Brooke and Nate, we’ve said it before, we LOVED working with you!  If you are looking for inspiration for an elegant wedding, look no further than the team of Brooke, her Mom, and Ansley Esterline of Bliss Events, Ltd.

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Kate and Jimmy were married at The Covenant Presbyterian Church in Ligonier with a reception following at The Rolling Rock Club, a beautiful older club with a long and interesting history.

After spending a wonderful morning with Kate and Jimmy at their engagement session Barb and I were very excited for the arrival of their wedding day.

After a rehearsal dinner at the club, the bridal party and families headed off to the hopping night spot in Ligonier – the bowling alley. I spent the night before the wedding in town and wandered over to take some photographs of all the fun – bowling and dancing to a talented country western band.

On wedding day, while the guys were off at the skeet range at the club, the ladies spent the morning getting ready at Kate’s family home. We enjoy that time – it’s always relaxed fun chatter and some time to take photographs of the bride’s dress, jewelry and the details.

Every wedding is unique, with a different group of people and personalities, which makes every wedding day special and interesting and so much fun for us. We have some couples who are a bit more traditional, interested in more portraits and some couples like Kate and Jimmy who want an all-photojournalistic coverage – photographing the day as it happened with no separate photographs of the bridal party or bride and groom.

Kate’s gown was absolutely gorgeous, a Monique Lhuillier creation. Catering and cake and florals were provided by The Rolling Rock Club, the Free Spirit band from Washington DC were amazing, motion imagery by Nate Shearer – all planned and coordinated by the extremely talented Sheila Weiner, president of The Event Group.

Kate and Jimmy honeymooned in Rivera Maya and are enjoying married life at their home in Chicago.

Thanks so much for the honor of allowing us to share and capture the story of your wedding day!

Barb and I were really looking forward to Annie and Harrison’s wedding after spending some time with them at their engagement session. We had so much fun together and knew that wedding day would be a blast.

A reception at the Renaissance hotel followed their Heinz Chapel ceremony.

I had to include a photograph of the cookie table, a Pittsburgh tradition. Annie’s Mom and her friend worked on the cookies for months – they were incredible – there must have been 50 cookies per person and of course, I had to try everything.

Annie’s Priscilla of Boston gown was absolutely beautiful. Her bridesmaid’s gowns were Vera Wang creations.

Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Florals by the very talented Allison McGeary
Band – After Dark – fantastic!
Cake – Food Glorious Food – awesome!
Stationary – Sapling Press
Transportation – Elite
Makeup by Theresa Steele
Hair by Mary Ann Penezic

It just seem like a few days ago when Barb and I photographed Kate and Jimmy’s engagement session around Kate’s home – an amazing vista overlooking the Laurel Mountain Valley. Most of the leaves had already fallen but there was beautiful color and light.

We’re really looking forward to their winter wedding at the Rolling Rock Club, the planning of which is in the very capable hands of Sheila Weiner at The Event Group. More to come soon…..

Carolyn and Josh were married at a beautiful outdoor ceremony at their parents historic home and property with gorgeous vistas, overlooking Sewickley Heights, Pennsylvania.

I photographed their engagement session last fall around the property with a few extra subjects – their horses and dogs, always fun but a challenge.

While Carolyn got ready in the main house, Josh and the guys prepared at the pool house, so Barb and I had a chance go back and forth to capture all the fun and excitement.

Their wedding was a mix of elegance with some raucous fun provided by the country western band Brotherville.

Natalie Berger, one of Pittsburgh’s most accomplished bridal consultants and party planners, coordinated the day’s activity. Catering was provided by Lench Catering, the beautiful cake by European trained pastry chef Candace Urrichio – Cakes by Candace, the unique and sophisticated florals by Design Space while Nate Shearer captured the motion imagery. Carolyn’s chic gown was a Pronovias creation from One Enchanted Evening Bridal.

Barb and I had such a wonderful time at their wedding with such warm and welcoming family and friends.Thanks so much for allowing us to share your special day.

“Happy” by Secrets in Stereo

Sarah and her bridesmaids enjoyed pre-wedding pampering at the Omni William Penn.  Sarah was beautiful in a Jud Wadell gown from MIA Bridal Couture of Houston and her grandmother’s pearls.  Springdale Floral created the elegant bouquets of  Orchids and Peonies, as well as the fabulous centerpieces for the reception.

The finicky Pittsburgh weather cooperated and the day turned beautiful just in time for the ceremony at Sacred Heart Church in Shadyside!

Friends and family gathered at the Omni William Penn later to celebrate.  They danced late into the night to tunes by DJ Rockin Steve Credo.  As always the Urban Room provided a warm, elegant atmosphere where guests dined on Tenderloin and Halibut and later, cake by Fenoglietto’s and treats from a traditional cookie table.

We wish Sarah & Travis all the best!!!

There is no doubt that the floral details that Michele planned with her parents (yes, her Father Jody gets credit too!)  and Michael at Blooms Florist were second to none.  Protege rocked the night away and Gordon & Barbara Shu provided video coverage.  What you might not realize is what an absolute pleasure it was to share this happy day with Michele and Dan’s Families!  Many thanks to all of them – we wish Michele and Dan all the best life has to offer.

Starting several days before wedding day with Sangeet, loosely translated in English as “sung together” or “singing with instrumental accompaniment”, Riti and Jon celebrated Sangeet at The India Garden.

Sangeet is so much fun – like a dinner and dance with the singing of traditional Indian songs, joking with the couple, dancing and playing the dolkhi, a two sided drum.

What a great time! – it’s been a while since Barb and I have been to the India Garden – the food was great and we LOVE Indian food! Our usual weekly hangout with friends is The Taj Mahal, who catered Riti and Jon’s reception.

Mehndi, the traditional application of henna, is an ancient ceremonial art form tradition was held at Riti’s home. It’s also a time of celebration – great fun and more food!

A Sikh wedding ceremony or Anand Karaj is a bit different than a traditional hindu wedding. Starting with the wrapping of the men’s turbans, the Baraat procession follows the groom to the temple where the families meet, hug exchange flower garlands and celebrate this Milni ceremony with tea.

The groom has to barter his way into the temple before he can cut through a ribbon barrier. And his shoes disappear, bartered for or barefoot when he departs.

Indian weddings are a joyous, boisterous day of dancing and celebration. If you’re fortunate enough to attend, get your rest and bring your appetite! Like Barb and me, you’ll be treated like family. Thanks so much to Rita and Jon’s families for the honor of allowing us to document this wonderful occasion.