Tricia and her lively - but sweet - crew visited Glitter & Grit after a Steeler's game one wintery Sunday evening in January.... so it came as no surprise that her wedding was speckled with black and gold, and Terrible Towels made an appearance!  She and Chuck were married at the West End - Elliot Overlook Park, on what looked like an absolutely perfect day in August. Tricia chose a simple yet unique UPOPPY dress that fit her personality and really let her shine for her wedding day. 

all images courtesy of East End Photo House 
When you tried on your dress, how did you know it was the one?
 For me, shopping for clothes is basically a nightmare. I was not looking forward to trying on dresses. Thankfully, I took the long way home from work one day and spotted Glitter & Grit out my window and new I'd find what I wanted there. When I tried on my dress, I knew it was the one I'd get married in because it made me feel perfect. For once I didn't feel self-conscious in what I was wearing, and it made me feel beautiful. I didn't have that tear-filled "This is the one!" moment that most people expect to have. Instead I felt calm, confident, and it just felt "right".
What was your groom's reaction to seeing you in it?
He looked pretty shocked, but in a good way. We had a nice moment together during our first look. He kept telling me how beautiful I looked all day.
Please tell us your favorite thing about Chuck...
My favorite thing about Chuck is that he is my exact opposite. He's very calm and understanding, never has a bad thing to say about anybody, and never complains. He loves me despite my obsession with conspiracy theories, my habit of throwing my pillows on the floor in the middle of the night and trying to steal his, my questionable taste in music, and my penchant for bringing home stray animals. He's also incredibly supportive and always tries to let me know that no matter how crazy an idea I have is, that he's 100% confident that I can pull it off.
Did you incorporate any traditions into your wedding?
Our wedding was very non-traditional. Our best friend officiated for us, and after we kissed and started walking down the aisle, we blasted Renegade by STYX while everyone waved custom-made terrible towels. For our meal we had a BBQ, and our DJ was a Spotify playlist that the entire wedding party collaborated on. We had a corn-hole tournament, and instead of tossing my bouquet I tossed a football.
Please describe the most memorable moment of the day.
The most memorable moment for me was during our pre-wedding photo shoot. We decided to park downtown and walk all the way to Heinz Field where our limo would pick us up to take us all to the venue. It was a pretty hot day so we were drinking lots and lots of water. By the time we got to our pick-up location, I had to use the restroom. Bad. Luckily I saw a security officer walking the perimeter of Heinz Feild and somehow convinced him to help me get into the stadium to use the bathroom. On my way out, the employees in the stadium at the time all started clapping and cheering me on. It was pretty great. I guess all it takes is a fancy dress and a smile to get you into a secure facility.
Do you have any special advice for future brides?
My advice to other brides would be to just let it happen. Plan as much as you can and accept help when it is offered. But on your wedding day, just throw your plans out the window and let the day unfold as it will. Be present. Have fun. Nothing else really matters.
 
 
The day after our wedding, Rob and I spent the day trying to figure out exactly how long we had dated.

No joke.

And? It was one of my favorite days, ever. It might even beat the wedding day, itself...
We were friends for a long time before we officially decided to give romance a shot. We spent A LOT of time together, with friends and without. Then we dated. And broke up. And again. And went through that cycle a few more times... By the time we got married, we had known each other for sixteen years, but we could never have told anyone how long we were "together." So we sat outside of a little cabin one evening in June, and shared our memories. We did the math, and found out how long we had been together. 

So, how long? I have no idea, still. 

We should have written it all down. I hope to someday do it all again, and write it all down so that when we - and our brains - are old and shriveled, we will know our story. 

But the best part in all of the telling was hearing Rob's view of everything, and I'm pretty sure he'd say the same. Have you shared your full, true love story with your partner? It's kind of amazing...
 
 
With an unassuming facade in a quiet corner of Point Breeze, you'd really never expect to find such a simply beautiful wedding venue as PointBreezeway... This urban cottage takes you to a faraway place the moment you step inside, and has everything you need for an intimate, home-style wedding. There's a sweet little garden outside for your ceremony, and just the right amount of room for a casual reception. 

When I finally made my way to visit the owner, Lauren, there for the first time, I had recently returned from a nice little vacation exploring New Orleans go ahead. I walked through the door at PointBreezeway and instantly felt swept back there - such history and eclectic charm is hard to find around Pittsburgh these days! Take a peek at this magical little place, and hear more about it from Lauren herself, below:
When did you enter the wedding industry? What made you want to do so?
Funny enough, I’ve always dabbled in the wedding industry. I have spent time as a Wedding Planner’s Assistant, Bridal Consultant and I even did makeup in the past. As far as weddings at PointBreezeway…it just made sense. My husband and I got married there in 2013 and that sealed the deal. I knew it was a hidden gem for weddings and so far…I’ve been right!

What was your most glittering moment in your business?
 - Actually it’s quite romantic. It was a cold, Pittsburgh blizzard kind of morning on Valentines Day of 2013. I attended a breakfast series at Chatham and left completely inspired. I (slowly) drove over to PointBreezeway and verbally committed to moving forward with my ideas. The following week I had a banker, lawyer and an accountant. I’m so proud that I just went for it.
PointBreezeway, Pittsburgh PA {Kelly Adrienne Photography}
photo courtesy of Kelly Adrienne Photography
What's your grit?
PointBreezeway is my childhood home. My passion for this place is unshakable. I offer a venue with the warmest comforts of home... a space with a rich history that makes you feel like you’re in another part of the country…or world!

What is your favorite part of what you do? 
Don’t get me wrong…I love hosting the events but the most exciting part is welcoming folks in for the first time. Sometimes I get overconfident and say ‘it’s the best place in the world…isn’t it?!’ In that moment…they can’t help but agree.
Please share a most memorable moment in your adventures in the industry. 
- Easy. First, my dad kissing me on the cheek on opening day while saying “you really did it”. That memory is tucked in my back pocket. More recently, showcasing PointBreeeway in a photo shoot. It was such an awesome experience for me to see my little space in action. I got excited about every photo.

Please describe your ideal client.
Our layout is beyond unique and therefore your wedding will be too! Our space is ideal for those who are just itching to celebrate in an offbeat, urban fashion. Those who want every comfort of a home-style wedding while enjoying the beauty of Point Breeze. Our clients seem to love simplicity…and so do we!
Gritty Details
Established: July 20, 2014 - Opening day!
Price range: Weddings start at $1,500 for a 7hr block 
Amenities / inclusions or options:
   *Day-of Coordinator availabble
   *On-site Non-denominational Officiant available
   *A mix of tables and chairs included for up to 75 guests
   *Wireless Speakers and access to lots o’ fun music stations
   *The PointBreezeway GuestHouse sits next door for overnights
Location: Beautifully located in Point Breeze, a few blocks from the Frick Art and Historical
Center
Website: www.pointbreezeway.com
Facebook: facebook.com/pointbreezeway
Instagram and Twitter: @pointbreezeway
PointBreezeway, Pittsburgh PA {Hometahn Photos}
photo courtesy of Hometahn Photos
And ^ there's Lauren! ^ Thanks so much for sharing this amazing space with Pittsburgh, lady.

Oh! And if your wedding is a larger affair, keep PointBreezeway in mind for other wedding-related events; it's just perfect for engagement parties, showers, rehearsal dinners - the possibilities are endless! 
 
 
Earlier this year, I was pretty excited when the dress selected for this awesome urban styled shoot at the Heinz History Center was one of my very favorites, Peony by Wai Ching! With a fantastic team of vendors, our beautiful city, and gorgeous weather, the results were everything I had hoped for - and more.  Credits for these amazing details go to:

   * Peony by Wai Ching  and Tessa Kim veil from Glitter & Grit, modeled by Emily Stuart (along with the handsomely bearded James Schilling)
   * Photography by Rodger Obley
   * Hair + makeup by Marissa Julin
   * Styling by Soiree by Souleret
   * Rentals by All Occations
   * Linens by Mosaic
   * Flowers by Tulpe Studio at Pisarcik Greenhouses
   * Stationary by Nota Bene Fine Papers
   * Cake by Sugar 'n Spires 

All photos courtesy of Rodger Obley Photography
 
 
Have I told you lately that I love you?

Because I do. It truly means the world to me that there are so many of you brides that are ready and willing to think outside of the box - to reclaim your romance - and to do so at Glitter & Grit. You could shop at the bigger retailers and you chose to shop small instead. And for that, I thank you.

As a sign of my appreciation, I’m offering a “shop small” discount on Small Business Saturday.

Receive 15% off of dress orders* placed on Saturday, November 29th!

Have you been thinking about ordering your wedding dress but haven’t yet gotten around to it? Now is the time to do it! This is one of those “one day only” deals, so get ready…

* Here’s the fine print:

·         Valid only on dresses currently in stock at Glitter & Grit
·         Not valid on current or past trunk show designers + styles
·         10% off of Nicole Miller dresses
·         Not valid on previous orders
·         Must call in (412-781-2375) or email ([email protected]) intent to order between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2014
·         Order deposit must be received by 12:00 p.m. (noon) Tuesday December 2, 2014 to be eligible for discount. 


Deposits will be processed via PayPal for ease and security.

As you may know from your time at Glitter & Grit, I am unable to answer the phone during appointments, so please leave a message! Upon receiving your message or email, I will send you an invoice via PayPal.

I appreciate you every day. But it's not every day that I'm able to show it. Don't miss out!
xo



* Please note that there are no remaining appointments available on this day*
 
 
I love nothing more than when wedding photos that truly reflect all the love and emotion of the day, and Lauren and Curtis' do just that... and THEN some! Lauren was such a sweet, laid-back bride to work with, so I can only imagine how great of a person Curtis must be. They were married at The First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh on October 11th, with a reception at the always dynamic Carnegie Museum of Art. Such beautiful backdrops and such full emotion makes it hard to narrow down which photos of their day to share with you!

all images courtesy of
Ryan Zarichnak

When you tried on your dress, how did you know it was the one?
- I tried on dresses three times before coming to Glitter and Grit. Each time I left feeling unsure that I would be able to find something timeless, modern and even remotely comfortable. When I tried on my dress I was overwhelmed by how right everything was. I felt confident and more importantly like a bride. It was the only dress I tried on the I could see myself getting married in!
What was your groom's reaction to seeing you in it?
- We did a "first look" before the ceremony and his reaction was an amazing mix of surprise and love. He said he thought I looked beautiful and the dress was just perfect.
Please tell us your favorite thing about Curtis...
- Everything!...But really he is the kindest, most loving person and has a way of balancing me out no matter what the situation is.
Did you incorporate any traditions into your wedding?
- My hair piece was made out of a part of my mom's wedding dress. And I had a sixpence on my shoe, that my older sister had at her wedding. I also used spider plants in my bouquet and centerpieces which mimicked the flowers at my parents wedding.
Please describe the most memorable moment of the day.
- Having a first look was absolutely wonderful! It gave us some quiet "us" time away from the chaos of the day and refocus on why we were getting married. It was also really great to sit back during the reception and just kind of watch and see our families interacting and coming together and having a great time!
Do you have any special advice for future brides?
- Try to pick a couple of things that are really important to you as a couple and focus on planning those, but try not to get lost or overwhelmed in tons of details. Remember it is about sharing your vows in front of friends and family.
 
 
Versatile, modern, fun; these dresses have it all. Ash + Light have created a line of silk party dresses that are not only a fabulous option for your bridesmaids, they're also great for your wedding rehearsal, showers, company holiday parties, any ol' Saturday afternoon... the list goes on! Available in 30+ colors with multiple mix and match combinations, the options are countless.

And the best part, to me, is that each of the longer dresses is specifically designed to be shortened later, AND you can sign up for the "blackout" service. With your dress, you'll receive a self-addressed, stamped package; after the wedding, send it back to be dyed black. Um, sexy, modern LBD? Sold.

Interested in meeting the freaking awesome designers of Ash + Light, receiving a little help with making selections for your bridal party, and learning Second Life Styling (how your bridesmaids can keep wearing their dress over and over again)?  Join us for an exclusive Boutique Brunch on Sunday, November 9th! You can find out more details and register here!

Continue reading for details on the styles available!
{all photos are courtesy of Kristy Lumsden Photography}
L-to-R:

The Liberty Top and Fade Skirt - matte silk asymmetric crop top and matte silk flared maxi skirt with high front slit
The Liberty Maxi - matte silk column maxi dress with removable self sash belt
The Fade Set - matte silk shift dress and separate maxi skirt {skirt has matte silk yoke with chiffon skirt body} with       grosgrain waistband and back zip
L-to-R:
The Short Mullet - matte silk shift dress with contrast (or matching!) center back stripe and chiffon yoke
The Mullet - matte silk fishtail dress with contrast stripe/gore at center back and chiffon yoke at bodice
The Crew - matte silk shift dress with contrast inside drape and/or back body and contrast back zip
L-to-R:
The Long Fade - matte silk gown with contrast (or matching!) grosgrain waistband and contrast back zip
The Short Fade - matte silk fit and flare dress with contrast (or matching!) grosgrain waistband and contrast back zip
The Liberty Maxi - matte silk column maxi dress with removable self sash belt


 
 
"What kind of shoes would you wear with this dress?"

I hear it a lot... and honestly, my answer will vary depending on your wedding location, theme, and colors, as well as your own personal style. If you walk in wearing the cutest Vans sneakers, planning your rustic barn wedding, I'm probably not going to suggest four-inch stilettos to you - unless you explicitly mention them before me. There are so many great options out there, and I'm an advocate for wearing whatever you want!

But today, a bride brought these shoes (below) in with her, and I LOVED them. 
Well - hers were a different color, but when I saw them in watermelon, I simply couldn't resist.
Emma Go - Juliette in Watermelon
I was so inspired by these sparkly beauties, I thought maybe I should share some of my favorite shoe options with you...  {click on each image to shop from their source}

**Please keep in mind the following: I was a barefoot bride. I thought I was going to have a blast finding an awesome pair or statement shoes, and then I remembered that I kinda-sorta hate shoes, and take mine off at every chance I get. I had always said that I would get married barefoot, in the woods. So, while I was technically in a clearing, I was outside, so opted to go shoeless. In summation, most importantly: do YOU.

(as if I haven't said that enough already...)
Sychelles Nimbus
I had found these kick ass Sychelles T-straps in black for myself via Anthropologie (ugh, I LOVE T-straps!), and then saw they were available in Neutral. Urban-terrace-garden-party perfect.
Seychelles Portrait Heels
Also Seychelles, these offer a more stable, slightly shorter heel. But just as much sass.

Speaking of Seychelles... they're what I recommend the most to my brides. They're insanely comfortable, and very reasonably priced for the quality with which they are made. So here are a few more great options from them:
Seychelles shoes
Clockwise, from top left: Most Likely, Gypsy, Turning Point, and Twirl
I'm a strong advocate of  flats, metallics as neutrals, and bold colors in wedding shoes!

I also strongly suggest wedges for anyone dealing with grass on their wedding day. Here in Pittsburgh, we don't have a lot of places to go when looking for fancy shoes, but Nordstrom is tried and true. Here are some options from there:
J. Renne
J. Renne "Chrissy"
Carolinna Espinosa
Carolinna Espinosa "Collins"
Pelle Moda
Pelle Moda "Windy"
Lastly, don't forget about all of the online options! A lot of brides order a selection through Zappos VIP (free shipping and returns!) and keep only the shoes that are a perfect fit. You can find a collection of shoes by Betsy Johnson ("Blue by Betsy Johnson") that are really fun, among - well, I'm sure you know - infinite other options!
Picture
Clockwise, from top left: Wed, Joy, Gown, Mesh


What kind of shoes are you rocking for your wedding? Share in the comments!
 
 
Lisa quickly became one of my favorite brides to work with, if only because she couldn't resist coming back to visit her dress, over and over! She kept apologizing but I must admit that I grew rather fond of having a "regular."  Lisa chose a very unique dress by Pennsylvania designer, UPOPPY, and paired it with a Tessa Kim sash, both from Glitter & Grit.
She was also my first Glitter & Grit bride to get married at a place very dear to my heart, the Succop Conservancy (now Succop Nature Park) - where I was also married, just over two years ago. Her energy and excitement for her wedding was palpable and it clearly carried through their entire day, as well. 

all photos courtesy of Too Much Awesomeness
When you tried on your dress, how did you know it was the one?
- I wanted a dress that was both modern and had a vintage feel, that made me feel sexy and cool but also classy, something that had unique detail but was also felt classic. The whole time I was dress shopping or even looking at dresses in magazines I never found anything that had all of those qualities and started to think maybe it was just too much for one dress. UPOPPY's Love Me dress was the last one I tried on at Glitter and Grit and it blew anything else I had seen out of the water. Also my little sister as no poker face, if something looks even slightly off you can see it all over her face. I walked out in the dress and she said "AWWWWWW!!" and that confirmed everything I thought.
What was your groom's reaction to seeing you in it?
- I think he was happy that I looked like me, that the dress fit my style, and he was also very happy it wasn't strapless. He said that the style is what he would have picked, but that all the details of it added so much more than he could have thought of.
Please tell us your favorite thing about Nick...
- Nick is just the best person I know hands down. My favorite thing about him is his personality and his character.
Did you incorporate any traditions into your wedding?
- We did dances and speeches but we left out some of the other traditional practices like something borrowed, something blue, etc. and the garter and bouquet toss. We just felt we'd rather put money/time/energy into different activities at the wedding that felt more like us. Like cornhole and a selfie station! After the ceremony we did drive off in a 1929 Ford Model A with cans tied to the back!
Please describe the most memorable moment of the day.
- The vows portion of our ceremony was pretty memorable to me. We wrote our own and did not exchange any part of them until the ceremony. I knew Nick was nervous about it and the week before the wedding I almost changed my mind and reverted to repeating more traditional vows. But in the last few days we both pulled it together and got over the writers block, and I'm so glad we did. It was amazing and very personal to hear what he had written and I hope vice versa.
Do you have any special advice for future brides?
- Just remember it's your wedding, but it's just a wedding. Try to remember what's really important on the day of.
Thank you for sharing, Lisa - and great, big, congratulations to you and Nick!!
 
 
When brides schedule an appointment online, you have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire to share some of the information about your wedding plans before you come into the store. Two of the questions that I ask are: three words for how you want to feel, and three for how you want your guests to feel, on your wedding day. For me, it's a way to open the door to thinking about more than how you want to look on the outside, and it can be useful to go back to those words in an appointment where a bride is torn between two dresses. I like to think of it as setting an intention, much like you would before practicing yoga.

I thought it would be fun to share these words (anonymously)
at the end of each month to connect each of you to one another, in a neat little word cloud. Words repeated the most are bigger - and I couldn't agree more with the resounding theme of August: loved, relaxed, beautiful, comfortable, and happy. I think we can work with that.