Over the years, I've had the privilege of officiating at a multitude of weddings—each one a unique and beautiful experience. From the unexpected to the heartwarming, these weddings have given me countless stories to tell. While we all hope for a perfect day, it's often the unexpected moments that make a wedding truly memorable.
For the past 10 years, most of my weddings have been done in Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, with a significant number in Pittsburgh. I've had the privilege of officiating at every major Pittsburgh landmark, each with its own unique charm and character. From the iconic Heinz Field and PNC Park to the historic Heinz Chapel and the vibrant Strip District, these locations have added a special touch to each ceremony.
One of the most famous spots in Pittsburgh is Mt. Washington. You go through Mt. Washington by way of the Fort Pitt Tunnel. When you emerge from the tunnel, the whole of the City of Champions opens before you as the three rivers of Pittsburgh converge. You cross the Fort Pitt Bridge and enter the downtown sections of Pittsburgh. On top of Mt. Washington are breathtaking views and some of the city’s finest restaurants.
Mt. Washington also has an incline railway. It is a famous train that carries people up the side of the mountain. The cable-train cars are nearly a century old, and the incline is one of the few remaining in the country. At the top of the Duquesne Incline is an observation deck that allows you to see the city from a majestic height. It’s a perfect spot for a wedding.
Stacey and Matt asked me back in 2013 to perform their ceremony. Their vision was cool and creative. Though they lived elsewhere in the country, they grew up in the steel city and loved Pittsburgh. They were huge Steeler fans, and they wanted the love of their city to be a part of their wedding day. The bride, groom, and wedding party would ride up the Duquesne incline and take pictures on their journey upwards. I was invited to ride as well. Once the wedding party arrived at the top, everyone got out and arranged themselves on the observation deck. The family and guests took the few seats set up on the deck, and we began the ceremony.
It was perfect, the weather was nice, and the bride and groom were happy. What could go wrong?
The ceremony was moving along great. We talked about the couple, honored the families, shared vows, and came to the moment where the couple would exchange rings. Traditionally, the Best Man or the Ring Bearer holds the rings and gives them to the minister when asked.
However, Stacey and Matt wanted to do something a little more special. They had their mothers hold the rings. Stacey’s mother held Matt’s ring (which was also Stacey’s late father’s ring, so it was very special). Matt’s mother held Stacey’s ring.
Then, in a moment that seemed to defy the perfect flow of the day, a twist unfolded. As Stacey’s mother extended her hand, the ring slipped from her grasp. Whether it was nerves or excitement, the ring tumbled from the observation deck, bouncing and rolling out of sight. It was a moment that left everyone breathless.
Everyone gasped!
A quick-thinking bridesmaid (Stacey’s sister) pulled her husband’s wedding band off, handed it to Stacey, and the ceremony went on.
Everyone was silent until the moment I pronounced the couple. “Mr. and Mrs. Matthew and Stacey Carroll!”
At this point, the air was thick with tension. Everyone jumped up. Mom began to cry, and everyone rushed to the rail to peer over the edge. But the ring was nowhere to be seen.
The search was on. Guests scrambled, hoping for a miracle. The mood was a mix of anxiety and determination.
The manager of the incline took a few of the wedding party into the bowels of the mountain. The Duquesne Incline has a few stories of machinery built into the mountain. They scurried down a few flights of maintenance stairs and opened a secret door, known only to the manager.
The groomsmen, a united front in their shiny shoes, suspenders, and suits, began the search for the ring. Those at the top were guiding their comrades on the hillside, ensuring their judgment of distance was accurate. After a few minutes, someone uttered the best phrase of the day. A phrase even better than the “I Do” that everyone looks forward to.
“Is it Silver? I found it!” declared the groomsman, his excitement and the absurdity of his question adding a touch of humor to the tense situation.
The day was saved. Stacey and Matt were married, and the ring, the elusive symbol of their love, was found. A wave of relief and joy swept over the crowd, and the Steel City had another epic tale of triumph to add to its record books.
Main Image & Thumbnail Image: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash