Wedding: Melinda + Alex

PITTSBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

ARMSTRONG FARMS WEDDING, SAXONBURG PA

Melinda and Alex had both their ceremony and reception at the Armstrong Farms FIELDSTONE barn location in Saxonburg, PA.  I absolutely loved working with them and an Armstrong Farms wedding never disappoints.  Melinda reached out to me last year after her Mom attended one of my 2016 weddings at the HYATT HOUSE in the Southside Works in Pittsburgh and shortly after she saw one of my weddings published in Pittsburgh Magazine.  She joked and said she better hire me before everyone else books me!  During our conversations, Melinda mentioned that she writes her very own cooking blog, COOKING ALA MEL.  I quickly checked out her blog and I was so impressed!!  I even tried one of her lavender syrup recipes.  You can’t go wrong with a fresh lavender syrup summer cocktail!

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS AT ARMSTRONG FARMS WESTMINSTER PRESERVE

Armstrong Farms does not disappoint when it comes to location and atmosphere for weddings.  They have a newly renovated location that holds wedding ceremonies and receptions at their Westminster Preserve.  While Melinda and the girls got ready for the day over at the Fieldstone location, the guys were getting ready over at Westminster.  Melinda and Alex opted to have their first look and additional photos over at the Westminster location.  I loved that we had two different locations for photos.   Having a variety of looks for your wedding gallery is always a plus!  The traditional, bride walking up behind the groom for the first look was what I originally had in mind for them, but after spending some time with Melinda at the beginning of the day, I suggested something a little different.  While Alex was facing away, Melinda stood behind him and they both stood back to back, holding hands for a few minutes.   Turning around for the big reveal was under my discretion, and quite honestly, it was fun to watch them giggle, laugh, and move around with nervousness for a few minutes.  First look photos are always a favorite of mine for the day.

BRIDAL PARTY AND FAMILY PHOTOS AT ARMSTRONG FARMS

After Melinda and Alex’s first look, we quickly changed the pace and went right into bridal party and family photos.  This entire group, hands down, was one of the most fun and laid back groups I’ve had the pleasure of working with.  After spending the early afternoon getting ready with the girls, I knew that this was a fun and upbeat occasion, but it wasn’t until their family formal photos that I truly saw the happiness of the day.  Their different groups of family photos, no lie, make me smile from ear to ear every time I see them.  They literally have the happiest wedding gallery . EVER.  Both sets of parents, their grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and siblings were all smiles and SO happy.  My absolute FAVORITE image of the group was Alex and his grandmother.  You can literally feel their closeness in the photo.  Warms my heart!!!

WEDDING CEREMONY AT FIELDSTONE BARN AT ARMSTRONG FARMS

When Alex and his groomsmen walked their processional to the Game of Thrones theme, I knew this was going to be a fun ceremony.  They certainly did not disappoint!  Melinda’s brother in law officiated their ceremony which was so awesome.  You know you have a close-knit family when you have your brother in law officiate.  From Harry Potter references and quotes to their vows including lines from Game of Thrones, this ceremony was a blast to document.  They ended their ceremony by mixing two wines that complimented their personalities.  Brilliant!

WEDDING RECEPTION AT ARMSTRONG FARMS

Each table at the reception was decorated with books and famous couples.  Melinda calls herself ‘reading-obsessed’ and their decor for their reception was quite fitting indeed.  She made it all herself, so if you are a DIY follower, get ready to pin her images!  Their cake cutting was replaced with ice cream scooping followed by an ice cream bar featuring different flavors from Bruster’s Ice Cream … need I say more?

RECEPTION SNEAK OUT FOR SUNSET PHOTOS ON THE FARM

One of my favorite parts of documenting an Armstrong Farms wedding is the staff’s willingness to drive you around the property at sunset to get some amazing sunset images.  I had a late summer wedding there last year and the photos during sunset were amazing, so I knew going into the day that I would have Melinda and Alex sneak away for a bit.  Their photos had the perfect amount of warmth and sunset flare.  I can say this a thousand times and it will never get old … I LOVE sunset photos on a wedding day.

THANK YOU

Melinda and Alex, thank you so much for having me.  I loved everything about your wedding day.  You guys are fantastic!

.Are you engaged and planning your Pittsburgh wedding?!  I’d LOVE to hear from you!  Please feel free to contact me below or email me directly at AmandaBriscoPhotography@gmail.com .