Jenny and Jeff were married at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with a reception following at The Senator John Heinz History Center’s Great Hall.
Jenny and Jeff first met while acting in a play at Point Park College. They both were hired as actors for Disney in Orlando where they now live. Most of their friends are thespians and were so much fun - outgoing and definitely not shy around the camera.
Jenny and Jeff are still pretty young but even so, they have an almost childlike outlook on the world which so many of us seem to lose. They didn’t want a stuffy or pretentious wedding and chose fun food for their reception - nachos, hamburgs and hot dogs. I would venture to say that was a first for the Common Plea who with The Duquesne Club caters all of the events at the History Center. It’s probably more difficult to make an awesome burger than a great filet.
The History Center has two very different ballrooms - the Great Room on the first floor and The new Mueller Center. The Great Room has a lot of character while the Mueller Center has a balcony with a great view of the city. It’s a wonderful venue for a reception.
Jenny and Jeff took a Disney cruise on their honeymoon, something I’ve always wanted to do. Here’s a small sample from their wedding day.
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.
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It was originally Wayne who was coordinating the wedding plans, as Iyndia was working in, well, India.
Before we met for their engagement session, we could already sense that Wayne would be easy to work with and very laid back; what we couldn’t have guessed was that Iyndia would be just as centered.
Her mantra on wedding day when the little things happened, (as they often do - like rain, for example) was, “I am not going to worry about that, this is just one day.”
And with that attitude, she and Wayne celebrated their wedding day in style. Iyndia looked stunning in her Steven Jolie gown and Jimmy Choo shoes. As for Wayne, the smile never left his face.
While most brides are taking the last few minutes to primp or get extra photos, Iyndia took a limo ride around the block to have photographs taken with her sick Grandmother. We met later at Phipps in the Broderie room along with Wayne and both of their families for a ‘first glance’ and family photographs.
The ceremony and reception were both held at Bella Sera’s, made even more beautiful with flowers by Fragile Paradise and special details by Dolores Stubbs, the wedding coordinator.
Wayne and Iyndia put their personal touch on their ceremony and vows as a string trio played, the lights were dimmed and candles lit, it was as beautiful as it was touching.
The staff did an excellent job; good food was enjoyed by all at the reception, finished off by cake of course! - created by Vanilla Pastry. Guests danced the night away and as family affairs should be, there were plenty of kids. They had boundless energy and were a joy to photograph.
Iyndia & Wayne were such a pleasure to be with on their wedding day, we wish them all the best.
Enjoy a sampling of photos from their day…
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I’ve been waiting until Leann and Jason returned from their honeymoon in Hawaii to post their photographs and publish their blog post, but knowing that Jason would have his Iphone with him and be “wired”, I beamed them over a little slideshow before they got back. Like Jason, I have to admit to my left-brain’s addiction to gadgets and watches although maybe not as hard core - I wasn’t interviewed by KDKA in line at the Apple Store at 4AM.
It was an amazing wedding weekend at Nemacolin Woodlands resort, starting with a rehearsal dinner at Mulligans at Mystic Rock. The party on Friday continued with Casino Night - a special event for their friends and family with real casino slot and table games. It was so much fun with baskets and prizes for the play money winners.
The guys began wedding day with a round of golf at Mystic Rock golf course, one of the top courses in the country, while the ladies primped at the Spa.
The weather was a little questionable that morning, but the rain held off and Leann and Jason said their vows on the beautiful plaza courtyard deck overlooking the property.
A reception followed in the Grand Ballroom - the room was beautifully decorated by Something New Florals from Canfield Ohio.
Leann looked just amazing in her Kenneth Pool gown. It was gorgeous.
No Bad Juju, a fantastic band, provided the reception entertainment, while Creative Cakes, who always come up with unique and beautiful designs, really outdid themselves.
Here’s a highlight story of Leann and Jason’s incredible wedding weekend.
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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.
Elizabeth and David were married on July 19th at a gorgeous ceremony and reception at Phipps Conservatory. They just returned from an extended honeymoon in the Greek Isles.
I had a chance to see some of their photographs from their honeymoon and it made me want to drop everything and hop on a plane - some place I’ve always wanted to visit. The architecture, the colors, the sea, wow… what an amazing place.
Like many of our couples, Elizabeth and David chose to see each other before the ceremony. We set up a “first glance” where they could see each other alone for the first time after dressing. I take a minute of photographs and give them some time alone. It’s always an emotional experience.
The new Tropical Forest Conservatory at Phipps is the conservatory’s latest addition with a revolving theme, garden paths, a tree-top lookout, waterfall and fish pond. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Rania Catering always comes up with a unique and sophisticated menu. Alison McGeary has become one of the most popular florists in the city, always providing creative and beautiful florals. Janet and Tim with Upbeat Entertainment did a great job - everyone had a wonderful time.
Congratulations!
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Kelly and Will were married on July 5th and just returned from their honeymoon in Italy. Their ceremony was held at the Peter’s Creek Baptist Church with a reception following at the beautiful Nevillewood Golf Club.
I didn’t have a chance to post their engagement photographs, so here’s a few, just to set the scene of their wedding.
This is a joke - well, at least tongue in cheek…..
It’s a bit of a hilarious story starting with Kelly’s brother in law’s chaining an “item” to Kelly’s car resulting in a call for help to the local law enforcement agency and officer Will.
…..Which not only resulted in “the man” making a trip to said practical joker’s house and scaring the heck out of him, but culminated in the discovery of the man of her dreams.
So, of course, we had to play dress-up at their engagement session, take a “black and white” out and have some fun. Barb and I had such a great time with Kelly and Will which carried through to their wedding day. They’re great fun!
Kelly looked awesome in her Raylia antique gold creation, tying into the 30’s theme of their wedding - I love the tuxes and two-tone wing tips.
Kelly and Will made their own wine for wedding day with a little help from Enrico’s in the Strip. Barb and I were going to help squish some grapes, but had another engagement that day.
Dr. Zoot is really a unique band - everyone always seems to have a great time when they’re playing. Allison McGeary did a wonderful job with the florals and centerpieces.
While I usually pick a select number of photographs for a blog slideshow, I’ve included a more complete selection, just to give a feel for the entire day. It was a family affair - most of the bridal party were family members and the show reflects all of the important people in Kelly and Will’s life and the story of their wedding day.
Amanda and Matt were married on June 21st at Holy Spirit Church in Millvale with a reception following at The Priory, one of the more popular and unique venues in Pittsburgh.
The Priory, formally known as Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall was originally St. Mary’s church; built in 1848, it was the first Roman Catholic church in Allegheny City, now the North Side. A priory was built adjacent to the church to house visiting clergy and benedictine monks. It’s now a boutique hotel with 24 guest rooms which makes getting ready for your wedding, super convenient.
Barb and I had the best time with the bridal party - they were so much fun. We got to know Amanda and Matt at their engagement session at one of their favorite hang outs - the zoo.
Amanda and Matt are two of the nicest, most genuine people we’ve ever met.
After the ceremony, we stopped for a few pictures in the West Side Park on the North side and then to the cool little garden across from The Priory.
Walter, the special event manager at The Priory always does a fantastic job. He takes great care of his clients. The food is excellent and the service is always first rate. If you’re looking for a location for your reception, The Priory would be high on my list of choices.
Amanda and Matt just returned from their honeymoon in Hawaii - I spoke with them after they got back - they said it was the trip of a lifetime. I can’t wait to see some pictures.
