Posts in Weddings

Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve Wedding | Monica + Jack

Summer Wedding Sunset Photo at Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve

Monica and Jack had an absolutely perfect summer wedding at the Armstrong Farms Westminster Preserve wedding venue. Even though it was a SCORCHER (seriously, we drank all the water they had by 9pm!), these two managed to be cool, calm, and cheerful the entire day. I just love a wedding party that’s happy to be there - which is not always the case!

These two have been together for over a decade (!) and when you see the two of them interact you can instantly tell how comfortable they are around each other. I asked Monica about how they met, and she said, “We were high school sweethearts. We met way back in 2007 - our jr. year of high school in science class. On our first date we went to Chili’s and saw “I am Legend” at the movies. Jack claims I ran a red light while driving there but I still deny it to this day!”

We started the wedding day off photographing the beautiful details, including Monica’s super unique GREY diamond from Alexia Russel Jewelry, and the Sola wood flowers hand dyed by the bride! The dusty blue color palette is certainly popular this summer, but Monica added her own twist by choosing differing shades of the blue for the bridesmaid dresses.

Jack and his groomsmen kept me laughing all day long - you can see just how much personality they have by some of the hilarious groomsmen pictures! After shots of whiskey and Miller lite cheers, we knocked out the groomsmen photos pre-ceremony, to everyone’s delight. The tree-lined driveway gave us the perfect amount of shade and scenery. There’s even an old wagon on the property and the groomsmen were quick to recreate some movie scenes and other silly poses using it.

The lakeside pergola was the perfect spot for the couple to complete their wedding ceremony - Monica’s stepdad even officiated! The famous geese were there too to bring smiles to the guests as we all enjoyed the beautiful moments by the water. I took bets how long it would take for me to step in goose poop - I lasted a few hours, hahaha!

As is standard for most weddings, we did family photos immediately after the ceremony, and since it was a very hot and sunny day we took refuge for shade and photos under the beautiful trees surrounding the pond. “Avoid the sun” was the goal for Jack and Monica’s wedding portraits as well, and luckily the venue provided some beautiful spots among flowering bushes and under shady trees overlooking the scenic barn.

Since the guest list was large and the barn is best suited for dancing, Monica and Jack had their first dance and dinner under the large, beautiful tent beside the barn. Aly, the venue coordinator, was a huge help at orchestrating all the moving parts between three close-but-separate spots for the days festivities. After we all had our fill on some amazing Medure’s catering, guests walked over to the historic barn to get their dance on.

Royal Heir DJ had guests dancing all night - seriously, it was wild!, and I got to experience my first “thunderstruck” at a wedding. All of the vendors worked super hard to make the day amazing, and everything went so smoothly because of the awesome team Monica and Jack put together! Check out the vendors below and enjoy the highlights from Jack and Monica’s amazing wedding. Till death do us party!

Vendor List:

Gown: Alyssa Kristin (designer) from Blanc de Blanc Bridal
Makeup: Refeyeance Makeup
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Rings: Blue Nile, Alexis Russell Jewelry
Invitations: Minted
Florals: Sola Wood Flowers
Cake/Donuts: Oakmont Bakery
Catering: Medure’s
DJ: Royal Heir DJ
Videographer: Manny Pain Media
Event Planner: Aly Weifenbaugh at Armstrong Farms, Westminster Preserve

Armstrong Farms Wedding Westminster Preserve

getting married at Armstrong farms? click here!

WeddingsJill StifflerJuly 8, 2021Armstrong FarmsArmstrong, Armstrong Farms

Renaissance Hotel Wedding in the Heaven Suite | Pittsburgh, PA

When COVID wrecked their original plans to get married at the Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh, Janelle and Zac rolled with the punches like so many 2020 couples had to and planned two separate events to incorporate both safety AND their original dream and vision for their day.

The first event, the ceremony and reception, was a totally outdoor event at a friend’s property, high on a hilltop in the beautiful McDonald, PA. They were still able to incorporate elements from the original plan, like their beautiful invites from Paper Chasers, their sentimental details including Janelle’s grandma’s ring and handkerchief, and much of their original vendors for the reception (check those out below!)

We started the day at the couple’s beautiful new home where their sweet pups Sophie and Barley got to join in on the action too along with friends and family. We even got to do a first look right in front of the home Janelle and Zac built together, which was a very special moment. The ceremony, reception, and fireworks display (!!) were gorgeous in the pastoral hilltop setting, and the DJ threw one heck of a party under the stars!

Even though the “Plan B” day was perfect, we still wanted to capture their wedding portraits in the city that Janelle and Zac both love, so a month later we reconnected for a few hours of strictly portraits downtown and at the Renaissance, their original venue.

The city portraits were something we ALL were looking forward to, and that urban atmosphere plays a big part in their relationship. When I asked Janelle about how they got engaged, she said “Zac and myself both love New York City. New York city is one of the first big trips we went on together a few years back and we have been visiting yearly ever since. We always talked about getting engaged on an ice skating rink at Christmas time. In November 2018 we went to New York to see the Christmas lights and went skating at Bryant Park. After skating for an hour, Zac requested a picture and then proposed! He planned a romantic dinner across the river with the skyline in the background.”

Capturing the Pittsburgh skyline was something that was paramount, so the couple booked the Heaven Suite in the Renaissance, a gorgeous upscale room with a private terrace showcasing the best views of Pittsburgh. After some stunning and unique photos on the iconic yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge, and in the grand marble staircase in the hotel lobby, we headed to the terrace in the Heaven Suite to experience a rooftop view of Pittsburgh that was breath taking and the perfect way to end our wedding photo experience! I hope you enjoy the highlights of both days, and be encouraged that if you too have to go “plan B”, there’s always a creative way to incorporate some of what you originally dreamed of.

Vendors:

Photography - Lead Photographer: Jill Gearhart Photography; Second Shooter: Jonathan Blanchard

Gown - Exquisite Bride, Murrysville

Hair - CC Salon

Makeup - Emily Van Scoy & Co.

Bridesmaids Dresses - Exquisite Bride, Murrysville

Suits - Top Hat Tuxedo

Rings - LJ Marks Jewelers

Invitations - Paper Chaser

Florals - Berries and Birch Flower Design Studio

Cake: Oakmont Bakery

Catering: Renaissance Pittsburgh

DJ - DJ Climax (Bobby Kramer)

Videographer - Legendary Celebrations Cinematography

Coordinator - Fallon DiRiggi, Renaissance Pittsburgh

Renaissance Hotel Heaven Suite Terrace Wedding Photos

getting married at the renaissance? click here!

Weddings, Photoshoot LocationsJill StifflerFebruary 25, 2021Renaissance HotelPittsburgh, Renaissance Hotel

Backyard Wedding | Marissa + Kyle

If you find yourself having to split up your ceremony and reception into two separate events, you can still have a stunning wedding outdoors with an open-air dance floor. Even though it wasn’t in their original plans, Marisa and Kyle were still able to pull off a beautiful (and safe) reception following their smaller ceremony in July. Nicole Bell hosted the beautiful wedding at her property in Marion Center. In fact, she had her own wedding there the night before so the couple was able to use much of the same rustic decor and food service! Marisa was sure to add touches to make it her own, though, and DIY’d SO much of the details, even going as far as hand-cutting and dying all the napkins and table runners! Talk about an amazing team.

There were multiple dining options by way of food trucks (another great solution to backyard receptions with limited sources of power!) and guests danced the night away among string lights and area rugs right there in the yard. Photographing in the open air in the dark of the evening is certainly a challenge, but it was one I welcomed with lots of lighting and a little bit of know-how ;)

2020 couples, or “Covid brides” as they are being nicknamed, have a unique opportunity to experience venues and locations they would have never dreamed of. With some flexibility, an open mind, and a good does of DIY, you can make pretty much anywhere a venue to host those closest to you! Enjoy some highlights of Marisa and Kyle’s party in the pasture!

getting married? let’s chat!

WeddingsJill StifflerOctober 4, 2020Indiana

Green Gables Wedding, Jennerstown PA | Apryle + Chris

Apryle and Chris had a gorgeous wedding at the lovely Green Gables Restaurant in Jennerstown PA this past weekend. This venue is a dream for any couple planning a wedding because of its beauty and charm. The gorgeous grounds offer plenty of photo options like streams, stone patios, twinkle-light wrapped trees, and plenty of nooks with beautiful light and lush greenery. The dining room inside feels like something out of a storybook with its 4 large tree trunk pillars and beautiful living tree backdrop against your head table. It’s truly one of my favorite places to shoot a wedding!

This super sweet couple had to plan their wedding from their home in Chicago, so when we finally got to meet, happily it felt like we’ve been old friends for years! Family and friends are so important to these two, so lots of group shots and candids took precedence for the day. It’s always nice to have a couple that is focused on the things that matter for their wedding day and not stressed about the little details. You could absolutely feel the love and joy that these two had for everyone at the wedding, especially each other.

This was also a unique wedding because my husband Brandon got to officiate for a change rather than DJ! It always makes me happy being able to share the best things I have to offer with my couples, and my sweet hubby is definitely the best thing! The beautiful ceremony happened on the patio right off of the Tuscany Room under a stunning floral arch. Even though it had rained heavily several days before, the weather was perfect for the short but sweet exchange of vows and rings.

After the ceremony we squeezed some large group shots and all bridal portraits into 50 minutes so we could be sure there was lots of time to party and enjoy everyone’s company! After a delicious meal provided by the restaurant, there were the traditional first dances, including a pretty epic father daughter dance (seriously, both my second shooter Jackie and I said we wished this guy was our dad too!). The energy on the dance floor was unreal - it was absolutely packed all night long until the party ended at 11! It was the latest we’ve ever shot a wedding, but by far the most dancing we’ve ever seen!

Apryle and Chris thank you so much for trusting me (and Brandon!) to be such a large part of your day! Sweet clients that feel more like friends are the reason why I do this job, and we appreciate your kindness so much!

Venue: Green Gables Restaurant

Photographers: Jill Gearhart Photography, J.Jae Photography

DJ: DJ Jack Labarko

Florals: Gagahan Farms

Hair: Katie, Room 1101 Salon

Gown: MB Bride

Catering: Green Gables Restaurant

getting married at green gables? click here!

WeddingsJill StifflerSeptember 1, 2020Green Gabels RestaurantSomerset, Green Gables

Richard + Dawn | Fairman Family Farms Wedding, Shelocta PA

Sparkler exit at barn wedding at Fairman Family Farms in Shelocta PA

Dawn and Richard had the wedding of their dreams at the beautiful Fairman Family Farms in Sheltocta, PA! When I first met Dawn and Richard, besides being super adorable and ridiculously photogenic, I quickly discovered their love of the outdoors and animals, so this elegant yet rustic venue was perfect for them.

We started the day at the Hilton Garden Inn, a favorite of brides in the Indiana area for a gorgeous getting-ready location on their wedding day. Dawns adorable nieces and super sweet bridal party made it so easy to capture beauty in every corner of the room. The girls already arrived with their hair and makeup done, so after capturing some quick detail shots and candids, all that was left was getting the stunning bride into her dress! After the finishing touches, Dawn read a letter that Richard wrote her specially for their wedding day.

After capturing a few tears and a lot of smiles, I headed to the barn venue to photograph the guys getting ready. Richard was careful to make sure his hair looked perfect, and was probably one of the most kind grooms I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph. We snuck away around the side of the barn so he could read his letter from his bride to be, and then we were ready to start the ceremony!

I was able to grab a few wide room shots in the time in-between, which is always a treat to see your venue untouched and looking perfect with your decor. Luckily, the barn comes already decked out with lights and tulle, so you can have a magical wedding look with minimal effort. The ceremony was gorgeous, taking place in front of the venue’s signature waterfall landscaping with the beautiful barn in the background. Even though it was hot and sunny, the guests didn’t seem to mind and by the time the “I-do’s” came around everyone was all smiles.

A lot of people think that sun is great for photos, but in actuality shade is always best. As such, I was able to find a shady field across the street from the venue, which was a really nice change of pace for me since I’ve shot weddings here many times before and had yet to discover the magical light over on that side of the venue! Family photos were very important to Richard and Dawn, so much so that she even had me get updated family photos of their siblings and their families, without them in it, as a gesture of kindness. What a sweet idea!

After blazing through portraits and getting the timeline back on track after a delayed ceremony start (photographers always save the day, friends!), the bridal party came bursting through the barn doors to get the party started! I was pleasantly surprised working with a new (to me) DJ that was one of the most kind and laid back I have encountered (check his link below). I was also ELATED that we vendors had our own table and were told to eat first. A chair and a meal is something I don’t take for granted for a second! Dawn was so kind to make sure we had both.

After some dancing and fun (check out grandma getting down in the pics below), we snuck out for some sunset photos and some special moments with the beautiful horse that lives on the property. The night ended with a beautiful sparkler exit where I was able to take THE sparkler shot of my LIFE. I hope you enjoy the photos of Dawn and Richard’s special day!

Vendor Team:

Venue: Fairman Family Farms
Photographer: Jill Gearhart Photography
Gown: David’s Bridal
Hair: The Hair Studio
Makeup: The Hair Studio
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie.com
Suits: Miller’s of Johnstown
Rings: Kranich’s
Invitations: Zola.com
Florals: Flower Gallery
Catering: Flair of Country
DJ: DJ Seph
Videographer: Just Hitched

Getting married at Fairman? Click here!

WeddingsJill StifflerAugust 4, 2020Indiana, Fairman Family Farms

South Carolina Destination Wedding Photography

Destination Wedding Photography is a dream of mine. Who doesn’t love to travel - and when I get to let that creativity behind the camera run wild in a new town with new sights and new friends - that sure sounds like a dream to me. For the past two years I’ve been blessed to travel for some amazing weddings (check out my wedding in Waco Texas last year!), and it was the best thing to end my busiest wedding season yet.

So how in the heck did you get a wedding in Charleston, you ask? Flash back to middle school when I rode bus #2 and met my very best friend for life, Nikki. Nikki introduced me to many great things and great people in my life, including a friend group that led me to my hubby (here’s the story!). Nikki and the beautiful bride here, Steph, were roomies in college. I met Steph when I visited IUP, Steph followed my business from the start, asked me to photograph her reception and BAM! We got a destination wedding.

Steph and her hubby Neil actually live in Edinburgh Scotland (wish I could have photographed THERE!), and after Steph moved “across the pond” from a journalism job in Manhattan and she and Neil met in a writing group, its been love ever since. How lucky am I to get to capture it?! These two officially tied the knot in Scotland earlier this year, but since Steph’s parent’s live in Charleston, it seemed the perfect place to celebrate state-side with friends and family of the bride’s.

Saturday started “normally” enough as any other wedding day - the bride and groom surrounded by family and close friends, fastening buttons, straightening ties, lacing up THE COOLEST SHOES IVE EVER SEEN, and other relatively normal wedding prep activities. Since the day was a reception celebration, we didn't have to worry about a first look or ceremony, so we were able to jump right into family photos under the Spanish Moss covered Oaks in the beautiful Charleston humidity. I made a point to try and incorporate as much local foliage into their portraits as possible (with a lovely greeting by some local fire ants across my foot while doing so). We danced on docks and posed by palms and captured some of my favorite wedding portraits of all time. Enjoy them below!

Then, the boat! We did a non-traditional receiving line by having the bride and groom greet each guest as they boarded the boat, and then laughed and munched the night away cruising the magnificent bay. I’m not big on cake (imagine that, I can eat free cake once a week for half the year and I don’t like it), but the amazing baby bundt cakes Steph’s family found from a local bakery made me reconsider. The dinner menu was the stuff of dreams with way more choices than your typical wedding spread - so much so that I didn’t even miss the magical Pittsburgh cookie table or pierogi’s that harken of home.

After an epic champagne spray and an extremely tired goodbye in the hotel lobby, my magical weekend away came to an end. I am so grateful to do what I love, and even more grateful to share that with people that I love. I hope you enjoy this piece of my heart and these incredible moments in Charleston!

Planning a destination wedding? Let's talk!

Destination, WeddingsJill StifflerNovember 6, 2019Spiritline Cruises

Laurelville Retreat Center Wedding | Colby + Hillary

Hillary and Colby’s wedding at the Laurelville retreat center was everything you could ever want in a summer wedding with its breathtaking mountain top views, peaceful surroundings, plenty of parking, and lots of seating for even the biggest guest list.

These two like to joke that they met when they were 5 years old at Al's Pub after a conversation when they realized they were both there for the dinner with Barney (the dinosaur from the kids show). In their adult lives, they met through mutual friends. After 5 years of dating, Colby proposed by making a photo video their first date (a pirate game), all the places they had visited, and pictures of all the weddings they had been to together. The last slide said, "Maybe it's time to start planning our own?' Then he got down on one knee and proposed!

I started the day with the girls, much like every wedding, where Hillary was sweet enough to have all of her details ready to go! Her beautiful Badgley Mischka’s gave just the right amount of sparkle next to an incredible summery/fall bouquet by Red Punch designs. Her invite suite, I later learned, was designed and made by her sister Gretchen who is also a graphic designer! With the help of her circuit, the invites were set off by an intricately cut sage green jacket and gold belly band. Shortly after the details were documented and we squished everyone together on the couch for a robe picture, Hillary stepped into her gorgeous Essence of Australia dress. Her sister and mother were close by for the final touches like jewelry and perfume.

When I arrived at the Laurelville Retreat Center, I met up with Colby who was busy pinning the boutineers on the groomsmen. That was definitely a first for me - usually I’m the one that steps in and gets everyone pinned! He also shared with me a very special pair of cufflinks featuring a 16 year old Colby with his mom Wanda who had passed. He said he got them made on Etsy! I was so impressed not only by this sentiment of honoring his mother with his wedding details, but that fact that he even knew what Etsy is!

Soon guests began to arrive on the hay wagon/tractor shuttle, and Hillary walked up the hill with her father to meet her groom! The “aisle” was lined with geometric hanging planters made by the bride’s brother-in-law. The ceremony took place under a wooden geometric arch that the groom made himself! Talk about a talented family! Red Punch Designs took it over the top with TWO mind-blowing flower arrangements on the arch featuring sunflowers, dahlias, roses, thistle, and eucalyptus. It was truly the stuff of bridal magazines! The couple planted and watered a fig tree as a symbol of their growing relationship, and after rings and vows, the two were husband and wife!

We were fortunate enough to have amazing skies, shade, long grasses, and changing leaves for family photos and photos of the bridal party. We finished up at the retreat center with some bride and groom portraits on top of the mountain and by that incredible floral arch.

DiSalvos’s station was just a short drive away, and honestly one of the most unique venues I’ve shot at. The train-station-turned-restaurant was equally romantic and rustic with railroad decor, string lights, and red brick and green architecture. We took some portraits near the tracks at the top of the restaurant, highlighting the old train station awnings, benches, and brick walkways. The wedding decor was just as special with so many hand-made elements that looked very high-end and not DIY at all. Hillary grew the mini white pumpkins in her garden, and the couple made their hexagonal tile seating chart out of copper pipe. All in all, the decor for this late September wedding was a perfect blend of modern minimalist and elegant rustic with geometric metals, beautiful florals, and white pumpkins.

We ended the night with an epic night portraits showcasing HIllary’s second gown, a white sequin flapper style dress, and then later a cozy shot of the two lovers at a private table for two in the cigar bar downstairs. I hope you enjoy the highlights from this beautiful and unique day!

Ceremony: Laurelville Retreat Center

Reception: DiSalvo's Station

Gown: Essence of Australia at Marwin Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Morilee at Marwin Bridal

Tuxes: Cantalamessa Formals

Rings: West Side jewelry

Florals + Decor: Red Punch Design

Cake: Oakmont Bakery

Caterer: DiSalvo's Restaurant

DJ: Macky D Enterprise

Rentals: Photobrations Photo Mirror

getting married at disalvo's? click here!

WeddingsJill StifflerOctober 8, 2019Disalvos stationGreensburg, DiSalvo's

Blair County Convention Center Wedding | Erin + Paul

The Blair County Convention Center is a great venue if you’re looking to have an all-inclusive, large wedding in the Altoona area that has catering included. Erin and Paul’s September wedding started in Colver where we were greeted with a flurry of activity and bridesmaids in the living room of their family’s home. Each member of the bridal party was so helpful, accommodating, and sweet to us the entire day. We were especially smitten with the little ring bearer who was the happiest, most cooperative little boy literally ever. I enjoyed photographing the gorgeous bouquet from Peterman’s, laid next to some of Erin’s prettiest details like her invite suite from White lace, shoes with pearl accents, and her very special Virgin Mary pin that belong to her grandmother. Her sister also used this pin at her wedding too! Grandma was with Erin in another special way, too, when her mother placed her grandma’s engagement ring on her finger after she zipped the dress.

The guys shared some laughs, brews, and shots in Paul’s garage before walking to the ceremony at the church just right up the road. It was so nice to be so close to everything! After a beautiful Catholic mass ceremony, Erin and Paul stepped out into the world as Mr. and Mrs. with silk ribbons and bells on sticks being wagged in the wind by their closest friends and family.

After some quick and organized family sessions (these are law enforcement officials, after all! Everyone listened well! hahaha), we got some photos near the historic Lemon House in Gallitzin. Erin and Paul especially liked the civil-war era type wooden fence, and Jackie and I especially liked the tall wildflowers and winding path through the field. A few puffy clouds against the dark blue fall sky made their portraits they stuff we dream of! Just right down the highway was an old stone bridge/archway that we stopped at for some more portraits. The Laurel Highlands truly have the best little hidden gems if you know where to look - like right in the middle of the highway!

It was just a short drive from there to the convention center, where guests mingled outside of the ballroom for cocktail hour. We were lucky to have the whole stunning room to ourselves to photograph before guests entered, and the crystal candelabra-style centerpieces and stunning ruffled cake form Maddie Cakes took everything to another level of elegance. We even got to encounter Erin and Paul experiencing the room and decor for the first time, too!

Erin and Paul started the night of dancing off by their first dance to “Eyes on You” by Chase Rice. She shared with me that it had significance to them because the first concert they ever went to together was to see Chase Rice at Stage AE. In fact, Paul proposed that night in Pittsburgh. She said this about the night:

” We first went to the melting pot for an early valentine’s dinner. We then went up to the top of the incline and he proposed on the overlook at the top of Mt Washington. One of the groomsmans was there to film it, and both of our families knew about it, but I was completely surprised! After we had plans to go to a concert at Stage AE. The concert was for a country artist we both love ... Chase Rice. It’s why we chose Eyes on You for our first dance! It was the first concert we had ever gone to and it was from the night we got engaged.”

We ended the night with a truly epic shot showcasing the stunning architecture of the convention center and highlighting the “thin blue line” that Erin and Paul both dedicate their lives to protect. Thank you both for your service, and thank you for an amazing opportunity to capture your perfect day!

Photographer: Jill Gearhart Photography

Second Photogrpaher: J.Jae Photography

Venue: Blair County Convention Center

Gown: Stella York at White Lace Bridal

Hair: JC Penney

Makeup: JC Penney

Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita at White Lace Bridal

Rings: Leo Diamond by Kay Jewelers

Invitations: White Lace Bridal

Florals: Peterman’s Floral

Cake: Maddie Cakes

Caterer: Blair County Convention Center

Favors: totallyweddingkoozies.com

DJ: DJ Boomerang

getting married at the convention center? click here!

WeddingsJill StifflerOctober 3, 2019Blair County Convention CenterConvention Center, Blair

Outdoor Wedding Photos in Johnstown PA

Johnstown might not have as many wedding venues as it’s Pittsburgh neighbor, but there’s still lots of beautiful places around the flood city to take great portraits on your wedding day. I was so excited when a friend of mine from church, Cassidy, contacted me at the end of April to see about photographing her brother’s wedding last weekend! It’s always so exciting when you can look forward to seeing some familiar faces during the wedding day, and by the time it was all planned, I got to add a few more friends to that list as well! Natalie, Cody, Cassidy and I met at the Commonplace Coffee House, where I do a lot of my client meetings, to talk about a lot of different things concerning their special day! It was really a unique opportunity for me to teach and guide them through the world of wedding photography, and it was so honoring that they leaned on my expertise for so much of their day including the timeline, photo ideas, the DJ and reception events, and more!

I arrived at the Greater Johnstown Fellowship Church early on their big day to ensure I had enough time to capture their sweet details while Natalie was away getting her makeup perfected! Her sweet lace tennis shoes were the perfect choice since she and her groom are about the same height, and her homemade bouquet and boutonnieres matched perfectly in their elegance and simplicity. When it came time to photograph the rings, Cody informed me that Natalie had never seen her wedding band, and it was a surprise!

During the ceremony, emotions were high as both families expressed excitement and so much love for Natalie and Cody. They chose some beautiful Christian music as a background for the candle lighting ceremony and presentation of roses to their parents. After the ceremony, we gathered up family members and got some great portraits under a beautiful archway decorated with tulle and twinkle lights. Everyone seemed to like my goof-ball tactics of getting the kiddos to laugh (and it always works on adults, too!)

From there, we headed to Greenhouse Park in Johnstown where the rock formations, greenery, open sky, and rushing river made for some unique and breathtaking backdrops. Everyone was so patient and accommodating as we worked to find the best light! I had the honor of driving the bride and groom to their reception at Anthony’s Restaurant in Johnstown where the DJ, my husband Brandon and his business partner Corydon , did a fantastic job of keeping the dance floor packed all night. We kicked things off with a sparkler exit and a killer sunset photo - I say killer because Cody dipped Natalie right into traffic on Scalp Avenue (hahahah just kidding! Kinda ;) )

I hope you enjoy the highlights of their special day!

@Jill Gearhart Photography | www.jillgearhartphotography.com

getting married in Johnstown? Click here!

WeddingsJill StifflerSeptember 19, 2019

Soldiers and Sailors Wedding in Pittsburgh, PA | Brian + Elizabeth

With it’s incredible architecture and dynamic, flippable rooms for large groups, Soldiers and Salior’s Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh truly was one of the best wedding venues I had the pleasure of working in! Brian and Liz’s elegant wedding offered some of the most stress-free and accommodating benefits that an upscale wedding couple could hope for. The wedding coordinators made everything effortless for not only the vendors but the bridal party and guests as well. .

The day started with the girls getting ready in the Board Room on the 3rd floor, right next to the ballroom where the reception was. The big benefit of this was that the bridal party could leave their things in this room for the day and easily retrieve them when they were ready to leave for the night because it was right beside the reception area. The Board room was also stunning in itself for some great portraits. The rich browns and leather furniture gave everything a painterly look, and the stained glass made for a great backdrop against Liz’a beautiful dress. Besides her exceptional strapless lace ball gown, Liz also wore pearl earrings that her husband-to-be bought her, her grandmother’s pearl necklace, and a very special bracelet. A few months into Brian and Liz’s relationship, he bought each of them matching anchor bracelets when they knew things were getting serious. Functioning as a promise ring of sorts, the anchors symbolized their loyalty to one another as well as their foundation in their faith and their God that anchored their journey from the beginning.

Their beautiful ceremony, held in the first floor auditorium, featured meaningful scripture readings, the sweetest hand-written vows to one another, and a special time of worship songs. From the very first time I met Brian and Liz, I knew their faith played a very important role in their lives, their relationship with each other, and happily, also played an important in their wedding ceremony.

Other than their steadfast faith in the Lord, when first meeting Brian and Liz, the interesting fact that Brian is Canadian is sure to come up shortly after! Brian was born in Canada and Liz grew up in Pittsburgh. Brian ended up moving to Pittsburgh just as Liz was leaving for college, so it would still be some time before they met. Liz had dreams of teaching internationally, but God had other plans. After some time traveling, Liz eventually moved back to Pittsburgh and started teaching at a local school, where one day her coworker told her about “this cute, kind Canadian” she needed to meet. So it ended up the international came to her, instead!

When I asked them about the early days of their relationship, Liz shared that for Brian, it was love at first sight. For her, though, it took a little longer. Brian was certain she was going to fall in love with him, and after a while into our relationship he even told her so! She told him she'd just have to wait and see... but then about 6 months in, told him he was right. :) Since then, Brian and Liz enjoy time together between their busy schedules and always tend to end up grocery shopping when they are together. Or eating chips and salsa, Liz says!

I hope you enjoy the highlights of this amazing day at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial hall!