FAQs
Question
Why Pittsburgh?
Answer
Yes, we live right outside of DC, but we both love Pittsburgh! Celia went to Carnegie Mellon for undergrad, and Tom went to Pitt for law school, though not at the same time. Celia's parents lived there long ago and Tom's grandparents lived outside Pittsburgh while he was growing up. The fact that it's way, way cheaper than the DC area didn't hurt either.
Question
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
Answer
Please arrive before 5:30pm so we can get to the food and cocktails as quickly as possible! The museum is open starting at 10am, so please feel free to arrive anytime after that. The museum closes to everyone but our guests at 5pm, so come on in, mingle and get a good seat! Don't forget - Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
We would love for you to get a little fancy! Cocktail attire or semi-formal please. Something like a cocktail dress for ladies, or a tie or blazer for men. Either way, just make sure your outfits are dancing compatible!
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
We love your kids, but thought you might like a night off to celebrate with us, so please leave the little ones at home for the night. We hope that the early warning will allow you to be able to come, though we completely understand if that’s not possible. If you would like to connect with other couples and get a sitter in Pittsburgh, we’re happy to facilitate that! If it helps, all of the hotels that we have booked room blocks at and the venue are within two blocks of each other.
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
We have reserved room blocks at 3 hotels with in 2 blocks of the venue. Please see our Travel page for the links and codes to reserve a room with the blocks!
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?
Answer
As the hotels are within an easy walk, we will not be providing transportation. If you stay further away, Uber/Lyft or cabs should be easy to get!
Question
What's the weather? Do I need to be prepared for it?
Answer
Honestly, Pittsburgh weather in November can be... well, let's charitably call it "unpredictable". The good news is that everything from the ceremony to the end of the reception is inside in one building that's within walking distance of the hotels we booked room blocks in, so it shouldn't make a huge difference. Hopefully.
Question
What about COVID-19, Mpox, Ebola and other emerging diseases?
Answer
We ask that all guests please be up to date on your vaccinations for all things as recommended by your Doctor and the CDC. Please be sure to get your fall ’23 COVID vaccine booster before you come celebrate with us. Get your flu shot, while you're at it!
Question
What are we going to be eating?
Answer
Don't worry, you're *definitely* not going to be going hungry. We're going to be serving some hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour. During dinner, we're going to have dinner stations with the following options: Salad: - Kale and Quinoa Salad (Blueberries, Red Cabbage, Sunflower Seeds, Citrus Dressing) - Burrata and Beets (Fig Balsamic and Fennel Pollen Crunch) Meat: - Chef Carved Citrus & Sage Roasted Turkey Breast with Rich Turkey Jus Saute: - Penne Pasta with Local Mushroom Cream Sauce (Pennsylvania Mushrooms, Gorgonzola and Roasted Garlic) - Penne Pasta with Cuigini Sauce (Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Cream and Ricotta Cheese) Accompaniments: - Bistro Vegetables (Zucchini, Squash, Bell Peppers, Onions, Carrots, and Herb Oil) - Wild Rice Pilaf Dessert: - Pittsburgh cookie table (lots and lots and lots of different types of cookies) And yes, there'll be an open bar.
Question
Can I visit the Heinz History Center while I'm in town?
Answer
You sure can. In fact, our guests have free admission to the museum on the day of the wedding between 10 AM and 5 PM! We highly recommend the Innovation in Pittsburgh exhibit on the second floor. Also, we should probably mention at this point that the exhibits on the fourth floor, including the Mr. Rogers and Heinz exhibits, will be open to attendees during the cocktail hour.
Question
Can I take photos during the ceremony?
Answer
While we love the enthusiasm, we will have some incredible professional photographers doing their thing, so please leave your phones in your pockets during the ceremony. There will be plenty of time to take photos during the cocktail hour, reception, and afterparty!
Question
What's the timeline on the big day?
Answer
5:00 PM - Guests arrive 5:30 PM - Ceremony 6:00 PM - Cocktail Hour 7:00 PM - Reception 11:00 PM - Afterparty at the AC Hotel, which is two blocks away from the venue
Question
Is the Heinz History Center accessible for those with disabilities?
Answer
It is indeed. There is a ramp to enter and exit the venue and there is an elevator to and from the cocktail hour on the fourth floor.
Question
Is there parking?
Answer
The History Center doesn't have their own dedicated lot, but it's surrounded by parking lots that cost about $5.00-$12.00 per car depending on what is happening in the city.