Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer | Christina Montemurro

The week before an outdoor wedding can be riddled with anxiety. What’s the forecast say? Will it rain? What’s the contingency plan? Has the forecast changed since I checked it 12 minutes ago?

Debbie & Chris lucked out. While weather can change in an instant, once I looked outside Saturday morning, I knew Debbie & Chris were going to have a perfect day for their wedding at the Mansion at Maple Heights in Shadyside.

Here comes the bride!You wouldn’t think that a round of push-ups would be a pre-wedding activity, but that’s what bride Ashley did too, just a few weeks ago. Looks like push-ups for brides are all the rage! Photo by my assistant, Jennifer Stein.This is Mary, one of the lovely sisters of the groom. Groom Chris has two brothers and two sisters. I have to wonder if these siblings ever squabbled. I think this is the closest set of siblings I’ve ever seen! Just behind Mary is makeup artist Jen Palermo, who did a fabulous job with everyone’s makeup.

I looooooved Debbie’s dress. It was so light and airy, perfect for a hot July day. When I picked it up, it felt almost weightless.Meanwhile, upstairs… Chris was getting ready too.

First look time! Debbie and Chris chose to see each other before the ceremony. They got to have a few minutes all by themselves before heading off for photos. Next photo by Jennifer.

True love. Photo by Jennifer.We had less time than we expected for pre-ceremony pictures, but sill plenty of time for some portraits of Debbie and Chris at Mellon Park. I don’t think they minded being along together.Swept off her feet!Then back for the ceremony, set up outside, behind the Mansion.There were two toasts, one by each of Chris’s brothers. I hope that as my two boys grow up, they are as close as these brothers!Beautiful cake by Oakmont Bakery.

Weddings are so unpredictable. Debbie & Chris had planned to dance inside in the Mansion’s foyer. But it was such a beautiful summer night! After dinner, guests moved outside to enjoy the fresh air. DJ Steve of Eventures mentioned to me how nice it would be to set up outside instead. I thought it would take too long to move all his equipment. I have to commend Steve for being willing and able to make the switch. The Mansion at Maple Heights staff pitched in too, helping Steve carrying everything outside so that the move went as quickly as possible.

While that was going on, Debbie & Chris took a few minutes for a few more portraits.

First dance, “Better Together” by Jack Johnson.

Joining them on the dance floor is their flower girl, Sage. Nice shoes, Sage!Debbie & Chris, congratulations! Thank you so much for including me in your celebration. I had such a great time getting to know you and your families. Have a great time in Mexico!

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The Credits

Reception Venue: The Mansion at Maple Heights

Caterer: La Creme

DJ: Steve, Eventures

Florist: DesignSpace

Debbie’s dress: David’s Bridal

Cake: Oakmont Bakery

Hair: Nikki James

Makeup: Jen Palermo

Congratulations Trisha and Eric! You both looked perfect at your wedding on Saturday. Here are some of my favorites from the day.

Check out Trisha’s cute shoes!

Trisha’s dad beamed all day, so proud and happy for his second daughter to be married. Older sister Shelly, here helping him with his tie, was married a year and a half ago, so the whole family were old pros at this getting ready business.

Trisha’s bouquet featured hydrangeas. There were lots of them everywhere – so pretty for June.

After the ceremony, the bridal party traveled in a decked out limo bus. To my amazement, Trisha managed to stand in the limo while her skilled pit crew of bridesmaids bustled her dress. I thought I’d add a little in-camera radial blur by using a slow shutter speed and spinning the camera. Fun!

Trisha & Eric’s wedding reception was held at the picturesque South Hills Country Club.

Photo by Randi.

Wedding days are always exciting. On Saturday, I had an extra treat: my second shooter for the day was none other than the fun, spirited, talented and tall Randi Voss. Not only is Randi a fabulous photographer, but she’s also a great friend, and I was glad to have the opportunity to work together again. And I definitely appreciated all her help carrying light stands and bags and cameras. We sure bring a lot of stuff, and amazingly, we do use almost all of it.

This photo by Randi.  The hydrangea centerpieces were gorgeous and coordinated so nicely with the blue ribbons on the chair covers.

I love cake photos.

Eric’s brother, Best Man Paul, told a great story from their childhood. That’s their mom in the blue, very amused.

That cake above looked fabulous, but that wasn’t it for desserts. A cookie table, of course. I managed some restraint and only had one, an iced sugar cookie. Delicious!

There was also a dessert table full of beautiful cakes and pies like this one.

“Just the Way You Are” – Billy Joel

Lots of dancing, with music supplied by DJ Les Holliday.

I noticed that the sun was setting over the golf course and suggested to Trisha and Eric that we step outside for a few minutes for a few more portraits. I highly recommend to brides and grooms taking a few minutes to do this! As the night goes on, you’ll feel more relaxed, and in the summer, this beautiful evening light comes late in the evening.

Last two shots by Randi.

Trisha and Eric – I hope you have a wonderful week in Mexico!

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The Credits

Ceremony: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish

Reception: South Hills Country Club

Florist: Donati’s

Bride and Bridesmaids’ Gowns: David’s Bridal

Cake and desserts: Signature Desserts

DJ: Les Holliday