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}

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Simple + Sweet

So we had to share the cutest DIY Valentine's Day gift posted on one of our favorite blogs Eat, Drink, Chic. Valentine's Day is just about spending time with whomever is special in your life. Fancy restaurants and expensive gifts are fabulous but not always necessary. Take the time to do something understated yet memorable for your sweetie :) V-Day usually falls on a random weekday, you both have to work, and restaurants will be on overload. Save yourself the hassle and make it a cosy night in, just you two. Here's what to do:

1. Find a cute popcorn container to contain all the goodies
2. Make sure your invitation includes some cute details of what the evening will include {i.e. snuggle under a blanket, order take-out, indulge in champagne, popcorn and candy in front of your favorite movie}
3. Instead of swapping gifts, write love letters or poems.
4. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Amy Moss of Eat, Drink, Chic

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Let It All Hang Out

In 2012, you will continue to see unique things being hung, suspended, and cascaded from ceilings, trees, and whatever other structure will support this amazing design idea. Modern and stylish brides are coming up with all types of eye-catching elements to soar mid air and create a dramatic, magical look to their wedding. From chandeliers to flowers to branches to centerpieces to ribbon to frames to lanterns to votive holders to origami to crystals to even cupcakes, yes cupcakes!-this concept has no limit. If you are a bride who dares to incorporate showstopping concepts in your design-this one is for you. Be inspired!

Photo Credit: My Wedding via Google Images

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Color + Psychology

We consider ourselves planners who LOVE color. Color is such an important element in our lives and even more important when designing and styling. When picking the colors for your wedding design, did you consider color psychology? Colors can signify different things depending upon the culture or region, and even personality. What do your wedding colors say about you?

{Gold} is the color of success, achievement and triumph. Associated with abundance and prosperity, luxury and quality, prestige and sophistication, value and elegance, the color psychology of gold implies affluence, material wealth and extravagance.








{Silver} has a feminine energy; it is related to the moon and the ebb and flow of the tides - it is fluid, emotional, sensitive and mysterious. It's soothing, calming and purifying. It is associated with prestige and wealth, seen as a glamorous and sophisticated. It works well with most other colors - it illuminates and reflects the energy of those colors which surround it. Silver is more light-hearted and optimistic than gray.






 
{Black} is considered to represent sophistication, power, sexuality, and elegance. This color can be high-impact or understated, depending upon any contrasting colors used.








{White} suggests goodness, purity and innocence. Its elusive nature provides serenity and the essence of perfection. The individual who chooses white as a favorite color seeks excellence and enlightenment in all philosophies. Simplicity, purity and recognition are a constant endeavor.

{Red} is the single most dynamic and passionate color, symbolizes love, rage and courage. Demanding attention, red has great emotional impact. Those who select red are aggressive, impulsive and strive for success.

{Pink} is red's understated cousin. Pink is thought to represent femininity and romance. It is emotional in character, connotes a sensitive heart. Universally representing caring and sharing, pink indicates a strong personality. The affectionate and concerned individual prefers pink. Gently, you offer love, attention and nurturing to those in distress.

{Purple} is historically known as the color of royalty, purple still implies elegance and wealth. In lighter shades, purple is considered very youthful.







                                            
{Green} is the color of life, and represents freshness, security and tranquility. Green creates an atmosphere that is calm and restful, and characterizes the intense power of nature. If you selected green, you seek stability, balance and persistence. You are a moral and affectionate individual.

{Blue}symbolizes tranquility. Blue is cooling, soothing and orderly. The color of royalty, blue brings comfort and serenity to our lives. Blue lovers have a basic need for a calm, harmonious and tension-free existence. Capable, conservative and sensitive to others, you make a loyal and trustworthy friend.

{Yellow} is truly joyous and virtuous in its purest form. Yellow exudes warmth, inspiration and vitality, and is the happiest of all colors. Yellow signifies communication, enlightenment, sunlight and spirituality. If your favorite color is yellow, this indicates that you look forward to the future, and that you are intellectual, highly imaginative and idealistic. You tend to have a cheerful spirit and have an expectation of greater happiness.

                                                   
{Orange} is the color of autumn, spice form and design. In bright tones, orange is jovial, cheerful and playful. Deepened, it becomes exotic and exciting. If orange is your choice, you have abundant energy with an eye for structure and organization. Your social nature finds you surrounded by family and friends.

{Gray} is emotionally-neutral. It does imply a certain amount of conservative tradition and formality. If gray is your favorite color, you tend to be a careful, articulate individual who is focused and dedicated to your commitments.

{Brown} is sensuous in nature, represents an importance of hearth and home. It symbolizes physical comfort, ease and contentment. Should you seek brown, you are conscientious, steady and dependable. Your inner security, honesty and high virtue show that you take life seriously.

Photo Credit: The Knot, Google Images, Karen Tran, Clark + Walker, Alante Photography, Victor Sizemore