Archives

Our Fall 2019 End of the Year Review

September through December always seem to bring crazy busy times here at Parkway Florist. We’ve been producing flowers for so many weddings that we often don’t take the time necessary to show you the finished work. Here are a two trends we noticed in 2019…

Cascades are back!

 

Brides are loving a more organic, greenery, flowing aesthetic!

If you’re getting married in 2020, we would love to speak with you about your wedding flowers. Call us soon to schedule a free consultation – (412) 937-1100.

9.20.2019 -Holly & Kyle say “I Do!”

Sometimes  we have the chance to really think outside the box with our floral designs., challenging our creativity as well as imagination.  Holly and Kyle love antiques and wanted to incorporate them into their centerpieces.   We can only imagine the hours the couple spent,  visiting antique stores and flea markets,  to find the gems they brought to us. One fun find was the Red Flyer  wagon that the ringbearer came  down the aisle in, pulled by the flower girl.

The newlyweds said their vows in front of friends and family in the beautiful Heinz Chapel. Two traditional altarpieces of stargazer lilies, pink and white snapdragons, pink and white larkspur, pink roses, and lush eucalyptus stood out against the rich dark wood of the altar.

heinz chapel 9_20

Holly’s bridal bouquet (#1047) really played with texture.  It included maidenhair ferns cascading among pink garden roses, cafe au lait and pink dahlias,  small touches of dusty miller, pink larkspur and calcynia.

bouquets 1047

The bridal party bouquets continued on the beautiful texture with flowers are  very seasonal  – calcynia and pink bunny tail!  The maid of honor carried a bouquet (#1048) of light and medium pink roses, pink dahlias, calcynia, and fluffy pink bunny tail.  The bridesmaids carried bouquets of light and medium pink roses accented with calcynia (#1049).

 

The ringbearer even got flowers of his own! Raggedy Ann and Andy took a ride down the aisle with him, and   white  flowered ribbons trailed behind the wagon.   Light pink miniature gerbera daisies and pink dahlias were fastened to the ribbons.

heinz chapel wagon 9_20

St. Nicholas Hall, just a street or two over from Heinz Chapel, was the setting for the wedding  reception.

Holly and Kyle’s centerpieces went beyond just looking beautiful.   They were symbols of important stories in their time together.   Next to each centerpiece,  the couple provided an  album with pictures and text to explain these stories. One centerpiece was made atop a baby scale, blooming with lilies, garden roses, pink larkspur, pink roses, pink bunny tail, and flowing eucalyptus.

centerpieces 647-2

Another centerpiece featured an antique rotary phone, which reminded us of Wilson Pickett’s romantic song “634-5789.” We designed this arrangement with white hydrangea, pink roses, burgundy amaranthus, ruscus, willow eucalyptus, flax and wild grasses.

centerpieces 648-2

The next centerpiece featured an antique camera, which we have focused in on creamy, full roses. Light pink orchids, green hydrangea, and bear grass made up the rest of the ring.  (Butterflies were landing on the roses as the camera focused for a close-up.)

centerpieces 649-2

It would be too fun if this antique radio could be playing Pickett’s tune! This arrangement (#650) featured white roses, maidenhair fern, billy balls, flax, willow eucalyptus, and other grasses which draped down elegantly.

centerpieces 650-2

On one side of this centerpiece (#651) you’ll find a distinguished antique clock, and on the other, a tall arrangement of white mums, pink dahlias, flax, ruscus,   gunny eucalyptus, and Russian olive.

 

We buried an antique sewing machine in blooms for one of the centerpieces (#652)!  Pink dahlias, pink bunny tail, baby’s breath, scabiosa, gomphrena, and eucalyptus created a tapestry of flowers beside the vintage Sewmor machine.

centerpieces 652-2

Both Holly and Kyle have very special fur friends in their lives, which they represented in one of the centerpieces (#653).  A cat can be seen looking into a little pond, in which we floated a rose.  Around the statue are light pink hydrangea, light pink larkspur, pink bunny tail, gomphrena, scabiosa,  gunny eucalyptus and bear grass.

centerpieces 653-2

The final centerpiece (#654) featured a vintage typewriter which displayed a portion of Elizabeth Barrett’s classic sonnet “How Do I Love Thee.”   Curly willow and flax were draped over the typewriter, and pink dahlias, pink roses, dusty miller, ruscus, and calcynia bloomed up the side of the typewriter. The album that Holly and Kyle provided on this table contained the newlyweds’ vows for each other.

centerpieces 654-2

Of course, it wouldn’t be a wedding without a wedding cake! We decorated the intricately iced cake (#164) with white gardenias and light pink spray roses.

cake 164

It was a pleasure to assist  Holly and Kyle to make their creative vision a reality.   The creativity of designing arrangements around these antiques was truly  challenging!   We wish the newlyweds all the best in their married life  adventures. Thank you for allowing us to play a part in your special day!!

7-27-2019 – A Grand Debut for Our New Square Arch

On Saturday, 7/27/2019, Chelsea and J.R. said ‘I do!’ It was a beautiful sunny evening, perfect for a wedding ceremony in the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott’s Courtyard Garden.

Chelsea carried a bouquet (#1016) of pink and white lisianthus, vendela and playa blanca roses, light pink astilbe, white hydrangea, Queen Anne’s lace, black cherry Sweet Williams, silver dollar eucalyptus and dusty miller.

bouquets 1016

Her bridesmaids carried bouquets (#1017) of blush garden spirit roses, veronica, Queen Anne’s lace, and gunny eucalyptus.

bouquets 1017

The couple exchanged vows in front of our square wooden arch, draped with white fabric, and adorned with many many flowers.  White lilies, white lisianthus, pink snapdragons, white stock flower, silver dollar eucalyptus, and many more flowers added a little extra beauty to the already stunning surroundings.

rectangle arch

We sprinkled rose petals down the aisle and lined the aisle with white lanterns topped with artificial pink hydrangea.

7_27 marriott aisle

It was a pleasure working with Chelsea and J.R., thank you both for allowing us to play a part in your special day!  We absolutely love this photo of the newlyweds with Chelsea’s parents in front of the arch – it came out lovely.  We wish the happy couple much love and happiness!

7_27 Marriott Bride Arch

6-22-2019 – Hot Pink Flowers, Hot Summer Day

Brittany and Corey said “I do” on June 22nd, 2019!  They said their vows in the picturesque Courtyard Garden of the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Their photographer was Chase Images, and they took this gorgeous photo of the newlyweds in the courtyard!

brittany dalessio couple

Brittany carried a bouquet (#993) of bright stargazer lilies and hot pink roses.  Her bridesmaids carried similar bouquets (#994) of stargazer lilies, hot pink roses, and white waxflower.

The ceremony took place between two bright altarpieces on top of our pillars, featuring white hydrangea, white stock flowers, pink Gerber daisies, stargazer lilies, pink snapdragon, and pink larkspur.  You can see them pictured below, with the bride!

bride and mom

The reception took place inside the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott in their Grand Ballroom.  On the placecard table, we provided a vase (#117) of white hydrangea, Stargazer lilies, pink larkspur, light pink roses, and gunny eucalyptus.

placecard table 117

Inside the ballroom, the tables were decorated with alternating low and high centerpieces.  Both the low (#628a) and high (#628b) centerpieces featured white hydrangea and pale pink roses.

We decorated their wedding cake (#159) from Bethel Bakery with light pink roses and spray roses.  The cake topper was just too cute!

cake 159

We had a wonderful time working with Brittany and Corey to help them prepare for their big day!  Thank you to the happy couple for allowing us to play a part in your special day!!!

6-15-2019 – Ohio, Here We Come!

Our adventures over the weekend took us to Saint Peters Church in Steubenville, Ohio for Carmela and Primo’s wedding.  This stunning church was a wonderful venue for our lovely couple.  The pews (#24) were decorated with tulle and gerber daisies, giving an extra pop of color.

The bride carried a full bouquet of champagne and white roses and Queen Anne’s lace (#987).bouquets 987

Her bridesmaids carried bright bouquets (#988) of light coral gerber daisies, light coral roses, green hypericum berries, and gunny eucalyptus.

bouquets 988

Their reception took place at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott here in Pennsylvania.  Guests were greeted by a vase of coral flowers on the placecard table (#115).

placecard table 115

Inside the Grand Ballroom, each table was adorned by low centerpieces (#626) similar to the bridesmaids’ bouquets: light coral roses, light coral gerber daisies, green hypericum berries, and silver dollar eucalyptus.

centerpieces 626

We also decorated the newlyweds’ four tier cake from Bethel Bakery with light coral roses and pink spray roses.

cake 158

It was a pleasure working with Carmella and Primo on their big day!  We wish them luck and love in this new adventure!

6-8-2019 – Clear Skies and Bright Blooms

The weather shined for us!

On June 8th, 2019, it turned out to be another beautiful day in our Pittsburgh neighborhoods.  Our visit to Epiphany Catholic Church on Washington Place showcased just how many hidden gems our city contains.  This beautiful church was actually built in 1902!

6_8_19 altar

Our bride, Megan, carried a colorful, bright bouquet (#982) of blue hydrangea, ivory roses, cherry brandy roses and spray roses, and feathery astilbe.

bouquets 982

Her bridesmaids, dressed in light blue gowns, also carried bright bouquets (#983): white hydrangea and cherry brandy roses and spray roses.

bouquets 983

Their reception took place under the stars in the Rose Garden at the National Aviary.  Help from Nicole Brough (Your Big Day Wedding Planner) was greatly appreciated, as there were lots and lots of pieces and parts to get into place for the reception.  The centerpieces were wreaths of blue hydrangea and coral spray roses surrounding gorgeous golden vases holding flickering candles.

6_8_19 aviary centerpiece

We are sure that the guests enjoyed the stroll through the Aviary as well as the wonderful setting for socializing.

Thanks to the newlyweds for allowing us to assist you and congratulations again!!!

6-1-2019 – A Summer Garden Wedding

What a beautiful day for a wedding!

Sara & Anthony must have prayed really really hard for a beautiful day, because June 1st turned out to have the best weather so far this year in Pittsburgh!  Beautiful plexiglas signs welcomed and directed guests to the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott courtyard for a short, non-denominational service, conducted by Ronald Cambest.

Sara chose all white flowers for her bridal bouquet, accented with Picassa mini callas.  Her bridesmaids, dressed in dark plum, and carried white rose and waxflower bouquets.

Our pipe and drape, adorned with beautiful purple and lavender flowers,  provided an elegant backdrop for the ceremony and for pictures after the service.  Following the service & pictures, we moved the pieces from the pipe & drape  into the ballroom to adorn the head table.

6_1_2019_arch.jpg

Inside the ballroom, the cake was trimmed with lavender roses and spray roses.

cake 155.jpg

The centerpieces were low on the tables and combined as many purple flowers in a variety of shades as we could find!

center pieces 622.jpg

Congratulations to Sara & Tony!  Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day.

6_1_2019 bridal party.jpg

5-25-2019 – An Eclectic French Renaissance Wedding

Every once in a while, we have a bride that comes in full to the brim with ideas for her wedding.  One of our Saturday brides this weekend, Leeann, was one of those brides!  Ribbons, wildflowers, dream catchers, and so many more beautiful elements came together to make her vision a reality.

Leeann carried a dreamy bouquet (#974) of pink peonies, hot pink ranunculus, pink asters, pink lisianthus, Queen Anne’s lace, light blue delphinium, and lots of monte casino asters!

bouquets 974

Her bridesmaids carried bouquets (#975) of pink lisianthus, blue thistle, light blue delphinium, Queen Anne’s lace and lots of monte casino asters!  They truly looked like handfuls of wildflowers.

bouquets 975

The ceremony took place in the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott’s courtyard garden, and the bride and groom said their vows in front of our hexagon arch.  We decorated the arch with nearly a hundred opalescent ribbons to create a flowy, romantic contrast to the bold geometric shape of the arch.  A large spray of pastel flowers sat atop the arch.

5_25_Messner Couple Pic

The aisle was decorated with bunches of flowers tied to chairs with opalescent ribbons.

Leeann and Chris’s reception took place in the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott’s Grand Ballroom.  The spray from the top of the arch was transported inside to sit on the King’s table in front of the newlyweds.

5_25_Messner Kings Table

The centerpieces (#621) were lush arrangements of peonies, ranunculus, light and dark blue delphinium, monte casino asters, stock, and light pink roses made up in whitewash wooden planter boxes.

center piece 621

It was a picture perfect day, with beautiful weather to boot.  We hope you all enjoy the photos of the flowers as much as we do!  Leeann and Chris, we wish you all the best in your adventures to come, and we are thankful that you’ve allowed to be a part of your special day.

5.18.2019 – Sunny, Sunny Sunflowers

Danielle & Eric tied the knot!

It was fitting that their featured flower was the sunflower – because it sure was a hot and sunny day for their Pittsburgh Airport Marriott courtyard wedding!  The bride and groom said “I do” in the courtyard, under our arch decorated with sunflowers, blue delphinium, and yellow snapdragons.  The aisle was decorated with bunches of sunflowers, tied together with navy ribbons.

 

The bride’s bouquet (#970) had white roses, Queen Anne’s Lace, and light blue delphinium.  Her bridesmaids carried bouquets (#971) of sunflowers with blue thistle.

 

5_18_19 bridal party marriott

Guests were greeted by a place card table outside the 3 Rivers Ballroom which also featured sunflowers!  Floating candles created a warm ambiance for the display.placecard table

Keeping up with the theme, the centerpieces (#616), which were created in mason jars, featured more sunflowers!  The centerpieces also had yellow lilies, yellow viking mums, caspia, white roses, and irises, for a beautiful contrast of yellows and blues!center piece 616

And the icing on the (cup)cake(s)?  More sunflowers!

cake 153

It was a lot of fun working with Danielle & Eric to make their flower vision come true.  We loved the sunny weather, which always makes the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott’s courtyard shine! We thank the lovely couple for allowing us to help on their special day, and wish them the best of luck with their future adventures!

4-5-2019 Let’s Color Our World!

All of our world revolves around color.  We thought you might be interested in exploring what different colors mean – and how they can all fit together in harmony!

IMG_20190309_103120315

Does your heart beat for red?  This color represents vibrancy, passion, love, and strength. While we all know the traditional red rose, there are so many flowers that grow in so many shades of red!

IMG_20190309_102602162

Is orange your favorite color?  This color represents harmony, aspiration, optimism, creativity, happiness, and joy.  Orange flowers have very high visibility, which is perfect for catching attention and highlighting the most important elements of a floral arrangement.  Not to mention – it’ll brighten your day!

IMG_20190309_101033221

Does yellow make you smile?  Yellow is the color of sunshine, and its color produces a warming effect.  Use yellow in your arrangements to send cheerful, pleasant sentiments.  It’s a classic choice for spring arrangements and a sure bet to cheer up a friend or loved one!

IMG_20190309_105044509

Does the color green soothe your soul?  One of the most important elements of a floral arrangement is the base of greens such as salal, variegated pittosporum, or Italian ruscus – but there are also many green flowers!  Green represents harmony, growth, balance, relaxation, and is associated with healing.  Including green flowers in your bouquet adds an element of freshness and harmony that we love!

IMG_20190309_105405442

Blue is the color of the sea and the sky.  It is often associated with depth, stability, loyalty, trust, intelligence, truth, and faith.  Its calming effect makes it a perfect choice for sympathy and get well arrangements.

IMG_20190309_104140624

Do you adore the color purple?  Purple combines the tranquility of blue with the passion of red.  The color of royals, this color symbolizes luxury, ambition, independence, and extravagance.  So many flowers grow in beautiful shades of purple, which makes it a versatile color for arrangements.

img_20190309_110032711.jpg

Are you tickled pink by the color pink?  This color represents youthfulness, romance, compassion, nurturing, love, and friendship.  Pink flowers beautifully contrast with blue or green blooms, and complement lighter shades of yellow and orange.

IMG_20190309_101932585

White means more than just tradition.  A color of innocence, reflection, inspiration, purity, and transition, white is an ideal choice for the special occasions in your life.

When we combine colors in our creativity, we’re doing more than just making a pretty arrangement – we’re creating a deeper meaning.  What statement can we help you make today?