Ashley and Bryan met each other in the 9th grade. Fifteen years is a long time, but Ashley said she was still surprised when Bryan proposed two Christmases ago. Her brother and parents had helped him pick out the ring, and it was perfect. I loved coming in to the wedding day feeling like Ashley and Bryan were both good friends of mine because we had taken the time to get to know each other.

Their wedding day started off with excitement, as most of them do, but this time was a little different. Ashley and Bryan had decided on a first look, and this was my first time getting to photograph a couple before the ceremony. First looks provide such a special moment, without the big crowd of spectators at the ceremony. It’s just them, and it was a beautiful thing to witness. I also loved that I had my second shooter, Hannah, there to capture some different angles.

It was the perfect way to start off the wedding season, and I can’t wait to get rolling!

Enjoy 🙂

Her dress is a stunner, isn’t it?!

Ashley did her own makeup, and let me just say…her eyes are always AMAZING! Not just on the wedding day, but every time I see her. AMAZING.

And I so love her long curly hair <3

Ashley and Bryan exchanged gifts before their first look. Bryan made Ashley an album of special moments. Let me just say that again. Bryan actually scrapbooked. That is true love right there. And that’s her brother Billy, the best man jr., who brought the book along with the best man to the room.

This next set is all from my lovely second, Hannah!

And this was Ashley’s gift to Bryan. The engraving on the back of the watch says, “Every second, I love you more,” and includes their wedding date.

First look time!

So, I personally love having some images that are a little more editorial, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel provided the perfect contemporary backdrop for some of the bridal party portraits.

One of my favorites!

Another great capture from Hannah. Oh my goodness. I laugh every time I see this that I just had to include it in the blog post!

Another favorite. These two barely needed any direction either. It was the same way at their engagement session. They just fit perfectly together <3

By the way, Billy is an awesome dancer.

And the maid of honor had some pretty sweet moves herself!

The DJ provides this rad photobooth. It was one of the ones with the huge mirror in front of you. Everyone had such a good time with it. Any time the dance floor cleared it was because everyone was lining up in the hall for this!

Anniversary dance.

I got teary when this was the couple that was left. They were so sweet and gave some wonderful advice about marriage to Ashley and Bryan.

Ashley and Bryan, thank you so, SO much for having me. It was truly a pleasure being a part of your day, and I can’t wait to share the many more images with you. I wish you all the best in the future <3

*Katie

Major thanks to all the vendors that contributed to making this wedding beautiful:

Venue: Crowne Plaza Suites Pittsburgh South

Planner: Kelli Gorecki of Crowne Plaza (Event Coordinator)

DJ: DJ Patrick Johnson from Sound Waves Event Crew

Hair: Hello Gorgeous by Jill Baker

Florals: Donati Florist

Cake and other desserts: Signature Desserts

Catering Crowne Plaza

Gown: Designer is Oleg Cassini (Davids Bridal)

Alterations: Exquisite Fit Alterations

Jewelry: Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry

Men’s Attire: Designer is Vera Wang (Men’s Warehouse)

Save the Dates/Invites: Bride

Officiant Lori Duggan (Pittsburgh Wedding Chapel)

Favors/Gifts Cookies (Signature Desserts)