FAQs
Question
Can I explore the aviary?
Answer
Yes! The wedding celebration includes free admission to the Aviary for 1.5 hours, (6-7:30pm) during which time you are free to explore the different habitats. The Aviary is rented out just for us during this time, so we encourage you to enjoy it! Don't forget to check out the outdoor Condor Court habitat; the vultures are some of Mary's favorite birds at the Aviary. We are also big fans of Gus the Great Argus Pheasant, who you can't miss in the Rainforest habitat with his peacock-like tail feathers (which are the longest of any bird species in the world). If you're lucky, he may even perform for you -- he fans out his feathers and does a very loud "whoop-whoop" sound!
Question
Will I get to see the ceremony?
Answer
No, we are only able to have our immediate family members present for a private ceremony in the Rainforest habitat before our wedding celebration starts at 6pm.
Question
What about parking?
Answer
There is a small parking lot at the National Aviary, which will have 55 spots for our event. If that lot is full, then there is street parking available in front of the Aviary. This street parking is free in Pittsburgh on Sundays (and after 6pm Monday-Saturday).
Question
What's the dress code?
Answer
There isn't one, but we do encourage colorful, fun, bird-themed attire!
Question
What's on the menu?
Answer
Our dinner options will include the following entrees and side dishes from Atria's catering: Orange miso glazed Atlantic salmon Chicken piccata Angus petite tenderloin with peppercorn demi-glaze Tomato vodka pasta Florentine Smashed redskin potatoes with caramelized onions French green beans and stir-fry vegetables Chopped salad station
Question
What about drinks?
Answer
We will be having an open bar from 6pm to 10:30pm. All drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are free.
Question
Will there be speeches?
Answer
No, because Mary hates microphones and doesn't need that level of stress on her wedding day. A handwritten letter would be lovely, though (especially if it makes us laugh)!
Question
What about cards or gifts?
Answer
We are not expecting any gifts, and we will not have a registry. If you insist on giving us a gift, we will graciously accept it, and we appreciate anything creative / thoughtful / handmade / funny. We don't need fancy pots and pans because let's be real, we don't cook. We LOVE cards with personal messages! Bonus points for bird cards. Extra bonus for parrots, and the most bonus for Senegal and Quaker parrot cards :)
Question
Will Mary's birds be there?
Answer
Sadly, no. Doc (who turned 33 this year!), Maya, and Henry will be staying home for the evening. The National Aviary has a policy against bringing in outside birds (so please limit you choice of "plus one" to human guests). If you want to meet our birds, then let us know and we can figure something out while you're in Pittsburgh.
Question
Dancing???
Answer
It's a wedding, so people dancing is an inevitability. Not really Peter's thing, but could be Mary's thing if the vibes are right. However, there is no chance we dance alone in front of everybody (yikes). We will have a DJ! You should expect a lot of Glass Animals, some throwbacks to the 2000s (for Mary), and to have fun!!!