Pink, Bling, D+B, and a Jam Packed Dance Floor

Shooting the Novotniak wedding was different than most for me.  I went to High School with the groom, DJ, so the entire party of groomsmen and many reception guests made for a fun reunion. It was great meeting the bride Brittany, I loved her style, pink dresses for her bridesmaids, "bling" on anything and everything that "bling" was acceptable, and two dresses for her wedding day.  The first was a one strap feather embellished gown that she wore for the ceremony and portraits. The second was a comfy flowing gown with a gorgeous waist embellishment and pockets that she wore to the reception. The details of the day were beautiful.  

The ceremony and reception were both held at the Marriott of Cranberry, so I fluttered between rooms where the girls and guys were getting ready. The girls listened to music while their make up and hair was done and the guys hung out, watched football and threw back a few beers. The short ceremony led to a fabulous cocktail hour for guests and then a rockin reception.  As soon as dinner was cleared away everyone hit the dance floor and that's where they stayed all night!  Thank you DJ and Brittany, I loved being a part of your big day. Congrats :) 

Gown 1: K's Emporium Bridal
Gown 2: The Winner
Bridesmaids Dresses: Alexia Designs, K's Emporium Bridal
Tux's: Tuxedo Junction
Florist: Greens Florets
Ceremony & Reception: Marriott of Cranberry 

Cowboy Boots, Burlap, a Tractor and Village People

I have so much to say about Brad and Jamie's wedding day that I don't even know where to start! The sky threatened rain for this outdoor ceremony at Greendance Winery in Mt. Pleasant, but we never saw a drop of it!  This country themed wedding was just that, to a T.  The bride's mother made all the flowers out of burlap, the bride and bridesmaids bouquets along with the ones that lined the rows of seats to the altar. The bride, groom and entire bridal party wore cowboy boots, and the groom donned a cowboy hat the entire day!

The beautiful ceremony started with acoustic music by guitarist Bill Young and the groom stood under the altar he hand made just for this special day.  Tears flowed as the couple read their handwritten vows and everyone cheered as the new Mr. and Mrs. Oakman were announced.

 

At the reception held at Bell's Banquets, a restored century old barn, the handmade perfection did not stop. The dessert table held pies and cakes each on tree stump stands made by Brad and a handmade banner by Jamie hung behind them that read "Love is Sweet." The guests line-danced the night away and the Village People even made an appearance! Congratulations Brad and Jamie :)
 

Gown: Sisters II, Greensburg
Ceremony Guitarist: Bill Young
Ceremony: Greendance Winery (Sand Hill Berries), Mt. Pleasant
Reception: Bell's Banquets, Mt. Pleasant
Desserts: Grandma's Country Oven Bake Shoppe, Harrison City

A Guitar Pick, Bouquet Bling and Intimate Ceremony at Phipps

This was my first wedding at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park.  This beautiful, small and intimate wedding for Leah and Ben was a perfect spot for their close friends and family to gather.  There were so many things about this wedding that I loved! Before the ceremony, Leah gave Ben the gift of a guitar pick engraved with "Im glad we picked each other. 8-17-12." Leah's bouquet had "bling" all throughout and Ben's daughter's who were bridesmaids, had handmade hair clips that matched their dresses.

After the ceremony we had fun shooting throughout the gardens before we headed off to Doones Inn in Oakmont for the reception.  Ben's family traveled from Lincoln, Nebraska, so the homey Inn was the perfect choice. Leah and Ben were absolutely fabulous and I want to thank them for having me be a part of their big day! Congratulations :) 

Ceremony: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh
Reception: Doones Inn, Oakmont
Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero, Exquisite Bride, Murrysville
Tux: Vera Wang, Men's Warehouse
Florist: Rose's Floral Shop, Trafford
Baker: Oakmont Bakery, Oakmont 

Hand Made Dresses, a Rainy Late Afternoon and Barn Party

Last November on Mount Washington I had an engagement session with Mike and Katie.  8 months flew by and here we are on their wedding day!  The church was packed for the reception at St. John's Lutheran Church in North Versailles.  After the newlyweds' receiving line, the guests were able to enjoy refreshments at the church before heading off to Bell's Banquet in Mt. Pleasant. Bell's is a restored, century old barn with gorgeous French crystal chandeliers all throughout. (Such a beautiful location to shoot!)

On our way to the reception, we stopped at Katie's Aunt's house in Mount Pleasant for portraits.  The house sat at the top of a hill with a spacious field.  We only had a few minutes in the field before storm clouds rolled in, but the wrap around porch was a life saver as the downpour started.  A unique and special touch added by the bride's mother, was her hand making her own dress, the bridesmaids' dresses and flower girl's dress.  All of her hard work paid off as the dresses all turned out gorgeous.  Once we got to the barn everyone was ready for dinner and dancing!  Mike and Katie, congratulations! Thank you for making me a part of your big day.

Ceremony: St. John's Lutheran Church, North Versailles
Reception: Bell's Banquets, Mt. Pleasant
Gown: MB Bride, Greensburg
Bridesmaids and Flower Girl Dresses: Bride's Mother
Tux's: Men's Wearhouse
Florist: V. Rosso Florist and Greenhouses, Mt. Pleasant

A Letter a Day, Pre Ceremony Blindfold and Rosary Blessed by the Pope

100 days before their wedding date, this groom gave his bride a jar full of 100 love notes.  She got to open one each day up until their wedding day...  Meet Aaron and Nicci, the new Mr. and Mrs. Morrida.

 

Aaron and Nicci met 7 years ago at Saint Vincent University and wed on July 28th at the Saint Vincent Basilica. There were so many personal touches to this wedding.  Nicci's Aunt had the rosary that was wrapped around her bouquet blessed by the Pope and before the ceremony, the best man blindfolded Aaron to meet Nicci to pray together before the ceremony.  This specific moment was one of the most emotional I have gotten to capture. After a beautiful ceremony rain held off long enough for us to take photos at some of the church's outdoor areas before we headed to the reception at DiSalvo's Station.

 

While the guests were at the cocktail hour we had time to check out the train tracks and take a few photos, boy was it windy and loud when the first train went by!  The rest of the evening went off without a hitch, someone even pulled conductors hats out for the bride and groom to wear hahah. I'd like to wish the new Mr. and Mrs. all the best!!  This was such a fun wedding to be a part of.

 

Ceremony: Saint Vincent Basilica, Latrobe
Reception: DiSalvo's Station
Gown: Equisite Bride, Murrysville
Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal
Tux's: Men's Wearhouse
Rings: Zales
Florist: Bloomin Genius, Greensburg
Bakery: Little Lisa's Pastry Shoppe, Latrobe