Real Pittsburgh Wedding: Samuel Froehlich and Matthew Sartore Were History in the Making
The couple's reception at Heinz History Center was filled with family and friends.
PHOTOS BY US AND THE DOG
July 15, 2022
When Matt Met Sam
While the dating app Tinder brought Sam Froehlich and Matt Sartore together, it was a shared love for music, theater and the arts that made sparks fly during their first date, in 2017. At Bakersfield Downtown, the two were surprised to realize they shared mutual friends and a similar “disaster date” story, having gone out with the same person a few years prior. “We were kind of surprised that we hadn’t crossed paths sooner,” says Matt.
While the dating app Tinder brought Sam Froehlich and Matt Sartore together, it was a shared love for music, theater and the arts that made sparks fly during their first date, in 2017. At Bakersfield Downtown, the two were surprised to realize they shared mutual friends and a similar “disaster date” story, having gone out with the same person a few years prior. “We were kind of surprised that we hadn’t crossed paths sooner,” says Matt.
He Said Yes
Sam and Matt originally picked out their wedding rings together; Matt ordered them in 2021, hoping to surprise Sam. He planned a proposal surrounded by Sam’s other love — plants, at City Grows in Lawrenceville. Unbeknownst to Matt, his great aunt had owned a craft and ribbon store in the exact spot where City Grows now stands. “Little did I know I was proposing in the old shop that belongs to my family,” says Matt.
Sam and Matt originally picked out their wedding rings together; Matt ordered them in 2021, hoping to surprise Sam. He planned a proposal surrounded by Sam’s other love — plants, at City Grows in Lawrenceville. Unbeknownst to Matt, his great aunt had owned a craft and ribbon store in the exact spot where City Grows now stands. “Little did I know I was proposing in the old shop that belongs to my family,” says Matt.
The Big Day
The couple chose the Heinz History Center for their day because it was large enough to house the ceremony, reception and cocktail hour in different rooms and wedding guests were able to wander the exhibits. “We really enjoyed the space visually,” says Sam. “Our family members fit the stereotype of growing up in Pittsburgh and staying in Pittsburgh, and so there was a little bit of an element that we kind of wanted to play in with that.” The wedding party wore elegant matte black of their choice with the grooms in custom tuxes from Surmesur. “Everyone felt great and looked great. And I think that really translated into our guests’ experience,” Matt says.
Happily Ever After
Matt, 28, and Sam, 27, honeymooned in Cancun. Matt is a teacher at Dormont Elementary School and an active singer and cellist in Pittsburgh. Sam is a general manager for Wigle Whiskey, the logistics coordinator and a professional chorister with the Pittsburgh Camerata, and is part of the voice faculty for the Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. They live in Carnegie.
Matt, 28, and Sam, 27, honeymooned in Cancun. Matt is a teacher at Dormont Elementary School and an active singer and cellist in Pittsburgh. Sam is a general manager for Wigle Whiskey, the logistics coordinator and a professional chorister with the Pittsburgh Camerata, and is part of the voice faculty for the Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. They live in Carnegie.
Vendors
Ceremony & Reception: Heinz History Center, Strip District.
Ceremony & Reception: Heinz History Center, Strip District.
Caterer: Common Plea Catering.
Cake: Prantl’s.
Dessert: Cookie table made by family members.
Tuxes: Surmesur.
Flowers: 2 Buds Floral Design.
Music: DJ Jess.
Linens: Mosaic.
Audio Guestbook: FeteFone.
Officiant: Louise Stutler.
Wedding Planner: Shelby Starks; Heinz History Center.
Wedding Planner: Shelby Starks; Heinz History Center.
