As usual, I started with Christine and her bridesmaids getting ready.    Christine’s makeup by Greg from Lightko Studios

They elected to see each other before the wedding in a first look meeting.  Somehow, we found the one tree in Pittsburgh with leaves still on it–November 13th!!

Those beautiful flowers by Reed & Petals Florist

After a few photos alone, the bridal party joined us for some shots.  I’d like to thank all of them for their patience as I had lost my voice due to a recent cold.  Ryan did a great job of getting everyone together.

Sure, I just posted one of these last week, but photos in the Racer are so much fun!  This one has the added bonus of adorable children who were really into the whole idea of pretending to be on a roller coaster ride.

I don’t often include portraits such as this one, but Shawn is a volunteer fireman and the fire truck was so cool looking.

Onto the ceremony.

This talented musician played and sang an acoustic version of “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin.  It was amazing!

Mr & Mrs!

The toasts were very emotional……

And hilarious!

It was a flower girl party!  Four of their nieces were in the bridal party.  They had a great time dancing.

The last dance…

Congratulations, Christine and Shawn!  I hope that you have a great time on your honeymoon!!!!

I began my day photographing Jen and her bridesmaids and “Men of Honor” downstairs in Heinz Chapel.  Ryan was upstairs and got this fantastic shot of the ring bearer handing out programs.  The light from the door lit his face perfectly.

There are  many restrictions about where the photographers can go in Heinz Chapel.  There are no restrictions on what you can do in the balcony.  Here, Ryan is shooting through his own lens while Jen and Marc are at the altar.

Exchanging the rings

And here they are, Mr and Mrs!!!

How exciting to find this big tree full of bright red leaves on November 6th!

Between the ceremony and reception, the bridal party took their giant limo bus to Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh’s South Side.   Can you see Jen’s dress in the photo?

Jen looks beautiful!  And you can tell she really enjoyed her time on her wedding day.

Marc looks pretty great too.

A jagerbomb for a few of the groomsmen…..

And after a quick, windy stop on the North Shore for a few photos, we arrived at the Heinz History Center.  What a fun group of guys!

The brides’ side had a much more convincing coaster ride.  WooooohooooOO!!!!!

Just before cocktail hour, the groomsmen composed this original song called “Marc and Jen.” 

After that performance, Jen and Marc posed for a few more photos in the 6th floor lobby.

For their first dance, one of the groomsmen sang and played piano.  He was SOOO good!

And then onto the killer dance party.

What a beautiful room!

Go Jen!

This time, all of the wedding guests were treated to the final version of the original song “Marc and Jen.”

The lyrics were “Marc and Jen.  Marc and Jen.  MARC AND JEN!!  Marc and Jen.  marc and jen (whispered). Marc and Jen.”  It was amazing and I’m glad that all of their guests got to hear it.

Marc and Jen, congratulations on your awesome wedding day!

This summer, Ryan and I got to visit Erin in Alaska while Michael was in Iraq.  We had a great time, but wished Michael would have been there to share it with us.

How appropriate that their normal life in Alaska would lead to a winter wonderland wedding at Wisp Resort in McHenry, Maryland.  Below is Erin’s absolutely fabulous button bouquet.  Her favorite is the snowflake pin on the front.

Erin was brave enough to let me take her dress outside.  It wasn’t snowing at the time, but it was super windy. You should have seen me jumping to get her dress up here.  Definitely worth being cold.

Ryan’s shot of Michael getting dressed.

Oh yea, it’s cold and windy.  But I guess it’s a balmy 30 degrees if you spend most of days with frost inside of your closet.

Beautiful light!

Gary Paull hugging his future son-in-law.

So this was their “second kiss.”  Michael was so excited that he kissed Erin right after putting on her ring.  You can see more of this adorable blooper in the slideshow below.

Passion and humor!

Since Erin and Michael love to travel, and already their relationship has taken them all over the world, their table makers were the words for “Love” in different languages.  Of course they were seated at the Thai table.

Yummy cupcakes!

First dance

There were so many awesome dancers all night!

Dancing to “All the single ladies.”  She got it pretty close!

My favorite, air guitar.  Even better that she is wearing a men’s tie with her cute dress.

The bride and the best man share a dance.

And this whole weekend was really a winter wonderland!

I had such a great time and was honored to be able to share this wedding with great friends that I love so much!

Still can’t believe this November weather.

Jill holding a photo of her mom preparing for her own wedding.  We took a similar photo with Jill standing in front of this same dresser that belonged to her grandmother.

Jill and Todd to the altar!

We had nearly two hours between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the cocktail hour, so we made three stops for photographs.  The first stop was at the West End Overlook.  Photo by Christina Montemurro.

Sometimes it’s a little hard to get used to posing for the camera.  Obviously Todd isn’t feeling this arm grab, and Jill finds this hilarious!

Back to the limo, photo by Christina.

After a quick stop at the Mellon Institute, we stopped near PNC Park for this nighttime photo.  The time was only 5:20pm and it was already dark!

Their reception was held at the wonderful Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.  Here is Jill and Todd’s Entry into the reception.

Jill cutting a rug with her mom to the wonderful band, Nightlife.

And by herself!  She was such a great dancer! Video during the ceremony and reception by Gordon and Barb Schu.

Todd polkas with one of the groomsmen.

Another spectacular November wedding!  Congratulations Jill and Todd!  Have a great honeymoon!

Jessi’s awesome dress.

Jessi putting on her beautiful dress.  I love Keagan on the phone.

Real laughs

Jessi and Benjamin saw each other at a private meeting before the wedding.  They got to spend a few moments alone.  Truly a rare occasion on a wedding day.  Once they had their private moments, we took a TON of photos with the two of them together.

Three photos of Jessi by Christina Montemurro.  Thanks for your help, Christina!

It was a super special time. Jessi cried at the first look meeting and Benjamin cried in the church.

How did they get this gorgeous day in November?

Beautiful

The bridal party met us at Washington and Jefferson’s campus for some group photos around the courthouse.

The famous triple kiss for this new family. Image by Christina.

You were right, Benjamin, you should have worn pink socks.  Because Jessi is totally stealing the show with those shoes and hot pink petticoat.

There it is!

If you check out the engagement photos, this is how they say “I love you” without words.

Jessi still married Benjamin even though he is a Flyers fan.  At least she is the Captain.

First Dance.  Excellent entertainment by DJ Andy Hutelmyer.

After about 10 seconds of dancing alone, they were joined by their son, Keagan.  It was so special.

More from Jessi and Benjamin…They had these jerseys made for their engagement session, but we had to keep them a secret for the wedding.  Secret’s out!

Wedding date: November 14, 2009.

Jessi is “Captain” and Benjamin “Assistant Captain.”

Penalty on Jessi!

Love this too.

Congratulations Jessi and Benjamin!!!