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We were at Heinz Memorial Chapel and the 20th Century Club once again, this time for the wedding of April and Hansy.  It was a lovely evening at two very beautiful venues.  April and Hansy live in Boston, but returned to April’s hometown to get married.  It’s got to be difficult planning a wedding from far away, but the entire day was laid back and wonderful.  Hansy’s family is from Haiti (a place which is dear to my heart) and the wedding was very much a joining of two families and their traditions.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day:

April got ready for the wedding at the Omni William Penn:

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April’s mom Elaine watches as she has her makeup done.  Elaine, who is a radio reporter, and I are old friends from back in the days when I was a newspaper photojournalist.  We were laughing because I remember well how Elaine used to sell Girl Scout Cookies while out on stories, and now that little girl is married:

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The lovely bride!

best wedding photographer in pittsburgh and african american wedding

She looks happy!

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April (right) with her girls Flojaune (left) and Kelly:

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best wedding photographer in pittsburgh and african american wedding

A beautiful gown worn by a beautiful bride:

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The girls watch as April models the dress:

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Hansy puts his jacket on as April’s brother Edmundson looks on (next 2 by Caroline):

best wedding photographer in pittsburgh and african american wedding

April’s dad Edmund helps Hans get ready:

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On the way to the first look in front of the Cathedral of Learning:

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Caroline’s photo below:

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They look very happy, don’t they?

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Hans’ best man Jacques (left) helps the guys with their boutonnieres:

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Flojaune keeps the mood light in the waiting room:

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My young friend James was handing out the programs:

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Hans takes his mom’s arm as he walks her into the chapel:

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April’s cousin Heather looks back before heading down the aisle:

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Then it was April and Edmund’s turn:

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Hans was so nervous that he couldn’t look as April walked down the aisle until the last minute!

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best wedding photographer in pittsburgh and african american weddingEdmund lifts April’s veil:
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Once things got rolling Hans loosened up a bit with a big smile:

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Caroline’s photo:

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I love this moment as they exited the chapel:

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Classic Heinz Chapel:

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Some details:

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For the reception, April ditched the veil in favor of a simple flower in her hair:

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A portrait inside of the 20th Century Club:

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This guest knows a good looking couple when she sees one!

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April and Hansy make their entrance into the reception:

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Elaine’s speech was both hilarious and moving:

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The first dance:

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Father/daughter and mother/son dances:

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April tosses her bouquet:

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It just might be my skeptical nature, but I really think the fix was in:)  April threw the bouquet so far to the right that only Heather could catch it:

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The guests had a lot of fun dancing (next photo by Caroline):

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best wedding photographer in pittsburgh and african american wedding

This young lady can dance!

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best wedding photographer in pittsburgh and african american wedding Thanks again April and Hans for allowing us to spend a wonderful evening with you, your friends and your families.