In typical Sara fashion, I'm writing this blog post moths late but better late than never, right? I met Bri back in our college days and we ended up sharing some mutual friends together. Fast forward a few years, Bri got engaged to this quiet, sweet guy Alex and when she asked me to photograph their special day, I couldn't pass it up.


I always knew Bri as the stylish friend so I knew this wedding was going to be a good one! Us photographers love when a wedding has a lot of details that are put on display in all of their glory. Not only that but Bri is so effortlessly beautiful that I just knew we were going to capture some fire photos! If you ask Bri, she would probably tell you I'm crazy and constantly tell her that she should be a model for one of those skincare commercials...she is literally flawless!


Bri and her girls began their wedding day preparations at Hotel Monaco. I had never been here before but I did know that it was one of the more popular hotels in downtown Pittsburgh so I went into the morning with a lot of ideas. The natural lighting from the huge windows made all of the difference especially with the flat lay photos. So much, that these detail photos might be some of my personal favorites. Bri is actually an event planner herself so she knew all about what was need to make her photos pop! Two things that I learned from Bri's wedding that I like to suggest to all of my brides are to ask your florist for extra loose flowers and to try your best to get ready in a location with large windows and lots of natural light.


After all of the morning prep was complete, we headed over to the Energy and Innovation Center to photograph all of the decor and details along with Bri and Alex's first look on the roof top. I love being the third wheel during this part of the day, the reasons are self explanatory.


Following their first look, we went inside to the colorful hallways of the venue to photograph the bridal party. The black attire provided contrast against the vibrant colors throughout the halls and let me tell you, this bridal party knew how to work it for the camera.


Next, we had the best part of the day...saying "I do". Bri and Alex had a smaller ceremony due to COVID but the room was still filled with as much love as a 200 person wedding. Following their ceremony, were family photos and cocktail hour. After that, the party began in the infamous, industrial ballroom. I was so excited to photograph these two in this space. The floor-to-ceiling windows were so magical especially during their first dance. The sun was beginning to set and the golden glow was lighting up the room so beautifully. Although the sun began to set quick so we went up to the roof top for just a few portraits during sunset. After that, the real party began.


Venue: Energy and Innovation Center | Event Planning: A&L Events | Dress: Blanc de Blanc Bridal | Tuxedo: The Black Tux | Florist: Blossoms by Jillian | Makeup: Beat by Nesh | Catering: Kimberley Ashlee Catering | Hotel: Kimpton Hotel Monaco | Band: Bill Henry Band