I had the honor and privilege of ending my 2023 season with Peyton and Hyok’s late November wedding at The National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side. The couple’s vision for the day was centered around spending the most quality time possible with not only each other, but also the intimate assembly of friends and family they invited from near and far. Their ceremony at First Unitarian Church in Shadyside was full of meaning and intention, and the love shared between everyone in the room was palpable.

When I chatted with Peyton about what she was looking for in her wedding photos, she mentioned that she wanted a mix of traditional and funky, colorful wedding portraits. Before the ceremony in Shadyside, we stopped at the Mellon Institute in Oakland, known especially well in the photography community for the popular grandeur of its columns. We captured most of the couple’s more formal wedding portraits here. I loved the way that the neutral, clean-slate backdrop allowed for Peyton’s white dress and colorful bouquet to really stand out.

Following the ceremony, we made a quick ten-minute pit stop at the vibrant and whimisical Randyland of Pittsburgh’s Mexican War Streets. We even chatted with Randy himself who was kind and generous enough to allow us to snap a few quick photos with that fun and playful feel Peyton was looking for.

The night ended in the garden room at The National Aviary where Yinz Getting Married really worked their magic to bring together a vibrant and elegant jewel-toned wedding reception with deep, rich reds and soft, blush pinks. The floral installations from Finch & The Sprout–especially the one that looked as if it were always a part of the fireplace–absolutely blew me away. The scene quickly became romantic and ambient among the setting November sun.

Peyton and Hyok were a dream to work with and the experience was super relaxed and organized thanks to planning and coordination from Meg and her team at Yinz Getting Married. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my Pittsburgh wedding photography season and you’ll just have to keep scrolling to see the results for yourself.

Vendors:
Planning & Coordination: Yinz Getting Married
Getting Ready Space: The Renaissance Hotel Pittsburgh
Wedding Ceremony: First Unitarian Church
Reception: The National Aviary
Florals: Finch & The Sprout
Hair: Brooke Rockwell Hair Design
Makeup: Pittsburgh Makeup by Julie Marckisotto
Dress: Bridal Elegance
Catering: Atria’s
Cake: Bethel Bakery
DJ: Andy Booth Productions
Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental
Invitations and Signage: Minted.
Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth

View more real wedding blog posts here.