Hey folks, fake spring just passed through for a quick visit but warmer days are coming! Do you know what warms my heart? Working with couples like Liz and Jon. Their Pittsburgh Aviary wedding was just the kind of day that makes me love my job.
Getting Ready
Liz was thrilled with her bouquet, which were done by a family friend.
Arts and crafts time during getting ready included taping the couple’s vows into books.
Liz puts on her jewelry. So pretty.
Jon gets a little help with his shine. Fun fact: The couple met acting in plays during high school.
Liz was ready to go outside for the first look. There’s something special about red hair and blue eyes, isn’t there? 😍
First Look
The weather was a little chilly, but dry. So we decided to do the first look on the walkway near PNC Park on the North Shore.
Jon smiles as Liz walks towards him. He looked great in his custom tailored suit!
This was fun. They were so happy to finally reach the big day and this was a great way to start.
Aw, just look at these two. I hardly had to pose them but that’s kind of the point with my way of approaching portraits. Everybody wants to look great in their photos. To me, the best way to accomplish that is to set the table for the couple to have a moment together and then get out of the way. I mean, I’ll make adjustments as required but the goal is to show how the bride and groom feel about each other. That’s where the magic is!
Portraits
We chose the water steps for the bridal party photos. Liz and Jon’s all-mail bridal party was a little out of the ordinary, but the guys were a lot of fun!
Pittsburgh Aviary Wedding
Kudos go to the folks at the National Aviary for their hard work pulling together all the details for this wedding when Liz and Jon’s original venue fell through with just a couple of weeks notice. It’s a lovely venue that I love to photograph weddings at. Previous events I’ve done have been in the summer and the ceremonies have been in the garden outside. Over the years the Aviary have continually added to and improved the venue. I’m excited about the Garden Room, their new outdoor space! Liz and Jon’s ceremony was in the FliteZone theater.
Best flower girl ever! He was so well behaved and didn’t cry or run to his mom.
Liz and John had a self-uniting ceremony with each of the guys playing a part.
I really liked the background Liz and Jon chose.
Liz cracks up as Jon reads his vows.
A little kiss from Liz as the self-uniting document is signed making things official!
Married!
Reception in the Atrium
The decor reflected the couple’s love of travel. In fact, they currently live overseas. So kudos to them for pulling off their vision with all of the challenges that go along with planning from afar.
First dance under the dome in the atrium.
Everybody hit the dance floor at the end of the first dance.
The look on Liz’ face 😄
This was a dancing crowd!
One more portrait. If we have time at the end of the evening I like to add a little light and get something special.
Here’s another Pittsburgh Aviary wedding that you’ll enjoy.