Bridgett is one of Carolyn’s best friends from college (go Point Park!) and, together with Mr. Greg Burks, pretty much solely responsible for my career as a wedding photographer. Bridgett credits me at the end of the post saying that I’m responsible for her taking her wedding photography business full-time, but Bridgett’s responsible for me doing anything regarding photography at all, so I think I have the trump card maybe. ;) I followed Bridgett and Greg around, looked at their photos, listened to them talk about editing, and they inspired me to start taking pictures myself. So Bridgett has played a major role in my life in many ways, and I was super honored to be her wedding photographer (and terrified, because let’s face it, it’s kind of hard to be a wedding photographer’s photographer).

But we were also ridiculously excited. Excited to see Bridgett get married, and excited to meet Michael who is so perfect for Bridgett that it’s amazing to see. Michael’s also heavily obsessed with the Beatles which is something I can appreciate being heavily obsessed with them myself, and he’s into video games which charms Geoff every time. Plus! Their wedding was in Pittsburgh and held at the National Aviary, where I used to go with my family a ton when my sister and I were little (I’ve only been pooped on once!). The best part of having your wedding at the National Aviary: the macaw and penguin visiting your wedding guests. Of course, I wish the penguin was more free roaming… perhaps in a tuxedo on top of his nature-made tuxedo and casually walking amongst the guests, but we understood why his safety was in jeopardy (because he is so awesome!!1) and we resigned to just waving at him excitedly from a distance. The birds inside the Aviary didn’t come out for our portraits with Bridgett and Michael, but it’s probably just as well to avoid getting pooped on in a wedding dress.

Bridgett and Michael – we love you both very much and were thrilled to have the opportunity to be trusted to document this for you. We had the best time and were so happy to see you guys be so happy in a happy place together with happy friends and happy family. Congratulations, friends. :)

Date: August 24, 2013

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The National Aviary // Pittsburgh, PA

First Dance Song: “Something” – The Beatles

Bridgett’s Occupation: Event Photographer

Michael’s Occupation: Computer Support Technician (IT guy) for MARC USA

How You Met: We met while working at the Apple Store in Shadyside.

Interesting Bride Fact: Carolyn Scott is responsible for inspiring Bridgett to take her photography business full-time.

Interesting Groom Fact: Michael is a technology fiend, a video game extraordinaire, and believes in love above all else (inspired by the Beatles).

Honeymoon Destination: Secrets Maroma in Riviera Maya, Mexico – we have a swim-up room!

Vendor Credits: Officiant – Christian Kriegescotte (friend) | DJ – Sean Nice | Florist – Summer Blossoms by Nancy Orr (friend) | Cake – Oakmont Bakery | Caterer – Atria’s | Hair/Makeup – ROOTS Hair and Nail Salon | Videographer – Fineline Weddings

I had to go back into my e-mail and refresh my memory. Michael e-mailed me first in December 2010 to inquire about having us photograph him and his fiancee Annalisa’s wedding. They were both from New Jersey, but graduated from NC State and were currently living here and going back and forth over whether or not to have their wedding in NC or NJ. I met with them, we loved each other, they decided to have their wedding in New Jersey, and they decided to take us with them to photograph our first New Jersey wedding (NEAT).

In between booking them for their wedding and their actual wedding, I went over to Annie’s to take photographs of her cat and dog (Pookie and Sabrina, respectively). We got along super well (you’d be surprised how quickly you bond with a stranger when laying on the carpet shaking cat treats around above your head) and realized that we had many similar interests (Annie’s a World War II and True Blood buff and obsessed with cats). One of the things I remember her saying during that time was that Michael wasn’t sure whether or not I would find it appropriate or weird if he friended me on Facebook, and that he wasn’t sure what to do about that, which I found really funny. At some point, Michael came to Annie’s mom’s house just as I was leaving, and asked about bringing Beatles props to their engagement shoot (Michael is a huge Beatles fan, and Annie loves the Doors). At this point, I was really loving the two of them as I was obsessed with the Beatles from about 3rd-8th grade (as I am sure anyone who knew me then can attest to), but the deal was permanently sealed with Geoff shot their engagement session with me, and it was discovered that they both have practically every Seinfeld episode memorized. Um, friends for life? Done.

At some point after the engagement session, they invited us over to their house (they had just bought it!), and we bought them a horror movie anthology collection as a housewarming gift (did we mention they also are horror movie obsessed?). Geoff learned that they have a designated horror movie room that has both a giant Friday the 13th poster and New York Yankees memorabilia… and a bromance was born. They are also the only two people we know who literally have matching his-and-her machetes in preparation for any zombie apocalypses that may occur (very useful people to know although I get kind of nervous whenever Annie brings them out). We’ve been seeing them just about every week ever since. They’re great hang out friends. The type who understand that we don’t actually want to go out, but would rather just sit there and talk or play board games or watch bad movies. We love them. We love them sooo much. And it was such a great honor to be at their wedding as friends now… and to hear Annie’s incredible New Jersey accent in its proper place. And the whole thing went off without incident, too… except a teensy weensy little infection that spread rapidly through the bridal party that caused them to crave brains.

First Dance: “These Arms of Mine” – Otis Redding

Bride’s Occupation: Full time French tutor

Groom’s Occupation: Mortgage QA Analyst at Wells Fargo

How You Met: At a locker in our high school’s hallway in Tom’s River, New Jersey in 2003. We have been together ever since!

Interesting Bride Fact: Has a collection of 72 Chapsticks and “hoards, I mean, collects” fake eylashes

Interesting Groom Fact: I love horror movies… but the classics!!! Such as Friday the 13th, Night of the Living Dead, the Evil Dead, etc.

Honeymoon Destination: The Bahamas – Sandals

Date: May 19, 2012

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Eagle Ridge Golf Club // Lakewood, New Jersey

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn // Lakewood, New Jersey

Officiant: Reverend Patrick Sheehan

Cake: Piece O’ Cake

Hair: Profiles Hair Salon

DJ: Sound Connection Entertainment // Jason Jani