A Beautiful September Wedding at Phipps Conservatory and Soldiers & Sailors

Stephanie and Ben’s Pittsburgh wedding was such a beautiful celebration, and it was especially meaningful for me to be part of their day! I photographed Stephanie’s sister Ashley’s wedding at the Circuit Center in 2021, so getting to photograph another wedding for their family was incredibly special. I always love seeing familiar faces and celebrating with families again!

Their early September wedding brought together two iconic Pittsburgh venues, with a ceremony at Phipps Conservatory and a reception at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. We had beautiful weather, wonderful locations for photographs, and a day filled with personal touches.

Stephanie and Ben’s Love Story

Stephanie and Ben’s story began during a Penn State study abroad trip to China, after Stephanie’s freshman year and Ben’s sophomore year. Both originally from Pittsburgh, they found their connection while traveling halfway around the world!

Seven years later, Ben planned a surprise anniversary trip to Annapolis, Maryland. During their visit, he took Stephanie to a beautiful historic garden in downtown Annapolis and proposed. What a lovely way to celebrate seven years together and begin the next chapter of their story!

A Phipps Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Phipps Conservatory is one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful wedding ceremony locations, and it was a wonderful setting for Stephanie and Ben to exchange their vows.

One of the most meaningful details of their ceremony was that Ben’s father married them. Having someone so close to the couple officiate made the ceremony especially personal and memorable.

As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I love the natural beauty that Phipps Conservatory offers. The gardens, greenery, and architecture create such a distinctive backdrop for wedding photographs. It’s a location that feels elegant and romantic while still embracing the natural surroundings.

And with the beautiful early September weather, it was a lovely day to celebrate!

A Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall Wedding Reception

Following their ceremony at Phipps Conservatory, Stephanie and Ben continued their celebration at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

Soldiers & Sailors is such a recognizable Pittsburgh landmark, with grand architecture and a historic atmosphere that makes it a beautiful choice for a wedding reception. Pairing Phipps Conservatory with Soldiers & Sailors gave Stephanie and Ben two very different but equally classic Pittsburgh settings for their wedding day.

Their reception brought together family, friends, and a talented team of Pittsburgh wedding vendors to celebrate the newlyweds.

A Special Family Connection

One of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer is having the opportunity to photograph multiple weddings within the same family.

When Stephanie first reached out, she mentioned that I had photographed her sister Ashley’s wedding in 2021. Ben had even attended that wedding, so they were already familiar with me and my approach to photography.

It’s always such an honor when families invite me back for another important milestone. Being able to celebrate with Stephanie and Ben, reconnect with their family, and document another beautiful wedding day made this one particularly meaningful!

Planning a Phipps Conservatory or Soldiers & Sailors Wedding in Pittsburgh?

If you’re planning a Pittsburgh wedding, both Phipps Conservatory and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall offer beautiful settings with distinctly different styles.

Phipps Conservatory is known for its lush gardens and botanical atmosphere, while Soldiers & Sailors offers historic architecture and a grand reception setting. Together, they make a wonderful combination for couples who love Pittsburgh and want their wedding day to reflect the city’s character.

As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I always enjoy photographing celebrations that combine beautiful venues with meaningful family traditions. Stephanie and Ben’s wedding was a perfect example!

Stephanie and Ben’s Pittsburgh Wedding Vendors

A wonderful team of vendors helped bring their wedding day together!

• Ceremony Venue: Phipps Conservatory
• Reception Venue: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall
• Wedding Photographer: Leeann Marie Photography
• Wedding Planner: Kathryn Jakusik
• Florist: Donati Florist
• Catering: The Chef and I
• Band: The Bachelor Boys
• Wedding Cake: Bethel Bakery
• Bridal Boutique: One Enchanted Evening
• Hair and Makeup: Luxe Hair Salon
• Videographer: Pretty Films
• Lighting: James Lux
• Wedding Jewelry: Grown Brilliance
• Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux
• Transportation: Tortorice

Congratulations, Stephanie and Ben! Thank you for inviting me to photograph such a beautiful celebration and for welcoming me back to another wonderful family wedding. It was an honor to be part of your day!