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Memorial Hall Wedding in Pittsburgh: Naomi & Renan

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From Paris to Pittsburgh

There are hardly words to describe Naomi & Renan’s wedding in Pittsburgh earlier this summer. I got to meet these lovebirds in Paris last year & was just smitten with them! We explored the streets together, ducked into French cafes, and strolled along the Seine. It was magic, and their wedding day was no exception.

You see, Naomi & Renan weren’t even engaged yet when I took their photos in Paris. They were two souls magnetically bound together, plotting their next steps as a couple. Shortly after Jen & I left, they got engaged, and Naomi took a job back in the US. Through long distance, complicated fiancé Visas, and transplanting their lives to Baltimore, they made it work. The decided to celebrate with their family and friends in Pittsburgh, where Naomi’s mom lives.

French Romance

They fell in love with the elegance of The Heinz Chapel. It reminded them of the gorgeous cathedrals in Paris. Naomi explains, “My personal favorite part is that the stained glass features both religious and scientific figures, as well as women, which is very uncommon in chapels! They have women such as Marie Curie and Emily Dickinson featured, honoring their contribution to the intellectual world.” If this doesn’t speak to the thought and care that went in to choosing every aspect of their day, I don’t know what does!

The day started in a flurry of getting ready. Traveling between locations in the midst of pouring down rain. Everything became still though (including the rain), for Naomi & Renan’s first look. They laughed, cried, and prayed together. So ready and so excited to continue their life together as husband and wife.

Let’s Celebrate!

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, located just across the street from Heinz Chapel, has a similar grandeur to it. It was the perfect venue for a grand reception celebrating the newlyweds. Naomi & Renan performed an insane (-ly awesome) choreographed dance that had everyone ready to jump out of their seats and join the party! Their day was full of multicultural beauty – toasts spoken in 3 different languages, traditions woven into each part of the day. It was so beautiful to see each family welcome the other, every friend there to celebrate their love.

Naomi & Renan – I couldn’t be happier for you two! Thank you so much for blessing me with your friendship – I can’t wait until we’re all together again!! Congratulations – wishing you many happy years, beautiful adventures, and delicious meals together! xoxowedding-rings-on-church-illustrationbride-hanger-jewelry-and-parfumlace-wedding-dress-and-peep-toe-shoesbride-getting-readybridesmaids-laughing-and-pillow-fightingbride-getting-readybride-getting-readyback-of-brides-dressgroom-getting-readygromm-and-groomsmen-with-cigars-and-flasksfirst-lookfirst-lookfirst-lookfirst-lookfirst-lookfirst-lookbridal-partybridal-partybridal-partybridal-partybride-and-groom-in-front-of-churchbride-and-groom-in-front-of-churchbride-and-groom-in-front-of-churchbride-and-groom-in-front-of-churchbride-and-groom-in-front-of-churchbride-looking-upbride-removes-shoeschurchpraying-for-marriagebride-walks-down-aislegrand-church-weddinggrand-church-wedding

Naomi’s college a-cappella group performed during the ceremony – it was absolutely gorgeous.

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Renan asked all of the important men in Naomi’s life to dance with her during the “Father Daughter Dance”. Naomi’s father was celebrated beautifully.

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A Brazilian tradition – cutting & selling parts of a tie to help start the newly weds off on the right foot!

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Naomi surprised Renan with a sushi roll groom’s cake! It was amazing!!

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Event though it was a rainy day, we snuck out to take some romantic portraits near sunset with the glowing hall behind them!
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Wedding Venue – Heinz Chapel // Reception Venue – Soldiers & Sailors Museum // DJ and Videographer – Loyalty Entertainment // HMUA – Jen Lagers // Catering – Chef Rey’s Catering // Dress – Katherine’s Bridal Boutique // Alterations – Blanc de Blanc Bridal // Invitations – Camilla Stark  // Cakes – Frosted Envy 

See more Destination Weddings by Meredith McKee Photography here!

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I believe in all things bright, happy & colorful! Specializing in capturing the JOY of life's greatest adventures!

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