We work with so many kind couples, but Nisha+Justin have a way of making you feel so welcome in their presence. After spending just a few minutes with them it’s easy to see why they ended up together. Nisha’s generosity, sense of humor, intelligence and kindness paired with Justin’s trustworthy, fun-loving and genuine nature make them the perfect match!

Together they love to fill their time hiking, visiting breweries, cooking, singing karaoke, snuggling their two cats, listening to records and spending time with family.

They met right before the 2020 lockdowns began, meeting up for drinks at BrewDog Pittsburgh. Things were going so well they wanted this first meet up to last a little longer, so they hopped next door to Kelly's Bar & Lounge where they laughed with the bartenders about this crazy two week quarantine thing that might happen. They ended the night with a kiss…little did they know it would be another six weeks until they could see each other again. We’ve photographed a few covid couples now and I will say their connections are always so strong. There is something about meeting in uncertain times, while the world is stopped, where you can just take the time to get to know each other. It creates something special.

Nisha and Justin’s stories are much longer than what I’ll write here but when I say these two deserve one another, just know that I mean that with all my heart.

Flash forward to their summer wedding day at Bramblewood. The farm made for the perfect backdrop to celebrate with friends and family! It’s also a special place for these two as they had gone on a socially distanced picnic date night during the pandemic, early in their relationship. Recalling how romantic the location was, it was an easy choice when they decided to pick their wedding venue.

The day started with a first look with Nisha and her Dad on the porch of the bridal cottage. While getting Bharat into place for Nisha to come outside, he leaned over to me and said he wasn't sure he was ready to see her yet. As in, he knew this was going to be an emotional moment and needed time to compose himself. And that’s when I realized this day was going to be extra special. After the initial first look with her dad, Nisha surprised Bharat with a very meaningful detail. She had incorporated a piece of her late mother’s wedding dress by having it sewn into her own dress. It was a beautiful moment shared between them.

Afterwards Nisha shared a first look and portraits with Justin in a tall grove of trees near the ceremony site. Nisha wore a beautiful Allure dress with floral motifs and a dainty veil. While Justin looked dapper in his dark blue three piece suit and sage green accents. Adding to their romantic summer look was the delicate and whimsical bouquet created by Gold Dust Floral.

The afternoon included a very personalized and heartfelt ceremony officiated by one of Nisha’s closest friends. It included personalized vows and readings from friends. Their love was radiating out to their guests and the words spoken throughout the ceremony ensured everyone had tissues out by the end of it. Personally it was one of the best ceremonies we have witnessed in 5+years of photographing weddings.

Once the ceremony was finished it was time for cocktail hour, featuring two signature drinks. Each named after their two cats Clementine and Scout! Heading into dinner included emotional speeches, a guest book made from records, delicious food from Bistro to Go and romantic atmosphere inside of the large refurbished barn.

By now you would think the rest of the night went on as planned with mingling, a personal song sung by Nisha’s dad and a few Bollywood songs to get the dance floor moving. Of course those events did take place but shortly after the night took a turn. As we were preparing to step out for sunset photos Nisha informed us that Justin wasn't feeling well. So we decided to wait things out for a bit and continue covering the reception. Unfortunately, Justin continued to feel worse. And this is where I’ll let Nisha finish telling the story-

“In sickness and in health. While *almost* everything on our big day was perfect, social media can be deceiving. The reality is that the last 2.5 hours were scary and unfair. Justin spent the end of our reception in the ER with what we thought was appendicitis. Thankfully, it was not and he’s feeling so, so much better. We’re lucky he got through the most special moments of the day, but it doesn’t take away from how disappointed he was to miss the end of the party.

But in moments like this, people show up. Guests and family immediately volunteered to give rides to the ER and ensure all of our things were packed up and returned to our house. Within a half hour of Justin leaving, his friends were already planning a redo party. After Justin insisted I stay to finish out the reception that we put so much energy into planning, everyone rallied so fiercely around me and I was able to enjoy pockets of fun between the worry. Our vendors bent over backwards to accommodate our rare situation. Bramblewood and Liz have offered for us to come back anytime we’d like to take the golden hour pics we missed out on.

Our village is truly amazing. We’re working through a lot of feelings, but are trying to focus on all of the truly amazing moments of the day and that most importantly, Justin is healthy. In time we know this will become a funny tale to add to our already unique love story.

Friday was just ONE day. We now have the rest of our lives to look forward to. We’re married, and that’s all that matters.”

Spoiler alert, we did make it back to Bramblewood for their sunset makeup session and it definitely did not disappoint. We strolled around enjoying the golden light, Nisha and Justin re-read their vows and celebrated round two with a champagne toast! Even if your wedding day doesn't end in an ER trip, I totally recommend getting dressed up a second time just for the two of you and enjoying an extended sunset session!

Despite it all, Nisha+Justin’s wedding day was full of beautiful, sentimental moments, words and actions. Truly they are a couple who deserve every ounce of love that surrounds them.

We couldn’t be happier for these two kind-hearted people and we can’t wait to see all of the adventures this new chapter will bring!

Congrats Nisha+Justin!

[Vendor Love]

Venue | Bramblewood

Make-Up+Hair | Caviar and Curls

Florist | Gold Dust Floral

Caterer | Bistro-to-Go

Dessert | Koffee and Kupcakes

Cocktail Signage | Maura Losch Art

DJ | Eric Schiemer

Rentals | Windswept Rentals

Dress | Sorelle Bridal / Allure