When you’re planning your wedding, you’re eager to see photos from past weddings that can act as inspiration as you’re choosing everything from your venue and your color palette to your flowers and your signature cocktails. But the only problem with solely relying on weddings that have already happened is you can feel like you’re missing out on hearing from fellow brides and grooms who are right in the middle of planning, just like you and your love. So, we’re fixing that and going right to the source.

We’re so thrilled to introduce you to Hayley Ettaro. She met her soon-to-be husband in Downtown Pittsburgh, and as she’ll tell you below, she made the first move. It’s a great thing she did because she and Trevor are set to wed in their home city in 2024 at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Hayley’s walking you through where they’re celebrating with their guests, why she’s loved having a long engagement, what she’s excited to experience, her best advice for fellow couples, and so much more. Let’s dive in!

Pennsylvania Weddings Magazine: Tell us about the two of you: How did you meet, and how did he propose?

Hayley Ettaro: Trevor and I met in the spring of 2021 at a bar in Downtown Pittsburgh. I was actually the one to make the first move, and brought Trevor a drink to break the ice. We went on our first date one week later, and I knew on that date he was the one! Trevor proposed on June 2, 2022, after coming home from a birthday dinner with friends. When I walked in the door, he had decorated my whole apartment in flowers, lights, candles, and a “Marry Me” sign. He dropped to one knee and asked me to Marry him. A photographer was there capturing the whole moment. We then went down to The Point to take pictures and celebrate. It truly was such a surprise and the most magical night.

PWM: How has the planning experience been? The Good, The Bad and Everything in between!

HE: Wedding planning was definitely overwhelming in the beginning. Once we got through securing our big vendors, it was pretty smooth sailing. We still have a few more months to go, so I’ve been trying to take care of all the little details while we have a lull in time. We had a longer engagement of about two years, because I knew I would want to give myself time to enjoy the planning process and not feel rushed. I’m trying not to wait until the month-of to check everything off my to do list! I’ve also loved that I’ve gotten to wedding plan alongside some of my really good friends who are also getting married. It’s been nice to have people to bounce ideas off of and share this experience with.

PWM: What are you most excited for on the Wedding Day?

HE: I’m excited to see all of our hard work in planning come together for our special day! We’ve spent so much time working on the little details for the day, and I can’t wait to see our vision come to life… and to celebrate our marriage!

PWM: What advice do you have for other brides starting their planning journey?

HE: My advice for other brides starting the wedding planning process is to not listen to too many outside opinions. The day is about you and your fiancé, and you should make decisions based on what the two of you want and not based on what others think. I’m a baker, and I’m going to be making my own wedding cake. I’ve had a ton of outside opinions telling me not to stress myself out by baking my own wedding cake. But it’s something that’s important for me to do. I’m really excited about being able to create something special for our day like I’ve gotten to do for so many other people’s special occasions.