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!!

It was an interesting situation for me because in the hundreds of weddings that Elizabeth and Ihave photographed, neither has ever been a second shooter and the perspective is completely different. Annie is a close friend of ours and she asked if I wanted to help her out, which was my pleasure. Being a second shooter has limitations, but it also affords some tremendous freedom to shoot from positions and try unusual angles and dramatic light that might be too risky if I was on my own. It was a wonderful time and I hope it’s not the last time we get this opportunity!

-Vincent