Back in the spring of 2021 Steph+Danica’s friend Allie emailed me looking to hire a photographer for an upcoming proposal. Steph was planning all the details for the mid-week anniversary trip to Pittsburgh where she was set on proposing to Danica while at Phipps Conservatory. Flash forward to capturing one of the sweetest proposals and it was clear that these two were meant to be. We instantly connected during our short session together. So of course we were secretly hoping that we would get to see them again at their wedding!

To my joy I opened my email one day in early November to a message from Danica. Her and Stephanie were planning to elope in Pittsburgh on Taylor Swift's birthday, just shy of a month away. I was instantly excited for the two of them and equally as excited that we would get to spend an entire day with them!

Danica+Steph met at a dinner party in January of 2019. It was sushi night, one of their favorites. Danica remembers that “Steph almost didn't show up that night and she had to bring her own chair to the party.” But as fate would have it. She did show up. From the moment they met, they admit that it was an instant connection. Thinking back to that evening they remember “it felt like it was only the two of us in the room and we could talk for hours about any topic in the world. We shared our mutual love of sports, true crime, and Taylor Swift”. From that point forward they spoke every day from morning until night for seven months until making it official in August.

Two years later, Steph decided to bring Danica to Pittsburgh for a mid-week getaway to celebrate their anniversary. In addition to celebrating their anniversary little did Danica know that Steph was also planning to propose. After spending some time seeing other exhibits at Phipps, Danica and Steph headed into the Broderie Room. Steph had rented the space and we were waiting in hiding. There was absolute joy and excitement coming from Danica once she realized what was happening! Of course she said yes and a few short months later they arrived back in the burgh to elope!

The day started at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco where Danica and Steph exchanged gifts and got dressed separately, opting to see one another for the first time at the altar. Danica wore a beautiful white a-line dress with diamond jewelry and a vintage white fur coat. Stephanie looked so sharp in her black tux, white Vans and Lacoste watch gifted to her from Danica.

For the ceremony they invited only two friends and their very immediate family. For a total of eight guests. They exchanged vows in the chic Rialto room at Hotel Monaco. After exchanging vows and saying “I do” they called a few friends to share the news and enjoyed a champagne toast with those there in person. Danica also chose this time to share a gift with their son Arlen which was so special to witness as these three officially became a family!

They stepped out alone for their first dance onto the rooftop terrace, nestled among the towering city buildings. Speckled with the beginnings of golden hour light. Sharing their first dance to the song “Lover” by T-swift was so dang emotional. My romantic heart is still reminiscing on being there to capture such an intimate moment between them.

After the main events we headed to the streets of downtown Pittsburgh for their couple portraits. With their two friends Dana and Peter in tow to help with the dress, coats, flowers and to be the best support team! Having a truly supportive friend or two to tag along during portraits can be such a big help for us and makes for an even better time for you! We walked to PPG Place to view the giant Christmas tree and made our way to the Smithfield St. bridge for some gorgeous golden hour skyline shots.

Once we made it back to the hotel we took advantage of the funky interior design, taking a few more indoor portraits before Danica and Steph headed back to their suite. They wanted to make sure they were intentional and present during their day even towards the end. They took time to re-group and celebrate alone prior to catching an Uber to end their elopement day with a reception dinner at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto.

Danica+Steph thank-you for inviting us to be a part of not one but two monumental days within your relationship. We truly loved every minute with you both! You two are so warm, welcoming and sincere in all that you do. We are so grateful our paths have crossed!

Wishing you a lifetime of love spent together with endless kitty snuggles, unique antique finds and the best fishing ponds! Congrats friends!

[Vendor Love]
Venue | Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Hair+Make-Up | Shear Metal Beauty
Florals | Field and Hand