Brooke and Nate, we’ve said it before, we LOVED working with you!  If you are looking for inspiration for an elegant wedding, look no further than the team of Brooke, her Mom, and Ansley Esterline of Bliss Events, Ltd.

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Barb and I were really looking forward to Annie and Harrison’s wedding after spending some time with them at their engagement session. We had so much fun together and knew that wedding day would be a blast.

A reception at the Renaissance hotel followed their Heinz Chapel ceremony.

I had to include a photograph of the cookie table, a Pittsburgh tradition. Annie’s Mom and her friend worked on the cookies for months – they were incredible – there must have been 50 cookies per person and of course, I had to try everything.

Annie’s Priscilla of Boston gown was absolutely beautiful. Her bridesmaid’s gowns were Vera Wang creations.

Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Florals by the very talented Allison McGeary
Band – After Dark – fantastic!
Cake – Food Glorious Food – awesome!
Stationary – Sapling Press
Transportation – Elite
Makeup by Theresa Steele
Hair by Mary Ann Penezic

There is no doubt that the floral details that Michele planned with her parents (yes, her Father Jody gets credit too!)  and Michael at Blooms Florist were second to none.  Protege rocked the night away and Gordon & Barbara Shu provided video coverage.  What you might not realize is what an absolute pleasure it was to share this happy day with Michele and Dan’s Families!  Many thanks to all of them – we wish Michele and Dan all the best life has to offer.

Starting several days before wedding day with Sangeet, loosely translated in English as “sung together” or “singing with instrumental accompaniment”, Riti and Jon celebrated Sangeet at The India Garden.

Sangeet is so much fun – like a dinner and dance with the singing of traditional Indian songs, joking with the couple, dancing and playing the dolkhi, a two sided drum.

What a great time! – it’s been a while since Barb and I have been to the India Garden – the food was great and we LOVE Indian food! Our usual weekly hangout with friends is The Taj Mahal, who catered Riti and Jon’s reception.

Mehndi, the traditional application of henna, is an ancient ceremonial art form tradition was held at Riti’s home. It’s also a time of celebration – great fun and more food!

A Sikh wedding ceremony or Anand Karaj is a bit different than a traditional hindu wedding. Starting with the wrapping of the men’s turbans, the Baraat procession follows the groom to the temple where the families meet, hug exchange flower garlands and celebrate this Milni ceremony with tea.

The groom has to barter his way into the temple before he can cut through a ribbon barrier. And his shoes disappear, bartered for or barefoot when he departs.

Indian weddings are a joyous, boisterous day of dancing and celebration. If you’re fortunate enough to attend, get your rest and bring your appetite! Like Barb and me, you’ll be treated like family. Thanks so much to Rita and Jon’s families for the honor of allowing us to document this wonderful occasion.

Their ceremony will be at Heinz Chapel with a reception following at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. Katherine Shaw at Trends to Traditions is helping them plan their event with an old Hollywood theme. I know it’s going to be awesome.

Shannon will be getting ready at The Mansion at Maple Heights, which is on our list for a quick in-town getaway. It looks very cool.

We can’t wait for wedding day!!

It was a big challenge for the families and bridal party to make it in and out of The Renaissance Hotel during the G20, but everything worked out and everyone finally arrived.

Their ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral was followed by a reception at Le Mont, which Candace an Matt chose to showcase the beauty of Pittsburgh’s skyline. Barb and I always enjoy working there – it’s a beautiful room and the staff and service are always efficient and professional.

It was drizzling most of the day and chilly, but the bridal party were good sports and forged outside at the West End Overlook. We had a lot of fun.

The Finesse Band with Sal Richetti, one of the top bands in the city were in rare form – they really sounded great and the guests responded – a super fun party and the end of a perfect day.

Le Mont provided their cake, Gordon Shu the videography, Bloomingdalia the florals, Molly’s Trolly the transportation and Candace’s gorgeous gown was a Stephen Yearick creation from Ann Gregory.

Candace and Matt just returned from what they said was an amazing honeymoon in Greece.

Slideshow follows:

Last night, I came across a fun site – Taaz – which brought back memories of playing an old dress-up software game with Nina and Kate.

It allows you to upload your own photographs and play with different hair and makeup styles – I think the site may be helpful, or at least fun, when you’re planning your wedding day hair and makeup styling.  At the very least, it’s a good way to kill some time with a glass of Merlot.

Here’s the result of my makeup artistry and hairstyling expertise in a before and after photograph using the tools available on the site. Well, maybe I need some work – I’m not totally digging my florescent highlights upon further review.

While I highly recommend using a professional makeup artist on your wedding day and we have some suggestions for you,  some brides are more comfortable with applying their own makeup.

From a photographic perspective and especially if you’re wearing a veil, makeup is much more important than your hairstyle.

Here’s a few tips for your wedding day makeup.

•    Mix your foundation with a little moisturizer. It will give you a lighter, more natural coverage.

•    Limit the amount of concealer to the amount that just covers blemishes.

•    Powder is very important to reduce shine, especially during a hot summer wedding. It’s better to use a powder with some color rather than translucent color which can give you a washed-out look.

•    I hate glitter and pearlized finishes – to the camera and especially when flash is used, it looks like tiny holes in your skin. I’ve spent countless hours retouching little white spots from glitter.

•    Select a blush that’s close to your skin color – the camera’s sensor really heightens  the difference between light and dark tones.

•    Don’t go overboard with mascara, which can darken your eyes and create shadows over your cheeks.

•    And, don’t go too dark with your lip color – the camera sees the contrast to a much greater extent and your lips can look quite dark, especially in black and white photographs.

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!!