Lauren & Todd - National Aviary Wedding Photos {Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer}
Lauren and Todd's wedding at the National Aviary was a trip down memory lane complete with nostalgia and plenty of laughs and smiles! Lauren and her friends were in my graduating class from high school, so it was nice to catch up and see some old friends that I haven't in over a decade! I love being a part of old colleague's weddings and Lauren's and Todd's was absolutely stunning!
I started off the evening arriving shortly before the ceremony was to kick off, in order to grab some getting ready photos of Lauren and her friends, and some detail photos. It's always nice to be able to grab some detail shots before guests arrive! Lauren opted out of having a bridal party, besides having her younger sister as a bridesmaid; Lauren invited her close friends to coordinate in blue dresses, instead.
The couple opted to celebrate their wedding ceremony outdoors in the fragrant Rose Garden and to have their reception at the National Aviary underneath an outdoor tent, adjacent to the Rose Garden and entrances to the Aviary. Guests could mingle throughout the whole vicinity during the course of the night-- which definitely helped to cool off indoors and explore the many exhibits of the Aviary!
I loved witnessing Lauren and Todd's outdoor wedding set in the Rose Garden at the National Aviary! The two continued on with their simplicity by having a quick ceremony. Lauren and Todd's wedding at the Aviary was a dream and looked like it was set in a tropical paradise, instead of in Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhood. The gardens were lush and Whitemans Florist put the finishing touches on the outdoor space with beautiful arrangements going down the aisle and with a stunning archway for the two to say their vows and I do's in front of! Seriously, if you're looking for a florist-- head over to the Fox Chapel area and inquire with them! I highly recommend their service and the work was some of the best that I have seen!
After the two said their I Do's, they welcomed and thanked their guests underneath the tent. Guests mingled and enjoyed au devoirs by Atria's while Lauren, Todd and I went to capture some wedding photos in the Aviary grounds and outside at one of my favorite parks in the city- Allegheny Commons West. The lush greens provided a great background for the newlyweds, especially since their wedding colors were white, ivory and shades of green! I kept their portraits true to their colors and emphasized the many shades of green the park had to offer. I loved how we had a low enough sun to creep through the tree lined pathway adjacent to the railroad tracks and iron rod fence! It definitely gave a tropical oasis feel to the portraits. Next, we ventured towards Lake Elizabeth in the park and snapped a few on the bridges over the "lake" with the Pittsburgh city skyline just barely visible in the background. I also loved how some of these portraits resembled that of a watercolor painting!
The reception kicked off with a few animal encounters! They're definitely one of the highlights with having your wedding at the Aviary! Lauren and Todd provided guests with the opportunity to see up close and touch a parrot and a penguin! Goldie the Penguin did great for her close up. She's an African penguin, so she's plenty used to the hot temps we had that day! Lauren and Todd continued on with their skipping of typical wedding traditions (i.e.- no entrances, garter/bouquet, or toasts) and kept it lax with mingling, dancing and plenty of group photos! How could I resist whenever the Rose Garden was just so beautiful! The couple provided guests with copper mugs to drink out of for the evening and as their wedding favor.
Thank you and congrats to Lauren and Todd! I had a wonderful time capturing your beautiful evening!
Photographer: Lovas Photography (Rachel)
Venue: National Aviary
Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji
Men's Wear: Hugo Boss
Cake: Oakmont Bakery
Florist: Whitemans Florist
String Quartet: Chamber Light Players
Catering: Atria's
Hair: Dane Tarbi
Transportation/Hotel Stay: Hilton Homewood Suites
