Holy moly it’s been a busy fall! I’ve been hunkered down editing photos and designing wedding albums. As a result, updating the website and social media gets pushed to the side. But I’m all caught up so those things are gonna get taken care of. We’ll start with Sarah and Jeff’s wedding in Fox Chapel.
Fox Chapel Wedding
Like so many weddings over the last couple of years the pandemic made Sarah and Jeff change their plans. What was originally a bigger wedding with a reception at Aspinwall Riverfront Park became an intimate ceremony with family and close friends gathering at Sarah’s parents’ house for dinner. What didn’t change was the genuine excitement and heartfelt emotions that the day brought.
Getting Ready
Here’s where I tell you that I’ve been friends with Sarah for years. She’s an incredibly kind, open and generous person who is an absolute blast to be with. I admire her so much and was super excited when she asked me to photograph her wedding.
Sarah got ready in the Rector’s office at Christ Church in Fox Chapel. The church is one of those places that you won’t find unless you’re looking for it. It sits on top of a hill surrounded by trees and is as secluded and lovely as it sounds.
Sarah’s mom Amy and sister Emily were having a blast helping her get ready. They laugh a LOT! 😂
Even putting shoes on is fun!
This being the time of COVID masks are a fact of life. Especially in churches. The couple had personalized masks made for the bridal party and guests.
Amy gives Sarah a hug as her dad Jeff looks on.
Sarah fights back tears as she walks down the stairs and sees her dad waiting for her. She’s full-on ugly crying in the next photo in this sequence. It was a really touching moment but we’re friends so that one stays private 😭
Ceremony at Christ Church
Jeff smiles as he sees Sarah and her dad getting ready to head down the aisle.
Not all of the action at a wedding takes place on the altar. I always keep my eyes open for moments outside of the main events.
Exchanging vows.
Celebrating the marriage with a kiss!
Stopping on the way out to greet family.
They look so happy!
Emily congratulates Sarah with a big hug.
Portraits in Fox Chapel
It’s beautiful inside of the church. So while guests made their way out we took the time to do some portraits on the stairs.
So elegant!
Once everyone had left we headed over to Trillium Trail (what a great name!) for some more portraits. Sarah looked super stylish in her favorite black leather jacket worn over her wedding dress!
How about Jeff’s tuxedo? I love the paisley pattern in the fabric!
It was late fall so the leaves were already off of the trees. But the color was still there. I just had to get up higher than the couple to get it into the photo.
Sarah and Jeff were good sports when I said, “let’s walk across the stream.” Worth it, right?
Intimate Wedding Reception at Home
After portraits we joined the rest of the guests at Sarah’s parents’ home. Her dad Jeff toasted the couple. Also, Sarah changed into a white, long-sleeved dress for the rest of the evening. Because why not?!!
Thanks guys! I’m so grateful to you and happy for you! I’ve said it elsewhere but it’s worth repeating that small, intimate weddings rock! There’s no reason that they have to be any less fabulous than a big wedding. In fact, you can concentrate your resources on the things that matter most, like an excellent meal, fantastic flowers, or a great photographer! The point is, if anything positive in the wedding world has come out of the pandemic it’s that folks realize that they can have whatever size wedding that they want. You’re still celebrating the most important things: love, family and friends.