Dress shopping? Fun! Selecting linens? Delightful! Cake tasting? Yes please!
Prepping for a wedding or event is filled with fun activities. Who’s to say that your pre-wedding workout routine shouldn’t also be a blast? Step away from the treadmill and sign yourself into one of these fun, unique new fitness opportunities in Pittsburgh.

Pure Barre
Want to know what all of this lift, tone, burn talk is all about? The Pure Barre franchise has revolutionized the fitness world by redefining what it means to get in shape. Utilizing small isometric movements and modern toning techniques, Pure Barre dedicates every second of its 60-minute classes to giving you a complete body workout. Anna Lind of the Pittsburgh and Wexford locations explains, “Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective, yet safest way to change your body. Each hour long class is a full-body workout concentrating on the areas women struggle with most–hips, thighs, seat, abdominals, and arms–working to create long lean muscle without bulk. Whether you barre with your bridal besties, mother-in-law to be, or go solo for a little pre-wedding stress relief, we are here to meet your nuptial needs.” With new locations popping up all over Pittsburgh and a safe, all-ages approach to fitness, Pure Barre has fast become the city’s most popular specialty barre studio. In addition to its wide range of packages, Pure Barre offers a 3-month unlimited “Bride-to-Be” package for brides getting ready for their special day! Head into your local Pure Barre studio and see what all of the buzz is about – your body won’t regret it!

Pittsburgh Dance Center
Located in Bloomfield (conveniently above a Starbucks) is Pittsburgh Dance Center. As one of the largest dance studios in Pittsburgh, PDC offers a unique and ever-growing list of classes. Owner Holly Kirby and her staff offer group and private ballroom classes, which are, of course, a must for couples and fathers of the bride. The studio also offers adult tap classes, belly dancing, hip-hop “Swag” Fitness, and Brazilian samba.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. PDC is renowned for its Aerial and Cirque curriculum, making it one of the most unique places in the city to get a workout! If you’re not afraid of heights, check into an Aerial Silks class, inspired by Cirque du Soleil performances. The hour-long classes get your heart pumping as you use every muscle in your body to lift, flip, twist and climb. Silks are great for full-body toning and strength-building while also increasing your flexibility, balance and grace. Instructor Heidi Herzberger says, “Especially if you’re stressed because of wedding planning, silks are a great way to relieve stress because you’re swinging and playing!” Silks classes are not nearly as dangerous as they may look; new students can stay as low to the ground as they wish and are always protected by floor pads. Insider tips: Keep an eye out for Groupons for PDC. Avoid Lyra, Trapeze and Cube classes a week before any event, as these pieces of cirque equipment sometimes leave bruises. Also, bring a friend to your first class – you’ll need someone to take your picture as you show off your new skills!

Shape Training
If a high energy atmosphere is more your thing, then Shape Training in East Liberty is exactly what you need to get the adrenaline (and sweat) going. Since its fall 2014 opening, Shape Training has kept its patrons busy by offering a wide variety of fitness classes as well as personal training services. Diverse and effective classes, such as heavy bag boxing and suspension training allow gym-goers to mix up their weekly workout regimen and achieve maximum results. Shape Training also offers customizable packages, perfect for a bride and groom duo wanting to get their pre-nuptial sweat on! Not only does this gym make you look good, it makes you feel good too. Shape Training places a large focus on charity and hosts events throughout the year to raise funds for various nonprofit organizations. If a positive, supportive and fit community is what you have been missing from your day-to-day grind, Shape Training is just for you!

Who doesn’t love Anthropologie? From their boho-chic clothing and accessories to their covetable home décor, we sometimes wish the whole world could be decorated by Anthropologie’s buyers. Pinch us, we must be dreaming: Anthropologie has a bridal and bridesmaid collection!

BHLDN (pronounced beholden) is a sister store of Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie which specializes in bridal wear.  The shop has everything from wedding dresses to bridesmaid dresses, from accessories to bridal lingerie.  There are BHLDN stores, but only in select cities.  Pittsburgh unfortunately has not yet made the list. But don’t fret, all of BHLDN’s items can be purchased online, which is good news for anyone who does not have a store near them!

BHLDN’s bridal gowns range in style, so it would not be hard to find a dress that suits your style – from modern simplicity to 1920’s dazzle and everything in between.

BHLDN Cate Gown

BHLDN Amelie Gown

BHLDN Seraphina Gown

BHLDN has a beautiful selection of bridesmaid dresses, too!

BHLDN Chloe Dress

BHLDN Anabelle Dress

BHLDN Juliette Dress

BHLDN’s shoe and accessory selections are simply gorgeous! Here are some of our favorites:

BHLDN Vivacite Heels

BHLDN Knotted D’Orsay Pumps

BHLDN Fitzgerald Chandeliers

BHLDN Luna Bracelet

BHLDN Ciosa Necklace

If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, or if you want to take a look at all they have to offer, visit their website at bhldn.com.

All photos via BHLDN.com

As event planners, we need to be prepared for anything. And by “be prepared,” we mean “have the perfect outfit.”

So when we heard about a new clothing boutique in Lawrenceville, our interest was piqued.
No. 14 Boutique on Butler Street opened in October 2014 and has been getting attention for its cute, fresh clothing and decor. We stalked their beautiful Instagram account for a while and were intrigued – so we decided to go visit for ourselves.

Owner Brianne Conley welcomed us into her boutique on a Tuesday afternoon. Brianne is a graduate of High Point University and attended North Allegheny High School. She manages the boutique with her mother, Michelle. Conley prides herself on offering a relatable, honest approach to fashion. She strives to be seen as a trusted adviser to her clients, empowering them to be self-assured in whatever they choose to wear. “If you’re not confident in what you’re wearing, no one else will like it,” she explains.

Brianne Conley, Owner of No. 14 Boutique in Lawrenceville

Our first impression of No. 14 Boutique was that the entire shop is delightfully branded. At first glance, no one would ever guess that the space was formerly a dive bar. Conley’s attention to detail is evident in every corner, which her family renovated and redesigned to match her vision. From the bellhop luggage cart clothing racks to the whimsical oversized flowers on the wall, every element is cute, chic and feminine. Conley wants to “support women being women and having fun while doing it.”

The floor of the dressing room at No. 14 Boutique

Conley explained to us that her store carries “something for everyone.” Though the summer styles are admittedly more appropriate for younger shoppers (think higher hemlines and shorter sleeves), No. 14 Boutique’s more conservative fall and winter selections can be worn by any age group.

With Conley’s expert help, we pulled together a few outfits that would be perfect for this season’s special events.

A summery dress with statement necklace for an engagement party

A sassy sequined shift dress perfect for a Bachelorette party

A two-piece outfit for a warm-weather honeymoon

The boutique also carries Instagram-worthy accessories and small gifts.

Engagement-themed gifts

A straw fedora alongside some honeymoon essentials

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