Pittsburgh, with its many citizens and nationalities, is often very traditional. Such was the case this past Saturday as we had the pleasure of providing flowers for a family steeped in tradition.

St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church in the Greenfield section of Pittsburgh was the setting for the ceremony. Both the bride’s parents as well as her grandparents were married in this church. All were in attendance on Saturday.

This Byzantine Catholic Church is very decorative and ornate inside as shown in the photo below. It was built by Russian immigrants who came to the Pittsburgh area to work for Jones and Laughlin Steel Company. For a marriage ceremony, everyone is seated prior to the start of the processional. The bride and groom enter the church together.

Our bride Mary, in her blush pink dress, carried a lush, romantic bouquet of mostly whites with pinks added, including Queen Anne’s Lace, Dusty Miller, and Eucalyptus.

Her bridesmaids carried Mother of Pearl Roses with green Hydrangea and pink Lisianthus added. (A great contrast against their navy dresses.)

A little drama prior to the wedding though, provides a story for children and grandchildren. The limo broke down on the way to the church. The bridesmaids and groomsmen called Uber for rides, while the bride and groom hitchhiked to the photographer, who drove them the rest of the way to the church! Phew!

And then… imagine our excitement and surprise when we checked our email this morning and found this kind note from Mary:

Hi Cheryl,

Thank you Mary, for allowing Parkway Florist to be part of and witness to the continuing of a great tradition!