Spring Weddings 2020: The Venue Issue

No matter where you choose — outside or inside, big or small, sweetheart table or no — your reception is about spending time with people you love.

Welcome to “The Venue Issue.”

Inside our first themed issue (keep an eye out in the fall for The Planning Issue), you’ll find a story showcasing some of our favorite spots for small weddings, a feature on what to do and not to do should you choose to get married outdoors and a story about designing a personalized sweetheart table. Also, Burgh Brides expert Victoria Deardorff offers some of her best tips for choosing a venue, and we present your Guide to Getting Ready on your wedding day, covering everything from the location to essential items to keep on hand to the best photo ops.

I got married in my hometown in Lawrence County, where the reception venue options are … limited. Or at least, they were back then.

Not wanting to host my wedding in the same spot I attended prom, I opted for our church hall. It wasn’t Phipps or the Carnegie Museum of Art, but it was convenient, beautifully decorated, and most importantly, a place all of our family and friends could come together to celebrate our love.

They say your wedding day goes by quickly, and it’s true, but I can still see so many little moments play out in that space as if I’m rewatching them in my mind’s eye.

Of course, there’s our first dance as husband and wife, the toasts from members of our wedding party and the cake cutting. But I also fondly remember my Mom and I sneaking a cookie from the boxes we transported there the day before. I remember how our ring bearers bounced in excitement as we lined up for our big entrance. I remember a childhood friend asking if I’d like her to put aside some treats for me so I didn’t miss out on my own cookie table (I’m still grateful).

One portion of the evening I replay often is the traditional dollar dance, which gave me an opportunity to spend a minute with so many people I might not have gotten the chance to talk to in all of the commotion of the day. I can still recall the conversations. Because no matter where you choose — outside or inside, big or small, sweetheart table or not — your reception is about spending time with people you love.

Weddings Editor Lauren Davidson can be reached at ldavidson@pittsburghmagazine.com or 412-304-0916.