Rachel and Chris met several years ago. At the time, both were living in Pittsburgh, and they found each other through their church in Oakland. Not long after, Chris was offered a job in the southwest, so they’ve spent their relationship traveling back and forth to visit each other. They know the Pittsburgh airport all too well! This provided the inspiration for the theme at their reception… the airport! I’ll share some of those details in a future post.

I think they were extra excited for their wedding day, not just to be married, but also because they will finally get to live in the same city together… forever!

Rachel & Chris’s wedding day arrived with sunny blue skies, and considering it’s August, the temperatures were quite manageable. After making their initial preparations at their hotel downtown, I met them at the First Baptist Church in Oakland where they got dressed. I admit… when Rachel told me they were getting dressed at the church, I was a little skeptical, as many churches have very small rooms with no windows and fluorescent light. But Rachel and Chris chose wisely, as their prep rooms had warm, rich wood and perfect window light.

Big thanks to my good friend Pamela Marie for assisting me throughout the whole day; some of the photos below were captured by her.

After the ceremony, we made a quick stop at the Mellon Institute for photos with the bridal party before arriving at the Carnegie Music Hall Foyer for the reception. Oh those photobombing groomsmen! News flash: the walls in the Hall of Architecture are in the process of being painted purple! Here’s the proof. This was a pretty amazing cake, but there was another even more amazing cake. Details of that to come in a separate post. Stay tuned!Rachel’s father and brother treated her to a slideshow…

… and her father also serenaded her with two songs! The tears were flowing. DJ Steve from Rockin’ Bob’s did a great job at getting the party going and keeping it going!

This happily married couple may look familiar – that’s Emily and Tim, who graciously referred Rachel & Chris to me.

Rachel & Chris – many congratulations to you! I hope you are enjoying every minute of your honeymoon!

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The Credits

Reception: Carnegie Music Hall Foyer

Caterer: Parkhurst

Flowers: Alex’s Flowers

Cake: Parkhurst

DJ: Rockin’ Bob’s

Rachel’s dress: David’s Bridal

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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.