Garden Wedding at Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory
I could write multiple novels about the day that was June 1, 2024, and I still don’t think I could do the retelling of Maddie & Kevin’s wedding day justice. For now, scroll below for photos of their nonstop joy, admiration & laughter, and I’ll say the opening line of the first novel would probably say, “If you look up the meaning of ‘love’ in the dictionary, you’ll find a photo of Maddie & Kevin next to it.”
If I HAD to sum up Maddie & Kevin’s day into one post of photos covering just 60 seconds from their day, it would be the 60 seconds that followed the first kiss.
After the kiss — the DIP — the two literally were run-skipping down the aisle and paused for celebratory kisses at least three more times until they reached the end of the aisle where they greeted their wedding party and family, equally as giddy and excited, to celebrate.
Maddie & Kevin are so in love with each other, it’s the kind of love that you can feel just by observing them together. They couldn’t have possibly been more excited to be marrying each other and celebrating with their families and friends.
I started tearing up DAYS BEFORE their wedding, when I was reading Maddie’s answers to their pre-wedding questionnaire about how excited they were to be starting this new chapter of life together. I knew then that their wedding day was going to be even sweeter than that, and I was not wrong.
Both of their vows to each other were so beautifully and intentionally written. Pure poetry. They are undeniably each other’s best friends and soulmates. Witnessing their wedding day was a privilege.
Another one of my favorite moments of their day was the newlywed’s private cocktail hour. The two wanted to spend all of cocktail hour at the gorgeous bar at The Fairmont Pittsburgh, just the two of them. They wanted to prioritize time during their wedding day, after they officially became husband and wife, to spend with just each other. Not just a quick quiet moment, but several uninterrupted moments to actually talk to each other, laugh with each other, eat and drink with each other and share in the excitement of the day. So they did just that. We had all portraits and group photos finished by the time everyone departed the ceremony for the hotel, and when M&K arrived, they were able to just chillllll. With the biggest personal plate of hors d’oeuvres I’ve ever seen all to themselves.
One thing I learned about Maddie and Kevin is just how important family is to them. For Maddie, from using portions of her mom’s wedding dress on her own, engraving the other side of her parents’ cake knife from their own wedding & using it with Kevin to cut their cake, getting ready with her mom (and maid of honor/bestie who is basically her sister) and first looks with her dad and brothers, and a final family pep talk before taking on a new last name, family is everything. The sentiment remained the rest of the day and through the end of the night on the dance floor as she was surrounded by her dancing fam.
The moments are just a few examples of what I mean when I say it’s a privilege and an honor to photograph a couple’s wedding day, documenting priceless moments like these.
Cheers to the newlyweds!!
Their 5-star review:
“Gretchen!! 10/10, zero complaints, nothing but love over here. We had the absolutely best experience working with Gretchen, she’s such a cool, down to earth gal, who captured the most gorgeous photos. We met Gretchen for our engagement session and immediately knew we made the best decision. Not only do we love all of our photos, but Gretchen truly just became part of the fam on our wedding day. She was super low key, capturing moments as they happened, but also SO helpful during the times we needed it. It’s so evident that she loves what she does and pours her freaking heart into making sure she captures ALL the emotions. Looking at our photos, we see the love, the joy, and the FUN that happened on our big day. Gretchen, you are the BEST and we are forever thankful for you!”
Creative Partner Team
Ceremony: Phipps Conservatory @phippsevents @phippsconservatory
Reception & Hotel: Fairmont Pittsburgh @fairmontpittsburgh
Day of Coordinator: Hannah Rae Weddings @hannahraeweddings
Photography: Gretchen Wittry Photography @graphsbygretch
Videography: Illumination Studios @illuminationstudiosphotovideo
Florals: Petal Pushers Florist @petalpushersflorist_pgh
Band: Central City Orchestra @centralcityorchestra
Hair: Bloom Bridal @bloombridal.pgh
Makeup: Rachel Ranck @rachelranckmua
Seamstress: Topaz Thimble @topazthimble
Transportation: Molly’s Trolleys @mollystrolleyspgh
