It was their senior year. As they were individually making plans for after graduation, lining up jobs and considering school and where they would move to, Dave asked Cally on a date. It was a small but life changing move. They began to build a relationship and found how much they complimented each other… and needed each other. In perhaps one of the most romantic moments of both of their lives, Cally went on a business trip to Paris and Dave followed. He even traveled on the same plane unbeknownst to her and surprised her at the hotel when she checked in. Later that weekend at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, he proposed.

Cally stepped in to the foyer at the Fox Chapel Golf Club and her heart skipped a beat. Her wedding day had finally arrived, confirmed by the fact that the club was decorated as beautifully as she imagined. Her bridesmaids drew in as everyone agreed it would be the most elegant wedding they had seen. Cally grew up dreaming of having her wedding at the club, and although she and Dave were settled in the D.C. area they made the decision to travel to her hometown of Pittsburgh for the wedding.

The night before family and close friends had gathered to celebrate and affirm the relationship she and Dave built. They laughed, told stories, and sang songs (as family tradition) to the soon to be newlyweds. That night started a weekend that marked one of the most memorable occasions in both of their lives, and a wedding that looked like this…

The diamond in Cally’s engagement ring was worn by her great grandmother and placed in a new setting, such a gorgeous family stone. She had two dresses for her wedding day, one Oscar de la Renta and the other Badgley Mischka. The first was a silk taffeta ballgown and the second a sequined dress for their exit. To accompany the dresses were a veil borrowed from Cally’s matron of honor’s mother (Blythe! remember her wedding that I shot?) and a fur coat owned by Cally’s grandmother. She brought two pairs of shoes to choose from on the day of, and decided to go with the jeweled Badgley Mischka pair in a light blush tone. It was a gorgeous ensemble.

At the salon, it was hard to resist the charm of their french bulldog. So hilarious and adorable! All of the bridesmaids were there getting their hair done and putting on makeup, and it was the best time to get some candid shots as they prepared. While some people are unsure of how many “getting ready photos” they want… in this case I can tell you it should not have been missed. It is a more relaxed time of preparation than the actual dressing right before things get started.

I love this image of bridesmaids watching Cally prepare for her wedding and put on the finishing touches. Phoebe – I hope you don’t mind but you were so cute trying to blot your eyes and figure out how to keep your makeup nice… you mastered it though!

With the preparations complete Cally was ready for the ceremony and looking stunning. I really mean it. We took just a few minutes to capture these portraits and I highly recommend adding time to your schedule and being in a great location so that you can do so as well.

Meanwhile Dave was looking dapper and having fun with they guys as they made their final preparations. Everyone met at the church for a dramatic walk down the aisle where they saw each other for the first time.

It was the snowy winter day they had dreamed of, and Fox Chapel Golf Club was lit up with sparkling lights to welcome everyone in.

The club has several rooms which flow in to each other, anchored around a large atrium with trees and a glass ceiling for tons of natural light. Flowers centered each table arrangement and candles each stair step so that greenery and soft light was present throughout.

After a welcoming round of cocktails and hor ‘dourves the introductions were made and the dancing began. There was not shortage of moves on the dance floor and a great time was had by all. At the end of the night, with sparklers lit and cheers of joy Cally and Dave made their getaway.

Cally + Dave, thank you so much for inviting me to document your day, and thank you to everyone else who allowed me in to their lives in the process. I can’t end this post without saying how fun it has been to be welcomed in to this group of friends… I think three weddings now makes it feel like friends right? Two years ago I photographed both Christie + Kyle’s and Steve and Blythe’s, and it was so fun to see everyone again. I hope it won’t be the last time!

Wedding Dress Oscar de la Renta  Getaway Dress Badgley Mischka  Veil & Jewelry borrowed Shoes Badgley Mischka  Bridesmaid’s Dresses After Six  Hair & Makeup MCN Salon  Groom + Groomsmen  Joseph A Banks  Flowers Allison McGeary Florist  Cake + Cupcakes Vanilla Pastry Studio  Ceremony Fox Chapel Episcopal Church  Reception Fox Chapel Golf Club

I’m beginning to think that winter is the perfect time for a wedding. It transforms the landscape. You might have to brave frigid temperatures for you photos, but in the end they are so completely worth it. Joe and Molly’s wedding was one such occasion. Temperatures dropped into the single digits and believe me, it was a wedding for the record books. Molly actually said before I left, “you’re going to write about how this was the coldest wedding!” and it’s true, I am going to write that. I’m also going to write about how Joe and Molly’s wedding was fabulous day tucked away in the hills of western New York, and the day started at Molly’s house…

When I arrived the house was buzzing with activity. Bridesmaids were almost ready, Molly was tucked away upstairs, and family were getting all of the last details in order. When Molly came downstairs, she made sure to clean her ring before everything got started.

Molly not only was a bride, she was a gorgeous bride! I love these two portraits we took before heading off to the ceremony.

Off to the ceremony, which was personal and intimate, and even included a duet Molly and Joe sang to each other. What a talented couple!

After the ceremony, we went back to Molly’s house and took some photos on the surrounding property. This was the coldest part of the day. I have to hand it to the bridal party for getting out there, and of course Molly and Joe who braved the most weather. Doesn’t it look gorgeous though?

Like any prepared winter bride, Molly had matching boots and a coat so she could stay warm and look as good outside for pictures as inside. That’s a must if you’re having a winter wedding in my opinion – you always need more accessories.

So lovely, I think the series of Joe carrying Molly through the snow is just perfect!

For the reception we headed to Anastassia Events, which has transformed an old church in a great reception site (below) in Portageville New York. It’s a really unique place and has a bed and breakfast (presumably the old parsonage) attached as well.  It was my first time at the location and I think they did a great job. Before joining everyone in the reception, we finished up with the photos you see above in the b&b.

Some of the other details from their wedding day are below, and one of the most unique things was their choice of cake: ice cream cake! Molly requested Coldstone ice cream cake and if that’s your favorite, I say go for it on your wedding! There were about ten different flavors of cake, which were listed on the back of the menu card, so there was certainly something for everyone.

When Joe and Molly cut the cake, it was a little bit more challenging since they were cutting through ice cream… and once they tucked their napkins in I knew it was going to be serious business!

Having fun on the dance floor, I love this imperfect yet lively photo from the end of the day. I’m sure you’re dying to see more, so head over to my proofing site, create a profile, and then use the couple’s last name as your password to view the gallery. Also, help Joe and Molly win a free 11×14 or 16×20 by leaving your comments below! Congrats again to Joe + Molly – thank you so much for letting me document your wedding and enjoy re-living it through the photos!