Heinz Chapel and LongueVue Wedding
Choosing your wedding photography is a big decision. It’s very hard to know who to hire, and with AI, extreme photo manipulation and curated social feeds that showcase all the glitz and glam of every wedding taking place under the sun.
I get it. I see it. I understand!
The reason I started this business is FOR YOU. Whatever wedding you dream of, planned, all the choices you’ve made — that’s what I want to document. Did your mom make your cake (like the brides mom in this wedding post!)? I’m here for it! Want to get ready in your childhood home? I’m here for it! Did your best friend do your florals? I’m here for it.
Most importantly, I’m here for YOU. I’ll never ever get over the fact that more than 400 couples have hired me to take photos of one of the most important days of their lives. So thank you for reading this, thank you to all those who selected me to work with them — thank you for it all.
Also, thank you Juliette for sharing such a lovely and heart review. <3
Choosing Steven Dray was one of the best wedding planning decisions we made. So easy to work with from start to finish – responsive, understood our vibe, got to know us during our engagement shoot (as well as our dog!), and was super flexible and easy going on the day of. We simply had so much fun. As these photos had to capture the emotions of the wedding day and are what we have to remember it by, we knew we had to hire the right guy, and boy did Dray deliver. He got all of the photos I knew I wanted plus tons more, inspired cool shots and helped us pose, brought out personality in the wedding party photos, you name it. Go with Dray, you’ll be so thrilled.
What was your inspiration behind your Heinz Chapel and LongueVue Wedding?
We wanted something that felt elegant, romantic, and light for Spring, but most importantly, full of our personalities. The save the dates were a sketch of the proposal by Carleton’s cousin, the invitations teased the venues, and the cake was a favorite homemade recipe by Juliette’s mom as were a lot of the cookies at the cookie table, Juliette wore her mom’s bridal headpiece that coordinated with an all-lace dress full of romance. For the couple’s first dance, they chose “Only Wanna Be with You” to infuse some fun and kick off the dance floor.
Advice to share with brides planning now?
Take time to slow down and enjoy some date nights as a coupl! While there is a lot to plan and it’s easy to get caught up in the details, it’s so important to relax and reflect together on all that brought you to this wonderful day.
How did you and your spouse meet?
We met when we were both living in New York City in early 2021. When the city still felt somewhat empty and quiet in the wake of COVID, we found each other at Carleton’s favorite neighborhood dive bar.
Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂
Carleton pulled off the biggest surprise proposal on a very nonchalant afternoon walk with the couple’s dog through the neighborhood. When Moneypenny, the dog, was rolling around in Triangle Park in Sewickley, Carleton asked if she got something caught on her. Juliette found a dog tag that asked, Will You Marry My Daddy? She turned around to find Carleton on one knee with the ring! After that, the surprise continued with their families waiting back at the house to celebrate with champagne!
What was your favorite memory from your Heinz Chapel and LongueVue Wedding?
As the bride, my favorite memory was looking out at the crowd from the altar after we had finished the ceremony, for the first time as husband and wife. It was incredible to see all the people who had gathered to celebrate this momentous day! I also loved the dip kiss at the end of the aisle that sealed the deal! The first dance was also a favorite as we started to let loose at the reception! Sorry can’t pick just one! As the groom, Carleton loved Father Joe’s homily which was so personal and somehow made everyone laugh! He also loved the choreographed first dance as he picked the song, “Only Wanna Be with You” and got to show off some personality to get the energy up and the dance floor started.
Heinz Chapel and LongueVue Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Steven Dray Photography
Ceremony Location Name:St. Paul Cathedral
Reception Venue Name: Longue Vue Club
Florist: Stems by Syd
Wedding Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier
Wedding Dress Boutique: Anne Gregory
Hairstylist Name: Tamara Artnak, Luxe Hair Salon
Make-up Artist Name: Ashlea, Luxe Hair Salon
Accessory Information: Mom’s Bridal Headpiece
Bride’s Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Bride’s Ring Designer: Orr’s Jewelers
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Revelry
Groom Ring Designer: Orr’s Jewelers
Paper Goods Company: Blush Paper Co.
Handmade Details: Save the Dates by Kelsey Kirwan (a Bushel + a Peck)
Entertainment: DJ Jason Rullo
Cake Baker: Juliette’s Mom
Any Other Vendor You Want to Recognize: 🙂 Lacey at Longue Vue and Dray!! Mikayla at Arthur Murray Dance Studio
