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Alyssa & Tyler | St Paul’s Cathedral Wedding

June 18, 2019

wedding

Alyssa and Tyler

St Paul’s Cathedral Wedding

Getting Ready

I feel so fortunate to have been able to capture Alyssa and Tyler’s St Paul’s Cathedral wedding and reception at River Club. I was asked to be their photographer last minute, after an unfortunate incident with their previous photographer. I mention this only because it felt like we were just meant to be! Everyone was so kind and generous to me and my team when we showed up. They were so grateful to have us there, and so were we!

Alyssa and Tyler both currently live in Miami, but they wanted their wedding to take place in Alyssa’s hometown of Pittsburgh. Both of them got ready at the Embassy Suites. I loved walking into Alyssa’s bridal suite and finding all the girls in matching robes and socks with “Bridesmaid” written on the bottom. She had also gifted all her girls matching bracelets. Once Alyssa’s hair and makeup was finished, she had the sweetest “first look” with her bridesmaids. Then came in her Daddy! I love it when brides have a First Look with their father. It is always such a sweet, loving moment to capture!

When everyone was all dressed, ready to go, tears wiped away – we went across the street to take portraits with the bride and her bridesmaid at Mellon Square. Later, we brought the groom and his groomsmen back to this same spot for some fun shots of them, as well! Many of the groomsmen have been on minor league baseball teams, even the groom. So we got some fun shots of them holding (imaginary) bats.

The Ceremony

I have to be honest with you! This is not my first Catholic wedding, and it’s also not my first time at St Paul’s Cathedral. But I am just crazy about St. Pauls Cathedral! It is just SO beautiful in there. With its vast ceilings and delicate details, it has so much character and charm. I always feel in awe when I am photographing there. It makes the ceremony so grand and really special.

Portraits

After the ceremony, we all walked across the street to the Mellon Institute, a popular wedding spot and another favorite location of mine. We had the perfect lighting for her cathedral veil shots. I feel like I really lucked out all day long with the lighting and locations to create such gorgeous, classic portraits for these two!

Reception

After portraits, the real fun could begin! We headed to the Rivers Club for their reception! One of my favorite details about their decorations was their Pittsburgh Cookie Table. Alyssa’s parents built the 3 yellow bridges that the cookies sat on to represent Pittsburgh! It was such a fun and unique touch for their dessert display! After toasts from the two maids of honor and best man, and enjoying their dinner together, the dance floor opened up! They included a sweet Anniversary dance.

Alyssa had said that she wanted her wedding to feel classic and elegant, and I think she completely nailed it! It was emotional, yet fun and relaxing – everything that makes a wedding day so gorgeous! I am so happy that I was able to be the one to capture their wedding day, and feel so lucky it all worked out!