Elegant Phipps Conservatory Wedding
This adventurous couple considered several other locations around the country before a stroke of fortune allowed them to have their elegant Phipps Conservatory wedding in Pittsburgh, where their romance started. When we first met at their engagement session, I immediately knew their wedding would be EPIC. And EPIC it was. They took time to thoughtfully plan out their day, avoiding so many common stressors. They gave me SO much time for photos, we were able to really relax and capture some amazing memories. I could go on and on about this couple. but Iām not the one you want to hear about! Deanna shares some of her favorite tips and information below:
What was your inspiration behind your elegant Phipps Conservatory wedding?
Showcasing the love Zack and I have for travel, the outdoors, and the experiences we’ve had with friends/family. Also our love for food and desserts. We wanted a fun party with everyone we loved in an interesting atmosphere. We also wanted the classic church ceremony. We got the best of both worlds with our venues. We focused on a travel/adventure theme. Our florals/decorations were ‘bohemian glam’ inspired with lots of neutrals, greenery, and gold. We really just wanted everyone to have fun and not be too traditional. We didn’t have a typical guest book but had guests created a ‘bucket list’ for us to complete in a lifetime together. We didn’t have typical table numbers but guest sat at tables named after locations we visited/lived. We had late-night donuts and cake. Everyone kept saying how much the day was ‘us’. We also had a lot of out of town guests (Deanna is not from Pittsburgh) and had a fun welcome party on Friday night (helped ease the stress of trying to talk with everyone on your wedding day) and a brunch on Sunday to reminisce over the memories.
Advice to share with brides planning now?
Make it fun! You make it what it is so skip the stress and enjoy it. Put trust in the people helping you. Delegate some of the tasks. And read the book “Things I Wish I Had Known Before We Got Married“!
How did you and your spouse meet?
We were friends for years at the University of Pittsburgh and finally started dating after college. We spent 2.5 years dating long distance and then moved in together in Florida before we moved back to Pittsburgh where it all started.
Proposal Details! How did it happen? š
In Idaho during a family ski trip. We went hiking in the snowy mountains with a professional photographer–you’d think Deanna would have picked up on what was going on but she was VERY surprised.
Venue: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Event Planner: Katelyn Larsen, Phipps Conservatory
Florist: Sapphire and Lace
Wedding Dress Designer: Made with Love Bridal
Wedding Dress Boutique: Blanc de Blanc
Hairstylist: Sarah McCarrison
Make-up Artist: Valarie Panei
Accessory Information: Veil: borrowed from sister
Bride’s Shoe Designer: Betsey Johnson
Bride’s Ring Designer: Orr’s Jewelers
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Show Me Your Mumu
Groom Attire Designer: The Black Tux
Groom Ring Designer: Orr’s Jewelers
Videographer: Light Motion Studios
Paper Goods Company: Minted
Handmade Details Travel table numbers created by bride and groom, Luggage tags: Etsy
DJ: DJ Bill Bara
Bakery: Bella Christie’s
