I’ll admit it’s taken me a minute to sit down and write Keri+Kyle’s blog post, only because every time I start to think about how to sum up their day, I find it nearly impossible. Working with a couple like them reminds me just how lucky I am to call myself an elopement photographer. They were extremely involved with their planning process, knew exactly how they wanted their day to look and they truly trusted us to document a personal and intimate day within their lives. When we got in the car to leave that evening I looked at my husband and I said “this, this right here is the type of day that fulfills my soul and my creative heart”. When you go to leave and the couple wants to take a photo with you, tells you how thankful they are and that they want you to stay in their lives after the wedding day, you know that you are more than just a photographer, you are a support and a friend. Not only were our hearts fulfilled, so were theirs!

Kyle and Keri met at work in September of 2016, Keri remembers thinking he was cute. October rolled around and they ended up at The Scarehouse with a group of coworkers. Keri dressed as a pink power ranger and Kyle dressed as a crab, Keri didn’t recognize him at first when he waved at her. She recalls being split into groups to go through the haunted house, of course they ended up in the same group. As they were going through, the two girls in front of Keri were scared and so the three girls were holding hands while walking through the haunted house. Keri thought this would be a good opportunity to reach back and grab Kyle’s hand and pretend she was scared, but she admittedly chickened out and didn't do it. But later that night they all went to a Halloween party. The two of them sat up talking until 2AM. After that, Keri would try to find times to talk to Kyle at work and would go to happy hours just to talk to him more. Then in early December they were at the company Christmas party and that's where they really hit it off. After that they just kept hanging out and it just kind of happened. They both agree it’s been a blast ever since!

Knowing Kyle had his grandmother's ring but not knowing where/when he would give it to Keri, the proposal was a total surprise. They were closing on their new house, they had signed the papers that Friday morning. The day was spent cleaning and moving, knowing they had had friends coming to help move the big furniture over the weekend. On the last trip of the night, they got their cat Sprinkles and picked up a pizza. Once back at the house, Kyle kept trying to get Keri to eat the pizza and drink the champagne they had picked up, but she could only focus on trying to get the Sprink to adjust to her new surroundings. It was around 9:40 pm and Keri picked Sprink up and carried her to the living room to put her a chair. When she turned around, Kyle was on the ground with the ring in his hand, and Keri recalls him saying "Keri March, will you marry me?" (her middle is actually May, it's a running joke between them) She goes "are you serious?" and laughed, not because he was asking but because he chose that moment. He knew that they would be busy moving the rest of the weekend and there wouldn't really be any romantic moment, but he wanted to overwhelm her (in a good way) with a new house and ring all on the same day!

Their relaxed and fun elopement day was the perfect blend of including family and friends while also enjoying lot’s of moments with just the two of them. They began their day by getting ready at their home with a few friends and family, including their cat Sprinkles. Once it was time to get dressed they separated briefly before meeting in their backyard for a first look. Keri wore a beautiful A-line dress with floral applique and Kyle donned a black slim fitted suit.

They then headed to one of their favorite nearby parks, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, where they took a short walk into the woods and exchanged private vows. I loved that they chose to exchange their vows privately before their main ceremony in front of friends and family. It allowed them to truly express what was on their hearts and have a moment alone with each other. Once their short ceremony was finished they signed their self uniting marriage license and parted ways with their guests.

Then the four of us headed to OTB at the North Park Boathouse so they could grab a celebratory pre-hike beer. It made for the perfect pit stop before hitting the trails. We then drove to an access point for part of the Rachel Carson Trail and they began their afternoon of just enjoying each other's company. We spent a portion of our time hiking, taking photos and just enjoying the scenery before arriving at a secluded area where they could share a picnic together. From a champagne toast, romantic picnic and dancing to Taylor Swift, they truly soaked up this portion of their day. So much so that they decided to delay their arrival to their laid back brewery reception. That’s the beauty of elopements, you get to have more spontaneity in your timeline for things that make your hearts happy.

Once they decided it was time to finish their hike we made our way back to our cars and then headed to Threadbare Cider House for their intimate dinner reception. The menu included appetizers, cider and sourdough pizzas, shared with the people closest to them. It was the perfect laid-back way to end such a beautiful day centered around their love for each other.

It was perfectly them and we are so grateful they chose us to tag along on such a private, just for them type of elopement day! Cheers to Keri+Kyle and all of the amazing adventures that still lay ahead!!

| Vendor Love |

Hair & Make-up | Pittsburgh Glam Team

Florist | Gold Dust Floral

Venue/Caterer | Threadbare Cider House

Cake | The Butterwood Bake Consortium

Dress | BHLDN

Suit | Jacks Tuxedo