Manisha and Bernie were married in a Catholic ceremony at Duquesne Chapel followed by a Hindu ceremony and reception at The Omni William Penn Hotel.
Barb and I come from very different backgrounds - Jewish and Catholic. Merging two very different cultures on and after wedding day is always a big decision. I think it’s really cool when couples bring elements of both backgrounds into their wedding day festivities, although it involved many hours of preparation and 3 outfit changes on Manisha’s part.
Hindu ceremonies are fascinating, typically 4 days of festivities. The mandup that was created in the ballroom was absolutely beautiful. Starting with Aaarti, Manisha’s mother welcomes Bernie by placing a tilak on his forehead. Continuing with blessings by parents and elders, Manisha and Bernie walk around the ceremonial fire in 7 steps, each with significant meaning such as the provisions for health and energy, food and happiness.
With 5000 red roses by 
Kerry Kennedy of Pittsburgh, their reception arrangements were the talk of the local florist’s community. Malcom’s House of Flowers in Indiana, PA did the beautiful ceremony presentations. DJ Layda from New Jersey provided the music at the reception with lots of upbeat Indian pop. It was really a storybook wedding.
Slideshow
Maria and Salvatore were married on August 16th at St. Paul’s Cathedral with a reception following at The Omni William Penn.
I first met Maria at Club One - her favorite treadmill was next to mine. She would come in, run flat out for an hour, hair flapping under her ball cap and just pretty much put me to shame after which she would teach an aerobics or pilates class.
Maria is the owner, artistic director and dancer at Biography, a noted contemporary ballet ensemble. Her youngest students entertained us during the reception with wonderful performances.
Maria chose her Mom who she considers to be her best friend, as her matron of honor, which I thought was so cool and really special.
The bridal party was a total blast - what a great group of friends. Salvatore, or Sam to his good friends, is a real gentleman. I think Barb and I are opposites in a lot of way and as they say opposites attract. Sam is such a warm hearted guy - a bit reserved, where Maria is, well, not shy.
Maria and Sam honeymooned in Italy and just returned at the end of August.
Maria’s gorgeous gown is a Sottero and Midgley creation. Their cake was a real work of art by Fenogliettl Bakery and Michael at Blooms Florist, always creative and inventive, did an amazing job with the arrangements and bouquets.
On Tuesday night, Steve and I had the privilege of attending the Omni William Penn Hotel’s Private Tasting.
We love photographing at the Omni because the staff is so friendly and efficient, and last night was no exception. Twice a year, the Omni invites their clients and prospective clients to taste and choose items from their menu and meet their preferred vendors.
Lora Peluso, Corey Makrush, Darlene Coons and Megan Vassanelli, the Chef is Jacky Francois, and the rest of the staff prepare each dish to perfection and then, take it a step further by presenting everything in beautiful buffet stations.
I heard one comment repeated over and over again throughout the evening, “How are we ever going to choose our menu, everything tastes sooo good!!”
Aside from the fabulous food, we really enjoy the Omni’s event because it gives us a chance to see other preferred vendors who have become our friends over the years. Anne & Jason Lehman of A. Lehman Invitation & Design Studio – Anne has created stunning award winning marketing pieces and holiday cards for us.
Kathy from Reed & Petals and Christine from Bethel Bakery (yes, there were samples, yum!) attended, along with Bea Nyilas, Bob Abrahamson and Allison and Clarke McGeary, who all share our passion for photography.
We often run into our clients as they choose their menus for their wedding feasts, Sarah and Blaise were there on Tuesday along with Sarah’s mom, Jan. We are really looking forward to getting to know them better!
After enjoying the music (Steven Vance on violin!), the company of vendors and clients, and the plentiful spread, everyone left happy and very full!
Thanks Omni William Penn!!
