Ellie and Brendan’s wedding day was a beautiful blend of tradition, elegance, and joyful celebration—set right in the heart of Pittsburgh. With a stunning ceremony at the iconic Heinz Memorial Chapel and a timeless reception at the Duquesne Club, their day perfectly reflected both their classic taste and warm personalities. Although they now live in sunny San Diego, Brendan serving in the military, they brought that California sunshine and lighthearted spirit with them to celebrate back home with family and friends.

A Military Ceremony at Heinz Memorial Chapel

Heinz Chapel is one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved ceremony venues, and it looked even more magnificent with the soft morning light streaming through its stained glass. Ellie and Brendan chose a noon ceremony, which gave their entire day a unique and relaxed rhythm.

After their heartfelt vows, Brendan’s military background added a special and emotional touch to the ceremony exit—a traditional military sword arch, performed by Brendan and his fellow service members. It was such a sweet moment, with smiles all around and a few playful gestures as they walked through the archway as newlyweds.

A Touch of San Diego in the Air

Although they live across the country, Ellie and Brendan’s wedding was a true Pittsburgh celebration. But somehow, the San Diego weather made a guest appearance—clear skies, warm sun, and not a raindrop in sight. It made for perfect portraits around Oakland, including some lovely spots near the Cathedral of Learning and Carnegie Mellon.

Ellie looked radiant in her gown from House of Couture Designs, complemented by glowing makeup from Studio Twenty Three salon. Her bouquet by Pete Donati Florist was full of soft, romantic blooms—classic and elegant, just like the rest of the day.

A Classy, Fun Reception at the Duquesne Club

After the ceremony, guests gathered for an afternoon celebration at one of the most timeless venues in the city: the Duquesne Club. If you’re not familiar with it yet, you can learn more about this historic and elegant space on my Duquesne Club Weddings page. It’s a photographer’s dream—rich wood, grand staircases, and that unmistakable old-world charm that elevates any event.

The ballroom was tastefully decorated, with centerpieces from Donati Florist and music by @bpmdeejays keeping the energy fun and upbeat. Even with the earlier reception timing, the dance floor was never empty. It was the kind of afternoon where you couldn’t help but smile.

Moments to Remember

Some of the most emotional moments of the day came during the speeches. Ellie’s father gave a touching and heartfelt toast that had more than a few guests (and maybe a photographer) wiping away tears. The best man followed with a mix of humor and sentiment that perfectly captured Brendan’s character and their friendship.

And since the reception wrapped up earlier in the evening, Ellie and Brendan didn’t stop the fun there—they headed back out with their friends later that night to keep the celebration going. It was the perfect balance of formal elegance and joyful connection.

Final Thoughts

Weddings like Ellie and Brendan’s are such a joy to capture. From the historic backdrop of Heinz Chapel, to the refined elegance of the Duquesne Club, to the little personal touches like the sword arch and beautiful speeches—every part of their day was meaningful and full of heart.

If you’re planning a Pittsburgh wedding and looking for a classic venue combination, this one is hard to beat. Whether you’re local or planning from afar like Ellie and Brendan, Pittsburgh has a way of welcoming you in and making your wedding day unforgettable.

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Vendor Team:

💐 Florals: @donatiflorist_
🎶 DJ: @bpmdeejays
💄 Makeup: @studio.23salon
👗 Dress: @houseofcouturedesigns
💍 Rings: @orrsjewelers