An Intimate Phipps South Asian Wedding (and a western ceremony too!)
Abby and Aman came back to Abby’s home town of Pittsburgh to get married. They chose to have an intimate, fall ceremony at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Smaller weddings are so much fun to photograph. You’re not really bound by the same constraints as a larger wedding with many guests and a lot of logistics. You’ve got to be ready for anything and the photojournalist in me absolutely loves that!
First Look and Portraits at Frick Park
We started out at Abby’s parent’s home near Frick Park. The light was great out on the back patio which was the perfect spot for a private moment for the couple.
The weather was beautiful so we headed down to the Fern Hollow part of the park for some portraits. Abby was so lovely in her flowing white silk dress and Aman looked stylish in his bespoke tuxedo.
The beautiful bride!
Done with the photos, we headed to Phipps.
Western Wedding Ceremony at Phipps
I’ve photographed a lot of weddings at Phipps over the years. The staff can handle anything you throw at them but this time they really upped their level of service. Abby and Aman had a traditional western ceremony officiated by a family friend immediately followed by an intimate South Asian wedding ceremony.
The couple wrote their own vows to each other. They were personal and heartfelt.
South Asian Ceremony
As soon as the western ceremony was over the couple got ready for their small and intimate Phipps South Asian wedding.
Abby’s mom Virginia gave blessings to Aman.
The couple then walked to meet each other at the intersection of the path in the Broderie Room.
A quick kiss before moving on to the rest of the ceremony.
After tying the knot (mangala sutra), the couple made seven circles around the sacred fire to solemnize their union.
The couple and their families celebrate!
It’s a unique experience to be inside of Phipps after it closes to the public. The pink lights and the flowers on exhibit were the perfect setting for one last photo!