It’s hard to describe the emotions that I feel now, looking back over our wedding. The day was fun, emotional, full of love, and the best party Zack and I could have ever imagined. We have over 2,000+ photos so I wanted to share them in a manageable way for me to share with friends, family, and you guys.
Our vision was a blend of ‘traditional’ and ‘bohemian glamorous’. We got married at a huge, gorgeous cathedral in Pittsburgh and had the reception at a conservatory and botanical garden. The perfect mix of our personalities with a focus on our travel, long-distance love and adventure. And love for food, drinks and desserts, of course.
The hotel we got ready at, Hotel Indigo, was the perfect mix of modern and urban, super accommodating and set the stage for a fun morning. Fun fact: they put Zack and I in the bridal suites that were RIGHT next door to each other. So I didn’t leave the room all day other than the early morning walk my Mom, sister and I went on. So funny.
Let’s dive in!
Here is the robe I wore. I was in love with it and how it photographed!
We wrote hand-written letters to each other that I plan to scrapbook. I ended up writing mine on the bathroom floor at midnight the night before (I had written mine in my notes several days earlier but hadn’t written it out yet!). I cried, obviously, and that’s Zack’s emotional face.
Getting into my dress felt really good. I wasn’t nervous but felt gorgeous. It felt like a normal day, I had put on this dress many times before (I had 4 fittings) but just so much light, calmness but excitement was emitting from me. I kept my bridal party small: my sister, 2 best friends, Zack’s sister and my cousin I grew up with. That was key to feeling calm all day. My mom and Zack’s mom were also such an important part to the day. Zack’s mom had made custom champagne glasses and gotten all the food and snacks I love!
My first look with my Dad was special, but not as special as the moment before we walked down the aisle. I will never forget that (and will share those).
My sister was my matron of honor and my brother was in the bridal party too. We took a few pictures in the hotel lobby- it was so cool and urban- before we headed over to the church for the first look!
More Details:
The First Look
We are both still glad we did a first look. It gave us a chance to see each other to just decompress before I walked down the aisle. We did it in a gorgeous courtyard outside the cathedral and was perfect. It was super sweet to see him and we both cried, again. It was weird to prepare for HOURS (let alone date for 9 years) for this first moment!
We took a few photos before heading in to our separate areas in the church. Our ceremony was at 2 pm and cocktail hour was at 6 pm so it was nice we took most photos during that timespan AND we got to make it to cocktail hour a little to mingle with guests.
Stay tuned for the ceremony and reception complete with rooftop photos, Zack being lifted up, donuts and more to come!
My Dress: Made with Love Bridal (from Blanc de Blanc Bridal)
Zack Tux (and groomsmen): The Black Tux
Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Photos: Steven Dray Photo
Videographer: LightMotion Studios
Hair: Sarah McCarrison
Make-up: Valarie Panei
Flowers: Sapphire and Lace
Tan: BlushTan Pgh
