Heinz History Center

Few things rival the joy of witnessing strangers come together in celebration of love. Shanna and Jesse’s wedding day was a testament to this magical phenomenon, an occasion brimming with undeniable excitement. The infectious happiness of friends and family, united in celebration, created an atmosphere of pure joy, resulting in an epic and unforgettable event.

The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA, served as the perfect backdrop for Shanna and Jesse’s ceremony and reception. Guests immersed themselves in exhibits during the cocktail reception, setting the stage for a fantastic evening of dinner and dancing in the main hall.

As the dance floor beckoned, guests eagerly responded, transforming the space into a lively celebration. The curated playlist, enriched with suggestions from the bride and groom, struck a chord with everyone, prompting wild and enthusiastic dancing.

Shanna and Jesse’s selfless prioritization of their friends and family in wedding planning paid off in spades. The reciprocal love and effort from their guests ensured that this day would be etched in collective memory for years to come. With their unforgettable celebration behind them, the newlyweds are poised to embark on a well-deserved honeymoon in Cabo.

I find all the music I play during a wedding reception to be equally important.  While many people focus solely on the dance music, the songs that will play during cocktails and dinner help set a tone for the entire celebration.  Every once in a while, I get to work with a couple who is as passionate about the soundtrack to their wedding as I am, and they’ll provide a great list of song suggestions for me to include on their big day.  Hillary and Dave put together wonderful playlists that truly made their fabulous celebration at the Heinz History Center like no other.

The Grand Hall looked amazing and was full of personal touches throughout.  Guests enjoyed a fantastic meal as they listened to the custom music that consisted of some classic blues and rock.

When it was time to dance, there was a great variety of great music from yesterday and today!

Pittsburgh has so much to offer for your out-of-town wedding guests.  Often, first time visitors are shocked at what a beautiful and entertaining place it can be.  Couples who have either moved here, or come here for school, decide to use our city as a destination wedding for their friends and family.  Most of the guests at Jenna and John’s wedding traveled to be a part of their wonderful day and the fantastic reception that was held at the Heinz History Center.

The Grand Hall at the museum was a spectacular choice for dinner and dancing!  The wedding guests enjoyed touring parts of the museum before the celebration began.

After a terrific dinner and special dancing, everyone was primed and ready for an epic dance party that included some of my favorite party songs of all time.

Jenna and John made sure all of their guests were treated to a fantastic evening that was well worth the trip.  As the final few songs of the night played, and before heading to the after party, the happy couple were surrounded by all of their favorite people from all parts of the county.  It was heart warming to see how much love everyone had for the newlyweds.  I’m sure the trip was well worth it, to be part of an epic celebration that no one will soon forget.

Weddings held over the holidays are always extra special.  It gives everyone a reason to pause from the hectic season and enjoy a time of celebration.  Blaire and Colby’s wedding at the Heinz History Center was a wonderfully joyous occasion as their friends and family came to spend some quality time with the newlyweds and wish them well on their new lives together.

The Heinz History Center Great Hall is absolutely one of the most unique and captivating venues in Pittsburgh.  Most of the guests traveled from Louisiana to be part of the big day, so this was an amazing way to show off our amazing city.  They even got to see some snow!

One of my favorite questions I’ve included in my online wedding planner regards how much the bride and groom hope to be able to dance at their reception.  Since guests want to be near the newlyweds, it’s so much fun for everyone when they plan to be dancing!  Italia and Seth said they would be dancing “all night long”, and they could not have been more accurate!

Their ceremony and reception was held at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, which was the perfect setting for both an elegant and wildly fun celebration.

To help make their day even more special and unique, Italia and Seth included great events that represented both of their families’ traditions.  This included starting off the dancing with the Tarantella followed immediately by Hava Nagila.  After that, the songs the happy couple chose were a perfect match for their friends and family to enjoy.  I loved that the newlyweds truly did get to dance “all night long” and loved every minute of it.  They’re now off to enjoy a wonderful honeymoon in England and Scotland.

The success of your wedding celebration depends greatly on your guests.  If they feel happy and comfortable, they will stay and enjoy every moment of your big day from beginning to end.  Maggie and Kevin did a fantastic job giving their guests all they needed to completely let loose and have the time of their lives at their elegant reception at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

The ballroom at the History Center has never looked better as it was decked out in uplighting, candle lighting, and a gorgeous wall of rope lights.

Maggie and Kevin’s guest were treated to a full day of great food, a wonderful atmosphere and some fantastic music.  When it was time to dance, everyone was up and ready to get a little wild on the dance floor.  At the end of the night many of their friends and family were ready to join the newlyweds for the after-party.  Maggie and Kevin are now preparing for a well-deserved, romantic honeymoon in Aruba.

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.

On Saturday I played the wedding reception of Jennifer Stivers & James Bisti at the Heinz History Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

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.

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.