You guys are going to love this Catholic ceremony and Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel Wedding! But first of all… Do you remember Erin and Joe and their downtown Pittsburgh engagement session? These two met at Archie’s bar and hit it off playing darts, so of course we had to start their session there! Besides a good round of darts, these two love to go out to dinner together, try out different breweries, and go on vacations. Erin says her favorite date with Joe was when they went to Mallorca, where they visited Mt Washington Overlook and Joe gave her a promise ring.

I knew from my first encounter with them that they were going to be such a fun couple to work with and I was right! Their wedding day, despite the rain, was beautiful and so much fun!

Getting Ready

It all started with getting ready photos. I loved all of Erin’s pretty details – from her elegant and sparkly shoes, to her stunning hair-piece that matched perfectly, it was all gorgeous. In fact, one photograph I took of her dress made it into the top 10% of the Shoot and Share contest! I credit the dress 😉

For Erin and Joe, it was obvious that family meant everything to them. Their bridal party was mostly siblings. Erin’s sister and sister-in-law were two of her bridesmaids, and each of them were rocking a cute baby bump that day! Erin loved getting photos with their babies, while I joked about Erin getting a bigger bridal party than she had bargained for with the additional two babies hiding away! Erin was clearly so excited to be getting more nieces and nephews to add to the family!! These ladies were such good sports, even though we had to whip out the umbrellas for a few quick shots out on the balcony in the rain!

The Ceremony at St John and Paul Catholic Perish

Their ceremony took place at St John and Paul Catholic Perish in Sewickley, PA. Some of my couples choose to do a First Look session,  but Erin and Joe chose not to. This meant that Erin walking down the aisle with her dad was the first time Joe had seen his bride. It was a special moment for both of them. They were finally saying “I do!” in front of all their friends and family. It was a sweet traditional Catholic ceremony that honored their beliefs and love for the Lord, as well as each other.

The Reception at Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

After the ceremony, it was still raining but we found coverage for some fun bridal party and couple portraits. One of my favorite shots of the day is Erin and Joe walking back to the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel for their reception, Joe holding the umbrella for Erin. They both just look so happy and unconcerned about the rain softly falling all around them.

Their reception was GORGEOUS. Every detail matched so well, with impeccable flower design and color, a beautiful cake, and the perfect pink touches. But what the reception is really about is having a great time with everyone there. And Erin and Joe did just that! I love it when my couples aren’t afraid to be out on the dance floor just like these two!

As part of a Get-to-know-you questionnaire I send my couples before their wedding day, I had asked Erin, “If you could say anything to your future self, what would you say?” Her answer was to “Slow down. Enjoy each day. Don’t focus on the little things. Family is everything.” I feel like Erin took this to heart, and that this statement truly embodies their wedding day!! She also said she was most looking forward to going on their honeymoon afterwards…. I mean, who wouldn’t, right?? I loved these two and am so happy I got the chance to work with them on the most important day of their new lives together!

 

 

 

Photographer & Videographer: Danielle Durbin Film & Photo

Ceremony: St John & Paul Catholic Parish

Officiant: Deacon Tom

Reception: Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

Florist: Hearts and Flowers Floral Design Studio

Hair & Makeup: Wanderlust

Cake: Bethel Bakery

DJ: Dj Underdog

Dress Store: Exquisite Bride 

Dress Designer: Madison James

Bride Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Grooms Attire: Jos. A Banks