Out of all of the guests at Cindy and Mike’s wedding, I’m pretty sure that I had the shortest drive to get there. Cindy and Mike live in Chicago, and most of their family lives in Ohio and West Virginia. They selflessly chose to have their wedding in Pittsburgh as it was the most central location for everyone. Family was a priority to them – when we first talked, Cindy told me, “we don’t really want to think of it as a big fancy wedding. It’s more like a family reunion happening on the day we say our vows.” They kept things simple, skipping common traditions like a bridal party or wedding cake. I love it when couples do what works best for them! This was a wonderful day from start to finish, with warm, gracious family, lots of smiles and a great party at the Heinz History Center with entertainment by Jeremy Ganss.

Thanks so much to Erica Dietz for shooting with me!

I began the day with Cindy as she got ready at Homewood Suites in the Strip District.

 

Wedding dress detail Heirloom ring and white bouquet Silhouetted bride gets her veil on at Homewood Suites Pittsburgh Mother of the bride watching her daughter get ready for her wedding Happy bride getting ready for her wedding Happy bride with white bouquet before her wedding at Homewood Suites Pittsburgh Wedding_-6

Cindy and Mike’s ceremony was at Saint Peter Parish in the North Side.

Excited Groom before his Wedding Love this photo Erica captured as Cindy walked into the church with her dad!

Bride and her father walking into the church for her wedding atSaint Peter Parish Pittsburgh Groom Waiting for his Bride to come down the aisle Bride Walking down the aisle with her father at aint Peter Parish Pittsburgh Wedding Groom Smiling at Bride at Saint Peter Parish Pittsburgh Wedding Bride and Groom saying vows at Saint Peter Parish Pittsburgh Bride and Groom saying vows at Saint Peter Parish Pittsburgh Summer Wedding at Saint Peter Parish Pittsburgh Mother of the Groom at Saint Peter Parish in Pittsburgh AHappy Bride and Groom walking down the aisle after their wedding at Saint Peter in Pittsburgh After the ceremony, we walked over to Allegheny Commons Park for a few portraits. Bride and Groom in Allegheny Commons Pittsburgh Wedding-2Beautiful White Rose BouquetCindy and Mike devoted a few minutes to some portraits inside the Heinz History Center too. I never get tired of shooting at this wonderful venue!

Bride and Groom Portrait at Heinz History Center   Bride and Groom Portrait at Heinz History Center

You can’t pass up a picture with Mario, if the opportunity presents itself. Bride and Groom with Mario Lemieux Statue and Stanley Cup atHeinz History Center Pittsburgh

Let us briefly pause to admire this amazing charcuterie station created by the amazing staff of Common Plea catering. So pretty! Mmmm, bread.
Charcuterie Station by Common Plea Catering Heinz History Center
Loved this idea: each table featured the name of year that was significant to Cindy and Mike and their families. I learned that I share my anniversary with Mike’s parents.

Reception table numbers: significant years and pictures Groom Speech at Wedding Groom Speech at Wedding Father of the Bride Speech at Mueller Center Heinz History Center

After Neil, Cindy’s dad, began his second anecdote about Cindy’s childhood, she reminded him, “it’s not a roast!”Bride listening to her father's speech atHeinz History Center Pittsburgh Bride and Groom with Champagne Flutes Bride and Groom First Dance Silhouette Bride and Groom First Dance Mini Chocolate Mousse Desserts by ommon Plea Catering Heinz History Center-2 Father Daughter Dance at reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center Mother Son Dance at reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center Cute kids dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center

Guests dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center

You always know you’re in for a good party when Jeremy Ganss is on the job. DJ Jeremy Ganss at Heinz History Center Happy bride dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center Guests dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center Guests dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center Happy bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center  Guests dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center Bride hugs her mother at her wedding at Heinz History Center Happy bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller Center Happy bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception at the Heinz History Center Mueller CenterCongratulations Cindy and Mike! What a pleasure to take part in this celebration.


The Credits

Reception Venue: Heinz History Center

Caterer: Common Plea Catering

DJ: Jeremy Ganss.

Florist: Steve Duffield, Winter Floral and Antiques

Hair: MCN Salon

Makeup: Bailey Rae Beauty