Tag Archive for: reception

Sarah and John’s reception at the Days Inn in Butler, Pa.

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I mentioned a couple of posts ago, that Sarah and John were married in Texas in the fall of last year. For family and friends who were not able to make it to their wedding, they held a second reception in Butler on Valentine’s Day. It was a Sunday evening reception and it made for a special way to celebrate the holiday with their friends and family.

Rose bouquet

Sarah carried a simple and elegant bouquet of red and white roses.

Cookie table

Their cookie table did not disappoint. There were plenty of scrupmtious treats and it was tough to choose!

Flower girl

This sweet flower girl is signing their “guest plate,” a more functional alternative to the usual book.

The happy couple

Here’s the happy couple in between welcoming their guests to the reception.

Sweethearts

It’s easy to see how Sarah and her little girl adore one another.

During the toast

Sarah’s a natural beauty and looks stunning in her white fur stole.

The bride and groom

Bridal dance

They had all of the traditional elements of a wedding reception and were announced into the room, toasted by several loved ones, and shared a first dance and father/daughter and mother/son dances.

Spinning

Did I mention that Sarah’s from Texas? Check out the cowgirl boots she’s rocking under her dress.

Cake cutting

Their cup cakes were delicious. I usually don’t get a chance to eat cake, but when my job was done at the close of the reception, I couldn’t resist helping myself.

Thanks again Sarah and John! It was so much fun to photograph your Pa. reception!

Sneak Peek: Sarah and John’s reception at the Days Inn in Butler, Pa.

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Sarah and John were married earlier in 2009 in Texas. For the family who could not travel to their wedding, they held a reception in Butler on Valentine’s Day. Here’s a glimpse of two favorites from this beautiful couple’s Valentine’s Day reception:

Announcing the bride and groom

Slow dance

Sarah is such a beautiful bride and there’s more to come. Blessings to you and John!

Oakland venue reviews

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Have you heard of the new University Center in Oakland?  Ok, this isn’t an ad, but this beautiful new venue prompted me to post a Oakland venue review as part of my Bride’s Guide.  Oakland is a popular setting for many Pittsburgh weddings, with the surrounding college campuses, beautiful churches and parks.  For a long time, this college town was more limited in reception venues, but the University Club is definitely a stand-out in my opinion.  I photographed a corporate event there in the fall.  However, I don’t have any photos that really show the beauty of this venue, because my assignment was mainly what we photographers call “grip and grins” or informal group shots of guests at the event.  So you’ll have to check out their site to get a sense of what this place looks like.

It seems that lots of brides and grooms nowadays are planning for their ceremony and reception to be close-by to save time in their busy day and also to keep it simpler for guests.

Heinz Chapel

Now there are a lot of gorgeous churches in this neighborhood: Heinz Chapel (photographed above), St. Paul’s Cathedral, Bellefield Presbyterian Church, just to name a few.  Other reception venues include: The Twentieth Century Club, the Concordia Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, or St. Nick’s Cathedral Room, as well as the local hotels.  These venues have the catering covered from linens through glassware.  Other unique venues include Soilders and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, Carnegie Museum or Carnegie Music Hall, and Phipps Conservatory.  These venues might require more planning, for instance, renting chairs and collaborating with outside caterers, etc.

Whew!  There are more Oakland reception venues than I thought.  And that’s just off the top of my head from my experience in photographing events at these locations.

One last consideration if you’re planning for an Oakland wedding: there are plenty of great locations for the photography within walking distance.  Can you tell I’m a fan of Oakland weddings?  Check out a few of the great Oakland locations in the photos below.

Mellon Institute

Pitt's campus

Schenly Carousel

Cathedral of Learning


Gina and Corey, continued

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Did I mention they choreographed their first dance? It was a complete surprise to everyone. No one even knew they were taking ballroom lessons. Here are a few photos of Gina and Corey on the dance floor.
First dance
The dip

They worked out an awesome play list with their DJ and the dance floor was the place to be at this reception.
Slow dancing
Dancing the night away

I think that is my favorite 1/40th of a second ever. I love how her dress fills the lower frame. If you love to dance, you know what it feels like in this moment.