Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Modern Peacock

Peacock is one of those themes/designs that has to be done RIGHT or else it will translate horribly and quite tacky (for lack of a better word). I would say this trend is over but this modern spin on the "peacock" has us swoon. It's all about the colors, textures, and patterns that bring this design to life. Bold. Dramatic. Fun. Be inspired.

Happy Planning!
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Photo Credit: Studio Wed

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Blue Devils Benefit Dinner

{she} linked up with 2 Seven PR to assist with the 1st Annual Benefit Dinner for the Pittsburgh Blue Devils. The mission of the AAU basketball organization is to provide a safe and productive environment that enables children to learn and apply the principles of teamwork, discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship. Savoy Restaurant was a key sponsor and location for the event. In attendance was special invited guest Charlie Batch who autographed footballs for the silent auction. Local businesses donated fabulous gifts for the raffle and silent auction. Check out pics, courtesy of Rebecca Photography!

Happy Planning!
{she}

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | The Informed Bride

More often than not, the main question when planning a wedding is 'how much is this stuff going to cost me!?' The answer to this question varies across the board as everything ultimately depends on your guest count, reception location, food and beverage, and design choices. Do you want a ton of flowers or do you want small arrangements? Do you want a plated dinner or buffet style? Do you want an elaborate design or simple design? The bottom line for a casual, informal garden wedding for 75 guests is going to be vastly different than a fancy, semi-formal hotel ballroom affair for 150 guests. Inspired Bride shared the results from The Knot and The Wedding Channel on a recent survey they did to reveal the latest wedding budget and trend insights in the $74 billion wedding industry. Here are the key findings in national trends from the survey...

-Since 2008, the average wedding budget has grown year over year, to $27,021. More couples are leaning towards a more casual wedding. While the “semi-formal” style category still reigns, fewer brides are opting for a “black tie” event.

-Here’s news to fall brides, fall weddings are more popular! While summer will always be “summer season”, 2011 saw a drop with only 37% having a wedding in the summer months. (Compared to 41% in 2010 and 2009). Fall weddings became more popular with 36% marrying in the fall months. (Compared to 30% in 2010 and 2009)

-Topline Statistics:
Bride’s Age: 29; Groom’s Age: 30
Average Amount Spent Per Guest: $196
Wedding Vendors Spend Increase: Wedding dress (up 2%), wedding planner (up 4%), music (up 3%), ceremony location (up 14%)

Happy Planning! Cheers to the weekend :-)
{she}

Photo Credit: Inspired Bride

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Boy Meets Girl: Lynel & MaLeassa

We LOVE when our couples are on the ball! This is true for Lynel and MaLeassa. They know what they want and totally trust us to execute their dream day. Not too many brides are bold enough to not do any floral, linen, or design meetings! We can't wait to see the look on their faces when we bring their vision to life! Finalizing the planning details for their June wedding, I remembered I did not post the pics from their fab engagement shoot! Shame on us! Check out some of our fav shots of the crazy in love duo from Jia Zhang.

Happy Planning!
{she}

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Vendor Spotlight: Katia Forero Photography

Warm-spirited, passionate, and genuine are three words that come to mind after I met with Katia Forero. Not to mention I LOVE her accent. She's a Pittsburgh Wedding & Portrait Photographer and prides herself on telling the story of your special day from behind her camera lens. We talked about everything from today's types of brides, to choosing the right photographer that fits your style, to both having an innate reaction to go above and beyond for our clients. Check out Katia Forero Photography on her website and blog and see if she is the right photographer for you. I know you'll love her work as much as we do :-) Meet Katia.

{Tell me a little bit about yourself.}
I am originally from Panama city, Panama but came to the U.S to study Fashion Design and Retail merchandising almost 13 years ago. I married my husband in 2005 and moved to Pittsburgh where I fell in love with photography. I am a storyteller and my camera is the way to tell the story of every couple's wedding day. My camera is an extension of my soul, is the way I see life. I could not imagine doing anything else the rest of my life.

{When did you fall in love with photography?}
I fell in love with photography while working for a Company in St. Louis as a Product Development Coordinator. I was in charge of catalog designs and of course I had to work side by side with the photographer. I was fascinated by this craft and could really picture myself working as a photographer one day.

{What is your number one piece of advice for brides?}
My number one advice for brides is to hire a photographer with which you have an instant connection. It is so important to have a connection with this person; he/she will be telling the story of your wedding day, allow them to get to know you better before your wedding day so they are able to capture your true personalities. You do that and I can assure you you will love your wedding images.

Happy Planning!
{she}