I heard the thunder and lightning start at about 3am as I laid in bed before the wedding, thinking of Chelsea and Dan and their plans. They had been through some tough times and losses together – her sister’s speech at the reception referenced this – and they went through the pandemic together too – Chelsea’s aunt talked about their tough times during the pandy as well when she gave the homily at their wedding ceremony. And man, I just wanted them to catch a break. The weather was calling for 63 degrees (not the winter wonderland Dan dreamed of, but Chelsea who is always cold would like this temperature more!) but rain and very high wind all day.
Longue Vue Country Club is known for their pretty river views, the solo tree, the archway and patios and stonework – it’s been around for over one hundred years. But rough weather would make it hard to capture all they dreamed of and taking photos of a large bridal party in an indoor space filled with guests and moving furniture can be a challenge for us and the staff (and the guests’ patience!) So for that reason, I really hoped the weather would clear up for them for at least a little bit of outside reprieve time.
And it did! We made it work. The wind whipped around Chelsea’s cathedral length veil and her hair (wisely done in an updo!) stayed put perfectly. We kept the bridal party photos outdoors brief, especially for the twelve bridesmaids as we didn’t want their hair too messy before the ceremony! We had the ladies inside and fortunately, Longue Vue had some of their Christmas décor up! We were using flash and ring light and window light and just changing plans on the fly throughout the day when we needed to – we got it done for the couple!
At the end of the ceremony, Chelsea and Dan did a little fakeout on their recessional song – ala the Office and the famous YouTube dance to Chris Brown’s Forever. As they (and the bridal party) danced down the aisle – Chelsea tripped a little and fell – but she was such a good sport about it and laughed it off and wasn’t hurt – people clapped as she got up and just brushed it off – definitely a very easy-going bride and groom! Now, later on at the reception, when two bridesmaids and a groomsman entered and then tripped – was that an homage to Chelsea or was that real? I have no idea but everyone laughed and no one got hurt!
Chelsea and Dan worked so hard on this wedding and brought unique touches – a video guestbook old school syle that their bridesmaids and groomsmen filmed as an homage to Dan’s work in video production and Chelsea’s touches were on everything as she owns an etsy store and small business at Chelsea Helen Designs. It was a personal and memorable day!
Note to the couple:
Chelsea and Dan, thank you for letting us be a part of your special day! 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!
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Vendors:
Invitation: Chelsea Helen Designs
Prep location: Longue Vue Club
Gown Designer: Pronovias
Bridal Salon: Bridal Beginning
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Veil: from bride’s mother’s wedding
Wrap: from bride’s grandmother
Earrings: Olive + Piper
Hairpiece: Olive + Piper
Purse: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie and Revelry
Men’s Formalwear: StudioSuits
Florist: Arnold Flower Shop
Hair Stylist: Crimp Hair Salon/Kara Niederst
Make-Up Artist: Kalon Artistry, LLC
Hotel Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh/Harmarville
Ceremony venue: Longue Vue Club
Reception venue: Longue Vue Club
Cookies: Mandy’s Cookie Co.
Cupcakes: Bloom Bakery Cakes
Catering: Longue Vue Club
Entertainment: Pittsburgh’s Best DJ’s/John Stepansky
Pianist: Ryan Croyle
Rings: EidelPrecious (etsy) and Golden Dreams Jewelers
Neon Sign: Amazon
Table Numbers: Chelsea Helen Designs
Signs: Chelsea Helen Designs
Bar Sign Illustrator: Perfect Storm Publishing
Photo Booth: Lux Photobooth
Favors: Glowsticks and Flip-Flops
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Oakmont Tavern
Photographer: Kristen Wynn Photography
