Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Wedding
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens wedding: I often laugh about Pittsburgh being home to so many “destination” weddings – a term that usually brings to mind a pristine beach in the Riviera Maya or a villa in the Tuscan Hills of Italy. But each year more than a few of the weddings that I photograph are for couples who originally came to Pittsburgh for an education at our world-class universities. This was the case with Anne and Bei, neither of whom are natives to the area but met while they were students at Carnegie Mellon University and returned to Pittsburgh for their Phipps Conservancy and Botanical Gardens wedding.
They chose Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens as the site of their wedding celebration. Sure it’s next to CMU, but read on and you’ll learn just why it’s a special spot for them.
Joining me for the wedding was James Knox. Not only is James a terrific photographer who I worked with for many years at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review newspaper, but he’s a fellow bow tie aficionado:)
Getting Ready
Bei fuels up with some cupcakes from Dozen (Yay, they’re open again!)
Anne arrived at Phipps with her mom Lynn and curlers in her hair. She still looked fabulous 😍
Many of Anne and Bei’s friends got ready in Bei’s hotel room. Whatever they were watching on TV, it was interesting.
Bei’s little brother Gary (right) helps decorate the Special Events Hall.
Ceremony in the Palm Court
Anne’s dad Tom escorts her to the Palm Court for the ceremony (next two by James).
As part of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, Anne and Bei poured tea for each other’s mothers and grandmothers…
…and handed them bouquets.
While their friend Bryan read the beautiful poem “On Marriage” by Kahlil Gibran.
Reverend Larry Goyda officiated.
James’ photo.
Portraits and Details
Anne and Bei (Bei’s photo by James).
Guests sat wherever the wanted to and dinner was served family style. Instead of a cake, the couple served their guests delicious desserts from Prantl’s Bakery.
Bei proposed to Anne at the north marker on the compass rose on the floor of the Palm Court. I think it’s quite wonderful that they were able to hold their wedding ceremony in the exact same spot.
Family Style Reception
Toasts.
Anne and her dad Tom put together quite a production for their dance together.
But what followed was truly amazing. Anne and Bei had a choreographed first dance that literally blasted off an intense 1-1/2 hours of dancing!
The robot.
Thriller!
Thank you, Anne and Bei. Your Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens wedding was a unique and lovely event that I very much enjoyed being a part of. Here’s another wedding at Phipps that you’ll enjoy looking at.
Some other vendors:
DJ – Jeremy Ganss (I love working with Jeremy!)
Flowers – Hearts & Flowers Floral Design Studio
Linens – Lendable Linens
Tables – All Occasions Party Rental
Lighting – Andy Shick