You could hear a distinct pop as Maren’s dad uncorked the vintage Dom Pérignon before the ceremony. Glasses were passed around, and good luck cheers were raised. Maren and Chris were about to exchange vows and celebration libations were in order. Any family tradition that involves Dom Pérignon is ok in my book and so was everything else that these two awesome families did. I try to portray on my website that I am not one of those photographers that hides in the background all day. No, you wont see me in the middle of the dance floor doing Psy’s favorite dance moves (trust me you don’t want to), but you will catch me chatting with people. I really enjoy getting to know each couple’s family and friends and in my mind it is another way to get to know the couple better. I got to talk to Maren’s dad, Gary, about his hockey rink in Maryland, play with the adorable flower girl, Poppy, as she discovered how fun serving tongs could be, and even chatted with guests during the reception about mud runs, toddlers, and new business ventures. I believe it’s a way to make everyone feel more comfortable in front of the camera, which is why I never turn down a conversation when someone approaches me. I know it’s a little different than most photographers, but hey I am a little bit different myself.
If you couldn’t tell from the first part of this post, Maren and Chris have a tight knit group that know how to have a good time at a wedding. Many of their guests came all the way from Canada just to celebrate. It was great to see Bella Sera transformed from an intimate ceremony location full of candles and rose petals to a rocking dance floor full of Canadians and Pittsburghers. A big thanks goes out to Maren and Chris for inviting me to their special day! I wish you two nothing but the best in your new life together 🙂
Ceremony Location: Bella Sera Event Center
Reception Venue: Bella Sera Event Center
Makeup Artist: Brittney Morgan & Kaytee Bees from MAC Cosmetics
Cake By: Signature Desserts
Hair: Vans in Sewickley
Flowers: Hens and Chicks
Event Design: Shayne Souleret
Dress By: Saison Blanche from Bridal Beginnings
Lighting: Andy Shick
DJ: Kevin Redford
Wow! This is awesome. Not only a great photographer, but a writer too! You captured the event so well!
Those pictures and your commentary and how you captured the entire day is absolutely awesome,
Such a tremendously professional job. Thank you. Gw
Ryan, you seriously rock!
Such Amazing photos! Thanks Ryan for making us all look so good. You did a great job! You are a beautiful bride Maren..
Gotta love the Dom! Hope it hit the spot! Cingratulations to Maren and Chris from the Collins’!
Thanks everyone! You were all terrific, and made the night fantastic!