‘American Idol’ Alum Pia Toscano Marries Carmen Educate in Nashville Wedding

Pia Toscano had a music-filled wedding in Nashville!

The American Idol alum, 36, married Carmen Educate at The Hermitage Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 24, according to Brides. They were joined by 106 loved ones for the “intimate and romantic” occasion.

Toscano told the outlet that her history as a wedding singer shaped the couple’s approach to planning their own event. “I had the opportunity to perform at and attend a ton of weddings,” she explained. “I really wanted ours to feel different — like nothing we had ever been to.”

One special highlight of the big day was a surprise performance by the couple’s famous musical friends — David Foster and his wife Katharine McPhee sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as Toscano walked down the aisle. The moment was particularly fitting, as it’s Foster, 75, who first introduced Toscano and Educate, who is executive vice president of On Stage Audio International.

“They are so dear to us, and had it not been for David, I would’ve never met Carmen,” Toscano told Brides. “Both he and Katharine are a big part of our story.”

Singers Matt Bloyd and Boh Cooper also performed a rendition of “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts later in the evening at the reception.

To create her dream wedding dress, the bride tapped Paola Estefania, whom she collaborated with on the onstage wardrobe for her tour with Andrea Bocelli. “The amount of care and love she puts into her designs is next level, and I knew that for the most special day of my life, there was no better person for the job,” said Toscano, who was a contestant in season 10 of American Idol.

Estefania created not one but two looks: an Italian Armani satin and French lace mermaid style with a high neck and a plunging back for the ceremony, as well as a more streamlined lace dress for the reception.

To complete her elegant bridal look, Toscano opted for soft makeup and a simple updo. “I just wanted to feel effortless,” she told Brides. “I didn’t want to be overly styled, and I wanted a look that complemented both gowns.”

The groom, who described himself as “very low-maintenance,” wore a custom black tuxedo from Suitsupply.

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Toscano and Educate — who got engaged in October 2023 — chose to do a private first look ahead of their ceremony. “It was incredibly special to share that moment with just him,” she recalled to the outlet. “It was just very emotional seeing the person I am embarking on this beautiful lifetime journey with for the first time as my soon-to-be husband.” 

The pair exchanged handwritten vows — something Toscano told Brides was “incredibly important” to the couple — and made a special point to include Educate’s five children in their ceremony. “They are absolutely the greatest gift he [Educate] has given me, and I wanted them to know that,” Toscano noted.

Following a cocktail hour, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a multi-course meal from Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges. Then, the dancing kicked off. The couple hired top DJ Amberly Rolland, aka Sound I Am, of Entertain! to oversee a custom playlist that got everyone energized.

As for the couple’s honeymoon plans, they said they’ve had to put them on hold for now due to Toscano’s busy work schedule. “We have to wait until next year for our honeymoon, as I go right out on tour with Andrea Bocelli next week,” she told Brides.