Time to share my last wedding of 2017, and what a wedding it was! What a pleasure to photograph Christy & Ryan’s winter wedding at one of my favorite venues, the elegant Carnegie Museum. I’ve written before about why I love shooting here, and this December wedding was one to take advantage of all of those things i love.

Christy & Ryan’s timeline was not one for a novice photographer. With a 6pm ceremony start time on December 9, and a decision not to see each other before the ceremony, this meant that all bridal party photos and photos of Christy & Ryan together would be indoors. Indoor photos almost always require some additional lighting. I do enjoy a challenge, and love coming up with creative lighting, so this was fun for me. But probably not a challenge that all photographers would enjoy :)

An additional challenge of the timeline was that we would have to do all family photos, bridal party photos and bride/groom photos during cocktail hour (with the exception of a few additional bride/groom photos during dinner). While doing a first look before the ceremony makes the post-ceremony time less rushed, I will never try to talk anyone into it if they have their heart set against it. As Christy and Ryan really didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony, I was happy to support them in their decision, with the understanding that we’d have to be very focused with our time after the ceremony. Spoiler alert: it worked. I was so happy to be able to get this happy couple the photos they wanted, but more importantly, ensuring that they got to experience the day they way they wanted to, rather than trying to make their day all about convenience. (Read more about reasons to do/not do a first look here.)

Big thanks to Carnegie Museum Special Events staff Tori and Sue, DJ Eric Schiemer, my second shooter Jorge Santiago, and most importantly Christy, Ryan, their bridal party and families for working so hard and being generously fabulous and making this all come together.

Joy and Mary Beth of Beauty by Joy did such a great job with Christy’s makeup. The women had their hair done at Salon Nanette. Christy’s elegant low updo was perfect, and both hair and makeup still looked flawless during the very last song at the reception.

As for flowers… Gidas did an extraordinary job with the light blue and white color palette, bringing winter into the stunning, majestic Music Hall Foyer. I’ll share more details in a future post.

Enjoy some of my favorites. And I have to begin with this photo of Mary Lou, Christy’s mom, as she got an early sneak peek at the reception room. Loved this moment.


Speechless Mother of the Bride gets a sneak peek at her daughter's reception room

Wedding Dress Hanging in the Founders Room at the Carnegie Museum Founders Room

Bride Getting Ready in Founders Room at Carnegie Museum of Art

Groom Portrait in the Hall of Architecture

Bride Getting Ready in the Founders Room at the Carnegie Museum

Classic Bridal Portrait in the Carnegie Museum Founders Room

Classic Bridal Portrait in the Carnegie Museum Founders Room

Beautiful photo of Bride and her father about to walk into wedding ceremony at the Hall of Sculpture Carnegie Museum

Groom Waiting for his bride

Wedding Processional with Beautiful Bride and her Father at Hall of Sculpture Carnegie Museum Pittsburgh

Bride and Groom at Hall of Sculpture Wedding Ceremony

Parents of the Bride during Hall of Sculpture Wedding Ceremony

Mother of the Groom During Ceremony with Gold Chiavari Chairs

Bride and Groom Exchange Rings at their Hall of Sculpture Wedding Ceremony

Bride and Groom Exiting their Wedding Ceremony

Bridal Party at the Carnegie Museum Grand Staircase

Elegant Wedding Portrait at the Carnegie Museum Pittsburgh, Bride in Justin Alexander Gown and Groom in Gray Suit

Bride and Groom Dancing in the Hall of Architecture at the Carnegie Museum at Christmastime

Bride and Groom in front of Christmas lights

Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait in the Carnegie Museum Hall of Architecture
I’ll post more detail photos separately, but here’s one to give you an idea of the reception room. WOW!
The stunning Carnegie Music Hall Foyer Wedding Reception with Blue Uplighting and Light Blue Linens
I love the drama of receptions at the Music Hall Foyer, with guests watching from above as the bride and groom come in for their first dance.
Bride and Groom Reception Introduction at the Carnegie Museum

Bride and Groom First Dance at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer Pittsburgh

Bride and Groom First Dance at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer Pittsburgh
Cindy’s father, David, gave what I’d describe as the least predictable speech I’d ever heard. Equal parts funny, moving and unexpected. Really glad that Christy and David had a videographer to capture this!
Hilarious Father of the Bride Speech at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer Pittsburgh

Best man toasts his brother the groom

Matron of Honor gives a toast to her sister the bride

Bride and Groom cut wedding cake by Culinaire Catering

Father Daughter Dance at Carnegie Music Hall Foyer Wedding

Mother Son Dance at Carnegie Museum Wedding

Mother Son Dance at Carnegie Museum Wedding
Always a pleasure to work with my friend Eric Schiemer!


Winter Wedding at the Elegant Carnegie Music Hall Foyer with Blue Uplighting

Bridesmaids in light blue dresses dancing at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer

Bride Dances with her Friend at the Carnegie Music Hall foyer

Guests Dancing at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer

Bride and Groom Dancing at their Carnegie Music Hall Foyer Reception

DJ Eric Schiemer gets a fist bump from a grateful guest
I got a few raised eyebrows from catering staff when I sprinted up the stairs to the balcony to get this photo from above of the last song. Worth it!  
Last Dance at Carnegie Music Hall Foyer Wedding Reception DJ Eric Schiemer

Congratulations, Christy and Ryan! Hope you are enjoying sunny Bora Bora.
Bride and Groom Hug at the end of their wedding reception at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer

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The Vendor Team