Margaret and Robert live in Maine, and provide her a wonderful, warm home to return to. Her Norwegian family are from the wonderful island of Stord. Her German family, Austrian brothers, Italian kayokai sister, and Australian cousin are all a part of her global love. Locally, Emily has been fortunate to have a Pittsburgh family in the Harrell-Danks, complete with a great kid sister who makes the best soft pretzels.
Our Registries
Emily and Vince are registered at the following places:
Amazon.com
Contemporary concepts
Bed, bath and beyond
rsvp
Through the following portal, please RSVP or send regrets. Please include your travel plans, if you intend to participate in the week's activities, and how many from your family will be in attendance. Please note, due to the size of our venue, as well as the nature of the ceremony, we are requesting there be no plus-ones unless previously discussed with both bride and groom.
We can't wait to see you in July 2018!
Our Venue
101 Panther Hollow Road
Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15213