PHOTOS BY TALIA NELSON PHOTOGRAPHY

When Angela Baguet planned an eco-conscious styled shoot to showcase how the local wedding industry can be beautiful and sustainable, she wasn’t anticipating one aspect that would make the event even more sustainable.

The couple chosen to model turned the event into their actual wedding.

“We thought, wow, that really is an extra way to make the shoot more sustainable and their elopement more sustainable — combining two events into one,” says Baguet, who owns Eco & Ivory Event Design.

The couple, Cindy Tang and Robert McDonald, answered photographer Talia Nelson’s call to be models for the April shoot. The Pittsburgh couple’s own wedding had been getting pushed back due to Robert’s potential military deployments, so as the date for the shoot approached, they asked Baguet if an officiant friend could marry them on the spot.

“I was thrilled,” Baguet says.

Baguet started planning the secret garden-themed wedding shoot after meeting with Jodi Colella, owner of Station House 7 in Delmont and the Pittsburgh Wedding Flea Market. Baguet says Station House 7 was a perfect setting both for its atmosphere — black iron window bars inspired the secret garden theme — and for Colella’s commitment to sustainability.

“Because it’s a small space she does more intimate weddings there … that’s another thing with sustainability, if you can cut down on your guest count and hold something more intimate, that’s in line with my vision.”

Bloom Beauty Parlor provided Cindy with cruelty-free hair and makeup styling, The Copper Petal used seasonal blooms from their local farm and even the cake by Alex Robba was a faux display complete with edible mini cakes to reduce food waste.

Some vendors, such as Angela Pro Design, which created stationery for the shoot with seed paper and other alternatives, were not exclusively eco-conscious, but Baguet says they were willing to make adjustments to go green for the event. Gemma Bridal, which provided the dress for the shoot, is also not 100% green but carries some gowns that are responsibly sourced.

“This is especially promising for couples who are looking for sustainable vendors in Pittsburgh but can’t seem to find many,” Baguet says. “It’s nice to know that there are vendors out there who will make earth-friendly accommodations.”

Venue Station House 7
Planner & Designer Eco & Ivory Event Design
Photographer Talia Nelson Photography
Videographer Capture Life Films
Florist The Copper Petal 
Rentals Pippa’s Pieces Vintage Rentals
Linens Lendable Linens 

Stationery Angela Pro Design
Signage/Place cards Dot and Rose Co. 
Cake Alex Robba Cake
Dress Gemma Bridal 
Menswear Surmesur
Hair & Makeup Bloom Beauty Parlor 
Watch Oris; Joyce’s Jewelry
Gemstone ring Pittsburgh Antique Shops