Dierdre and Justin both got ready for their wedding next door at The Sheraton Station Square hotel, which overlooks the Clipper. Deirdre and her dad walked over to the boat together, laughing and joking with each other during the short walk while Justin and his groomsmen finished off a few drinks while waiting to board the boat.

Their ceremony was absolutely beautiful…and windy! Deirdre needed a few moments before she walked down the aisle to secure her veil from the wind, but it was a temporary, and funny, moment. With the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline as their backdrop, Deirdre and Justin exchanged their vows while a some in the crowd shed tears, including Deridre’s mother.

After a few minutes of emotional embraces between family members and close friends, Deirdre’s father gave an inspired speech which turned towards laughter and ended up emotional for him and his newly married daughter. The party started as the sun set behind Mount Washington, and even though Deirdre and Justin were main attraction, Deirdre’s grandmother stole the show on the dance floor! A touch of Karaoke and slow dancing merged with the last few minutes on the Monongahela River as the Gateway Clipper slowly pulled up to the dock at Station Square. The final song coincided with hugs, tears and a fantastic feeling for everyone on board. Deirdre and Justin, we are so happy for you and I thank you for allowing me to capture all of the moments from your fantastic day!!

The ceremony, as well as the reception, was held at The Sheraton Station Square and was the ideal showcase for all of the out of town guests who had not been to Pittsburgh. Maria’s father, who might have been the quietest of all during the hours leading up to the ceremony, displayed his emotions discreetly and in a very touching way as he wiped away the tears from his eyes moments before walking Maria down the aisle.

During the reception later in the evening, Jim’s brother gave a classic speech. Matt knocked it out of the park, telling timely and hysterical stories that even had his father in tears. He described a fight during their childhood and how he carved the words “Jim Sucks” into their dresser. To finish off the speech, he surprised his brother and everyone in attendance by bringing the wooden top to the dance floor for all to see. The reception was highlighted by Maria’s grandparents tearing up the dance floor, a Terrible Towel swirl and and epic cake smash where both Maria and Jim were winners…and losers!

Congratulations Maria and Jim, Elizabeth and I are both so happy and excited for you!