memories for a lifetime
Fall in love with these wedding
photographers’ favorite wedding photos.
By Nicole Barley
Wedding photographers are like a couple’s very own paparazzi — you know, the type that wants to catch you looking ridiculously good. They’re invited into some of the newlyweds’ most intimate moments, and we’re always enamored by the portraits taken right after the ceremony — when the bride and groom are whispering their wows, eyes wide with a love that will continue to grow. Of course, glamour shots and candids of a jubilant, giggling bridal party are go-tos for the album, as well. We adore these photographers’ favorites photos, lilting with light, lots of love, and ever-lasting memories.
Chanelle Fox & Chris Bokelberg
hold me now
“The couple wanted some photos under the rotunda at this very famous Pittsburgh landmark [Penn Station]. It was all how they interacted. They were holding each other, slowly dancing, and at one point, Chris started to dip his wife. I waited ‘til the arch of Chanelle’s body mirrored the arch of the rotunda.” — Terry Clark, Terry Clark Weddings
Katie Kleissas & Matthew Haynes
fall in love
“This was one of our favorite weddings of the year. The couple chose great fall colors — vibrant reds and oranges. Even the church’s bright red door echoed their color theme and made a perfect backdrop for some after-ceremony shots.” — Aly and Derrick Bash, Studio Bash Photography
Kelly Kaufman & Isaac Sjol
a moment like this
“The intimate moments during a wedding are really special. I love this photo because we caught a glimpse of both Kelly and Isaac laughing naturally and genuinely enjoying each other’s company, away from the guests, the bridal party, the commotion. Just a nice intimate moment of the newlyweds!” — Michael Williams, MichaelWill Photography
Casey Seagraves & Cedric Davis
love like this
“This image is one of my all-time favorites. I connected with the couple, which allows me to be more free with my creativity. This couple just had it — you could see and feel the love they shared, and it radiated throughout the entire day. I love to capture that. When people look at an image of a couple on their wedding day it should make them think to themselves, “Wow! I want a love like that!” — Michele Coleman, Michele Coleman Photography
Rachel Garris & Craig Rogers
you light up my life
“This image of Rachel and Craig was taken at the gorgeous Renaissance Hotel and the fireworks were from PNC Park. Great timing and a great ending to a beautiful wedding!”
— Dianne Adrian, Dianne Adrian Photography
Sarah Burlando & Rich Stiver
“flare” for the dramatic
“I’ll just say, I love flare! That crazy, rule-breaking light that can’t be faked. A very sunny day presents a whole different set of challenges, and if I can make flare work for me, I will take full advantage. The sun peeking over the columns of the Carnegie Institute was nearly blinding, and exposing for this image was a little tricky, but I just love the result. This beautiful effect is not from Photoshop; it’s all about light.” — Robin Pesa, Belissima Photographic Artistry
Stephanie Hanzivasilis & Mike Hanley
tell me a secret
“This image was taken Downtown on the day that the University of Pittsburgh hosted Notre Dame at Heinz Field. As you can imagine, the city was bustling with excitement, traffic, and crowds. And right in the middle of it all, shielded from the chaos by a line of protective autumn sycamores, Stephanie and Mike, alone, shared a quiet secret.” — Tony Araujo, Araujo Photography
Kelsey Knarr & PJ Binder
dream girl
“It’s the veil. The majestic backdrop of the Mellon Institute Pillars in the background and the steps are wonderful additions to this super-cute shot. My favorite part of this wedding was the vintage flair Kelsey put into her details. It was very romantic and a photographer’s dream.” — Elizabeth Craig, Craig Photography
Jessica Viney & Andrew Wilcox
try a little tenderness
“The [couple’s] tenderness is felt from the way they are holding each other. Jessica’s skin tone, in combination with her dress, is such a beautiful contrast between the trees in the background. The pond gives you that sense of peace and tranquility, as if to say, ‘We’re in love. We don’t have a care in the world!’ It is the happiness that radiates from both of them that make this photo one of my favorites!” — Christopher Longo, Chris Longo Photography
Sara Busch & Jamie Whetzel
seeing fireworks
“To come up with a favorite out of over 100,000 images we shot in 2009 is no easy task, but I kept coming back to this image. To me, this is the culmination of a wonderful wedding. The bride and groom were relaxed into each other, comfortable, and just enjoying the fireworks. Since it is dark outside and the sky fills up with smoke quickly, a picture of fireworks must be shot on a tripod, with a long exposure and a delayed fill flash to get the full effect. We shoot many in hopes to get an image like this — a true work of art capturing a magical moment in time.” — Lynne Goldstein, Goldstein Photography