Mr. and Mrs. Riffle | Pittsburgh Botanic Garden August Wedding

Jordan

Sep 4

2 min read

Oh man, where do I even start?

Their story started with love, so let's begin there too. I've shot hundreds of weddings, and the pure love that filled the Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens was on another level for Austin and Alia's wedding day. If I didn't know most of their wedding guests from having photographed their families, I would have had a hard time figuring out who "belonged" to who: babies were shifted from loving arms to loving arms, dance partners switched in and out, and everyone had the biggest smiles all night.

But let's back up to the start of the day. I arrived at the venue right about the same time as the wedding party and started getting detail images and the final getting ready images.

The Botanical Gardens has a getting ready space for couples to use, so while the girls maned that space, the guys hung out upstairs. Before the ceremony, we did the bridal party photos with both sides of the wedding party and nearly all of the family photos. I love getting these knocked out before the ceremony! It makes the hour before cocktail hour run smooth and often gets you back in time to relax, bustle the dress, and have a drink.

Austin and Alia read each other their vows in a private moment before the ceremony, but still hadn't yet seen each other. It created a very intimate moment for them right before they walked down the aisle. (Also I may have gotten just a bit teary eyed.)

And just like that, it was time for the ceremony! I love the flower grandmas!! They looked adorable in their matching dresses. There are so many photos from this day (their album has over 700 photos) that I couldn't possibly post them all. But one of my favorite moments from a wedding day is watching the groomsmen watch the groom's face as the bride walks down the aisle. If you see their full album, look at Austin's brother as Alia walks down to him!

The Botanical Gardens is a stunning venue, and we took advantage! We stopped at so many pretty places for their formal photos. And what's even better, their son got to be included in a handful!

With the formals done and the official vows exchanged, it was time to get the party started! Everyone in the bridal party said a short speech or gave a blessing, the parent dances included Alia's momma, and the dance floor was never empty! If you came up to talk to me during the reception, thanks! I love getting to catch up with everyone :)

(Also, Ryan, if you read this...sorry I called you Steven. I do know your name! And Missy, I promised I wouldn't embarrass you and post any photos, so I won't. But I could!!)