Edgewood Country Club Wedding: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Diana + Frank

A lot of weddings that we shoot introduce something new to us. Diana and Frank’s was one that introduced a few new things. We have recently switched over to offering all day coverage and this was the first wedding that happened to take advantage of this.

I started out in the strip district where I met Diana and her bridesmaids in her hotel room. Brett met Frank and his guys in Monroeville. Frank is from Kenya and he met Diana when he was in school here in Pittsburgh. Currently she is still completing her schooling in Pittsburgh while he is finishing his education in California. The distance clearly hasn’t hindered their relationship. It is traditional in Kenya that the groomsmen literally go to the house of the brides father and negotiate a deal so that they can retrieve the bride for the groom. There was joke about goats being offered. (No goats were harmed in the making of this negotiation, only a stuffed animal goat was used) Seeing as the fathers house was a little far, the hotel room of the bride was going to have to work. The plan was that the groomsmen would carry Diana out of the hotel and into the car (this never happened because her dress was too fluffy).

Diana and the bridal party (minus Frank) left the hotel in the limo while I hitched a ride with her dad and brother. (Three GPS’s going at once is not that helpful). A few wrong turns later, we arrived at Community of Reconciliation Church in Oakland. Family, friends, and members of the congregation watched as the couple was joined together in mariage. (and Diana sung)

The couple was engaged at Dave and Busters, so naturally we would go back there and play games and do pictures. If you ever get married, just wear your dress everywhere. People will clear a path for you. We did not have to wait for any games, everyone kind of just moved. And a little girl even told Diana that she looked like Cinderella.

The reception was held at the Edgewood Country Club. There was dinner, then dancing, then the traditional (in Kenya) cake feeding of the families by the new couple, then the Horah, then a train of people around the room.

This certainly was a fun wedding. It gave us insight into other cultures and gave us a chance to get even more amazing pictures. Good luck on your lives together Diana and Frank! We wish you the best!

Dubois Country Club Wedding: Dubois Wedding Photographer: Erin + Andy

Erin and Andy got married on February 16th at the church in beautiful Treasure Lake. For the middle of february, the weather was exceptional. Cold, but the snow was holding off (Although Erin and Andy were excited that we got to utilize some falling snow in a shot in the evening during the reception in Dubois). The ceremony was decorated with simple, elegant decor with pops of blush and hot pink flowers (even on the dress). We were surprised at the subtle touches to the day, including Erin writing “Andy” in the fashion of Toy Story on the bottom of her shoe. The guest list wasn’t large, allowing a lot more personal moments.

The reception was held at Dubois Country Club. The large windows allowed great light (for the hour or so that it was light out, c’mon, it is still winter). Houserockers out of clarion entertained all of the guests throughout the night with great music and games that got everyone involved. We snuck out (like previously mentioned) for a few shots outside in the dark and got some beautiful images while guests stayed warm indoors and finished dinner and started dancing.

By the end of the night Erins hair was disheveled, but you can tell that everyone had a great time!

Here are some of our favorite images from the day. We hope you enjoy! Congratulations Erin and Andy Moul!

St. Clair Country Club Wedding: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Rachael + Ben

Rachael and Ben got married on a cold, cold, (did I say cold?) winter day in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Although there were a few mishaps throughout the day, it turned out perfectly, as most peoples weddings turn out perfectly for who  they are.

Ben started off a little late, as his tux was not at the church on time due to a flat tire. And with a moderately large wedding party and lots of family running around, the brides quarters were very busy. (Try to keep a room clean and organized with that many women doing there hair and getting dressed). Of course everything fell into place and Rachael and Ben had a beautiful ceremony. Afterwards, Rachael and Ben were very sure that they wanted to do pictures with snow on the ground. The only place around to do this was…..guess…..a cemetery. Brett, being the considerate guy that he is, even let Rachael borrow his hiking books so she wouldnt have to trudge through the snow in high heels. And you know what? You would never even know that the beautiful setting was actually a graveyard.

At the reception, Brett and I started to set our lights up differently. Instead of our usual off-camera speedlight, we decided to set up two alien-bee strobes on opposite sides of the room and sync our triggers to the same channel. Wow. What amazing light! We will definitely be practicing this technique at every wedding from now on. The lighting just looks so clean from anywhere in the room. Its funny because we were always worried about the strobes being knocked over and that is why we were hesitant to set them up. But in actuality, they are less expensive than the speedlights. How silly.

We are always saying that we grow from each wedding. Every single one. Whether it be a new technique, or a new composition, we just get better and better. This wedding though, taught us a valuable lesson that will take our photos to the next level.

 

 “Our wedding day was the most beautiful, fun, exciting, love filled day either of us has ever experienced. It meant so much to us to be able to share our love, happiness and to celebrate the beginning of our lives with all our family and friends. But like I’m sure most couples say-the day was a mostly blur! So we are very thankful to have these incredible photos to always look back on as a reminder to the day we became husband and wife. “

-Rachael and Ben Smith

 

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Smith!

Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer: Nikki + Dennis

December 22, 2012. Today Brett and I got to meet with Dennis and Nikki again for their wedding day! We started the day off in Mt. Lebanon for the ceremony. It was your average december day. Cold. Very cold. We fully came to this realization while taking portraits before the reception. The wonderful thing about working with Dennis and Nikki, is that through all of the bitter wind, there were no complaints. They were both so grateful and easy to work with throughout the entire day.

Following the ceremony, we all boarded the limo and headed to The Hilton, South Point, where a coctail hour entertained guests until the arrival of the briday party. Family and freinds all had fun and merriment filled the hall as everybody danced and cheered in celebration of love.

“On December Twenty-Second we got to see our dream come to life. Our day was filled with love, beauty, and happily ever after. It was everything we dreamed about and more. As everyone says, the day goes by so fast but the memories will last forever. Although our day did not go exactly to the plan, the little changes only enhanced the day. Yes, even when we realized that my dress was too poofy to dance our taught waltz. I think we both enjoyed sharing in the moment rather than counting 1-2-3, 1-2-3! 
We are so honored and blessed to have been able to share our wedding day with our wonderful family and friends. I don’t think we could have dreamt of a better group of people to share in our lives. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in making our day so extraordinary! We will cherish December Twenty-Second for the rest of our lives.”   

-Dennis and Nikki

While most couples plan a winter wedding hoping for snow, it doesnt always work out that way. But it works out better when there is no snow. Big chunks of white fluff are not that flattering in a photograph, especially when it is flying into your face. It also usually just means a big mess. But don’t worry if the day isnt as you hope. Wedding days always turn out perfectly, because it is a happy day. And everything doesnt need to turn out as planned to be wonderful. In the end, photographers can add snow in a picture if that is what you are looking for. Thats what we did 😉

We really want to congratulate Nikki and Dennis on their special day, and sincerely wish them a happy marriage and happy life. Have a great journey with one another!

Treasure Lake Wedding: Treasure Lake Wedding Photorgrapher: Parisha and Dimitri

This wedding was a very special first for us and the Shah and Islam families. We all came together for the celebration of Parisha and Dimitri’s marriage in a Hindu/Muslim hybrid ceremony. Upon meeting with the bride and her parents for the initial consultation, we were told that this wedding would be like no other. Not only for us (who have never photographed an Indian wedding) but for the couples families and friends as well.

We started the day taking family photo’s against the colorful autumn leaves on Treasure Lake in western Pennsylvania. Everyone was dressed in traditional dress robes and sari’s, and we were immediately in awe. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by all of this bold color at a wedding, where traditionally we see black and white. Following this was an extended ceremony incorporating both families traditions. Afterwards, most of the attendees had a costume change before the reception. The men changed from their robes into suits, while Parisha changed into another colorful sari. Toasts ensued, accompanied by a cake cutting and was joined with traditional Indian cuisine. After dinner, Parisha and Dimitri were treated to a surprise fireworks show just for them. They then had guests release lotus flowers onto the lake, hoping it would bring them a blessed and fruitful marriage. The evening continued with conversation, dancing, and enjoying time with family and friends.

It was such an honor and wonderful experience to have been able to be a part of this day. The families were wonderful and welcoming and we definitely invite the chance to be able to photograph more weddings like this. Congratulations Parisha and Dimitri.