PHOTOS BY STEVEN DRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

When Devin met Alicia
Alicia McAllister and Devin Arvin attended the same K-12 school, Imani Christian Academy in East Hills, but it wasn’t until they attended the same summer camp in 2008 that they became friends. Back at school, Devin would often carry Alicia’s books to class; one of their mutual friends took notice and coaxed the two to start dating. The early years of their relationship consisted mostly of talking on the phone, sometimes all night or until they fell asleep. The high school sweethearts went on to attend Penn State Behrend in Erie, where Alicia got a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Devin got a bachelor’s degree in management information systems.

She Said Yes
In 2020, the couple had booked a trip to Miami and the Florida Keys where Devin planned to pop the question. However, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the trip, and he had to get creative. While isolated in their Swissvale apartment, Devin crafted a scrapbook of their relationship — the last page contained the words “the day you said yes” with Alicia’s ring inside an envelope.

The Big Day
Their wedding day was “the fulfillment of a 15-year promise of everyone watching us grow up and to see the people that we had become at that point,” says Devin. Their colors were navy blue, burgundy and champagne, and Alicia wore a custom dress from DiDomenico Design. The couple wanted to “jump the broom,” an act that symbolizes a new beginning and the joining of two families. “We incorporated that into our wedding just to pay homage to our ancestors and because it’s a big tradition in African American weddings,” says Alicia.

Happily Ever After
Alicia and Devin, both 29, have moved to Florida, where they live with their 4-year-old cat, Theo. They’ve been focusing on traveling and exploring their new home away from the snow. Alicia is a therapist and Devin works for Concord Management Inc.

Vendors 
Ceremony & Reception: Pittsburgh Field Club, Fox Chapel.
Caterer: Pittsburgh Field Club.
Flowers: greenSinner.
Hair: BeBe Lee Beauty Lounge.
Make-Up: Faces By Cute Face Studio.
Dress: Kelsy Dominick Hall; DiDomenico Design.
Bridal Accessories: SWEETV.
Rings: Garcia Jewelers (bride) and David Yurman (groom).
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse.
Cake: Bella Christie’s Sweet Boutique.
Dessert/Cookie Table: Oakmont Bakery.
Invitations & Stationery: Just Write By Ashley.
Linens: Mosaic.
DJ: DJ Solo Dolo.
Videography: Dorosh Documentaries.
Lighting: EF Lighting.
Wedding: Planner Shayla Hawkins Events.
Officiant: Elder Timothy Walker, Petra International Ministries.