In One Word: Intentional

From the moment I met them over video call, I knew that Layla and Joe were two of the most intentional people I've met. Despite Joe being from Cleveland and Layla's family having moved to Florida, it was important to both of them to be married in Pittsburgh so that as much of their family could attend as possible. They walked me through their plans for the day - having the priest from their parish in Boston preside over the sacrament, choosing The National Aviary for their reception and how their bridal party was what some might call "unbalanced" but was the perfect way to include their siblings in the day.

Quick Change of Plans

What’s a wedding day without a change of plans? Initially we were going to take photos at a public park across the street. Little did we know there was a county fair going on at the same time! A county fair was not the vibe we were going for, so we quickly had to change courses.

No one likes their plans to go awry, especially on their wedding day, but we were able to get some stunning photos of the bridal party in front of the rectory. In these moments it’s my job to make that split second decision to make sure that the couple can still have their beautiful day captured exactly how they want.

Those Quiet Moments

Away from prying eyes and away from the stress of the day, Joe stood on the steps of the rectory and waited to see his soon-to-be wife. He was moved to tears at the sight of Layla (and who wouldn’t be? She was absolutely gorgeous!). It was so obvious in that moment the intentionality and love these two people have for each other.

The bridal party joined the couple for some cute (and mostly silly) photos that I think really captured their enthusiasm and joy. When a bridal party is excited to get in there and have fun, all I have to do is stand back and capture the moment.

When the bridal party photos were done, Layla and Joe stepped away to enjoy one last peaceful moment together. During marriage prep, they wrote letters to each other, and it was at this time that they chose to read them. I took a few photos and then stepped away to give Layla and Joe the space they needed to read those letters and just be together.

Saint Peter Church of Christ Our Savior, a Dream

Just look at these gorgeous photos of this church! It was so beautiful that I actually had to stop and take a photo of the staircase in front of the stained glass that led the way up to the choir loft.

What was even more special is that the priest who officiated their marriage is from their home parish in Boston (Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also an incredibly beautiful church if you’re in the area). It was truly a testament to their love that their home priest was able to be with them through their wedding preparation and then celebrate that sacrament with them.

Into the Wilderness

Picture this: You’re at a wedding reception, strolling around with your friends after just witnessing a beautiful union between two people you love dearly, and above your head a brightly colored Blue-Fronted Amazon flies past. In a tree branch to your left sits a Barred Owl, and you almost miss it because it is so still, staring out at you from its disguise in the branches. A penguin judges you for your choice of mixed drink from behind the glass, waddling away while shaking its head. Apparently it doesn’t like Sidecars.

Would you believe me if I told you that was real? Layla and Joe were able to go in and actually feed the birds. The worker who took them in said most couples don’t take advantage of that aspect of the venue, but I wasn’t surprised that Layla and Joe did. The couple has always been excited about all things science-related, with museums being a constant date spot, and I even did their engagement photos at the Carnegie Art Museum.

The worker referred to it as “having a Disney princess moment”, and I can assure you, it absolutely was.

A Family Affair

When the whole family plays some sort of role in a wedding, you know it’s going to be good. In classic Pittsburgh fashion, the couple had a cookie table for desserts (They were homemade by ONE family friend. ONE PERSON!) Layla’s grandpa led the whole reception in prayer before dinner, her mother made a hilarious welcoming speech in which she asked Joe if he could please not call her Mrs. Nassar anymore now that he and Layla were married. Joe’s sisters were his groomswomen, and Layla’s sister helped kick off the dancing at the reception by dragging Layla with her!

It seemed like the whole family, on both sides, found some way to take part in the festivities. From start to finish family and family friends were everywhere, squeezed into as much of the event as possible.

Final Thoughts

Layla and Joe, thank you so much for trusting me with this most special day for you both. Seeing the love you share with each other, amplified by the people in your life who were there to support you, was so amazing, and I am truly honored.

And if you ever get the chance to be thoroughly judged by a couple of penguins for your choice of drinks, or feed some rare exotic birds in a cocktail dress, please take that chance.