Wedding Venues

The Commons at Franklin Wedding~ Anna and Mark

Anna and Mark make a very sweet couple. They were married soon after graduating college in the same church that they met, surrounded by family and friends. Their wedding was simple and timeless, with baby’s breath centerpieces, a rustic venue space, and a fantastic live Pittsburgh jazz wedding band. The Catro band performed at their reception all night long with fun tunes and easy listening music.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding

The bride and groom were blessed with plenty of sunshine and clear skies for their special day. The pair exchanged rings and said their “I do’s” at the First United Methodist Church. Small blue flowers lined the aisle and blue and white ribbons were tied to the pews. Friends and family beamed as the bride made her walk down the aisle, on the arm of her father. She looked so happy, staring at the groom waiting for her at the altar.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Walking Down Aisle

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Exchanging Vows

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Groomsmen Posing

After the ceremony, the bride and groom and the bridal court posed outside for photos. Their photographer, Irene Smith, did a spectacular job capturing this delightful group of men. They wore light gray vests with gold leaf boutonnieres, blue ties, and crisp white shirts.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Posing Outside

The bridesmaids wore short blue dresses and carried bouquets of white and yellow flowers. While every dress was the same color and short in length, each bridesmaid wore a different style. Their hair was swept up and adorned with a yellow flower.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Bride's Veil

We love this photo of the bride. She is a vision of class and elegance in her strapless sweetheart gown. The bodice was beaded with a delicate pattern and her full tulle skirt floated about her as she moved. She wore a beautiful necklace with a single pearl drop and pearl studded earrings.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Bride in Dress

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Bouquet

The bride purchased all her flowers from Shop N’ Save and arranged them in sweet bouquets of hydrangeas and yellow and white flowers for her bridesmaids.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Bride and Groom Outside

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Venue Space

This impressive photo taken by Irene Smith really shows off the reception space. The bride and groom chose The Commons at Franklin to hold their celebration. We love the ornate gold ceiling, white fireplace, hardwood floors, and country wallpaper. The Catro band was all set to play some of the couple’s favorite tunes and get the party started with some lively swing music.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Centerpieces

~Reception Soundtrack:~

Bride and Groom First Dance: She Blinded Me With Science– Thomas Dolby

Bride and Father Dance: What A Wonderful World– Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Groom and Mother Dance: Simple Man– Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Bride and Groom Dancing

The couple shared their first dance as husband and wife as the band played “She Blinded Me With Silence”. It sure looks like they enjoyed themselves!

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Cutting the Cake

The talented bride made the two tier white wedding cake. She decorated the cake with blue piping and sprigs of greenery. We love the small horse on the porcelain cake stand and sparkly blue cloth laid underneath. Blue, white, and yellow complimented the reception space perfectly.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Flower Girl Dancing

We can not get over the sweet flower girl! She wore a blue and white dress with yellow roses. Even she enjoyed the music, twirling to the melodies of Catro band! The bride and groom were thrilled with their performance, as the couple enjoys jazz, swing, and classic rock- all specialty genre’s of the band.

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Bride and Father Dancing

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Groom and Mother Dancing

The couple shared dances with their parents before the party really began. The night was a huge success, all of their wedding guests had a blast!

“The band treated us like we were the only people on the planet. Everyone enjoyed the band, every age! The band was great to listen to as well as dance. Makes me want to throw another party!” -Mother of the Bride 

The Commons Franklin Pennsylvania Wedding Dancing at Reception

We truly enjoyed sharing a glimpse of Anna and Mark’s wedding day. If you have a moment, take a look at the heartwarming slideshow their photographer put together with more photos of their day. The song that plays in the video is beautiful too! What a sweet memento. If you’re looking for an easy listening live jazz wedding band for your big day or event, don’t hesitate to contact the Catro band for more information. We’d be thrilled to talk about your party!

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church

Reception: The Commons at Franklin- (814) 437-7771

Flowers: Shop N’ Save

Cake: Shop N’ Save

Photography: Irene Smith

Entertainment: the Catro band

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Rustic Acres Farm Pittsburgh Wedding- Julia & Michael

Rustic Acres Farm Pittsburgh Outdoor Countryside Bride and Groom Portrait

Julia and Michael’s wedding was a magical, romantic and perfectly autumnal affair, complete with white pumpkins, whimsical floral arrangements and the chicest barn reception ever.

It’s true: Rustic Acres Farm is seriously magical; secluded on acres of land, the farm features stunning hillside vistas, a newly renovated barn for receptions, a bridal cottage for the bridal party to get ready in, pond, pumpkin patch and horse stable. It’s chic and country, which is a balance hard to pull off- but one that Rustic Acres Farm manages flawlessly.

Rustic Acres Farm Cozy Chic Fall Reception Interior

The barn’s interior was a twinkling wonderland of fairy lights, hay bales, white pumpkins and exposed wooden beams. The barn setting lent a relaxed, casual atmosphere that’s desirable in a reception venue while the bright chandeliers and white linens imbued it with a sense of elegance and sophistication. Plus, have you ever seen such well-dressed and good-looking wedding guests?

Rustic Acres Farm Pittsburgh Wedding Reception Pies

In a unique – and tasty! – culinary choice, Julia and Michael decided on having pies made by the Rustic Acres Farm baker as their “cake” option. With gold metal birds and heart toppers in the pies, they were as cute as they were sweet.

Rustic Acres Farm Wedding Reception Floral Arrangements

 

Rustic Acres Farm Countryside Bridal Bouquet Hydrangea

The flower arrangements, expertly curated by florist Lauren Phillips of The Farmers Daughter Flowers, perfectly matched the charming modern-rustic vibe of Julia and Michael’s reception. The green, white and pink color scheme of the flowers was a lovely pop against the natural tones of the barn setting. Julia’s bouquet of pastel roses and deep greenery matched her beautiful white tulle ballgown so well. The effect is feminine without being frilly; a perfect complement to the setting.

Rustic Acres Farm Outdoor Countryside Wedding Party Portrait

Rustic Acres Farm proved to produce exceptional wedding party portraits for Julia and Michael- especially at this time of year. The incredible oranges, yellows and reds of the changing leaves lit up the landscape so that Julia’s white dress, the bridesmaids’ blue and purple ensembles and the men’s classic black suits shone.

rustic-acres-farm-pittsburgh-john-parker-band-wedding

Rustic Acres Farm Pittsburgh John Parker Band Wedding Reception

The John Parker Band provided the evening’s entertainment; the couple went with the modern love song “Do You Remember” by Jack Johnson for their first dance and kept the dance party going through the night. Guests had fun mingling and interacting with the band members- there’s nothing more fun than a band that can make a party feel personal!

A big THANKS to photographer Christina Pearson from Christina Emilie Photography for letting us borrow these gorgeous images to showcase Julia and Michaels’ wedding. If their special day looks like your idea of a perfect party, don’t hesitate to contact any of their vendors we’ve linked to this page or to e-mail the John Parker Band!

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George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Wedding – Allison and Jared

George Washington Hotel Glam Wedding Reception Venue

November 21st was a crisp, bright and clear day – perfectly mild and sunshine-y for a happy couple in love getting married! Pittsburgh pair Allison and Jared chose a gorgeous – and historic!- venue for their November wedding reception. The George Washington Hotel was built in 1922 (and opened on our nation’s first president’s birthday) and boasts an impressive list of celebrity guests from the past that includes Bob Hope, JFK, Marilyn Monroe, the Monkees and even the Beatles!

The pair picked the Grand Ballroom from the list of six event spaces at the boutique hotel; it’s a majorly dramatic room with gilded paneling, soaring ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. Photographer Megan Ruffing Wylie expertly captured Allison and Jared’s vision that transformed  the ornate room into a warm, inviting and totally glamorous space.

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Bride and Groom Autumn Outdoor Wedding Portrait

Wylie was able to use the incredibly vibrant fall foliage on the hotel grounds to snap some seriously stunning shots of the new couple; this sweet moment offset by the bold red leaves is a total framer!

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh White Polka Dot Wedding Cake

george-washington-hotel-pittsburgh-wedding-reception-dessert-table

When it came time for the cake cutting, Allison and Jared not only had a super cute polka dot cake made by Bethel Bakery, they also served up an entire dessert table of sweet selections. Pretty pastries, chewy cookies and decadent chocolates overflowed on pedestals and trays- the perfect avenue to keep guests properly sugar fueled to continue dancing all night long!

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Dreamscape Live Wedding Band Performing

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Wedding Guests Dancing

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Dancing Wedding Guests Live Band

And speaking of dancing, the Dreamscape band totally delivered on the tunes.Playing an eclectic mix of classic rock, old standards, country and new favorites, the energetic band kept the crowd engaged and the fun levels through (very high) roof all night. As you can see, good music knows no age limit and revelers young and old took to the dance floor to help Megan and Jared celebrate!

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Pink Rose Hydrangea Reception Centerpieces

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Rustic Autumn Ceremony Decor Floral Arrangement

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh DIY Monogram Wedding Reception Detail

Both the reception table centerpieces and the ceremony arrangements, created by local favorite florist The Farmer’s Daughter, were a sublime mix of unfussy and elegant with pastel pink roses and white hydrangea offset by the gray-green lambs ear plant. Megan and Jared put their DIY skills to use as well; the painted, glittery wooden monogram added a personal, whimsical touch to the reception decor.

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Bride and Groom First Dance

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Bridal Party Portrait Ballroom

Allison chose a super flattering ruched wedding dress with straps delicately encrusted with jewels. The guys wore classic blue suits and the classy champagne colored bridesmaids dresses perfectly accented the venue’s own charm.

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Church Wedding Ceremony

And obviously, it’s not a wedding without a ceremony and Allison and Jared’s nuptial location was as grand and regal as the reception. Held in the early evening at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, it was a sweet and personal ceremony.

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Bride and Groom Dancing Live Band

George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Wedding Reception Dancing

Allison and Jared’s wedding was personal, classic and festive. If that sounds like your idea of a dream wedding, be sure to check out all the vendors the couple used! And if the Dreamscape band’s fun vibe and incredible energy is what you’re looking for in a wedding band, don’t hesitate to contact John Parker Bands for more information! We’re always happy to hear from you and are committed to providing all our couples with a customized, unforgettable night of music!

We also want to thank Megan Ruffing Wylie again for allowing us to use her gorgeous photos of Allison and Jared’s wedding; be sure to visit her website to see her other amazing work and feel free to contact her if you’re looking for a photographer yourself!

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The Club at Nevillewood Pittsburgh Wedding – Meghan & Andrew

Nevillewood Country Club Wedding Bride and Groom PortraitJuly 18th was one of those storybook summer days – the kind that make you expect to see bluebirds singing in the treetops and butterflies flitting between daffodils. Beautiful couple Meghan and Andy couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather for their wedding day.

Nevillewood Country Club St. Bernard's CeremonyThe pair were married in St. Bernard’s, one of Pittsburgh’s most majestic cathedrals.
Meghan wore a radiant fitted, off-the-shoulder lace dress – and even more radiant smile. Andy was dapper in classic black and the bridesmaid’s blue peplum dresses were stylish and modern.

Nevillewood Bridal Party Group PhotographAfter the ceremony, photographer Michael Will spent time with the bridal party and newlyweds to capture some seriously stunning moments that will definitely become cherished photographs for a lifetime. Will really captured the essence of this couple’s relationship and wedding in his photographs, which is to say – full of love and laughter.

Nevillewood Country Club Facade

Nevillewood Country Club reception decorMeghan and Andy hosted their reception at The Club at Nevillewood, only a few miles away from the church. The reception space was outfitted by local vendors Lendable Linens and Elegant Chairs in a fresh white, blue and green color scheme and the tall, bejeweled candelabras added a glam element to the tabletops.

Nevillewood Country Club White Rose Dotted Wedding CakeJim Carlucci at Della Robbia provided the elegantly simple floral arrangements and the confectionary talents at Food Glorious Food and Pastries ala Carte made the beautiful (and delish!) cake and sweets.

Nevillewood Country Club Bride and Groom First DanceThe Bride and Groom chose Michael Buble’s “Everything” for their first dance song – a modern classic that’s equal parts sweet and romantic. We kicked off the reception with “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon to ensure everyone got out on the dance floor – and boy, did it ever work.

Nevillewood Country Club Reception Dancing

Nevillewood Country Club John Parker Band at Reception

Nevillewood Country Club Bride and Family DanceOne of the best measures of an awesomely fun reception is when the ladies’ heels come off during the reception. When you see sparkly stilettos littering the outskirts of the dance floor, it’s a sure sign your wedding is rocking! Your guests are so inspired to dance, their feet start to ache!

If this looks like your idea of your perfect wedding, be sure to contact The John Parker Band about being a part of your special day.

A HUGE thank you to Michael Will for allowing us to use some of his stunning photographs to talk about the wedding on our blog! To see more of his incredible work, check out his website here.

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Duquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding ~ Kristina & Rhyan

Duquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding: Newlyweds Kiss on City StepsKristina and Rhyan’s sophisticated late spring wedding was plucked straight out of the finest wedding magazine! From the bride’s luxurious a-line gown with lace straps to the ivory bouquet of roses and peonies, every little detail emanated a timeless sense of romance. Defined by an entire color palette of white complemented by feminine pink accents, this wedding was practically made to impress! Of course, there was more to this party than looks alone. The John Parker Band busted out their best music picks to keep the dance floor vibrant until the lights went down!

You can get a little taste of the day’s beauty thanks to these stellar photographs provided by gifted photographer Jorge Santiago and the spectacular video supplied by Mary Schwarzwaelder of Post Script Productions!

Duquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding: Bridal Accessories & Mermaid GownDuquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding: Bridesmaids in Sparkling Cream DressesDuquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding: Bride and Groom in GardensThe lovely couples was wed in St. Paul Cathedral, an epically beautiful Roman Catholic church nestled in Pittsburgh’s beloved Oakland neighborhood. The bride and groom exchanged their most sacred vows beneath the meticulously carved altarpiece, fine stained glass, and ceilings that soar to the heavens.

Duquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding Ceremony: Grand Cathedral Bridal EntranceDuquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding Ceremony: Traditional Catholic CeremonyDuquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding Ceremony: Happy Couple Exits ChurchDuquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding: Leap in the Air PhotographGuests made their way to the Duquesne University Ballroom to celebrate Kristina and Rhyan’s sacred union. The elegant decor truly showed that simplicity can still be jaw-dropping. The round tables were covered in luminous white linens and adorned in tall, slender glass vases containing flourishing white flower arrangements, along with cute LED candles that the guests could take home as a token of the couple’s appreciation. Event coordinator Karen White ensured that the space looked exactly as the couple had envisioned!

The newlyweds and their guests danced the night away to everything from classic Sinatra to new hits like “Blurred Lines,” all expertly performed by Pittsburgh’s premiere wedding band!

Reception Soundtrack
First Dance: “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole
Bride/Father Dance: “I Hope You Dance” by Ronan Keating
Groom/Mother Dance: “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
Last Dance: “Piano Man” by Billy Joel

Duquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding Reception: Elegant White Cake and Decor

a friend of the groom wows with a song as JP & band accompany!
Duquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding Reception: Band Livens Up Dance Floor

You and your band brought so much light and excitement to the party.
You did a fantastic job in making their wedding special
and guests are still raving about how good the band was.”

~ Father of the Groom ~

 

Duquesne University Ballroom Pittsburgh Wedding Reception: Couple Enjoying Dance Floor
https://vimeo.com/132856388

Want your wedding to go down in history amongst your loved ones as the party of the century? Then seek out the rockin’ services of John Parker Bands and make your wedding the best it can be!

VENUES
Entertainment John Parker Band | Photographer Jorge Santiago
Videographer Post Script Productions | Ceremony St. Paul Cathedral
Reception Duquesne University Ballroom | Florist Blue Daisy | Cake Prantl’s Bakery

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