The Preamble:

 Today, we celebrate the love story of Amanda and Chris. The two met on Bumble, an online dating app. Their first date was at The Porch, a restaurant in Oakland, where you could feel the chemistry right from the start. They discussed past adventures, family, and their favorite activities in Pittsburgh. Soon after that initial meeting, Chris organized a trip to a Steelers game, and from that moment, they became inseparable. As optimists, they invested in each other and made themselves vulnerable, which fostered a positive environment for their relationship to grow. When it was time to take their commitment to the next level, Chris planned a top-secret proposal atop Mount Washington that was exceptionally well thought out.

Region 2: A Walk Around Town:

 The wedding day began at Amanda's home. After some preparations with her mother and children, she jumped in the car to meet Chris for a first look at The Porch, a moment that was both exciting and nostalgic. From there, they made their way around town, enjoying walks through The University of Pittsburgh, The Cultural District, and, most importantly, Winchester Thurston School, where Amanda has dedicated over twenty years to investing in the lives of her students, watching them grow from kindergarten to 12th grade. In every conversation I had with her during the planning process, she emphasized the importance of taking portraits at this significant place—a second home not just for her but also for her own children.

Part 3: Bar Marco:

The Ceremony** The festivities were held at Bar Marco, a historic restaurant in the Strip District, where a small gathering of friends and family came together for a unique ceremony blending Irish and Jewish traditions. After exchanging personal vows and shedding a few tears, Amanda and Chris met at the center aisle for a kiss, proudly holding hands as they walked down the aisle into their future. Soon after, the fantastic staff at Bar Marco served a family-style feast for their guests, accompanied by some of the most heartfelt speeches one could ever hear. The couple expressed their gratitude to their guests for sharing in their special day, letting everyone know how much each individual meant to them on their journey. During the speeches, they gave special thanks to their mothers, who were both in attendance and honored their fathers, who had passed but continued to watch over them. Furthermore, their immediate family members shared heartfelt stories about the joy they felt watching Amanda and Chris support each other through various life challenges while also cherishing the simple moments together. Each word conveyed personal sentiments, and every wish expressed was genuine.

Once every belly was fully, the celebration began with a bit of cake and their first dance. And then the gates opened to a festival, filled with traditional and modern music, contagious laughter, and shared energy. Where else might one witness the spins and twirls of Ceili dancing combined with the elation of the Hora?! What a unique and fun-filled occasion where every guest left feeling lucky to have shared in the celebration.n. 

Best Wishes,

-Sean