Sometimes we just have to take an afternoon to tiptoe through the tulips. Or the sunflowers.

This week we stopped by to introduce ourselves to The Farmer’s Daughter in the North Side. We were greeted by buckets upon buckets of freshly-cut sunflowers. And the only thing sunnier was owner Lauren Phillips’ disposition.

Lauren was born and raised with a passion for growing. Raised on a farm in the Laurel Highlands, she learned an early appreciation and skill for planting and harvesting. While working in marketing in New York City, Lauren popped into a Brooklyn flower shop and offered to help in any way she could. Without experience or training in floral design, the shop’s owner shook her head. But Lauren had two bargaining chips: tenacity and a car. The florist hired her to make deliveries, and after a year as an apprentice Lauren became a full-time florist. From there she became “obsessed.”

Lauren now brings her 8 years of floral experience to Pittsburgh. The Farmer’s Daughter flower shop and boutique opened its doors on Mother’s Day 2015. Since then Lauren has acquired a loyal following, both in person and on social media. Her storefront offers locally made jewelry, eclectic home goods and take-home bouquets.

Lauren has been welcomed into the Pittsburgh wedding and event community. “I average about 3 weddings per weekend,” Lauren says. “I have so many regulars who come in weekly for bouquets. The community has been so amazing.”

About 30% of the flowers she works with are locally grown, either on her own farm or by other local growers. “They grow stunning varieties locally that you couldn’t get shipped in,” Lauren explains. Her favorite flowers change every season. She loves the regal glamour of spring hellebore and peonies, but also the bright “happy” colors of summer and the saturated burgundies of fall.

Lauren describes her design style as “natural, organic, bohemian, and loose.” She likes creating arrangements that look handpicked, but also enjoys the opportunity to create shapely and structured arrangements for weddings and events.

Lauren has 3 pieces of advice for brides seeking a florist’s services.

Do your research to find the right florist.
Find a florist who can honor your vision. “As a bride, get someone you’re comfortable with. Know their style and make sure it fits your aesthetic. Discuss colors, discuss what you want, but at the end of the day you should be able to trust them,” says Lauren.

Think in terms of a color palette, not a single color or flower.
Lauren appreciates it when a client is open to working across a range of similar and complementary colors. “It’s so nice to have ivory, blush, pink and burgundy. Colors make other colors look nice,” Lauren says.

Build a relationship with your florist.
Just because the wedding is over doesn’t mean you won’t need a good florist again. “The saddest thing is when I get attached to a wedding, and then it’s over. I love creating more long-lasting relationships!” Lauren says. She enjoys when her brides become clients for birthdays, baby showers and Valentine’s Day so she can continue the relationship beyond the wedding.

Lauren graciously made us a bouquet of sunflowers she had harvested from her farm just that morning. “Look how happy they are!” she laughed as she bundled them. It’s clear that she takes pride in every stage of her work, from planting the seeds to arranging the blooms.

It’s in her blood; she is the Farmer’s Daughter, after all.

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!

Pittsburgh is a city of many names: City of Champions. The Most Livable City. The City of Bridges. Take your pick — but there’s clearly one missing. The Event Group would like to nominate Pittsburgh for one more title: the Best City To Get Married In! Ok, this title does not formally exist, but if it did, our fair city is worthy of the distinction. Pittsburgh has shaken off its rust and revealed itself as a true gem — a great destination for your luxury wedding. If there was any doubt in your mind, here are our top 7 reasons why Pittsburgh is the perfect place for your wedding.

7. Perfectly photogenic scenery

This one is a no-brainer. Have you seen Pittsburgh? It’s gorgeous from any angle. Whether your taste is natural and serene (think Schenley Park), industrial-chic (this is the Steel City, after all), or trendy and quirky (a la the Warhol Museum)… Pittsburgh is simply picture-perfect.

Photo by Laura Kathleen Photography

6. Historic and traditional venues…

We’re known for our bridges, but has anyone ever counted our gorgeous turn-of-the-century churches? If churches aren’t what you had in mind, consider Phipps Conservatory’s verdant venues, the stunning arches of the Pennsylvanian, or Hartwood Acres’ pristine gardens. Just imagine how great your photography will turn out.
Photo of The Pennsylvanian by The Brand Studio

5. …and trendy venues

If classic weddings aren’t your style, Pittsburgh offers an array of other exciting and novel venues. Imagine how your guests will rave about how unique your Engine House 25 reception was, how visionary your Mattress Factory ceremony turned out, or how romantic it was that you exchanged vows by the Point. Also consider Heinz History Center, Heinz Field, or PNC Park for a uniquely Pittsburgh event venue.
Photo of Heinz History Center by Elizabeth Vincent Photography

4. Food

Pittsburgh’s culinary scene is on par with the finest in the world, but without inducing sticker-shock. The Event Group has worked with the best of the best in Pittsburgh and can help you decide if you’d prefer a formal gourmet meal, a casual buffet, a trendy cocktail hour, or a backyard luau for your shower, rehearsal dinner or reception. And let’s not forget the cake. Pittsburgh’s bakers and cake artists blend form and function to create beautiful, delicious desserts. Photo from Common Plea Catering

Photo from Rania’s Catering

3. Unique places for out-of-town guests to stay and explore

Out-of-town guests will be thrilled with all the great places to hang out, dine, and visit in Pittsburgh. Your wedding will be the main event, but your guests may also want to spend their downtime sampling local craft spirits at Wigle Whiskey, catching a game at PNC Park, or getting some shut-eye in a glamorous boutique hotel like Hotel Monaco or the magnificent traditional Omni William Penn Hotel. Provide each guest with a list of suggested activities to check out between the wedding and the reception, or encourage them to explore on their own.

Photo of Hotel Monaco by Cris Molina for Kimpton Hotels

2. The cookie table

Yes, the Pittsburgh Cookie Table is real. If you get married in Western Pennsylvania, your guests will shower you with homemade cookies. What other reason could you possibly need to plan your wedding in Pittsburgh?
Photo by Palermo Photography

1. Your reason

No one leaves Pittsburgh without a story to tell. Maybe your story is how you first locked eyes with your sweetheart over Primanti sandwiches. Maybe it’s about your first date at Kennywood. Or maybe it’s about how he proposed on the Mount Washington overlook and now you can’t wait to settle down together in Mount Lebanon. Pittsburgh is part of your story. Make it part of the most exciting day of your life.

Did we miss any reasons to plan your wedding in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments section.