Omni William Penn Reception
Omni William Penn Reception – Why Hiring an Experienced Photographer Matters
When you choose the Omni William Penn Hotel for your wedding reception, you’re choosing one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic and elegant venues. Between the sparkling chandeliers, the grand architecture, and the romantic glow of the ballroom, this space deserves to be captured beautifully — not just in a few “wow” shots for Instagram, but throughout your entire wedding gallery.
That’s where an experienced photographer makes all the difference.
A true professional doesn’t just deliver a handful of highlight images; they tell your whole story. From the quiet anticipation while you’re getting ready to the final song on the dance floor, your photographer should capture it all with intention and artistry. At a venue like the Omni William Penn, that means understanding how to work with light, angles, and timing so that every moment feels rich and cohesive.
Lighting changes constantly throughout a wedding day — especially in a historic hotel with high ceilings, ornate details, and warm tones. An experienced photographer knows how to adapt quickly, balancing natural and artificial light to keep your photos consistent from start to finish. They also know when to step back for candid storytelling and when to step in for those editorial, once-in-a-lifetime portraits.
Kelly and James described their experience perfectly:
“We can’t recommend Dray enough! He is fantastic. He makes you feel so comfortable. The way he works the lighting and angles is amazing. He is so fun to work with, cracking jokes, and swapping stories.
We are in love with all of our engagement and wedding photos. Our family and friends have raved about the photos. Dray you are the best, thank you!”
That comfort and connection show up in every image. When you feel relaxed in front of the camera, your photos reflect genuine emotion — the kind of joy and authenticity that can’t be staged.
Your Omni William Penn reception will be filled with incredible moments — laughter during toasts, the sparkle of champagne glasses, your first dance under the glow of chandeliers. These are memories you’ll want to relive for years, and capturing them beautifully requires more than just good equipment. It requires intuition, experience, and an understanding of how to turn fleeting moments into lasting art.
It’s easy to get caught up in the social media highlight reels — those few viral-worthy images that look great online. But when the day is done, what truly matters is the full story: a complete, emotionally rich gallery that reflects your day from every angle.
So when you’re planning your Omni William Penn wedding, choose a photographer who knows how to bring out the best in this stunning venue — and in you. Because your day deserves more than a few standout shots. It deserves a timeless, beautifully told story from beginning to end.
After all, the Omni William Penn Hotel is unforgettable — your photos should be, too.
What was your inspiration behind your Omni William Penn Reception?
I wanted a classic, elegant, and timeless wedding! I wanted the reception to be one people will talk about forever. But most importantly I wanted James and I to enjoy it all and we did!
Advice to share with brides planning now?
Enjoy it all!! You’ll experience all the highs and stresses through it all but it’s all worth it! Remember it’s about you marrying the love of your life. All the stress is worth it. Once you see your spouse day of don’t leave their side!
How did you and your spouse meet?
We went to high school together, just two years apart. Our mom’s have a close mural friend that set us up years later.
Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂
James came to Chicago on a Thursday without me knowing. I was so sick with shingles (LOL) but agreed to dinner with a friend and her aunt. James got breakfast with a friend and then spent the day at my friend’s house hiding out and prepping. I went down to the lake front and that’s where I saw him. I was completely surprised!
What was your favorite memory from your big day?
Say “I do” and being on the dance floor with all of our family and friends
Omni William Penn Reception Vendor List:
Photography: Steven Dray Photography
Ceremony Location Name: St. Louise de Marillac Church
Reception Venue Name: Omni William Penn Hotel
Florist: Dormont Florist
Wedding Dress Designer: Jenny Yoo
Wedding Dress Style: Simple, long train, details with buttons down the back and lace on the backs, cathedral length veil
Wedding Dress Boutique: Blanc de Blanc
Hairstylist Name: Tianti Spinosi at Lux Hair Salon
Make-up Artist Name: Lexi Palombo at Lux Hair Salon
Bride’s Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Bride’s Ring Designer: Louis Anthony Jeweler
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Azazie
Groom Attire Designer: Pasquale Custom Tailor
Groom Ring Designer: Louis Anthony Jeweler
Videographer: Light Motion Studios
Entertainment: No Bad Juju
Bakery: Tasty Cake, family and friends for the cookie table
