PPG Wintergarden Wedding

January 11, 2023

Iris and Connor met and fell in love in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh — specifically at the University of Pittsburgh! From there, their relationship blossomed until this very special wedding day! I don’t take it lightly that couples decide I’m the right fit for them on their wedding day. The reality is, not every inquiry on my website leads to a booking. But there is something magical that happens when I book clients who get my style, my approach and click with my personality! Iris an Connor are definitely some of my favorite clients. They put their trust in me and let whatever creative direction take the lead on their photos, the results? Pure magic!

PPG Wintergarden Wedding’s have become one of my favorite kinds. The stunning architecture, the panoramic city views and the classic and simple aesthetic. I highly encourage newly engaged couples to check out this space!

When I delivered Iris and Connor’s preview photos, they sent the sweetest email back:

Thank you thank you thank you! Seriously, we cannot thank you enough for being so amazing. Everyone loved having you and Aaron around all day, and we couldn’t be more grateful that we had the two of you there with us to capture everything.

These previews are STUNNING. We can’t wait to see the full gallery!! We are already convinced that we will have no idea how we are going to pick photos to print once we see everything. But what a wonderful problem to have lol.
– Iris, 2021 Steven Dray Photography bride

This type of feedback is what every photographer lives for! Thank you again Iris and Connor, for choosing me! Here’s more from Iris:

What was your inspiration behind your wedding day?

We wanted our whole day to be elegant, but fun, and feel like us. We were all about looking for a space that spoke for itself-both Heinz Chapel and PPG Wintergarden did just that! We looked for opportunities to incorporate details that meant something to not only us as a couple, but to our families as well.

Advice to share with brides planning now?

Remember that this day is about celebrating your love with the people you love. Do whatever feels right TO YOU and don’t stress about anything else! Trust in your vendors and give them the freedom to do what they do best. Overall, don’t forget to have fun with it!

How did you and your spouse meet?

We originally met in sixth grade social studies class. We spent the next decade running in similar circles throughout junior high, high school, and even college, but never spent much time together. Our paths finally crossed for good shortly after graduating from Pitt, when we ran into each other while out with our own friends who just happened to also be friends!

Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂

Connor proposed in August of 2020 at Phipps! We had spent every other Friday of the summer enjoying takeout from local restaurants in various parks just to get us out of the house during the COVID restrictions. Connor had suggested we change it up a bit and add in an activity one Friday. So, we got takeout from Mad Mex (our first date spot), and had a picnic in Schenley Park. We waited for our timed ticket slot, and headed into Phipps for a leisurely visit. Or so I thought! Connor had already arranged everything with the Phipps staff, and led me to the Broderie Room where he proposed! We then headed home where the surprises continued. Our families and close friends were waiting for us with champagne and desserts on our back patio. It was a beautiful moment!

What was your favorite memory from your big day?

We truly had the best day, and just having our families and friends in spot was my overall highlight! To narrow it down to a more specific moment though, We loved having everyone join in for a traditional Balkan folk dance right after the Tamburitzan’s performance. It was so special to share my family’s culture with everyone, and I will never forget the absolute joy I felt watching everyone join in on the Kolo!