A few days ago, I shared photos from Missy and Tim’s intimate courthouse wedding ceremony. Now it’s time for Part 2: the party!
When we discussed the plans for their celebration, Missy made it clear that they wanted a super fun party, and to not be bogged down by special events that would interfere with music and dancing. Especially since they had booked a terrific band: Velveeta from State College! I graduated from Penn State just before Velveeta had taken off in State College – too bad, because they are fantastic. Their set list included songs as varied as “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Wagon Wheel,” “Footloose,” “Tainted Love” and “Build Me Up Buttercup.” So, Missy and Tim were determined that once the party started, it wouldn’t stop for anything.
Before the party began, Missy and Tim got ready at the Fairmont Hotel and we had a little time to walk around the Market Square and PPG Plaza area for more photos. I can’t say how fun it was to have the opportunity to photograph this gorgeous couple again, just one month after their courthouse wedding! And humor abounded, with comments like “remember last time we got married, when we….”
Missy and Tim didn’t plan on a First Look. They knew that Tim would be ready first, and the plan was to join him wherever he’d wandered off to. That turned out to be PPG Plaza. So while this is most definitely not an official “First Look,” it is the moment they first saw each other all ready for their wedding celebration. What a nice way to celebrate your one month anniversary. 
PPG Winter Garden Wedding Reception Photos
On to the party! This was my first time shooting a wedding at the Winter Garden. It’s a fabulous location for a wedding. It’s spacious and has so much character. One important thing to note is that there is no air conditioning (not surprising, considering the name of the place has “winter” in it). Also, this venue is not available during the holidays. But if you’re getting married in that period of time when it’s available and it’s cool enough to make do without a/c, I’d definitely check it out!
Loved the blue floral linens by Mosaic on the sweetheart table along with the flowers by The Botanical Emporium.
Before an amazing dinner prepared by Big Burrito, Tim’s brother Kevin and Missy’s sister Mindy gave speeches. They were so good. Here’s a little story about Mindy. When Mindy, Missy and I got in the elevator at the Fairmont Hotel earlier in the day, we found it already occupied by four men from the Jacksonville Jaguars, in town to play the Steelers the following day. Mindy casually asked them if they’d come to visit the City of Champions? I was in awe of her moxie. And it didn’t surprise me that her speech didn’t pull any punches with its humor or sincerity. Likewise, Kevin didn’t hesitate to detail Tim’s childhood love for his stamp collection, while also making it clear how much his brother means to him.
We snuck out for a few minutes during dinner for a night photo only to get a little surprise. Tim is a city firefighter, and right outside the Winter Garden were several of his buddies who had brought over a fire truck.
Just like Missy and Tim didn’t plan a First Look, they also decided to skip a First Dance. But I saw those two newlyweds on the dance floor during dinner! So while this is not a First Dance, it was the first dance of the evening.
Then… party time! Missy and Tim did indeed party all night long. Here are my favorites from the party.
Missy and Tim, congratulations – again! Let me know what you’re doing November 7, ok?
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The Credits
Venue: PPG Winter Garden
Band: Velveeta
Caterer: Big Burrito
Florist: Botanical Emporium