Every wedding is unique.  It’s the one time in a couple’s life that this group of people will gather together to celebrate their love for each other.  Sometimes things can be even more customized when couples incorporate various family and cultural traditions.  This past weekend I was DJ for a wonderful and very unique celebration for the wedding of Lisa Sontag and Armando Padilla held at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

Both the wedding and reception were held at the History Center, which makes a wonderful and easy day for everyone.  The Great Hall was decorated beautifully for the Jewish ceremony which was conducted by one of Lisa’s close friends.

While the guests enjoyed cocktails at the 4th floor gallery, the Great Hall was converted for dinner and dancing.

After dinner, guests were treated to a cake and coffee buffet, such a unique idea!

Lisa and Armando asked their guests to make song requests on the back of their RSVP invitations.  This made for a great variety of music that covered every genre.  Cocktail hour featured Big Band music from the 40′s, dinner featured music from crooners like Frank Sinatra and the Gypsy Kings.  When the dancing started, the music included modern dance music and 80′s classics, as well as Salsas and the Hora dance!

The newlyweds’ first dance was sweet and romantic.

Lisa and Armando’s guests took the floor after dinner and the celebration started!

The newlyweds were hoisted into the air during the hora dance… love this part!

Lisa and Armando found wonderfully fun ways to combine their Jewish and Spanish heritages throughout their big day, creating special moments that will be cherished forever.  The happy couple is on their way to Jamaica for a well deserved rest after a fantastic day.

Venue: Heinz History Center
Wedding Planner: Simply Stunning
Photography: Joe Appel Photography
Ceremony Music: Arioso Trio
Catering: Common Plea Catering

Jennifer and James were completely beaming with joy all night long. I’m sure their cheeks will be sore from all the smiling they kept doing. James spent a lot of time preparing for the reception, not only did he choose all the music for cocktail hour and dinner, he also prepared 3 video slideshows which really wowed their guests.

The Heinz History Center is an amazing venue and Jennifer and James were so much fun.  I made a little montage of some of the great photos I took during the reception.

Jennifer & James completely knew their guests tastes and were sure to include lots of great 80′s and country music so that everyone got a chance to dance and party. Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs. Bisti.

Venue: Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh
Photographer: Steven Barry of In Video Studio
Videographer: Ed Pureza