Bella Sera Event Villa

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception 

Fall

We know the ask to come celebrate with us in person is a huge ask given the travel requirement. Please know that we do not take offense if its to much! We are thinking of trying to do a livestream of the wedding for those who aren't able to come but still want to be apart of the celebration. We don't know what this will look like yet but please let us know if this would be of interest to you.

Our Wedding

Shuttle to venue

Please make sure you arrive on time for the shuttle. If you miss it you will be responsible for your own transportation. There will be a check in sheet to make sure we have everyone. The shuttle will leave as scheduled but if everyone is accounted for it will leave early.

First Shuttle - Immediate Family Only

Unless you were asked to arrive early for photos (siblings and parents), please utilize the second shuttle.

12:30-12:40 PM Holiday Inn12:50-1:00 PM Hilton

2nd Shuttle - Guest Shuttle

2:45-2:55 PM Holiday Inn2:55-3:00 PM Marriott3:10-3:20 PM Hilton3:20 PM arrive at Bella Sera

Shuttle to Hotels

Shuttle 1 - will need at least 20 people

9:30-9:50 PM load at Bella Sera10:00 PM unload Hilton10:15 PM unload Holiday Inn

Shuttle 2

10:30 - 10:40 PM load at Bella Sera10:50 PM unload Hilton11:05 PM unload Holiday Inn11:15 PM unload Marriott

Shuttle Details

With our Italian themed venue you have a party with lots of great food, family, and fun. See details below for the wedding day food and drinks details.

Food

Cocktail Hour 4:30-5:30

Fresh FruitCharcuterie BoardAntipasto Presentation (Hummus &amp; Artichoke Dip)Tuscan Beef CrostiniMini Crab CakesMozzarella Caprese CrostiniSausage Stuffed Date Wrapped in Bacon

Dinner ~ 6:20

Served at the table firstCesar SaladPenne Pasta w/ Vodka Sauce (Served family style) Round 2 at serving stationsChicken LillianaChicken RomanoHoney Glazed HamRoasted Beef TenderloinMashed PotatoesChefs Seasonal Vegetable Kid's mealFruit CupChicken FingersFrench Fries

Alcohol/Drinks

Reminder, drinks are on us but please tip the bartender cash. If you do not have your ID they may not serve you. So do not forget it at the hotel! Liquors:Svedka VodkaSeagram's GinDewarsJim BeamJack DanielsSeagram's VODon Q CristalBacardi Oakheart Spiced RumAmarettoSweet VermouthPeach SchnappsApple PuckerTriple SecTito's VodkaCaptain MorganBacardi SuperiorJameson's Irish WhiskeyGlenlivet ScotchMalibu RumTanqueray GinKahluaBailey's Beer:YuenglingMiller LiteBlue Moon Wine:ChardonnayPinot GrigioCabernet Other:White ClawWaterHot TeaRegular CoffeeDecaf CoffeeOther Mixers

Food & Drink Details

Q + A

Our journey began on Hinge, where Katy Hawkins and Matthew Aney first connected. Our first date took place on a sunny Saturday at a local dog park. Katy arrived with her energetic Border Collie-Lab mix, Bella, while Matthew brought along his charming Mini Schnauzer, Charlie. The instant friendship between Bella and Charlie set the tone for a day filled with laughter and connection. Fast forward to 2023—Matthew knew he wanted to make our story even more unforgettable. He planned for 3 months and enlisted the help of Sarah, and her husband, John. They flew in from LA to disguise a trip to the beautiful Starved Rock State Park. A place that perfectly captures our shared enjoyment for nature. With the picturesque views of the Illinois River and sandstone canyons as our backdrop, Matthew got down on one knee and asked Katy to be his forever. Not long after the engagement, we took a significant step in our journey together by moving to Pennsylvania. We decided we didn't have enough to do so, we found and bought a charming foreclosure house that had been vacant for five years. As we began transforming it into our home, it became a symbol of our new life together and our shared dreams. As we prepare to celebrate our wedding, we reflect on the beautiful path we’ve walked together—from our first date at the dog park to our magical engagement at Starved Rock. We’re excited to build our future together in our new home and share this special day with all of you who have supported us along the way. Here’s to new beginnings, cherished memories, and a lifetime of love and adventure! With love,Katy &amp; Matthew

Our Story

Photos

Registry

Wedding Party

This hotel is our preferred hotel (until the block is full). If we get 25 rooms booked at this hotel then it will save us costs of the shuttle to and from the venue.       

This hotel does have a pool.        


If you would like to extend the days reserved in the initial block you just have to add the dates onto your reservation and the blocked rate will be given as well (might require to be done over the phone).       


We have the following rooms blocked off:
5 - 2 double beds at $149
5 - King Jr Suite at $159
15 - King room at $159


Check in is 3PM
Check out is 12 PM.      


Reservations by attendees must be received on or before, Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe

We have 10 rooms blocked at $159 plus tax. The room type is "run of the house".


Reservations must be made by August 28, 2024 at 5PM EST to get the blocked rate.

AC Hotel by Marriott Pittsburgh Southpointe

We have 20 rooms in total at $159 per room. 10 rooms are 2 queen beds and the other 10 is a king bed.

This hotel does have a pool.

Hotel check-in time is after 4:00PM on the day of arrival. Checkout time is before 11:00AM on the day of
departure.


Group Cutoff: Please note that the group cutoff date is scheduled for 08/30/2024. Any unused inventory not picked up by the cutoff date will be returned to the hotels inventory for resale


Cancellation Policy: Room cancelled within 7 days prior to arrival will be charged one night’s room and tax. Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing to the hotel at time of cancellation.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pittsburgh SW - Southpointe, an IHG Hotel

Travel

Gorgeous views with very nice restaurants at the top of the hill. There are three inclines you can take to get up to the area. We have done the Duquesne Incline and it's $5 round trip per person. Parking is another ~$10. When you get to the top, if you go right there is a second overlook that is typically less crowded and a great view. 

Grandview Overlook

Pretty cool mini golf place. Great for kids and adults.

Putt Shack

Local chocolate store that has delicious candy and ice cream. Matt's summary of this place.....it's dangerous. But in all seriousness, if you want a dessert and/or ice cream, this place is delicious! 

Also, they have $130,000 12ft candy castle for sale for anyone who is interested. 

Sarris Chocolate/Candy Store/ice cream

This area is by the stadiums and provides great views of the downtown area. There is a large fountain at the point as well.

Pittsburgh- North Shore

Kid friendly restaurants and activities. According to Katy's coworkers there is a nice cigar bar and a great candy store.

Pittsburgh Strip District 

Famous Pittsburgh restaurant. Fries come on everything, even a salad. 

It all started during the Great Depression - with Joe Primanti operating a small sandwich cart in Pittsburgh's now-historic Strip District, an area that even in 1933 was a bustling hub of activity. Strong sales allowed Joe to open a storefront that year - feeding hungry truck drivers and shift workers at all hours of the day.

The story might be half hazy memory, half lore - but it's all true. According to Joe's nephew John DiPriter: "One winter someone drove up with a load of potatoes. He brought them over to the restaurant to see if they were frozen. I fried the potatoes on our grill and they looked pretty good. A few customers asked for them - so I tossed them on the sandwich." The sandwich was an instant hit - allowing all of the drivers working near the restaurant to eat with one hand - and drive their truck with the other.

Primanti Bros. Restaurant And Bar

Great for walking around as lots of things in closer proximity. This is known as the party side.

Katy & Matthew

Katy & Matthew

Photos

January 21, 2022

January 21, 2022

July 22, 2022

July 23, 2022

July 24, 2022

July 24, 2022

October 15, 2022

December 09, 2022

December 12, 2022

December 13, 2022

December 14, 2022

December 15, 2022

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

October 28, 2023

January 05, 2024