It’s hard to believe it, but here we are… the first wedding blog post of the year! 🎉
Martha & Sam’s wedding was not only my first wedding of 2023, but also my first wedding back from maternity leave! It truly felt so good to be back to work… even if it was hard to leave my little one for such a long period of time!
Before Martha & Sam’s wedding day, the weather forecast was ominous (at best). The forecast was calling for 90-100% chance of rain all day. We had talked through rain plans, packed our clear bubble umbrellas in the car (a must have for peace of mind if you photograph weddings in Pittsburgh), and even unloaded our gear into the church in the rain - and then, the clouds parted and the skies cleared exactly when we needed them to for photos! That was a HUGE blessing, considering the fact that Martha & Sam wanted to showcase the beauty of Oakland (the place where they went to school, met, got to know each other, and became husband and wife!) in their photos. I was (and am) so thankful!
The ceremony itself took place at Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Oakland, where Martha & Sam met. The church ministers to the Oakland area (including many Pitt students), which is how Martha & Sam became involved. Not only is the church one that is on mission to reach its community.. but it’s also so beautiful, with stained glass decorating its walls. It was the most beautiful backdrop for their vows!
After the ceremony, we headed over to the Cathedral of Learning for bridal party and bride & groom photos, and then over to their reception venue, Greystone Fields in Gibsonia (which we absolutely LOVE!). After an evening full of dancing, food, and cookies, Martha & Sam ended their night with a “last dance,” with just the two of them in the reception space, and then made their getaway exit through lines of guests holding Chinese lanterns.
Martha & Sam had the most beautiful day and I am so thankful to have been a part of it. Congratulations on your marriage, Martha & Sam!
Vendors: Bellefield Presbyterian Church (Ceremony), Greystone Fields (Reception), Yinz Getting Married (Planning & Coordination), Tolman Media / Reflections Media Pennsylvania (Videographer), Weischedel Florist & Ghse (Florals), Oakmont Bakery (Cake), Bridal by Bre (Makeup & Hair), One White Lane (Wedding Dress), Sophia Tolli Australia (Wedding Dress Designer), Stephen’s Kitchen & Catering, Joyce Gindlesperger (Pianist), Rev. Joshua Brown (Officiant)
