Tag Archive for: Heinz Chapel

Wedding Photography at Heinz Chapel and the Pittsburgh Renaissance Hotel

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Rebecca and Patrick were married this past September in Heinz Chapel. When I came across their wedding, I was struck by what a good day this was. There are days that just seem to come together effortlessly and this was one of them. There was plenty of time for photography, amazing locations and a great of people to work with! What a breeze! There was only one thing that slowed me down: a gigantic group portrait on the grand staircase at the Renaissance. It’s a nice idea to have a photo of all your guests, just tough to execute when there are 200+ people. It takes time to get everyone lined up on the staircase and it’s difficult to make sure everyone can be seen. We did it though! Many thanks to Alex Jones who has a lot more experience with photographing groups of this size. I’m only showing some of my favorites from 2011 weddings, so I won’t be posting that group photo, but it was a big part of the day as a specific request from Rebecca and Patrick.

So we started at the Renaissance with Rebecca and her family. I asked Rebecca to stand by the window while her sister laced her dress. That’s one of the ways I generally interact with a bride when she’s getting ready to make the most of the available light.

lace-up wedding gown photo

Here, we went for an old Hollywood feel with Rebecca lounging on the bed. Alex helped me with some off-camera lighting. It only took a few minutes and I’m happy we had time to go for something a little different.

bridal portrait at Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh

This is one of Alex’s images of Patrick right before the ceremony outside of Heinz Chapel. I love Patrick’s expression here. He is ready to make it official and kiss his bride.

groom photo outside Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh

This is another one by Alex. I just love seeing the rings in the groom’s or best man’s palm.

wedding rings photo

After the ceremony we did some on-location portraiture in Oakland and downtown Pittsburgh. It’s fun to photograph the bridal party as they walk from one location to the next. It’s a slice of life from their wedding day, no parking signs and all.

bridal party photo in downtown Pittsburgh

Here’s a late-night favorite of Rebecca and Patrick. When couples are willing to leave their reception for a few shots at sunset or after the sun goes down, I get really excited. It’s something I encourage everyone to do if they can fit it in. It’s so much fun!

bride and groom portrait at Byham Theatre in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers at Heinz Chapel and Pittsburgh Renaissance

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Rebecca and Patrick were married two Saturdays ago at Heinz Chapel with their reception at the Renaissance Pittsburgh. It was a fabulous day and we made a couple of stops from the church to the reception for some fun portraits. Before I get ahead of myself, let’s start with some of the details.

Pittsburgh bridal gown

lacing the wedding gown

I really like this portrait of Rebecca. I wonder what she was thinking here—other than the fact that my camera is in her face…

Bride in her hotel room at the Pittsburgh Renaissance

Their colors were pink and green. And their lovely flowers were arranged by Blumengarten.

wedding bouquet in Pittsburgh

This portrait is by Alex. I love the angle and quiet feel—it was taken right before the ceremony.

Pittsburgh groom

Here’s another favorite by Alex. The light and timing are just right.

Heinz Chapel ceremony

Heinz Chapel is a stunning venue for a ceremony. Thanks again to Alex for the next two.

Heinz Chapel wedding in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh wedding ceremony

We walked across the street to the Mellon Institute for a couple of portraits of the bridal party and the bride and groom. This group had fun with it and I love how their personalities shine.

Bridal party at the Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh

bride's rings

groom's ring

This might be my all-time favorite of the day. I think it’s because I’ve always loved spending time in Market Square and I was really excited that Rebecca and Patrick wanted to stop there for photos.

bride and bridal party in Market Square

I went to school at Point Park University and worked there later as managing editor of their alumni magazine, so PPG is another personal favorite hang-out downtown. I’m crazy about this fountain and how it just spouts out from the plaza floor. And something about being there with the fountain in full force brought some excitement to their faces.

wedding photography in Pittsburgh

The ballroom at the Renaissance Pittsburgh had a wall of windows that made it a delight to photograph the reception. Just love the light on them while they’re cutting the cake. Couldn’t ask for a better set-up.

photo of cake cutting in Pittsburgh

Alex caught this sweet moment during their first dance. Aren’t these two are adorable together!

photography of first dance at Pittsburgh wedding

Here’s another first dance shot. What’s fun about this one is the shadow from one of my off-camera lights. I can’t take credit for preconceiving this one. It’s serendipity.

Pittsburgh wedding photography

We ducked outside for a few minutes for some night-time portraits. I highly recommend doing this—it’s fun for the bride and groom and the photographer! Images like this one are so great as a way to complete the story of their day in the wedding album.

wedding photography in downtown Pittsburgh

Becky and Pat, many blessings to you and your marriage! It was such a pleasure to be part of your day.

Sneak peek: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers at Heinz Chapel and Renaissance Pittsburgh

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Congratulations to Rebecca and Patrick! They were married at Heinz Chapel last Saturday. Here are a few favorites from their wedding. More to come after they return from their honeymoon.

wedding photographers in Pittsburgh

Wedding portrait on Pittsburgh bridge

First dance photo

wedding portrait at The Byham in Pittsburgh

Thanks to Alex Jones for the concept and lighting on that last one! It’s a new favorite. What a great day!

Marie and Dan’s wedding at Heinz Chapel

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Marie and Dan were married on a lovely Saturday in April. The said their vows at Heinz Chapel and then took about an hour afterward for some portraits. Marie and Dan were looking for a few hours of coverage to capture the essence of the ceremony and create some timeless portraits. They contacted me in March and booked me for April. And you might think they were a bit nervous about securing photography a month in advance, but they were as cool as cucumbers. Captivating Imagery offers partial day coverage for couples who, for any reason, are not interested in 10 hours of photography. If your wedding is not during the peak of the season, this may be an option for you as partial day coverage can only be booked up to 60 days in advance of an event, depending upon availability.

Anyhow, back to Marie and Dan. Marie looked stunning in this dress that was modified from her mother’s gown. She looks so statuesque in this shot.

Bride in sunshine

They wanted to have some fun with their photos afterward, so we headed to the little log cabin near the Stephen Foster Memorial. We played with the idea of a groom carrying his bride over the threshold.

At the log cabin

This image is from a series of favorites outside of the Carnegie Music Hall. They are such a handsome couple and I love the backdrop of the ornate door.

Kissing

Here’s another playful shot. They wanted to peak around the tree and make funny faces. I really like Dan’s face in this one.

Funny face

This is another favorite. I haven’t spent much time lounging under a shade tree with my husband, but this image reminds me of what you always see in romantic movies, except that they’re posing for the camera!

Bride and Groom

Milla Chappell took these fabulous images from the balcony of the chapel. In fact, Milla practically spent the whole month of April at Heinz Chapel photographing weddings.  It must feel like a second home for her by now.

From the balcony

Recessional

Marie and Dan, thanks for the opportunity to photograph your wedding!  It was a pleasure to work with you.  Many blessings to you and your marriage!

Heinz Chapel

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When I arrived at Heinz Chapel on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus in Oakland, there was a memorial service that was just coming to a close.  The chapel is non-denominational and a popular site for weddings, that in most cases, requires bookings very far in advance.  It’s easy to see why, the chapel is very dramatic in neo-Gothic style with gorgeous stained glass windows and an intricate, carved stone structure.

Latern

View from hallway