To the moon!

Let me just put this out there right now: This is Laura's wedding. Laura is one of my very best friends, a whip-smart, beautiful, generous person who never has a bad idea, and half of On the Nose Events. So of course her wedding is beyond gorgeous, beyond cool, and beyond amazing. I had the pleasure of being her matron-of-honor that day, and the joy of helping her to plan it a little bit. Here is my most favorite On the Nose wedding, ever:

Right from the start (even before, if I'm being honest), Nic and Laura knew what they wanted. The ceremony was held at the Buhl Planetarium at at the Carnegie Science Center, and it was the first! A romantic choice through and through, the planetarium was very unique and comfortable. Guests loved watching the show immediately after the ceremony. 

As guests made their way around the Science Center, we set out to take some pictures that were...out of this world (I couldn't resist). 

The reception was held at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. During cocktail hour guests were welcome to explore the Center and a few of it's larger scale pieces in the event space. To add a bit of her Russian heritage to the mix, guests could help themselves to a shot of vodka before hitting the bar proper. 

This is where it's hard for me, because I just want to say LOOK AT THIS! NOW LOOK AT THAT! Everything really was so beautiful. While outside on the grand patio, the tenting made the room feel much more intimate than it was. Dark linens and silver chivari chairs set the stage for an outstanding dinner. Afterwards, guests enjoyed the starry cake with a custom cake topper and a space-themed candy buffet while DJ Zombo played long into the night.  

The highlight of the night was the huge crescent moon that Nic and Laura worked to create for their photobooth. 

I really can't say enough good about this wedding, this couple, their life. Creators of epic Halloween costumes, people I am lucky enough to call friends, and husband and wife: the awesome Nic and Laura! Congratulations to the happy couple! 

Stay tuned for Part two, where we'll focus on the fine details, the art of beauty, and the tough decisions. 

Stunning photography by Studio Bash
The one and only, DJ Zombo
Candy Buffet by Pittsburgh Candy Company

Vintage Charm, part 2

Catch up with Lauren and Jason's beautiful wedding HERE!

PART TWO

Desserts

In addition to their wedding cake, Lauren and Jason decided to serve their guests a buffet of delicious pies and treats. We sent them right to Signature Desserts for just that, their packages are out of this world and the prices cannot be beat. We were able to use some their family antiques mixed in with vintage rentals from Borrowed & Blue. Guests could not get enough of everything. We wholeheartedly recommend offering a simple and varied dessert buffet: candy, cookies, brownies, anything you like! 

Music

Right from the start, Lauren and Jason expressed an interest in having live music mixed throughout the day. We worked with Steven Vance Strolling Violins to make their vision for the ceremony work. One of his musicians played a family violin and the bride walked down the aisle and a string trio played during the ceremony. For the reception, we elected to alternate between a DJ and a live bluegrass band. Eventures had everyone up and moving right away. Not a standard "wedding DJ" at all, he was able to weave lots of different styles of music into the evening seamlessly. Shelf Life String Band was out of this world! Guests danced long into the night! 

Bar

One of the advantages of a backyard wedding is being able to manage every aspect of your reception. You can control everything from the lights to the saltshakers. One area where Lauren and Jason really chose to exercise choice was the bar - they wanted everyone to have a really, really good time! Friends took the liberty of creating them special blends of red and white wines for their guests. Jason used his expertise to select several small batch beers. Also, in addition to a full bar, the couple elected to offer his and hers signature drinks: Lauren's Lemonade and Jason's Neville Island Iced Tea. Guests lined up under the awning for drinks or served themselves beer during cocktail hour, then we opened up the amazing bar from Borrowed & Blue for the reception. After dinner, desserts, and dancing wrapped up, guests wandered down the waterfront fire pit for s'mores and popcorn...and a luau! Jason and Lauren surprised their guests with an afterparty on the Pontoon Saloon. 

Guests

Something difficult, but necessary, to discuss with couples before the big day is the possibility of unruly guests. We've seen it all. But, because we're there, the bride and groom never see any of it. This wedding was sort of an exception in that some unwanted guests walked right up to the couple while they were taking photos. The bartenders at 3 Rivers Events handled the situation perfectly, professionally, and promptly. Those ladies are the best! They kept everyone hydrated on a hot June afternoon, happy during the cocktail hour and reception, and partying until the wee hours at the luau. 

***

After months of planning the perfect wedding, Lauren and Jason got the perfect wedding! The weather was unbelievable, everyone had and amazing time, and they're married - what more could anyone ask for? Congratulations to the happy couple! 

xo,

Laura and Nicole


All beautiful photos courtesy of Dave + Mary Photography

Vintage Charm

Lauren and Jason were married at the bride's family home on Neville Island. A perfectly maintained civil-war-era farmhouse with phenomenal landscaping, the home blended itself into the relaxed vintage feel of the day.

When we first meet with a new couple, we get to know them and try and eek out their styles from their story. The budget discussion follows the inspiration discussion and things naturally fall into place. With this couple, it was clear that they had an exact idea of what they wanted, which we love. This is our journey with Lauren and Jason:

Part One

Budget

Some couples come to us with firm numbers, a budget not be exceeded. Other couples just want the best, whatever the cost may be. Typically, most couples fall somewhere in between. Working with Lauren and Jason, we decided the best idea would be to present a low/middle/high-end option for each choice made along the line.

Venue

The bride was lucky enough to have a family property sitting on the water, with a gazebo for the ceremony, and a great spot for a reception. We ultimately decided to tent their large, flat cement area for dinner and dancing, and use their beautiful yard for the cocktail hour. A small addition was added to the tent to be used as a rain plan, which luckily was not needed! All Occasions Party Rentals went totally above and beyond in their dedication in making our layout plan work. They installed the tenting, set up all of the tables and chairs, provided all of the servingware, and were able to make on-the-fly-decisions day-of. 

Flowers

Cuttings provided the flawless florals for the ceremony and reception. Working with Jim was a breeze, he was able to circle in on Lauren and her mother's style immediately and created a luxe look with blush and cream. 

Food

Once we decided that family style would suit their laid-back/upscale vibe, we knew that Bistro to Go was the right caterer. Nikki and her team always deliver relaxed elegance. Side dished were plattered and the three main course choices were passed. Everything was grilled on site - so while the guests were noshing during cocktail hour, we heard all about how great dinner smelled! 

In Part Two, we'll talk about the desserts, music, after-party, and guest wrangling! 

All beautiful photos courtesy of Dave + Mary Photography