An Elegant Wedding at the Hotel Monaco
Alix and Erik had a fabulous wedding at one of Pittsburgh’s premier venues — The Hotel Monaco.
Getting Ready
Alix and her girls had hair and makeup professionals come to the suite at the hotel. That enabled them to chill, have snacks and enjoy one another’s company. Seriously brides-to-be, if you have the option of having your hair and makeup come to you, do it! It takes so much stress out of the day.
See what I mean? No stress, just happiness!
Noa, Alix’s maid of honor, is a talented clothing designer. She made one of Alix’s two wedding dresses. We looked around for a good place to hang it for photos. I’m a fan of Project Runway, so working with the designer was fun!
The best parts of getting ready are the emotional moments. Alix’s mom Nancy teared up when she saw how beautiful her daughter looked. Alix’s other wedding dress was the one that Nancy wore for her wedding.
Meanwhile, Erik and the guys raised their glasses for a toast.
Alix and her beautiful ladies.
Some details included the invitations that paid homage to the floor pattern in the Hotel Monaco ballroom.
First Look on the Terrace
I don’t know who looked happier, Erik or Alix. Let’s call it a tie. The actual name of the terrace is the Emporer Rooftop. So I guess that fits with the elegant wedding at the Hotel Monaco theme.
The rooftop terrace is also a great spot for couple’s portraits. It’s intimate and away from the noise of the busy streets below. The lead photo of this post was at the other end of the Emperor Rooftop. The ivy wall and neon sign were super classy touches for the cocktail hour.
We did some portraits of the ladies and the guys outside then moved inside for an epic portrait of the whole bridal party. Uneven numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen isn’t all that unusual. In those circumstances it can be a little bit of a challenge to photograph a group. But with a little creativity you can come up with something out of the ordinary.
The lobby of the Hotel Monaco is filled with interesting stuff. After this one Alix went upstairs to change into her other dress for the ceremony.
We were running a little tight on time but I am so happy that Alix and Erik let me talk them into coming outside for a couple of quick portraits in the second dress.
Ceremony
The wedding ceremony was held in the Sofia Ballroom. Alix’s parents walked her down the aisle.
The couple exchanged vows beneath a beautifully decorated chuppah.
Breaking the glass!
Reception
Just look at the Sheffield Ballroom! I told you this was an elegant wedding at the hotel Monaco Pittsburgh 🙂
Not one or two but THREE cakes! And an excellent cookie table, too. I love the cookie portraits of the couple.
Erik and Alix make their entrance.
Noa gave a heartfelt maid of honor toast.
I love how they worked in the theme from the Sofia Ballroom floor pattern into elements of their wedding day, including the cake.
Dancing was in the foyer between the ballrooms. Music was provided by the John Parker Band.
I was so happy to get a photo of the dip. It’s always a challenge!
The Hora is so much fun to photograph and the foyer is a great place for the dance with a ton of headroom and those super cool columns.
What a great day! I’m grateful to Alix and Erik for having me photograph their Hotel Monaco wedding.