Renee + Jeff Elopement
Whether I'm traveling or home in Pittsburgh, I absolutely ADORE elopements - no expectations, no timeline, no stress - just two people in love with me there to document the experience of them coming together.
These two teachers from Philadelphia wanted to see Cirque du Soleil (which was playing in Pittsburgh), so they decided Hey! Why not get married while we’re there?
I met Renee at the Ace Hotel first thing in the morning, where the amazing Candice Cortes was just starting her hair and makeup. It was so intimate, just two of us helping this sweet, excited woman get ready to vow endless love to her best friend.
I brought a little Bose wireless speaker with me so that she could listen to whatever filled ears with happiness, and Candice and I helped her get on her dress, jewelry and accessories, and then I drove her to meet Jeff, her husband to be.
We met up with the officiant, set up for their first look, and then they trusted me to choose the most beautiful backdrop for their vows.
Jeff surprised her with a little gift, they shared a cigarette, and we headed off to have their micro reception and take portraits in some really classic parts of Pittsburgh.
The first was Mt Washington. I got out my little speaker once again, played their request of “Hungry Eyes,” and despite the stares of onlookers, they shared their first dance overlooking the entire city.
Jeff then went to his car and grabbed some blueberry muffins (fitting since the color that tied the whole day together was dark blue) and they “pinched the cake.”
The next and last stop was the strip district - I mean what more do you need for portraits than that sprawling industrial wonderland?
(Nothing - the answer is nothing. I could literally spend days just wandering aimlessly shooting in the strip.)
We just drove until we found some cool light, then parked in a dirt lot, walked along some of the old buildings, and ended our time together with some of the most epic, gritty wedding portraits I could ever dream to take.
<3 K
Details:
Hair/Makeup: Candice Cortes Beauty
Officiant: Ronald J Cambest BSW
Ceremony Location: West End Overlook
Her Dress: Adrianna Papell
Her Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Her Accessories: Swarovski
His Suit: Theory
His Shoes: Steve Madden
Her Engagement Ring: custom design by Sam's Emporium (Akron, OH)
Her Ring: custom design by D'Antonio & Klein Jewelers (Philadephia, PA)
His Ring: family heirloom
