Message-Id: <b526573701021004c264@[128.2.198.135]>
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Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 15:08:42 -0400
To: bovik+@cs.cmu.edu
From: Henry Schneiderman <hws@cs.cmu.edu>
Subject: Wedding Information

(All phone numbers are in the 412 area code unless otherwise stated.)

We were very satisfied with the service people we selected for our
wedding, and we enthusiastically recommend each of them.

For location we selected the Squirrel Hill Jewish Community Center
(521-8011 x119-talk to Liza [LEE zuh] West). The interior is extremely
beautiful and photogenic, and the price was low compared to others we
researched in the area. The hallway has high, curved ceilings with
skylights, and some really lovely artwork is on the walls. We had our
formal portraits taken here, and the setting made an impressive backdrop.
They also had a nice outdoor patio, a moveable dance floor, a piano, a
kitchen, and air conditioning. Drawbacks to this location, however,
include having to choose between only two approved two caterers and not
having a choice of baker.

Our caterer was The Bradley House (655-9216).  We dealt mostly with
Executive Chef Doug Hochhauser, and he was friendly and professional. The
food was good, although it aimed for the middle of the average palate.
One note about hidden fees. The owner was going to charge us a fee for
each slice of cake that the caterer sliced and wasn't going to tell us
about it! When I happened to ask about it and pointed out that that fee
wasn't in our contract, she said she'd get back to us. When she called
back, she had decided not to charge us for the cake-slicing. However,
this was the first wedding that The Bradley House catered at the J, and
she may insist on this fee at subsequent weddings. The Bradley House is
fairly flexible about menu offerings. They make good recommendations and
will allow you to sample a plate before you decide. Their servers at the
wedding were unobtrusive, careful, and extremely pleasant. They did a
good job and thought of everything that my husband and I never would
have. If you need kosher wine (and you will if you select the J as your
site), go to Pinsker's in Squirrel Hill (421-3033, ask for Ari). Their
selection includes the best wines available, from many countries.

Our florist was Michael Jacobs of Blooms Florist on the South Side
(481-1240). His generosity and the beauty of his designs really lighted
up our reception area! He provided a plant free of charge to conceal an
opening on the wall. He also coordinated our rehearsal at our request.

Our photographer was Rick Giuliani (276-7544), who did an excellent job
at a reasonable price! He really captured the mood of our wedding. He was
unobtrusive and funny, and photographed most people at their best. He
even got pictures of the most fleeting moments of the ceremony.

Our pianist was Erin Sewchok, a music student at CMU (724-484-9277). She
didn't have any pay rate, but we paid union rates, since hiring anyone
else would cost at least as much. She knows and owns a lot of music and
can help you select some (we really needed that!). She played beautifully
and was a joy to work with!

We had to use Simple Treat (681-4833) for our baker because they are the
only one that the J allows. They missed two appointments with us, and we
really had our doubts about them. They did, however, bake the cake
exactly as they promised, and it tasted good.

For tuxedos, we rented from Top Hat Tuxedo in Waterworks. Their stock
looked crisp and new. We had no problems with them. For the dress, I
ordered from Discount Bridal Service (Allison McAllister, 824-5747--this
is in Monroeville and may be a 724 area code). You'll have to know what
make and model of dress you want first, and there is a longish wait until
it is delivered. It did, however, arrive pressed, the proper size, and in
excellent condition and it was even a little early. If you'd rather order
locally, I recommend Candalina's (sp?) in Edgewood.  Their selection is
good, their service is excellent, and their prices are reasonable. My
only advice would be, order the size of dress that you believe will fit
you best, based on your measurements, and do not be swayed if they try to
persuade you to order a size larger unless you believe you will gain
weight. For most other wedding accessories (shoes, garter, veil, etc.),
we used David's Bridal on the North Side (Laurie, 369-4800).

For hair, Joe Laconi (421-6677) was willing to come to my house at 5 a.m.
to arrange my hair and affix the veil. He also met with me twice to
settle on how I wanted it to look.

Henry & Laura Schneiderman

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Henry Schneiderman, Ph.D.
Robotics Institute
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 268-1828
(412) 268-5571 (fax)
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