Derrick and Sarah were married on July 27th with a ceremony at St. Alexis Church in Wexford, PA and a beautiful wedding reception at the Circuit Center and Ballroom in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband, Ben, was a groomsman in this wedding, so it was such an honor to be the wedding photographer for this Pittsburgh wedding. While every wedding is special, it was wonderful to be a part of this one, knowing the bond Derrick and Ben share.
The sun shone brightly for Derrick and Sarah’s wedding day, streaming in through the windows at the Springhill Suites [link https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pitss-springhill-suites-pittsburgh-southside-works/] where the groom and his groomsmen got ready. Sarah and her bridesmaids got ready at Sarah’s family home, and I loved capturing some pictures in front of the photo wall. Generations of family photos smiled down at the bride and her ladies as they prepared for this special day. Sarah and her father shared a first look and it doesn’t matter how many father-daughter first looks I photograph, every single one tugs at my heart. The moment he saw his little girl… all grown up and ready to walk down the aisle… it was so emotional!
When we arrived at St. Alexis Church in Wexford, Sarah and Derrick didn’t have a first look, but they shared a moment ahead of the ceremony. I positioned them on either side of a corner so they couldn’t see each other, but they could hold hands and hear each other. I was there to sneak a few photos as they shared a beautiful private moment together. The pictures really speak for themselves as to the sweet and tender conversation they had before their wedding ceremony. Of course, the reaction when they saw one another as Sarah made her grand entrance walking down the aisle was even more emotionally charged! They both cried happy tears.
I love photographing weddings at St. Alexis church because it’s just so unique! I love how the ceiling is painted to look like the sky. Each of the lights shimmered like little stars even as the light streamed through the stained-glass windows. It was magical.
After we captured some wedding portraits with the happy bride and groom, we adjourned to the Circuit Center for the continued celebration. The Circuit Center Ballroom was transformed with gorgeous shimmering gold tablecloths, tiny glimmering tealights, and exquisite floral arrangements from the team at Sapphire and Lace Design. [link https://www.sapphireandlacedesign.com/]. The ballroom was such an elegant backdrop to capture Derrick and Sarah’s love.
Sarah, Derrick, I am so happy I was here to photograph the very first moments of your happily ever after. It was such a pleasure to be your wedding photographer!
Florist – Sapphire and Lace Design
Dress – Bridal Beginning
Bridesmaid Dresses – Mb Bride
Men’s Suits – Men’s Warehouse
Hair – Salon Bellarae
Makeup – Artist: Joy Lynn
Invitations – Purple Wagon Designs
Dj – Dj Magic Moments
Videographer: Light Motion Studios
Limo – Star Limo
Bride’s Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Bakery – Oakmont Bakery
Jewelry – Rings – Joden – Clarissa Boutique