Being a wedding photographer has so many advantages. I get to travel to different places, meet new people, and of course, capture the sweetest moments that unfold during a wedding day. I always find it emotional when the bride walks down the aisle, or when the couple exchanges their heartfelt vows. These moments never get old, and it’s heart-warming to witness them time and again. I recently photographed Mary Kate and Ian’s wedding at The Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh, which was full of love, laughter, and so many beautiful moments. From getting ready and ceremony, to their special dances and cake cutting, everything was planned to perfection.
Meet The Couple
I had the pleasure of hearing Mary Kate and Ian’s love story before their wedding day. They met at a party in 2015 and went on a date at Point State Park a few nights later. However, after some time they decided the timing wasn’t right, as they were going to different colleges at the time. The following year, in the summer of 2016, Mary Kate was transferring to Duquesne and remembered that Ian said he was too. They reconnected and the rest was history!
Talking about their proposal, Mary Kate told me that Ian took her back to The Point where they had their first date and asked her to marry him there. It’s always so romantic to hear a couple getting engaged in the same very spot where they found love, and Ian made sure their new milestone was memorable. Describing themselves as fun and easy-going, Ian and Mary Kate are all about living life. They said, “ We don’t take life too seriously, but we are there for each other when life does get serious. We always describe ourselves as a team!”.
Mary Kate And Ian’s Wedding At The Pittsburgh Renaissance Hotel
Mary Kate and Ian had a beautiful wedding at The Pittsburgh Renaissance Hotel. The historic hotel is among the top Pittsburgh wedding venues, and the chic atmosphere of the luxurious hotel adds a distinct ambiance to any event. The venue has wedding planners certified by Marriott, who help brides and grooms with everything – from budgeting to finding a florist, band, photographer, and more, they do it all. And Mary Kate and Ian’s wedding planning was indeed fantastic.
It was finally the day that Mary Kate and Ian had been dreaming about. They were both getting ready in separate rooms with their closest loved ones by their side. Mary Kate’s bridesmaids helped her as she got into her wedding dress, and her mother was also there making sure that all the final touches were in place. Ian looked strikingly handsome in his bow tie as his mother helped him put on his boutonniere. To make things special, Mary Kate and Ian sent each other letters before their wedding, and the reactions were priceless! Ian became teary-eyed as he read the letter, while Mary Kate had the biggest smile on her face. It was such a special moment to photograph.
After Mary Kate got dressed, she had a first look with her father on the hotel rooftop. Mary Kate, eagerly anticipating him seeing her, walked slowly forward, locking eyes with him. His proud tears and smile said it all. Mary Kate looked like a princess in her gorgeous wedding dress, and he was so happy to be sharing this father-daughter moment with her, and the photos tell the story.
Ian and Mary Kate’s wedding ceremony took place inside the hotel. The ceremony room had a dramatic dome-shaped ceiling, and the royal staircase added to the majestic charm of their wedding day. The bridesmaids wore elegant emerald green dresses and held bouquets of white flowers, while the groomsmen wore tuxedos and stood tall. Ian got emotional as he saw Mary Kate walking down the aisle. The two of them were surrounded with so much love as they said their “I do’s.” It was a perfect ceremony for a perfect couple.
After the ceremony, we went on the hotel’s terrace for a few “just married” portraits! Mary Kate and Ian were a delight to photograph! They were so relaxed in front of the camera, and Ian even twirled Mary Kate around a few times. They shared sweet kisses and laughed together between shots. It was clear that they were truly in love, and I feel so lucky to have been able to capture their love story.
For their reception, Ian and Mary Kate had a two-tier cake, decorated with flowers that matched Mary Kate’s bouquet. The guest tables were adorned with fine cutlery, flowers, and candles, creating an elegant ambiance. Mary Kate and Ian also arranged for a delicious spread of cookies, chocolate tarts, and sugar-coated biscuits – A full sweet treat table! The evening carried on as Ian and Mary Kate had their first dance as husband and wife. The guests danced and laughed, celebrating the couple’s new beginning. And the rest of the night was just as magical.
Celebrate Love With Kayla Bri Photography
Mary Kate and Ian, you were a joy to work with and I am so honored to have captured these memories on your special day. Thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer. I wish you a lifetime of fun date nights with pizzas and movies! Congratulations, once again.
If you or anyone you know is looking for a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, contact me here. In addition to weddings, I also do engagements and family sessions. For any questions, you can send me an email or call me at (352) 223-1137. To see more of my work, you can check out my Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
