I’m so glad November is shaping up to be an increasingly popular wedding month. If we judge on Alaena and Matt’s wedding this past Saturday, November has everything going for it. Clear sunny skies without a hint of rain, cool temperatures and pretty leaves. My ideal kind of day.

You can offer different theories about what brought Alaena and Matt together. Fate? Luck? Chance? All three? While attending the University of Pittsburgh, Alaena and Matt both decided to participate in Greek Sing. And then… they were partnered together. They hit it off right away and were so happy together. Briefly. Then, Matt graduated, and moved to Baltimore for a job. While this can’t be a shocking turn of events for a wedding blog post, I am happy to report that when Alaena graduated two years later, she followed Matt to Baltimore, and they’ve been there ever since, tolerating the endless string of questions asking whether Baltimore is really like what you see on The Wire.

Their wedding day began at the recently opened Homewood Suites in the Strip District, where Matt got ready with his groomsmen, and Alaena and her bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done by Sara of Caviar and Curls. With darkness falling so early now, and a 5:30 ceremony start time, Alaena & Matt opted for a first look in the Strip District. Molly’s Trolleys shuttled us for a quick stop at Mount Washington before heading in to Oakland for photos around the Cathedral of Learning.

This was my first time shooting a nighttime ceremony at Heinz Chapel, and it looked beautiful all lit up. After a few photos outside after the ceremony, it was reception time at the Heinz History Center. Alaena & Matt’s wedding was held on the 5th floor in the Mueller Center. It looked amazing! Hepatica did a fantastic job realizing Alaena’s “winter rustic” vision, and the bistro lights by E.F. Lighting were an excellent addition. DJ Dean from the Pittsburgh DJ Company provided the entertainment and kept everything running smoothly, Williams Wedding Video captured video all day… and then… there was a special guest!

A very special thanks to Nicki Dembski for being my second shooter.

In honor of Matt’s Philadelphia family, parasols were distributed for a festive, upbeat Mummers song.

And now for our very special guest!

Congratulations, Alaena & Matt! Hope you’re on the honeymoon of your dreams.

The Credits

Ceremony Venue: Heinz Chapel

Reception Venue: Heinz History Center

Florist: Hepatica

Hair & Makeup: Caviar & Curls

Caterer: Common Plea

DJ: Dean, Pittsburgh DJ Company

Videographer: Williams Wedding Films

Alaena’s Dress: Justin Alexander, from Amanda Ritchey in Baltimore

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Transportation: Molly’s Trolleys

Lighting: EF Lighting

Photobooth: Shutterbooth