Loren & Eric | The Lemont
The Beginning of Forever
Loren & Eric’s love story began years before it actually did. They grew up together, went to the same school, had mutual friends...it wasn’t until college when they rekindled. The rest is history. When I first met Loren and Eric, I could tell they were something special. College sweethearts. They are the kind of couple where you look at them together and can just feel their radiating love. It’s the way they look at each other; the way they smile. Post-graduation, they moved to Florida together but decided to plan their wedding back at home - and we are so glad they did!
Getting Ready
October 11, 2025 | I don’t think we could have asked for a more perfect October day in Pittsburgh. It was sunny, a high of 75, minimal wind and no humidity. The trees just began to change. It is often argued nothing is ever perfect, but this day truly was.
The couple and their wedding parties started off the day at the Sheraton Hotel in Station Square to get ready.
I stopped by in the morning to check in with Loren and Eric. The girls were busy with their glam team, JL Studio, while the guys hung out for breakfast in the lobby. Once everyone was situated, our team headed up to Mt. Washington to The LeMont Restaurant and began reception setup.
Setup
The LeMont is a special venue - one of the most infamous venues in Pittsburgh. Built in 1960 and forced to expand due to its popularity 3 times, The LeMont is one of the only venues that offers a grand view of the entire Pittsburgh skyline. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that offers best in-class service, has a timeless interior design, and offers the best view in the ‘burgh, look no further. Bill and his banquet team are wonderful to work with!
Our team set the linens, reviewed table counts, set candles, menu cards, decorated the high-touch spaces, and checked in with vendors. I was so excited to be working with two of my favorites: Eric Schiemer, DJ and owner of Schiemer Entertainment and Stephanie, owner of Lux Photobooth. Once we had the room set, I headed over to the North Side for the ceremony.
The Ceremony
Loren and Eric chose to have their ceremony at Calvary United Methodist on the North Side. Built in the 1890s, this church is a Gothic Revival-styled church covered in beautiful stained glass and intricate architecture. Loren wore a stunning A-Line ballgown with a strapless lace-adorned square-neck bodice and a beautiful cathedral-length veil. Eric wore a sharp, classic black tuxedo with a black bow-tie. (It doesn’t get more timeless than this!)
I don’t know that I could put the right words together to describe their ceremony. It began at 3:30 in the afternoon, just as the sunlight reached the front of the church. The timing was almost divine. As the light filtered through the tall stained glass windows, the space transformed. Shades of amber, rose, and sapphire danced across the pews and flickered over the couple as they exchanged vows. It was breathtaking — the kind of light you couldn’t plan for even if you tried. There are the moments during a wedding day that remind you to slow down, breathe, and just be present. This was one of those. Completely unplanned, yet it felt like it was meant to happen exactly that way.
Loren and her father walked down the aisle to a timeless rendition of "The Prince of Denmark’s March," played by the organist. One of my favorite parts of their ceremony was the live singer. Loren and Eric had invited a Pittsburgh Opera resident to perform their worship songs, "Here I Am, Lord" and "On Eagle’s Wings." The sound filled the space in a way that felt sacred and deeply moving. There’s something so powerful about live music - especially in our digital age where pre-recorded tracks seem to takeover. It draws everyone into the present moment, adding emotion that you can feel as much as you can hear.
As the ceremony came to a close and they sealed their vows with a kiss, the couple joyfully exited to "Here Comes the Bride." While they tucked away for a quiet moment together, our team helped guide guests outside for their special exit — one of my favorite parts of any wedding day!
We handed out flower petals and lined guests along the church steps. It’s a detail that never gets old, a classic tradition that brings everyone together, adds a fun, interactive moment, and creates the most magical memories. Imagine being literally AND figuratively showered with love as your guests cheer you on. The photos always say it best… you can see their pure, newlywed joy right here!
The Reception
After the ceremony, I went back up to The LeMont to help open cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed passed apps in upper foyer of the Grand Ballroom and Lux Photobooth’s self-serve booth was open for business. Guests enjoyed taking photos together and mingling amongst each other with L & E's signature drinks, an Aperol Spritz and an Old Fashioned. Once the wedding party and photography team arrived, we opened up the reception space to seat guests.
The reception began around 6pm and guests were taken aback by the view. Again, there are so many amazing things you just can’t plan! The sun was just about to set on the city and made for the best sunset view and photo backdrop. Once guests settled in, it was finally time to get the party started!
Loren & Eric were welcomed in by their wedding party - they walked into “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”. Then, we welcomed the new Mr. & Mrs. Acheson with “Renegade” by Styx and of course, Eric pulled out his terrible towel! (IYKYK) L & E went straight into their first dance, dancing to “Better Together” by Luke Combs, followed by the cutting of their cake, a two-tiered vintage-inspired cake from Pastries A La Carte, topped with Lenox Swans. (I don’t know when we brought back the swan cake toppers but we are LOVING it! Another timeless tradition!)
Dinner was served, cake was passed around and of course, the Pittsburgh cookie table was opened! (Again, IYKYK.) If you’re not from Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Cookie Table is one of the most loved traditions this city has to offer. Family and friends bake dozens and dozens of cookies to display and serve to guests as favors. This tradition began during the Great Depression and has continued ever since! I have to mention, this cookie table brought a line of people like I’ve never seen before. If there was a record for the number of people waiting in line for Lady Locks and Buckeyes, these Yinzers broke it.
DJ Eric opened the dance floor with Sara taking a group photo and kept the guests dancing for the rest of the night! I could not recommend Eric enough. He has such an attention to detail when it comes to your music choices and is one of the kindest vendors I’ve ever worked with. He knows how to keep people dancing and loves what he does!
Around 11pm, we cleared the dance floor to allow Loren and Eric to have a private last dance together. If you’re looking for a way to close the night and have one more moment to yourselves, I highly recommend making time for a last dance. Just you two. Your favorite song. Soaking in one last moment before your wedding day ends. I can assure you it will be one of the greatest moments you will look back on forever.
Beyond the Arch
After each wedding, I recap with my family.
“My couple was THE sweetest. I’m never getting over this one!...," I say and then go on to recount every detail.
I was recently reminded that I say this EVERY single weekend. But it could not be more true! This wedding, like I say every time, was so special to me. My clients are the sweetest and I love them so dearly. I love getting to learn about your story, help it unfold, and feel a connection to what makes you two YOU. I love being there for the quiet, sacred moments. To fluff your veil, to tell you to “Take a breath and soak it all in!” before walking down the aisle, and in the moments when you feel stressed, telling you “It’s going to be okay,” because I know it is. There is nothing better than getting to know and connect with your clients. What can I say? I love love. And Loren and Eric were a perfect testament to why I love what I do.
Congratulations to the Achesons! It was my greatest honor to be able to witness a love so pure and so contagious. We wish you two all the love and happiness in your new chapter! Thank you for choosing Arch Events Co.!
(And a special shoutout to the amazingly talented, Sara Zataweski Photography! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous previews with us! I highly recommend booking Sara for her clean, modern, editorial-style photography. I have no words with these images. She captured Loren and Eric’s story beautifully and her art speaks for itself!)
VENDOR TEAM:
Wedding Planner: Arch Events Co.
Photography: Sara Zataweski Photography
Church: Calvary United Methodist
Venue: The LeMont Restaurant
Florist: Val’s Creative Touch
DJ: Schiemer Entertainment
Photobooth: Lux Photobooth
Cake: Pastries a la Carte
Hotel Block: Sheraton Hotel
Hair & Makeup: JL Studio
Transportation: Elite Transportation
Dress: The Dressing Room St. Pete
Tux: Jos A. Bank
Jewelry: Diamonds Direct St. Pete