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

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Christina Montemurro Photography is a top-rated photography studio specializing in special events, including weddings and bar mitzvahs, serving the greater Pittsburgh area. Christina’s focus is on creating genuine, heartfelt, relaxed images, with extraordinary attention to detail and customer service. Contact Christina now to check availability for your engagement session, wedding, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. Christina has been rated among top Pittsburgh photographers. You can read reviews by Christina’s past brides and grooms here and here.