Real Weddings 2011 :: Laura & George 10.8.11

Classic. Elegant. Romantic. These are just a few words I would use to describe Laura & George's wedding day.

Their wedding day started out with hair and makeup for Laura and her bridesmaids at Laura's parent's home just a few short miles away from the church. After a few hours of pampering, the entire bridal party made their way over to East Liberty Presbyterian Church for some bridal party/family portraits, along with Laura & George's "First Look". I'm sure you've heard me say this a hundred times, but I absolutely LOVE the intimacy of a "First Look". This was my first time working at East Liberty Presbyterian, and I have to say that I was rather impressed. The inside of the church is absolutely stunning (just look at the gorgeous ceremony shots taken by the lovely Milla Chappell), and to add to the church's beauty, there is an adorable little courtyard that set the scene for some great portraits of the bridal party. 

Following their vows Laura & George, along with their guests, made their way over to The Pittsburgh Golf Club for cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The Pittsburgh Golf Club also happens to be one of my favorite venues...I like to call it the "hidden gem" of Pittsburgh, as not many people seem to know about it. The space is incredibly elegant and charming, and the staff is top notch...definitely an A+ in my book!

The light on October 8th was positively stunning, and Milla was able to capture some amazingly gorgeous portraits of Laura & George before they headed inside to greet their guests.

The evening ended with a grand sparkler exit as these two love birds were sent away in a classic Rolls Royce. It was truly the perfect ending to a perfect day. 

Congratulations again to Laura & George!

The Wedding Team 

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue East Liberty Presbyterian 
Reception Venue The Pittsburgh Golf Club
Photographer Milla C Photography
Floral Designer Karrie Hlista Designs
Band Studio E's Protege
Makeup Anna Skin Care
Transportation (Shuttle) Lenzner Coach Lines    
Transportation (Rolls Royce) Classic Limousine
 
All photos courtesy of Milla C Photography.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Lindsay & Andrew 9.24.11

Lindsay and Andrew were married on a gorgeous fall day in September. We had been keeping a close eye on the weather the week prior (and preparing back-up plans just in case), but September 24th turned out to be a picture perfect fall day. 

Lindsay and Andrew wanted to be able to enjoy themselves during cocktails, so they opted to have the majority of their photos taken prior to the ceremony, including a "First Look". Their photos were taken around the Oakland area - mostly outside of their church, St. Paul's Cathedral, and across the street at the ever popular Mellon Institute. After photos were completed, Lindsay and Andrew made their way over to the church where they tied the knot during a beautiful Catholic mass. {Side note: since their photo locations and both venues were all within walking distance of each other in Oakland, Lindsay & Andrew were able to skip the limo and transportation costs!} 

Following the ceremony, guests were greeted by a bag piper playing outside of the church who led each and every one of them across the street to the Mellon Institute for a group photo. Yep, you read that right - all 181 of their guests were led in a bag piper processional through the streets of Oakland. It took a lot of coordination, but in the end, it turned out fantastic! Kuddos to the couple's fab photographer, Joey Kennedy, for pulling off the great shot (pictured above). Post-amazing group photo, the guests were then led down the street a few blocks to The University Club, where the rooftop cocktail hour and ballroom reception were set to take place. 

It was an amazing day, and we couldn't be more happier for this adorable couple! Congratulations again to Lindsay & Andrew!

The Wedding Team 

Wedding Planner Simply Perfect Weddings
Ceremony Venue St. Paul's Cathedral 
Reception Venue The University Club
Photographer Joey Kennedy Photography
Floral Designer Dee's Florals 
DJ Bill Bara
Makeup Pittsburgh Makeup
Hair Monica Kitta (412.537.5107)
Bag Piper Pittsburgh Piper

All photos courtesy of Joey Kennedy Photography.

Etsy Find :: Rustic Engraved Keepsake Chest

It's been awhile since I've done an 'Etsy Find' post, so I thought today would be fitting to post one of my favorite recent rustic finds (wow, say that 3x fast!). The shop responsible for this adorable keepsake chest is Bragging Bags. I have to say, this may be one of my favorite Etsy shops ever. If you're having a rustic/woodland themed wedding, then this is definitely a shop you won't want to miss - SO many fun engraved items available for purchase! Check out all of the details for the chest here, and then check out the rest of the personalized items here. 

Tip :: Use this keepsake chest as your card box, then display in your home as a decorative piece. 

Photo credit :: Morgan Hill Designs.

Black + Yellow Chalkboard Framed Signage

I stumbled upon these black + yellow 'Bride & Groom' chalkboard signs on Style Me Pretty this morning, and wanted to share with our Pittsburgh brides. These signs are super simple to make, and would be a great addition to a black + yellow color palette. 

Tip :: Get creative with your frames, and don't fret if you can't find a chalkboard small enough to frame...use chalkboard paint on virtually any surface (even glass!) for an instant chalkboard!

Photos courtesy of Annie McElwain Photography via Style Me Pretty.

Real Weddings 2011 :: Kate & Adam 06.18.11 {Part 2}

Last week we posted Part 1 of Kate & Adam's "Kate Spade Garden Party" themed wedding. Today, we are bringing you Part 2 with more of their preppy details! Enjoy!

The dress/custom hanger. Kate's dress was handmade by her Mother. Absolutely incredible!

The invitation. Don't forget to send your photographer an invitation! 
 

Apple escort cards. Too cute!
 

The Cake.

Custom card basket.

Guestbook signage.

Guestbook/gift table. 

Centerpiece. Gorgeous!!

Place setting - custom napkin rings and menu cards. Love the preppy look!

Menu cards.

Stripey Straws. Need I say more?

Table # & centerpiece.

Tables. Love those Chiavari Chairs! 

Flip flops! Helpful tips here.

Favor Table Signage. 

Favors - Eat'n Park Smiley Cookies.

Late night bite. Mini sliders! 

Photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.