Kristen and Drew had some showstopping venues! They had their ceremony at Heinz Chapel and their reception at the Pittsburgh Zoo – at the aquarium.
These two met at a convention and dated long-distance for a time before ending up in Pittsburgh. They ended up having their wedding on a beautiful spring day – it was warm, sunny, and the trees on Pitt’s campus were blooming. Kristen and Drew went with red, black, and white as their colors as a small homage to Pokemon, which is something they both enjoy. In the morning, the guys were even playing Pokemon on their Switches and the men had Pokemon cufflinks and socks. The wedding party got ready in Bakery Square at the Springhill Suites – this is a common getting ready spot for zoo receptions!
The ladies had the theme carried out a bit more subtly with red gowns. The Pitt campus was busy since it was graduation weekend – but we definitely had to make time to go to the red doors. Fun fact – the best doors for photos are not at Heinz Chapel themselves (those are up steps) but rather over at the Cathedral of Learning/Foster Memorial. We get asked about these a lot!
After the photos on campus, we headed to the zoo to get photos of the couple. We did some in the willow tunnel near the monkey house and then later on, we came back out to see the cheetahs at sunset. During cocktail hour, the guests got to interact with a few of the animals – which is always a cool perk at the zoo! We ended the night with some sunset photos and a packed dance floor. As we boarded the shuttle back to the zoo parking lot, the guests were coming in exhausted and sweaty from being on the dance floor all night and partying! That’s the hallmark of a good wedding reception!
Note to the couple:
Kristen and Drew, 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:
Prep location: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Bakery Square
Gown Designer: Stella York
Bridal Salon: The Bridal Boutique
Shoes: Skechers
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Men’s Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Handmade by Bride
Hair Stylist: Pittsburgh Glam Team
Make-Up Artist: Lipstick & Lashes
Hotel Accommodations: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Bakery Square
Transportation: W.L. Roenigk Inc.
Ceremony venue: Heinz Chapel
Reception venue: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Cake: Bethel Bakery
Catering: Taste (Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Catering)
Entertainment: DJ Sanman
Rings:Manly Bands and Charles & Colvard
Favors: Cookies
Alterations: Topaz Thimble
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Grand Concourse
Additional KWP Team Member for this wedding: Custom Portraits by Charlene
Photographer: Kristen Wynn Photography
