An Unforgettable Summer Wedding at The Priory Hotel

Some weddings just feel magical from the moment they begin. Kate and Alex’s wedding day at The Priory Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh was one of those special days—overflowing with love, joy, and an incredible energy that could be felt by every single guest. From the moment I arrived at Izzazu Salon and Spa, where Kate and her bridal party were getting ready, to the last dance of the night, this wedding was a stunning display of love, fun, and heartfelt emotion.

As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I’ve documented over 300 weddings, but there was something uniquely special about this one. The combination of a historic venue, a stunning bride, a charming groom, and a lively group of guests made for an unforgettable event.

The Priory Hotel – A Timeless Wedding Venue in Pittsburgh

Nestled in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, The Priory Hotel is one of the city’s most historic and elegant wedding venues. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm ambiance, it was the perfect backdrop for Kate and Alex’s wedding.

This Pittsburgh wedding venue is known for its gorgeous courtyard, European charm, and intimate yet grand atmosphere—ideal for couples who want a mix of elegance and fun on their big day. For anyone considering a wedding at The Priory Hotel, let me tell you—it’s a dream location for both couples and photographers.

The ballroom was transformed into a dazzling scene, complete with stunning floral arrangements, warm candlelight, and an atmosphere that exuded romance. Every corner of this venue provided the perfect setting for emotional moments, candid wedding photography, and unforgettable memories.

Bridal Prep at Izzazu Salon and Spa – A Glamorous Start to the Day

Kate, accompanied by her bridesmaids, started the morning at Izzazu Salon and Spa, a luxury Pittsburgh salon known for its high-end bridal styling. The energy was electric, filled with laughter, excitement, and happy tears.

Kate looked absolutely breathtaking in her classic yet modern wedding gown, with delicate lace details that made her look like she had just stepped out of a bridal magazine. Her bridesmaids, dressed in elegant champagne-colored dresses, complemented the aesthetic perfectly.

From a wedding photography perspective, I love capturing these getting-ready moments—the anticipation, the little details, and the pure joy on everyone’s faces.

Meanwhile, Alex and his groomsmen were getting ready in a relaxed setting, sharing jokes, adjusting ties, and preparing for the big moment. The camaraderie between them was contagious, and it made for some fantastic candid wedding photography shots.

An Emotional Ceremony Filled with Love and Tears

As guests arrived at The Priory Hotel, you could feel the anticipation in the air. The moment Kate walked down the aisle, every eye was on her—including Alex’s, who was clearly holding back tears.

This was the kind of moment every wedding photographer dreams of capturing—the raw, unfiltered emotion that tells a love story in a single frame.

The ceremony was heartfelt, with personal vows that left not a dry eye in the room. Kate and Alex’s love for each other was palpable, and the way they looked at each other throughout the ceremony was enough to melt even the toughest of hearts.

After their “I dos”, the newlyweds walked back down the aisle hand in hand, their smiles radiating pure happiness.

A Reception Overflowing with Energy, Laughter, and Love

If there’s one thing to say about Kate and Alex’s reception, it’s that this was a party to remember! The ballroom at The Priory Hotel transformed into a dazzling wonderland, with golden decor, glowing candlelight, and a dance floor that stayed packed all night long.

The couple’s first dance was magical, with the room falling into a hushed admiration as they swayed under twinkling lights. But as soon as the formalities were over, the energy shifted into full-on celebration mode.

Music, Dancing, and Non-Stop Fun

One thing that stood out about this wedding was the incredible variety of music. From classic love ballads to hip-hop, pop, and even some traditional cultural songs, there was something for everyone.

The dance floor was never empty, and it felt like every single guest was up and moving at some point during the night. From heartfelt slow dances to energetic group numbers, the reception had an infectious energy that made it impossible not to smile.

Candid Wedding Photography – Capturing the Magic

As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, my goal is always to document weddings in a way that tells the full story—the big moments, the small details, and the in-between magic.

Kate and Alex’s wedding was the perfect blend of emotional, candid, and fun photography moments. From tearful embraces to uncontrollable laughter on the dance floor, every part of the day was filled with authentic moments worth remembering forever.

Some of my favorite shots from the night included:

• Kate and Alex’s first look – the pure joy on their faces was priceless.
• Grandparents watching the ceremony with pride – a moment of deep love and family connection.
• The groomsmen’s hilarious dance-off – because what’s a wedding without a little friendly competition?
• Kate and Alex sneaking away for a sunset photo session in The Priory’s courtyard – a breathtakingly romantic scene.

A Night to Remember

As the evening drew to a close, guests sent Kate and Alex off with a grand sparkler exit, lighting up the night with glowing trails of light. The newlyweds left hand in hand, surrounded by cheers, laughter, and the warm glow of family and friends.

Weddings like this are why I love what I do. The mix of deep emotions, candid moments, and unfiltered joy makes for an unforgettable experience—not just for the couple, but for everyone involved.

Kate and Alex’s wedding at The Priory Hotel was nothing short of magical, and I’m incredibly honored to have been the one to capture their story.