Steph and Joe celebrated their wedding at the beautiful Padonia Park Club on a surprisingly warm April day – and it was just perfect! Leading up to their big day, the week was chilly and rainy, and I have to admit – I was a little worried! Even though the forecast did not call for rain, I packed my clear umbrellas just in case. But the day ended up being absolutely perfect – gorgeous sunny clear skies and temperatures in the 90’s! Steph’s incredibly sweet and helpful sister (who was also her maid of honor) carried around a portable fan for Steph and Joe, and we took some pretty frequent water breaks (for all of us!). But I was so thankful to have a hot, sunny day for Steph and Joe’s wedding. Steph and Joe had a beautiful outdoor ceremony next to a lovely lake (and a very cute but grouchy goose!) and then we moved right into family portraits – which was so fun with this nice group! Steph’s family is from England, and her extended family traveled all the way from England to be here for their big day! And Joe’s side of the family has experience with family portraits, because they just did some a few months ago at Maria and Lucas’ wedding!
I was SO excited when Steph contacted me to talk about her upcoming marriage to Joe!! Joe is Maria’s sister, and Kelsey and I photographed Maria and Lucas’ beautiful Virginia wedding last October. We LOVED working with Maria and Lucas – they are so, so sweet – and aside from their gorgeous sunny portraits, you may remember that Lucas surprised Maria with the Hokie Bird mascot at their wedding! Well now it is Steph and Joe’s turn, and these two are just as sweet!! I loved getting to know Steph and Joe through our emails leading up to the day (and Steph’s Instagram posts – they have two adorable dogs and, well, you know how much I adore dogs!). And on the wedding day, these two were so excited to be sharing their wedding vows! I’ve now had the privilege of sharing TWO weddings with this wonderful family, and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunities to get to know everyone! They are SO, SO sweet – and one of their coolest (and most popular!) traditions is the cookie table! At Maria and Lucas’ wedding and at Steph and Joe’s wedding there was a huge table filled with so many different kinds of cookies – plus cute boxes to take a snack to go! Joe’s dad came up to us while we were photographing the cookies, passed us a box, and whispered conspiratorially, “quick, pack a box – you don’t want to miss out on trying these!” So sweet! Of course we couldn’t turn down that offer! So we packed up a few cookies to take home – and oh my goodness, wow! I think this Pittsburgh tradition needs to become a tradition at all weddings!
During the reception, it was clear from the speeches by Steph’s sister, Joe’s best man, and Steph’s father that these two are very loved. And it is so wonder – Steph and Joe are such nice people. They were both so excited, easy-going, and goofy on their wedding day, and they made sure to have fun throughout the day. And then the very next day they headed off to their fun honeymoon! Right after their wedding, Steph and Joe flew to California to spend a day where Steph grew up, and then headed to beautiful Maui! They told me they planned to drive the Highway to Hana and take a helicopter tour (so cool!). And then just a few weeks after their wedding, Joe earned his doctorate degree! These two have certainly stayed busy!
Congratulations, Steph and Joe!! Kelsey and I are so happy for you two and we loved being part of your beautiful wedding day!
Steph had the most gorgeous details!
These two are the cutest sisters! Steph sister was so helpful and supportive throughout the day (and funny!)
GORGEOUS!!
I love this one!
Steph, you are an absolutely stunning bride!
Such a lovely bridal party!!
Look who it is! :) Maria and Lucas were celebrating their six month wedding anniversary on the same day as Steph and Joe’s wedding!
Ceremony time!
Another favorite!!
I love this one of Steph and Joe!
Steph, you are so beautiful!
Such a fun wedding party!
I love this one Kelsey took of the wedding party!
Steph and Joe’s wedding cake is SO pretty!
Steph and Joe gave guests playing cards as a favor, and I have to say – this might be the best favor ever! Their guests had SO much fun!
So sweet!
Not only did Steph and Joe’s wedding cake have the cutest cake topper (with their two dogs!), but it was colorful inside!
Congratulations, Steph and Joe!!
