Melanie and Alex’s wedding at the Phipps Conservatory Outdoor Garden was bursting with color, joy, and the kind of summer sunshine that makes Pittsburgh feel like a dream destination. On a warm August afternoon, friends and family gathered from all over the country to celebrate among the flowers, fountains, and lush greenery of this iconic Pittsburgh venue. In fact, I may have been the only local there!

As with all of my couples, I honor each client’s wishes when it comes to sharing images. Alex requested that his face and image not be shared online, so while you won’t see him here, you’ll absolutely feel his presence in the laughter, color, and moments we captured throughout the day.

The Setting: Phipps Conservatory Outdoor Garden

The Outdoor Garden at Phipps is pure magic in the summer. The sun was shining bright, the blooms were in full glory, and everywhere you turned, there was another perfect backdrop for photos. The garden’s colorful flowerbeds and architectural details gave their wedding a natural elegance without the need for much extra decoration.

That said, the florals by Poppy Flower Co. were absolutely stunning. Bright, seasonal blooms blended perfectly with the gardens, adding bursts of color to the ceremony space and reception tables. It was as if the flowers themselves were celebrating alongside the couple.

Getting Ready & Sweet Details

Melanie looked absolutely radiant, with hair styled by Bloom Beauty Bar—effortless and romantic, perfect for a garden wedding. She carried a bouquet overflowing with color, a beautiful extension of the joyful palette that carried through the day.

Guests were greeted with the warmest Pittsburgh welcome—yes, the famous Pittsburgh Cookie Table made an appearance! For many traveling from out of town, it was their first time experiencing this tradition, and I heard more than one person say they’d never seen anything like it.

Dinner & Dancing

Dinner was catered by Common Plea Catering, and instead of a traditional plated meal, they served food in stations—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for mingling. I loved watching guests wander from table to table, balancing a little of this and a little of that, all while catching up with each other.

The cake from Bethel Bakery was as beautiful as it was delicious—a sweet highlight before the party truly got underway.

Once the music started, Lethal DJ Services kept the dance floor moving. Even in the August heat, guests weren’t afraid to dance the night away under the open sky. There was an energy that felt both celebratory and deeply connected—like everyone knew they were part of something really special.

A Personal Reflection

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings at Phipps is how the setting evolves throughout the day. The golden summer light shifted across the gardens, the air cooled ever so slightly in the evening, and guests lingered, savoring the moment. Melanie and Alex’s day was exactly what a summer wedding should be—beautiful, colorful, and filled with joy.

If you’re considering a Phipps Conservatory wedding, the Outdoor Garden is truly something special. Pair it with incredible vendors like these, and you’ll have a day your guests will never forget.

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Vendor Team:
🌸 Florals: Poppy Flower Co.
🍽️ Catering: Common Plea Catering
💄 Hair: Bloom Beauty Parlor
🍰 Cake: Bethel Bakery
🎶 DJ: Lethal DJ Services