2 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
Custom Catering Available BRIDAL SHOWERS WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNERS AFTER WEDDING BRUNCHES All available with NO RENTAL CHARGE.
ALL HOMEMADE | DELIVERY | LUNCH SPECIALS | KIDS SPECIALS | WEEKEND BRUNCH
S U N - T H U R 11 A M - 11 P M ; F R I , S AT 11 A M - 12 A M | G I F T C A R D S AVA I L A B L E 124 6T H S T R EE T | DOWNTOWN PIT TSBURGH | 412.888.0630 | ALIHANSC UIS I N E.CO M PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 3
Pennsylvania Wine Cellar www.pawinecellar.com
For almost 30 years our staff artist has worked with couples to provide them with an affordable and long lasting favor for their wedding. Custom labeled bottles for any occasion Two sizes available 750ml and 375ml Bottles can be given one per person or one per couple or family for a greater savings.
Picture Perfect ....................................................... 6 Special Invites ...................................................... 8 Alternative Band ................................................ 10 Fashion Experience ............................................ 14 Groom Style ....................................................... 22 Big-Day Hair ....................................................... 22 Blossoming Ideas ............................................... 24 Nontraditional Settings ...................................... 26 Just Call It a Wedding ......................................... 28 Drinking It In ...................................................... 30 Don’t Let Them Just Eat Cake............................. 30
Cover Photo by John Colombo johncolombo.com / john@johncolombo.com / 412-889-5221 Cover Model: Danielle Mock / Art Director: Lisa Cunningham Wedding Dress and Head Piece from Anne Gregory for the Bride 2975 W. Liberty Ave., Dormont / www.annegregorybrides.com / 412-531-3160 See page 14 for more info on Anne Gregory for the Bride dresses
The Waterfront StationSquare HOMESTEAD 412-462-4646
PITTSBURGH 412-642-9212
Hair and Makeup by Mock Makeup www.mockmakeup.com / mockmakeup@gmail.com / 814-389-6691 Cover photo was taken at The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky St., North Side / www.warhol.org See page 26 for more info on renting The Andy Warhol Musuem as a wedding venue
WINE TASTING DAILY Wines from Christian Klay Winery & Heritage Wine Cellars 4 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
X PGHCITYPAPER XX XX PITTSBURGHCITYPAPER XXXX PGHCITYPAPER www.pghcitypaper.com
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 5
PHOTOS BY ELECTRIC LIME STUDIOS
An engagement photo taken outside of Heinz Field, and a wedding ring (below), cleaned right before shooting
ENGAGEMENT
Picture Perfect BY DAN AND LINDSEY THOMPSON OF ELECTRIC LIME STUDIOS | info@pghcitypaper.com
A
fter you’ve said yes and chosen a wedding date, it’s time to start planning some of the fun stuff like engagement photos. Engagement sessions are a great way for you to get to know your photographers before your wedding day. It also helps you to familiarize yourselves with being in front of a camera.
What to Wear
+ Keep it simple and comfortable. A simple
approach will give you timeless photographs. Try not to be too trendy as trends fade and you’ll be looking at these for a long time. + Avoid being “matchy-matchy” with your clothing. Coordinating your outfits is one thing, wearing the same thing is a really bad idea.
Location
+ Be creative! Think about where you had your first date, or maybe
a park that you visit often. Really any place that has special meaning will work. Also, don’t rule out local businesses. Many owners are
happy to grant photo access if you ask. Ice-cream shops, wineries, etc., are all great places.
General Tips:
+ Listen to your photographer about lighting.
If you are going to have your session indoors, portable lights may be used and can take some time to set up. If you want an outdoor session, schedule your session about an hour-and-a-half before the sun sets. It’s called the golden hour for a reason, and it will result in some dreamy images. + Don’t be afraid to use props. Bring along anything that means something to you. Enjoy bike riding? Bring the bikes along. + Make that ring shine! Get your ring cleaned right before your photos, it will ensure a sparkly ring that pops, like in our photograph at left. + The most important tip is to be comfortable and be yourself. Interact the way you normally would. If you know what will make each other laugh, say it. If you’re happy and comfortable, it will show when you get your pictures. <
Dan and Lindsey Thompson are a husband-and-wife photography team. See more of their engagement and wedding photos at electriclimestudios.com. 6 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
Love in Luxury Specializing in Resplendent. and Unique boutique weddings. Customized menus and alcohol service. Personalized planning service. (80) seated comfortably. (120) cocktail setting. PerlĂŠ... for your once in a lifetime day. Contact Jackie@bigygroup.com
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INVITATIONS
Special
Offering packages from 15 to 350+ guests
Invites
Single Trio Case & Double Trio Case options
GUESTS CAN SCOOP THEMSELVES FOR A UNIQUE & FUN EXPERIENCE
OVER 100 FLAVORS! Special orders available.
BY AL HOFF | ahoff@pghcitypaper.com
T
he most unusual wedding invitation I ever received was a 45 rpm record you had to play to hear the details. But you don’t have to be that extravagant to make your invitation unique. Here are five local sources for “please come” beyond scrolls on ivory stock.
Red Punch Designss www.redpunchdesign.com m
“The party starts with the invite — it setss the tone,” says Red Punch co-ownerr d Lauren Furman Clark. Come prepared stions because to answer questions stominvitations are customdesigned to match the theme and vibe of the wedding.. Consider getting a card die-cut into an ape. unusual shape.
Sapling Press
www.saplingpress.com
5523 Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-621-6220
8 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
The Lawrenceville-based print shop specializes in letter-pressed invitations. Mark your affair with the weight of a 100-year-old printing press. There are designers on staff to create a card especially for you, or they can work with submitted designs.
Papyrusaurus urus
www.etsy.com/shop/Papyrusaurus aurus
Ashley Aranda loves making custom ustom ly likes invites, and especially incorporating fun-geeky pop culture elements. If tacos, Dr. Who or portant supernatural elements are important to your wedding invite, take a gander. And look for pages upcycled products made from sources like old dictionary pages.
The Bird and the Beard
thebirdandthebeard.com ea ard.co For the wordand science-geeks getting hitched, look no further than these invitations and assorted wedding ephemera riffing on library catalog cards, book check-out slips, star constellations and the periodic table of elements. These can be customized for your event — now guests, not books, get a “due date.”
The Paper Lady
www.thepaperlady.com First, Katy DeMent will make the paper just for you — from anything that has fiber and may be meaningful, like your love letters, pet hair, clothing or concert tickets. How about pressing in real flowers, or adding seeds so guests can plant the invitation later? Paper from your wedding can also be repurposed into thank-you cards. < PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 9
PHOTOS BY AARON WARNICK
Amy and Ian Green’s original $35 wooden wedding ring, and their custom-made silver wedding bands
WEDDING RINGS
L
ocated in the beautiful Laurel Highlands, a singularly unique place for special events. Historic, elegant, intimate… the perfect location for your wedding reception. Celebrate under soaring beams or in front of the stone fireplace of this 19th century historic site. The Barn at Fallingwater offers a selection of premium services including caterers, florists, and rentals to ensure a glorious affair. Learn more about the Barn at Fallingwater by calling 724-329-7802 or emailing fallingwaterevents@paconserve.org
10 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
Alternative
Band
BY BILL O’DRISCOLL | driscoll@pghcitypaper.com
W
edding rings are, for many, the ultimate symbol of marriage. And while traditional jewelers offer copious options, including customizing and design services, some couples prefer to venture still further outside convention. When Amy and Ian Green married, in 2009, “We didn’t feel the drive to follow tradition,” says Amy. Nor did they, for ethical reasons, want diamonds (which they couldn’t afford anyway). Instead, on Etsy they found a craftsman who made them wooden rings, which incorporated ancient wood found in a New Zealand bog and cost them $35 each. Six years later, the Spring Hill couple got slightly more traditional, replacing the wooden rings with silver models custom-made by local artisan P.J. Belic. Amy says the experience of visiting Belic’s home workshop was part of the fun. Indeed, craft culture has dramatically increased the opportunities for unique, affordable jewelry. At Pittsburgh-based Whimsical Wonders, for instance, Melissa M. Venneri and her husband make jewelry (among other things) from kitchen items including repurposed silverware. Venneri says the practice dates to 17th-century England, when servants would turn household silver into rings. Professional wedding officiant Larry Goyda, of Meaningful Marriages, has seen some unusual rings, including a wooden pair that came apart in sections that the couples symbolically traded and reassembled during the ceremony. He’s seen some non-rings, too: One bride gave her groom a watch; another gave her betrothed (a professor who taught ethics classes to cops) a revolver. A practice that seems to be growing in popularity is not object-based at all: tattooed wedding rings. Jason Angst, of Artisan Tattoos, has seen plenty of them; couples typically want two of the same design, and just on top of the finger, not on the more sensitive sides and underside. His suggestions: Designwise, “go with as simple as you can get.” And make sure you leave at least six weeks between the inking and the wedding: Healing can take longer than you expect. <
“We didn’t feel the drive to follow tradition.”
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 11
Morning Glory Inn | 2119 Sarah Street
|
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412.431.1707 | www.GloryInn.com
S PECIALIZING
IN © Studio Bash
LOOSE DIAMONDS , CUSTOM DESIGNING , ENGAGEMENT RINGS
&
WEDDING BANDS
at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
sh
© Studio Ba
Garcia
Our elegant facilities will impress your guests and provide a storybook setting as you begin your new life together.
Jewelers
Showroom with a complete line of finished jewelry. We Buy Gold & Diamonds! CLARK BUILDING 3RD FLOOR | DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH WWW.GARCIAJEWLERS.NET | 412.391.3775
pittsburghzoo.org © Stephan Frazier
Photography
rentals@pittsburghzoo.org 412-365-2536
A to wedding parties & events
Wedding Receptions • Rehearsal Receptions
Every part of your wedding should be unique and memorable...
Bridal Showers • Engagement Parties Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
Even Your Transportation!
140 6th Street • Pittsburgh, PA 412.255.0525
412-281-2085
www.MollysTrolleysPittsburgh.com
12 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
www.olive-twist.com
Local, Ethically sourced Gems Including Conflict-Free Lab-Grown Diamonds, Recycled precious metals. Engagement rings starting at $1475 Classical and unusual wedding bands
TWO LOCATIONS: SHADYSIDE
MT. LEBANON
5413 Walnut Street
733 Washington Rd. Ste.101
Monday-Saturday 11-5
by appointment only
412.621.0345
CAESARSDESIGNS.COM PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 13
Model Danielle Mock poses at The Andy Warhol Museum. See page 26 for info on renting the museum as a wedding venue. Danielle is wearing the Rosa Clara Sensual wedding dress and an Erica Koessler head piece from Anne Gregory for the Bride. Hair and makeup by Mock Makeup: www.mockmakeup.com mockmakeup@gmail.com / 814-389-6691 Photograph by John Colombo: johncolombo.com john@johncolombo.com / 412-889-5221
14 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
WEDDING DRESSES
Fashion
Experience
BY ASHLEY MURRAY and CHARLIE DEITCH | info@pghcitypaper.com
T
rying on clothes in a fitting room is stressful enough. Is that mirror tilted? Why can’t they just change the flickering fluorescent light? What was this designer thinking labeling these jeans size 8? Size 4 is more like it. Add those stress-inducing experiences to the pressure of finding that perfect dress for what is supposed to be the biggest and happiest day of your life and, boom: anxiety attack. But don’t fret; most dress shops are there to help. We talked to three shop-owners who not only offer tips for buying this very important dress, but who also make buying that dress a special experience through personal service.
<
Anne Gregory for the Bride For brides looking for an upscale experience, Anne Gregory for the Bride on Washington Road, in Dormont, offers three floors of couture wedding and mother-of-the-bride gowns. “What you see here, it’s not everywhere else. All of these dresses are made one at a time to your specification,” says store manager Marianne Sutto. “If you wanted to make a change to something, we absolutely could do that for you.” Featured designers include Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge, Eugenia Coture, Rosa Clara, Stephen Yearick, and the Waters Collection. Appointments are private in one of the several comfortable rooms, and Anne Gregory associates consult each client on style selection. Appointments available “Nine times out of 10, [clients] pick Tue.-Sat. 2975 W. Liberty Ave., something opposite of what they’re Dormont. 412-531-3160 or looking for,” Sutto says. “That’s why www.annegregorybrides.com brides should shop with an open mind.” Four seamstresses work on the ground level of the building to make sure each dress is a perfect fit. “It’s how you should be treated,” Sutto says. “It’s your special day.” But don’t mistake Anne Gregory for a snobby place; it might sell haute fashion, but it’s not looking down its nose at anyone. “It is a beautiful store, but we would never be uppity to anyone,” says Sutto. Designer headpieces and jewelry are also available. >> PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 15
Weddings
Fashion Experience
in Dormont
PHOTOS BY WARGO PHOTOGRAPHY www.facebook.com/ wargophotography
Say your “I Do’s” in front of our silver screen. Ceremonies and/or receptions. Show a film and serve popcorn & soda, or do outside catering. Call 412-563-0368 or email manager@thehollywooddormont.org. www.thehollywooddormont.org Model Karin Mottey, co-owner of Koda Bridal, poses in some of the wedding dresses available at their Mount Lebanon store.
Koda Bridal Located in a cozy brick building on Washington Road in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, Koda Bridal caters to plus-sized brides only. “It’s our specialty, so we look at dresses differently,” says owner Mary Beth Ryfun. Curvy brides often run into dead ends at run-of-the-mill shops, trying on styles and sizes that just aren’t made for their shapes, she adds. Her shop offers only gowns that accentuate her customers’ figures. “While the open-back dresses are lovely, most of our brides need to wear a bra. Most of the styles for a size 2 don’t translate to size 22.” Ryfun and her crew focus on ruching Appointment only. and empire waists, A-lines and ball gowns — styles that Tuesdays, noon-6 p.m.; make her clientele look and feel beautiful rather than go Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. home overwhelmed and frustrated. And anyway, she says, 246 Washington Road, wedding-dress sizes can be bogus. Mount Lebanon. “Most bridal designers run small, so if you are a 412-343-3212 or straight size 16, you’re probably going to need a size 20 www.kodabridal.com in a wedding dress. Most stores only carry 6, 8 and 10 [on the floor], which are streets sizes 2, 4, 6.” Ryfun and Koda Bridal aren’t just talking the talk, either. You won’t find any smaller-sized models in their promotion materials. Period. “None of us are a size 2. We know what it’s like to shop for clothes, so we get it,” she says. “And we don’t use any stock photos from the designer in our images. You’re not going to see a size 2 on our website, or in any of our advertising.” >> 16 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
Flowers Barton’s Bake Shop &
CALL TO SCHEDULE A WEDDING APPOINTMENT AND FREE CAKE TASTING. Barton’s Flowers and Bake Shop offers Pittsburgh brides and grooms the unique advantage of sophisticated wedding flower packages along with contemporary and elegant wedding cake designs and dessert/cookie table selections.
Offer Expires 4-16-16
LLC
311 SOUTH 2ND AVENUE, ELIZABETH, PA 15037
www.bartonsbakeshop.com | 412-384-9370 | weddings@bartonsbakeshop.com
MAKE BARTON’S YOUR WEDDING ONE-STOP-SHOP.
Formerly the
Tin Angel
Celebrations with aView!
1200 GRANDVIEW AVENUE • MT. WASHINGTON 412-381-1919 • VUE412.COM/EVENTS PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 17
Models (and engaged couple!) Rebecca Nuttall and Mark Addison pose at Glitter & Grit. Rebecca is wearing the Mia Elizabeth wedding dress by Rebecca Schoneveld, and the January necklace by Camilla Christine, both from Glitter & Grit. Mark is styled in a vintage tux by Richard Parsakian from Eons Fashion Antique: 5850 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside 412-361-3368 See page 22 for advice from Parsakian on styling grooms. Hair and makeup by Mock Makeup: www.mockmakeup.com mockmakeup@gmail.com / 814-389-6691 Photograph by John Colombo: johncolombo.com john@johncolombo.com / 412-889-5221
18 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
Fashion Experience
The Paint-Your-Own Ceramics Studio SOUTH HILLS VILLAGE 412-854-1074 southhills.colormemine.com
PITTSBURGH 412-421-2909 pittsburgh.colormemine.com
Glitter & Grit Glitter & Grit, in Lawrenceville, offers a small-boutique experience. Wedding dresses of varying styles flow to the floor in the shop’s front windows; inside, delicate sashes and belts hang on a refurbished wooden ladder, and slate-blue walls make the caramel hardwood floor pop. “We provide a very unique experience for Pittsburgh brides,” says Erin Szymanski, owner of Glitter & Grit. “[We offer] an intimate opportunity to explore our original, nontraditional wedding dresses from small, independent designers, in a relaxed, yet fun, environment. “A Glitter & Grit Appointment only. bride is a woman who 5300 Butler St., Lawrenceville. may have picked up 412-781-2375 or a bridal magazine, or www.glitterandgritpgh.com looked around online for wedding ideas, and may not really see herself represented in the mainstream media.” During a private, one-on-one appointment, brides can expect to find gowns that have 3-D floral appliqués, intricate backs or keyhole necklines, among several other designs. “Just the smallest element can really set a dress apart. We’re also seeing more of a mix of fabrics, in designs inspired by lingerie, with dreamy silks accented by touches of lace and sheerness,” says Szymanski. Several jewelry, headpiece, sash and topper designs are available as well. <
Thank you City Paper readers for voting us one of the Best Chinese Restaurants in Pittsburgh
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5440 Walnut Street, Shadyside 412-687-RICE www.chinapalace-shadyside.com PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 19
WOOD-FIRED FLATBREAD PIZZA, SANDWICHES, SOUP & SALAD OPEN: Monday through Friday 7am to 3pm
Your You ur Place for for Diamonds Diamonds 215 E. 6th Ave. | Tarentum, PA 15084 724.224.9114 | www.seitajewelers.com 12 MONTHS ZERO INTEREST FINANCING & FREE LAYAWAY 20 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
We Cater! 336 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 www.CityOven.com • 412.281.6836
at Bar Marco Available for dinners, receptions, and parties Bar Marco food and drinks in a unique setting for inquiries email: events@barmarcopgh.com
star-studded weddings! Marry under the stars in our planetarium, enjoy an exquisite riverfront location, dance the night away, and make unique wedding memories with fun exhibits. Or we can bring the party to you with our portable planetarium or liquid nitrogen cocktails!
Š Jenni Grace Photography
CarnegieScienceCenter.org/SpecialEvents PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 21
GROOM STYLE
BY RYAN DETO
Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania and across the country, more gay couples have been tying the knot. With so much attention paid to the bride during wedding prep, City Paper wanted to talk to Richard Parsakian, a local fashion icon and owner of Eons Fashion Antique, for advice on a two-groom wedding.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC TIPS FOR GROOMS AS THEY PLAN THEIR WEDDING? Think outside the closet (you are out, right?) and outside the box. Is this wedding for you or for your (supportive) parents? Don’t think about bitchy friends. Let the world know it’s your time. Your vows and words to each other will mark the occasion. Get your creative friends to help with planning and decor. Don’t be a drama queen.
PHOTOS BY ELECTRIC LIME STUDIOS
Salon Ivy makeup artist Jasmine Coleman and hairstylist Bethany Novak make over Lacey Bell; Her before and after shots are below.
STYLE
Big Day Hair
BY REBECCA NUTTALL | rnuttall@pghcitypaper.com
R
ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE EACH GROOM STAND OUT? I think getting married to each other already accomplishes this. But I always love a powerful pocket square, a statement bowtie or necktie, or the addition of an antique lapel pin. Vests are still classic, and trendy too.
WHAT COMBINATIONS LOOK GOOD TOGETHER? A bear and otter, two bears, two lumbersexuals, two queens. It’s endless. Sorry, I went there.
ARE THERE DOS AND DON’TS FOR GROOMGROOM STYLE? It’s time to celebrate and not worry about being traditional. Please, no more matchy ties and tuxedos. Ugh! We know you are the two grooms. <
ight now, braided updos and half-up styles are especially popular wedding-hair looks. And when it comes to makeup, it’s all about contouring and smoky eyes. But despite these trends, the stylists at Salon Ivy advise clients to pick styles that fit their personality and everyday style when they’re deciding on wedding hair and makeup. “For makeup, they should pick something similar to what they do on a daily basis,” says makeup artist Jasmine Coleman. “Because if you don’t normally wear makeup and you bring in a picture of Kim Kardashian, when I put that makeup on you, you’re going to be like, ‘What the hell is on my face?’” The same goes for hair. Thanks to websites SALON IVY like Pinterest where brides can search through 1213 E. Carson St., South Side. www.salonivy.net thousands of hair and makeup styles, Coleman and her colleague Bethany Novak say a lot of clients come in with the same pictures pulled from the Internet. “I always tell brides to try to find me something on a model that has hair similar to them, similar to their hair color,” says hairstylist Novak. “I have a lot of brides that come in and they have dark hair, but they’re bringing me pictures of blondes and I’m like, ‘Your hair’s not going to look like hers because it’s not the same.’ So I would say definitely try to find pictures of updos that have hair that is similar.” And beyond hair color, not all styles work for every hair type. If a bride with thin hair is looking for a full look, she should be ready to invest in hair extensions. “We have girls with thin hair that come in and bring pictures of people that have all these massive extensions,” says Coleman. “I’m like, ‘That’s not you, that’s not going to work for your hair type.’” And that’s why Salon Ivy’s stylists say brides should definitely take advantage of trial runs, which are sometimes included in hair and makeup packages, but might also be an additional cost. “It’s not mandatory, but I urge them to make an appointment. [Then] the day of, we’re not trying 20 different looks and rushing,” says Coleman. <
22 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
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Life h has plenty l t of f reasons to celebrate so let us help you make each of them a truly memorable occasion. The 3 Lakes Golf Course Clubhouse event center has an incredibly beautiful view of the golf course, as well as a great layout for special occasions big or small. Up to 280 guests can enjoy the Grand Ballroom, 100 guests can be seated in the Overlook Room and 50-70 guests in the Terrace Room. Close to home and in your budget! – 6700 Saltsburg Road, Pittsburgh, Pa 15235 –
412-793-7111 | www.3LakesGolf.com 24 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
PHOTOS BY AARON WARNICK
A colorful bridal bouquet (above) created by The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers’ owner Lauren Work Phillips (below)
FLOWERS
Blossoming Ideas BY REBECCA NUTTALL | rnuttall@pghcitypaper.com
W
hen it comes to choosing the perfect flowers for your wedding, Lauren Work Phillips, the owner of The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers, says preparation is a must. “The easiest consultations I have are with brides that have kind of done their research and have seen work that the florist has done,” says Phillips, whose shop is on the North Side. “They already know that florist studio’s style and that’s what’s attracting them, versus just calling and getting price quotes — which I know is important. But they should look at whether it’s their style and what they want their overall wedding feeling to be.” Phillips says she’s been inspired by the choices her clients have been making and the trends she sees emerging for the 2016 wedding season. “We’re doing a lot of color, a lot of different vibrant colors all mixed together, which I love,” Phillips says, “Our weddings are full of vibrant color, not so monochromatic anymore.” THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER FLOWERS Greenery is also a current wedding trend and can 431 E. Ohio St., North Side. include table-runner garlands made from greens, or www.thefarmersdaughterflowers.squarespace.com including ample lush greens in wedding bouquets. But trends aren’t always easy to follow, and Phillips advises couples to consider the season they’re getting married in when making choices. For example, peonies, dahlias and ranunculus are the most popular wedding flowers, but they aren’t available year round. And most importantly, Phillips says couples should pick a theme for their wedding and think about how their flowers will fit into that theme. “It’s always great to come in with a color scheme, and I always love to say, ‘Are there flowers you hate and are there flowers you love?’ I get that list and then come up with a huge variety of floral we can work with,” says Phillips. “When they come up with a general theme or aesthetic, I love knowing that during the consultation. [Then] I can show them ideas they might not have thought of and collaborate on the design, so they get what they want. We walk them through the ideas and the kinds of flowers we can use to achieve the look they want.” <
Experience old-world charm and unforge able hospitality at one of Pi sburgh’s most unique year-round venues. Located in an historic urban barn in the east end, PointBreezeway offers a picturesque se ng for in mate ceremonies, recep ons and special events. PointBreezeway is an ideal loca on for low-key celebrators and lovers of everything vintage and eclec c.
7113 Reynolds Street Pi sburgh, PA 15208 412.770.7830 www.pointbreezeway.com
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PHOTO BY KATE STUTZ / www.katestutz.com
A penguin encounter during a wedding at The National Aviary
VENUES
Nontraditional Settings BY MARGARET WELSH | mwelsh@pghcitypaper.com
It
can be easy to forget that your nuptials don’t have to be limited to a place of worship or a small room in the courthouse. Start looking around, and you’ll likely find an offbeat venue to fit your personality. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
celebrity treatment by an accommodating staff. (One couple had a red-carpet-themed wedding, complete with spotlight.) Another great bonus: popcorn!
The Andy Warhol Museum
700 ARCH ST., NORTH SIDE. WWW.AVIARY.ORG Escape the gray of the city and wed among colorful birds and exotic plants. Guests can wander through the exhibits, but for an even more memorable experience, penguins, parrots, owls or other Aviary residents can make a special wedding appearance.
The National Aviary
117 SANDUSKY ST., NORTH SIDE. WWW.WARHOL.ORG For art-lovers, The Warhol offers several options and spaces ranging from the Silver Clouds gallery for intimate ceremonies to the more spacious front lobby for larger affairs. There is also the museum’s theater which, special-events manager Ryan Boyle notes, “[sets] the stage for the wedding couple to For last year’s PARK(ing) Day — when local have its ‘15 minutes of fame.’” Guests can artists turn parking spaces into mini parks — PHOTO BY JOHN COLOMBO explore galleries on their own or take a guided Our cover model at The Andy Warhol Museum event planner Quelcy Kogel set up a spot for tour, before channeling Andy themselves by couples to marry or renew their vows outside making a Warhol-esque silk screen in the education studio. of Bayardstown Social Club in the Strip District. Kogel is a big fan of
Green Spaces … and Parking Spaces
The Oaks Theater 310 ALLEGHENY RIVER BLVD., OAKMONT. WWW.THEOAKSTHEATER.COM Dreaming of starring in Our Wedding Day: The Movie? Here, film-buff couples can enjoy their names on the marquee, a slideshow of photos (or a favorite film) on the big screen and general 26 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
non-traditional wedding venues, and suggests tying the knot outdoors at an urban farm, community garden, campsite or — more traditionally — your own backyard. “Then you’re investing in your home and landscaping,” she points out. In other words, a wedding can really happen almost anywhere. “I would LOVE to see a wedding happen in a drained pool,” Kogel adds. <
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016 27
LGBT
Just Call It aWedding BY RYAN DETO | ryandeto@pghcitypaper.com
F
or same-sex couples, a wedding is a wedding — not a civil union, not a commitment ceremony, not a “same-sex wedding.” According to annual surveys of thousands of LGBT couples conducted by the wedding website The Knot, 70 percent of participants called their matrimonial event a wedding in 2013. By 2015, that same distinction grew to 95 percent. And that percentage is sure to rise again considering that the data for the 2015 survey was compiled before the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision granting legality for same-sex couples to marry throughout the country. Local LGBT activist and blogger Thomas Waters says that he and his husband, Brad, consciously used the word “wedding,” as well as the terminology of “getting married” for their nuptials. “We had already been together a very long time. We wanted to have the legal designation of [being] married. That was a primary goal,” says Waters. “When people get married, they have a wedding, right?” But, another trend isn’t so positive: 95 percent of couples say vendors need a method to communicate that they are LGBT-friendly. Locally, Erin Calvimontes’ wedding-planning company, Divine Celebrations, has been certified by the 14 Stories Gay Wedding Institute since 2013 and proudly advertises the fact. “It makes a statement that we are friendly,” says Calvimontes. “We took the extra step to show we are absolutely accommodating to the LGBT community.” Calvimontes says some LGBT-wedding trends she has noticed include cocktail parties before the ceremony and more personalized weddings that showcase “who the couples really are.” She says she is noticing the latter begin to take off in all weddings. Waters agrees: “Comparing the same-sex weddings to straight weddings I have attended in the last year, the [same-sex couples] have felt more free to mold the events to fit their style, comfort level, budget and likes.” <
Vendors need a method to communicate that they are LGBT-friendly.
28 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
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DRINKING IT IN BY CELINE ROBERTS
While champagne is the quintessential choice at weddings for toasts (or taking the edge off a bride’s nerves), modern couples are exploring unique libations to celebrate their union. Lauren McMillen, owner of Pointbreezeway, an “urban barn,” hosts weddings that are “more low-key celebrations for off-beat brides.” Her typical clientele are “locally conscious” and often bring in booze from Pittsburgh-based breweries and wineries. “Pointbreezway is a nebeer-and-wineonly venue but that m doesn’t seem to be a problem,” says McMillan. Local craft beer is in vogue for this space, often served out of the bottle or mason jars. For couples who want a modestly priced ceremony, staying away from spirits can cut costs while keeping guests fortified. For traditional weddings, the Fairmont Pittsburgh offers an extensive bar. Wedding planner Madeline Kelly sees couples refocusing on classic cocktails and locally produced spirits. “We recently had a couple do an all-local signature-drink station which featured Wigle Whiskey, Maggie’s Farm Rum y &B and Boyd Blair Vodka. This is a fun way to share a piece of Pittsburgh,” says Kelly. Nonaalcoholic d drinks are also making their mark. Sarah Walsh, of Caffe D’Amore Coffee Company, offers espressobar catering for 10 to 450 people. Basic services include: espresso, tea and hot chocolate; she uses farm-fresh milk and direct-trade beans. Walsh will also whip up one specialty drink, like a maple latte, to suit the couple’s taste. After all, coffee is an excellent way to kick the party up a notch on the dance floor. <
PHOTO BY AARON WARNICK
Top Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches with heart-shaped cupcake toppers for a unique alternative to cake.
DESSERTS
Don’t Let Them Just Eat Cake BY CELINE ROBERTS | celine@pghcitypaper.com
Is
the wedding cake dead? After a city-wide search, the answer is a definite no. People still love the tradition of wedding cakes. It’s the breadand-butter (pun intended) of many bakeries. However, while cake is classic, many couples are opting for unique desserts for their nuptials. Bella Christie and Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique offers a staggeringly large array of “dessert stations” for couples who want to think outside of the cake box. “We feel dessert is the last chance to wow your guests. I always tell my brides, ‘This is your day, just do it big,’” says Amanda Byrne, director of special events.
30 PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER WEDDING GUIDE 2016
“Doing it big” for Bella Christie’s means offering anything from tables of s’mores, cotton candy and popcorn to interactive dessert stations with fresh donuts. For two hours on site, guests can get made-to-order donuts in flavors like cinnamon-sugar, “cookies and crème,” almond torte, peanut-butter cup and coffee-cake crumble. If donuts don’t appeal, look no further than its liquid-nitrogen station, where cocktails, bananas and ice-cream treats can be flash-frozen and dipped into caramel, peanut butter, chocolate or crème Anglaise. Kosher? No problem. A rabbi can be called in for the necessary supervision. For ice-cream lovers, Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches can top off an already sweet day. The company will work with a caterer to ensure that frozen treats come out ready to eat, whether artfully plated in a dining room or served out of a freezer under the stars. Leona’s ice cream is lactose-free and uses fresh, seasonal ingredients. Choose up to four flavors of sandwiches; options include: black-raspberry ice cream on sugar cookies with lime curd; raspberry ice cream on snickerdoodles; vanilla on chocolate-chip cookies; and cucumber ice cream on lime shortbread. <
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