Whether you are using an event planner or not, one of the most challenging things about planning your wedding day is creating a time line.  There are  many variables that can effect the timing; weather, traffic, and appointments that run longer than expected.  There are many things to schedule; hair, make-up, getting dressed, transportation, ceremony, reception, flower delivery, photographs and more.  Since couples plan only one wedding – there is no way to learn from past experience!  Here are 3 tips for planning a more carefree wedding day.

Think backwards when planning your day.  The natural inclination is to schedule a starting time for your vendors on wedding day. Instead, consider first the 2 times that are least flexible; the time of your ceremony and the beginning of your reception.  When booking your transportation, let them know what time you would like to arrive at the ceremony site.  Based on travel time, they can help you determine what time they should pick you up.  The same applies to hair, make-up, flower delivery and photographs.  Now that you know what time you will need to be ready to leave for the ceremony, we can tell you how long you will need for photographs.  You now have an idea of what time hair and make up should be finished, and you should add at least 45 minutes for everyone to get something to eat and get dressed.  If you are traveling to a salon, add that time as well.  Your vendors tell you how much time they need so that you can finish on time and that is how you can determine the start of your appointments.

Double the time that you think it will take!  That may sound extreme but remember, the more time you allow for travel, appointments and getting ready, the less stressed you will feel.  There are many things to account for that don’t occur during your usual morning routine.  Getting 7 bridesmaids and all of their bags from a hotel room into a waiting limo can sometimes take 15-20 minutes.  Forgotten items, faulty zippers, last minute trips to the restroom or touch-ups at the mirror – times 7!  It is not realistic to think that the trip from the hotel to the church will take the same length of time in your car as it does in a 15 passenger limo.   To avoid rushing at the last minute, mentally add extra minutes during the planning stage.

Choosing excellent vendors who will keep an eye on the clock for you will relieve you of a huge burden.  An experienced caterer or event planner will give you realistic ideas about how long it will take to serve 250 guests, your MC will help you with your reception formalities and of course we can tell you how long it will take to photograph your large bridal party.  Things happen and your wedding day will take on a life of it’s own.  Let your time line work for you, not against you – consider it to be a flexible guide.  Go with the flow, and enjoy one of the happiest days of your life!

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Sarah and her bridesmaids enjoyed pre-wedding pampering at the Omni William Penn.  Sarah was beautiful in a Jud Wadell gown from MIA Bridal Couture of Houston and her grandmother’s pearls.  Springdale Floral created the elegant bouquets of  Orchids and Peonies, as well as the fabulous centerpieces for the reception.

The finicky Pittsburgh weather cooperated and the day turned beautiful just in time for the ceremony at Sacred Heart Church in Shadyside!

Friends and family gathered at the Omni William Penn later to celebrate.  They danced late into the night to tunes by DJ Rockin Steve Credo.  As always the Urban Room provided a warm, elegant atmosphere where guests dined on Tenderloin and Halibut and later, cake by Fenoglietto’s and treats from a traditional cookie table.

We wish Sarah & Travis all the best!!!

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Many thanks!

Don’t Forget that we offer  totally cool Graduation Announcements and Invitations plus awesome matching Thank You cards and Address Labels through www.avenueanne.com!

She was chosen to speak at her commencement ceremony which is quite an honor!   She loves her family, but she is looking forward to starting school at Allegheny College in the Fall.

This session was a pleasure, Elyssa was bright and cheery and a joy to be with! Oh, and adorable!

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.

February weddings can either bring sunny days or snowy weather and thankfully, we missed the onslaught of our daily blizzard conditions of just a few days before. It was a perfect day – just a little snow on the ground for the beautiful look of winter white.

Shannon and Vernon were married at Heinz Chapel with a reception following at The Pittsburgh Athletic Association, a beautiful historic ballroom and building based on the 16th century Venetian Renaissance palace, Palazzo Grimani di San Luca.

With help from the always creative planners at Trends to Traditions, the ballroom, decorated in an old Hollywood theme looked gorgeous.

Shannon’s Jasmine Couture gown was stunning and she looked amazing. Her cake was designed by Creative Cakes and her awesome floral and table arrangements by Allison McGeary. Jeremy Ganns did a great job as DJ and Videosac provided motion imagery.

While we usually stay together as a team, considering the timing of the day, Barb hung out with the guys and I with the ladies. We had so much fun. It was a perfect beginning to our 2010 wedding season.

Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

Okay, I’m kidding really – but what better way to preserve the absoulte stunning beauty of a winter snow storm than through photographs?  I can think of nothing better on a hot sunny day then to sit with a cold drink in hand and gaze at scenes of a freezing cold winter day!

We had the chance to photograph a few wintry sessions, including these fabulous photos of Kim, Kelsey & Nolan.  The kids were willing models and so adorable; red-headed twins!!  No words needed to describe Mom’s good looks but what most strikes me about her is her powerful love for her kids.  I love looking at these photos because I remember the tender look on her face as she watched her kids being photographed.

For anyone else willing to brave the elements with us – let’s go!