There was a line in the bride’s vows that really struck me, and one that (I didn’t realize at the time) would set the tone for the entire evening. “… I promise that when our world starts spinning and our breath begins to shorten, to take your hand, go outside, and look up at the stars.” Macae and Ron’s wedding, set under a clear top tent shimmering with twinkle lights, was nothing short of magical. From the long white candles on the farmhouse tables to the glossy gold mirrors with handwritten menus, every corner reflected off of the next. Oh, and these two… the electricity between them couldn’t go unseen… a spark that was never-ending. Enjoy these moments from their special day, it truly was one-of-a-kind.

Vendor List:

Venue: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Stylist & Florist: Sapphire & Lace

Brides Dress: Glitter & Grit

Caterer: All in Good Taste Productions

Rentals: Vintage Alley Rentals Pittsburgh

Makeup: Beauty By Joy

Brides Ring: Joyce's Jewelry

Bridesmaids Pajamas: Pretty Plum Sugar

From the Bride:

I found Caitlin through the graces of social media, bored on our couch on a Saturday night, searching #pittsburghweddingphotographer on Instagram. As you can suspect, there were thousands of posts. All beautiful, many captured the look I was going for, but then, amongst the grid of flowers and tuxedos was a bride, standing alone on a long stone paved path, looking over her shoulder.. So elegant. So pure. It reminded me of a photograph that my grandmother keeps on her nightstand from her wedding day and I often wondered what bridal picture of mine would stand the test of the time. THIS PICTURE of this complete stranger was exactly how I wanted to be remembered. I knew I had to contact the photographer responsible with creating such magic.

Long story short, we booked Caitlin the week after for both our engagement session and wedding.
Engagement Session: Because I’m a big believer in good karma, I booked our engagement session for the dead of winter thinking that my fiancé and I would run around a field of snow and the pictures would look like a scene from a Christmas movie. Good news, the pictures were totally Hollywood-worthy but HOLY HECK, was it freezing. I knew we chose the right photographer when on a single degree (YEP SINGLE DEGREE) day, she was ready for anything. Caitlin spotted a stream that would be a great picture opp but was barricaded by a fence. She asked if we were up for it and because I just knew the final product would result in a great Save the Date wedding photo, all three of us climbed the fence and out and onto a rock so the freezing ice-coated water sparkled behind us. It was GOLD.

My fiancé hates getting his picture taken and Caitlin made us both feel so comfortable. Our photos turned out exactly how I imagined – flirty, fun, and truly showcased the excitement for this next chapter of our lives.

Boudoir Shoot: I didn’t book this originally because um… the idea of it is SCARY… but after meeting Caitlin and her ability to capture the simple beauty of people, and things, I thought – “Why the heck not! Eating all this kale should result in something!” I chose to do the boudoir shoot the day before our wedding. You definitely think I’m crazy but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did I have my hair and makeup done for our rehearsal dinner later that night but I have never felt more comfortable walking into our wedding pics. We shot the pictures in Caitlin’s studio which was styled with a beautiful white bed with a green garland draped in the background. If Pinterest did boudoir (maybe they do, I am nervous to search) this would be it. Trust me, book it.

Now, the big day! We booked Caitlin and her assistant, Courtney, for 10 hours. Both arrived when we were getting ready and captured every special moment. I’m serious. They were EVERYWHERE and nowhere at the same time. They blended with our family and friends so much so that I never noticed them but the end results were like they had a camera next to us – capturing moments that you think you can only describe… but alas, we have tangible evidence that they happened.

They truly captured magic. I know I know, so corny to say but when I looked through the final pictures (which arrived 1.5 months after the wedding, a record I hear compared to other photographers!) tears came to my eyes. She captured memories w we can't wait to share with our children and our children’s children. She truly captured our love and we will be forever grateful.

Botanical Garden Wedding in Pittsburgh

From the Bride: