SoS: Shine on Shelby hosted by Wanderlust Weddings and Events

There are a lot of things I'm thankful for...

Both immaterial and large. I'm blessed to wakeup each day with the most amazing cats a gal could ask for, and a partner who is so happy to make me a cup of tea to start my day. We have a house we've turned into a home, with a roof above our heads- even if the shingles do sometimes fly away in our Pittsburgh storms. We live in an open accepting, giving, and kind community, and even more, I'm able to work with dozens of other creative souls to create amazing events in our wonderful city of Pittsburgh. And while we may not like to think about it, the reality is that so much of this could change so quickly. Unfortunately, this is what happened to one of our own Pittsburgh creatives, Shelby Linn.

Shelby's worst nightmares came true in December, when a house fire claimed the lives of her two small children, Lyric and Wylde, her dog Pucky, and all of her belongings- all at once. As if this wasn't enough, she herself also suffered through many burns and injuries as a result of the fire. And while there is nothing in this world that could replace everything lost in this immense tragedy, the duo at Wanderlust Weddings and Events wanted to step up to help a fellow friendor in need.

Sam, Ali, and their amazing team created their first (but certainly not last!) Shine On event to raise funds and bring community and family together for Shelby. The goals were more than to just donate money- but to show how much the entire Pittsburgh wedding community, friends and family, and even total strangers supported Shelby! The Shine On Project was created to be a bright light during someone's darkest time- and trust me, the community illuminated the entire city.

So many incredible wedding and event suppliers donated time, baskets, and decor to make SoS a smashing success- thank you to everyone who helped make this possible for Shelby. And, thank you to every single person who bought a ticket, participated in raffles, 50/50s, donations, and more. You made this a reality!

I was honored to photograph the event and all the hard-work that went into creating this event in just three months. Please consider supporting any one of these amazing small businesses, and, be thankful for everything you have and may take for granted in the day-to-day life.

The room was decorated with floral arrangements from Dormont Florist, consisting of spring daffodils, bells of Ireland, and white roses.

The Pittsburgh Cookie Table, just like a real wedding, had both vendor-supplied piped cookies AND the perfect family recipie donated by the community. I loved the display created by Vintage Alley!

Each table was sponsored by a local vendor- this white table was brought to us by Joyful Events By Jade. I believe there were about 30 table sponsors!

And, just like the Cookie Table- no fundraiser is complete without an old-fashioned Basket Raffle! Baskets were donated by all- from Medditerra (my fave brunch spot!), Soil by Greta Candles (my favorite candles), makeup artists like Brittany Morgan, handmade items like Topawz pet bows, and even summer-ready baskets from Aerie! We had 68 baskets donated in total PLUS several large drawings- like a custom written song and a Millie's Icecream Truck for your next event! I took home a basket donated by Lauren Kennedy of Vanity Box Pittsburgh with the sweetest self-care and beauty treats (and a facial!) There was something for everyone.

We all shared a meal, provided by The Cooked Goose, as 2nd II None entertainment. Ali and Sam gave thank-you's, hosted drawings, games, as children enjoyed Pittsburgh Balloon Co's live ballon art. A live musician played and face-paint was drawn onto happy kids. The evening ended with a live acoustic performance! We all were gathered with our friends, outside of work, to support one of the best causes.

I cannot hope to list every person and vendor whom donated time, money, volunteer hours, or services. But I am going to make my best attempt!

THANK YOU TO....

Sam, Ali, and the ENTIRE Wanderlust Weddings and Events Team

Ace Bartenders Pittsburgh

B Morgan Makeup

Brittany Annes Events

The Cheerful Balloon Co