Phipps Conservatory Spring - Sarris Ballroom Wedding

Cat and Michael were married on June 9th, with a ceremony and reception at the Phipps Conservatory.

I was particularly excited about this wedding because it meant that I would get to see a family that I had photographed before. Michael’s sister, Heather, married her sweetheart, Zach, in 2014, and I was able to do their wedding photography (at Soldiers and Sailors) too! There is no feeling quite like knowing that a couple liked my photography enough to recommend me to family—and no feeling like getting to see past couples continuing in their married lives together and still so in love!

I started out photographing Cat as she got ready and was struck by how stunning she looked before the day had even begun. In fact, one of my favorite images from this wedding was of Cat pulling the veil over her head as she got ready. I was able to edit this from a different pullback, and I loved how it turned out.

As we prepared for the first look, we were worried that the weather wouldn’t be in our favor. Thankfully, it stopped pouring right before their first look—and I’m so glad it did. We had their first look at Pittsburgh’s famous Carnegie Mellon Institute pillars. Cat and Michael’s reactions when they saw each other for the first time were nothing short of priceless. The Carnegie Mellon pillars were the perfect backdrop for some fun portraits after that as well. At the right angle, you can see the sky and the tops of the trees, and it looked like they were above the world!

Cat and Michael’s Phipps Conservatory Wedding

Their sheer joy was palpable for the rest of the day, though my favorite moment was during the breaking of the glass. Michael jumped really high in the air! Everyone around them couldn’t help but grin at his pure joy.

After the ceremony, we headed to the outdoor back patio for cocktail hour and then a reception in the Sarris Ballroom. Michael’s father made a photo slideshow to show at the reception (he did this for Heather’s wedding too) that had everyone smiling. And I was sure to capture a picture of Cat’s mom dancing with Michael and Cat in her traditional South Korean wedding outfit. Cat’s parents live in South Korea and traveled for the wedding, so it was important for me to capture those moments together.

Michael & Cat, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful wedding. I loved getting to see your family again, Michael; and Cat, I truly enjoyed getting to know you and your beautiful family as well!