Last week, I had the privilege of photographing and participating in an amazing wedding vendor networking night, which was sponsored by Whirl Magazine and DeStefino Beauty Bar.  The event was hosted at DeStefino Beauty Bar in the Southside Works, which, if you haven’t been to, is a MUST GO!  This trendy beauty boutique is a top-of-the-line spot for the latest in hair, makeup, nail, and skin treatments.  They specialize in wedding day hair and makeup styles, and can provide wedding day services in their centrally located salon, or on-site, depending on your preference.

If you haven’t yet picked up a Whirl Magazine, you need to buy one! Now! Whirl specializes in bringing Pittsburgh trends to the forefront such as: eateries, who’s who in the ‘burgh, wedding planning, and high profile events. The staff at Whirl know where and when it’s at!

I’ve attended quite a few wedding networking events, and this one was by far one of my favorites!  The industry professionals selected for this event were some of the most creative, talented, and unique vendors that Pittsburgh has to offer.  So much so, that I’ve decided to create a blog post to feature each of these talented vendors, and also the bridal savvy wedding planners and socialmedialites that were the event guests!  So sit back, relax, and prepare to have your mind blown by some of the most innovative and trendy wedding vendors in Pittsburgh…

Art
alittleguilty
Jay is the visionary and artist behind this business. Jay will create a piece of surreal artwork of your wedding day DURING your wedding day!  He uses mess-free pens to draw a masterpiece from start to finish, and guests can watch him in action! The piece of work that Jay brought to the event was absolutely jaw-dropping.  It caught my stare and I couldn’t look away!  The colors he uses are vibrant, and his drawing looked like a surrealist painting in a museum.  He’s good. Real good.

Cakes and Cookies
Mixed with Love
This is Janelle, and she creates baked goods that are works of art!  Her custom-made creations are not only beautiful to look at, but scrumptious to bite into.  I’m speaking from experience- I’ve sampled quite a few of her treats!  The night of the event, her ballerina pink frosted cupcakes were so popular that they were gone before I could bat an eyelash!  Yes, they were. Just. That. Delish.

Chocolates
A519 Chocolate
Modern. Bold. Intriguing. Who would have thought that chocolates could be described like designer clothing?  Amanda is the chocolatier at A519 Chocolate, and to say that my mind was blown just by looking at her chocolates is an understatement.  Her presentation is so sleek.  She uses shapes and colors to create such a visual statement with her chocolate, and the bigger surprise is that they taste even better than they look! How is this possible?! My first taste of fondant icing taught me that desserts that look visually pleasing are not palate pleasing.  Amanda’s chocolates break that mold (and can be customized, too!)

Entertainment
PA Brew Tours
One of the reasons why I love our city so much is that we are a blossoming foodie town. Our restaurants have boasted some of the top chefs in the country, and we have been put on the map for gastronomic experiences.  Even better, our craft beer is keeping up with the food scene!  The appreciation for craft beer in Pittsburgh has exponentially grown over the past few years- microbreweries are popping up all over the city.  PA Brew Tours is genius in that they have proactively created tours that guide you through some of the special craft beer (and distillery!) spots across town.  A brilliant idea for bachelor/ette parties, and guests visiting during a wedding weekend.  This is Jackie, from PA Brew Tours!

Floral
Stems by Syd
In an industry laden with bouquets and centerpieces, Syd’s floral arrangements beautifully stand out against all others.  I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is that sets them apart.  Maybe it is the wispy and whimsical feeling of each piece.  Maybe it is her unique selection of flowers and textures.  I’ve seen and photographed so many floral pieces- as beautiful as they all are, it is a very rare occasion where I find one that actually makes me feel something.  The piece that Syd made for the networking event made me feel like running through a field of wildflowers. That is talent.

Invitations, Stationary, and Branding
Diva Gone Domestic
I consider myself a paper fanatic.  I’m that person that collects, keeps, and files every invitation from each wedding, engagement party, and save the date I receive in the mail.  They are all filed away in a tidy plastic sleeve to preserve their perfect form.  Laugh if you must!  I do this because I know how much thought and effort it takes to create the perfect invitation.  Plus, it is one of the first touchpoints of the wedding, which means that is has to be beautifully packaged.  And it sets the tone for the wedding.

Tara is the creative girlboss behind Diva Gone Domestic.  Let it be said that every invitation, envelope and sample that she brought to the event screamed “REMARKABLE!” to me!  At first I was enamored with the heavy papers and textures of each invitation (am I a paper snob?)  After I got past the touch and feel of the invitations, I realized the personality of each of her pieces: from playful and nautical, to chic and glitz. I couldn’t stop sorting through all of the samples and getting more excited each time I flipped to a new one.  Tara is another creative genius who can get you to *feel* something simply by looking at it.

Menswear
Neck & Tie Co.
Micah is the head honcho at this company, and I am truly smitten with his sense of style! The fabrics he selects for his ties and bowties are not only fashionably unique, but they are also unforgettable.  The material colors and patterns that he chooses make such a bold statement! I particularly love the polka dotted blue bowtie and octopus necktie. It is about time that men’s fashion is brought to the center stage of wedding planning!  Bravo, Micah!

Wedding Blog
Burgh Brides
If any of you wedding couples have not yet heard of Burgh Brides, then jump on the train and start following this top-of-the-trend blog!  Victoria is the socialite behind this wedding blog, and the topics she posts will inspire you to create your event of a lifetime.  Her blog will connect you with wedding vendors and will give you a plethora of ideas to make your wedding day the best in the Burgh!  This talented lady has a ton of connections to the top wedding vendors in Pittsburgh and knows what it takes to plan an extraordinary wedding day. There’s something to be said for a lady with a sense of style and a gorgeous smile!

Me and my station!

Some  great networking happened that night…

And let’s not forgot the guests of the evening: the Event Planners and Socialmedialites that keep the wedding industry alive and thriving! I don’t think I’ve ever run into such a fun and outgoing group of people.  It was like we were instant friends even though I hadn’t met many of them prior to that night!  I’ve love to sit down with them over a glass of wine and just hang out…

Bumble Burgh
Devoted to You
Garnish Event Design
Hello Productions
Prima Eventi
Shayla Hawkins Events
Trends to Traditions
Wanderlust Weddings
Yes Wear That