This delightful celebration was originally planned as a hotel ballroom wedding at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center. I love how Nicole’s dad took an active role in the planning – I remember talking to him way back in December of 2019 about all the plans. We didn’t know what was emerging then virus-wise, but these two did a pivot!
The church, Sacred Heart in Shadyside, was large enough to accommodate everyone with social distancing. One of my favorite features of this church is the cobblestone little driveway out front and the chapel area for the Virgin Mother, which is filled with light from a stained glass window. This church has great photo spots too – it has an old world look.
One of my favorite memories from this day is looking for some colorful trees – I knew there were 3 trees left with leaves on them in late fall, but they were on an awkward hillside. The sun shone through them just right and Nicole popped out of the limo to get some bridal portraits there in an unconventional place.
We returned to Southpointe later for the reception – Nicole and Troy were unsure if they would have to use the garden tent, but they were able to use the inside ballroom to accommodate everyone.
I just loved working with Nicole and Troy over the past year. When their engagement session was postponed again and again due to the lockdown, I actually ended up Photoshopping out some of the crowds on a Walt Disney World photo these two had so they could get their save the dates out. Nicole’s whole family loves going to Walt Disney World and Troy, as I understand it, has also grown to love it as he has become a big part of their family trips! Part of their honeymoon was spent in WDW and the other part in Florida.
Together, Nicole and Troy now have two dogs, and they definitely made their appearance at the wedding! I know I breathed a sigh of relief when Friday night before the wedding rolled around, no new mandates were announced (November was so touch and go!) and these two were able to say their vows and finally get excited for the weekend!
After the ceremony, the large bridal party was ready to celebrate after this tough year! They popped some bottles in the park as the sun went down – it was gorgeous light for their photos in a venue that really shines in the late fall, Mellon Park Sculpture Garden. This park is on the grounds of the old Mellon estate (the house – one of the many mansions on Pittsburgh’s Millionaire Row in the East End – was demolished in the 1940’s and the garden and gates and outbuildings are all that remain). This park is just perfect for formal weddings with the large gates, the fountain, the trees, the leaves, and the ivy. At the reception, the couple had their dogs Roc and Mia represented in their cookie table with some of the best custom cookies I have ever seen.
Note to the couple:
Nicole and Troy, it was a pleasure to work with the two of you! We thank you for choosing Kristen Wynn Photography and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness always. Congratulations!
Be sure to see our full galleries here!
Vendors:
Invitation: Melissa & Seventh
Prep location: AC Hotel by Marriott Pittsburgh Southpointe
Gown Designer: Martina Liana
Bridal Salon: Bridal Beginning
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaid Dresses: Wtoo by Watters
Men’s Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Fragile Paradise
Hair Stylist: Studio E Salon
Make-Up Artist: Shannon Cole Makeup
Hotel Accommodations: AC Hotel by Marriott Pittsburgh Southpointe
Transportation: Tortorice Limousine
Cinematographer: Ryan Sanderson with Evermark Studios
Ceremony venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception venue: Bella Sera
Cake: Bethel Bakery
Catering: Bella Sera
Calligraphy: Written by Nicky Calligraphy
Rings: Joyce’s Jewelry
Linens: Mosaic Inc.
Photo Booth: Lux Photobooth
Lighting: EF Lighting
Alterations: Exquisite Fit Bridal
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Valleybrook Country Club
Photographer: Kristen Wynn Photography
Custom Cookies: Woodland Cookie Company
