May 21, 2011. The world didn’t end. The sun came out! And Olivia and Ricky got married at Armstrong Farms – Westminster Preserve. What a perfect setting for a wedding on a perfect day – the first in a long time where there was never any threat of rain.

Westminster Preserve has two separate cottages, so the bride and groom can remain hidden from each other if they don’t want to see each other before the wedding. So Olivia was in the farmhouse getting ready… … while Ricky relaxed not too far away on the back deck of his little cottage. Photo by my second photographer (and Syncopated Pictures teammate) Nicki Dembski. Olivia’s sister Jennifer was a master at lacing up Olivia’s dress. It looks so perfect and even! Ring bearer Jonathon was a little unsure of this whole ceremony business. But he did fulfill his delivery duty… and then topped it all with a high five for Ricky. Outdoor weddings are nerve-wracking for the months preceding the big day, but they are also so very amazing when they work out. Here Olivia and Ricky’s mothers start the sand ceremony by pouring two different colors of sand into a single container. Just married!At most weddings, we do formal family pictures immediately following the ceremony. We switched that up a little this time. Since the guests were eager for a little refreshment, instead we started with some pictures of Olivia and Ricky.  This was a great idea because they were so very happy to finally be together after not seeing each other all day! Such genuine smiles and affection all around. This was just before the first dance.

After dinner in the tent, guests moved into the barn for Olivia & Ricky’s first dance. Olivia and her sister, Jennifer. Photo by Nicki.

Last one: the barn at night.

Congratulations Olivia and Ricky! You two have waited a long long long time for this and I’m so happy to have been there for your big day. I hope you have a wonderful, fabulous honeymoon. Take an extra turn on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey for me.

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The Credits

Reception Venue:
Armstrong Farms – Westminster Preserve

Flowers: Amy Raabe

Olivia’s Dress: Alfred Angelo

Olivia’s Hair: Salon at Saxonburg

DJ: Lea Guarino

Cake: Oakmont Bakery

Caterer: Carson’s Premier Catering

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Christina Montemurro Photography is a top-rated photography studio specializing in special events, including weddings and bar mitzvahs, serving the greater Pittsburgh area. Christina’s focus is on creating genuine, heartfelt, relaxed images, with extraordinary attention to detail and customer service. Contact Christina now to check availability for your engagement session, wedding, bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah. Christina has been rated among top Pittsburgh photographers. You can read reviews by Christina’s past brides and grooms here and here.