Spring Northside Pittsburgh Wedding
When couples begin planning their Spring Northside Pittsburgh Wedding, it’s easy to focus on the obvious things first — the venue, the flowers, the guest list, the dress. And while all of those details absolutely matter, there’s one thing I think deserves far more attention than it usually gets:
Your experience.
As a wedding photographer serving Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and the surrounding areas, I’ve learned that the way a couple feels on their wedding day directly impacts everything — the atmosphere, the emotions, the timeline, and ultimately, the photographs themselves.
Beautiful wedding photos don’t happen because everything is perfect.
They happen because you felt comfortable enough to actually enjoy your day.
The Best Wedding Photos Never Feel Forced
One of the biggest compliments I receive from couples is this:
“We felt so relaxed.”
That means everything to me.
Most people are not professional models. Almost every couple tells me they’re nervous about being in front of the camera. Honestly, that’s completely normal. My job is not to make you perform for the camera — it’s to create an environment where you can simply be present with each other.
That’s where authentic images come from.
The quiet in-between moments.
The laughter you didn’t plan.
The way your partner looks at you during the ceremony.
The emotion your parents try to hold back during speeches.
Those are the moments that matter decades from now.
If you’re looking for a photographer who values genuine connection, meaningful moments, and a calm, personalized experience, I would love to talk with you.
At Steven Dray Photography, I work closely with couples throughout Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and beyond to create wedding photographs that feel honest, elegant, and true to who they are.
Your wedding day deserves more than beautiful images.
It deserves to be remembered exactly the way it felt.
Here’s more from the bride, Caroline:
What was your inspiration behind your Spring Northside Pittsburgh Wedding?
We never really had a “vision” for how our wedding would look but we did know how we wanted it to FEEL (insert therapist joke here…lol). We wanted the space, the energy, the whole night to just feel warm, “comfy” and happy and vibrant. We wanted to make sure that no matter what, everything was very “us” and that it never felt inauthentic
Advice to share with brides planning now?
Get a wedding planner/coordinator (if your budget allows)!!! I literally cannot say enough wonderful things about Christina McLachlan and everyone at Hello Productions. I had no idea where to start with the whole planning process and thankfully we were able to get connected with Christina within a week of our engagement. She was so kind, genuine, knowledgeable, professional and organized. She handled all of the back and forth with our vendors during those first few weeks when all of the BIG decisions are being made. She told us how the next few months were going to work and explained that her goal was that come our wedding day, we wouldn’t be stressed and we could just bask in amazing experience that was our wedding. Additionally, on the actual day of the wedding, Christina and her team handled EVERYTHING. I genuinely have no idea what we would have done had we not had them 🙂
How did you and your spouse meet?
I am in a book club and one night, I was just fed up with using the dating apps. so I asked everyone that was there if they knew any nice, single guys. Our friend Abby spoke up and explained that her husband’s best friend from college was single and that he was “her favorites of Seth’s friends”. Without hesitation, or even seeing a picture of David, I told Abby to set it up! **She did show me (and all of the other girls) his picture and everyone’s immediate response was; “oh yeah, he is EXACTLY Caroline’s type”.
Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂
Backstory; My dad, who was my favorite person, died when I was 18. June 15th, 2025, Father’s day, David and I were sitting around watching some show and relaxing before we were scheduled to meet his parents for lunch. I got up to go get ready and David said “wait, I have something for you and your dad”. Without fail, my dark humored response was; “huh? uhh….might be tough getting it to him…”. He then handed me an envelope addressed to my dad; Terry. As I began to read, it dawned on me what it was. David had written a letter to my dad asking for his permission to marry me. Yeah. I am still in awe of this/him as I write it now. So, in the middle of our living room, just the two of us, on that Sunday morning, he proposed. It was…perfect. He explained afterwards that he had chosen Father’s day to honor my dad and also so that he could turn that day into a happy one for me from here on out.
What was your favorite memory from your Spring Northside Pittsburgh Wedding?
Caroline; When David and I were standing together on the alter, I noticed that David was sweating a bit and I didn’t want him to feel self conscious so, I retrieved a handkerchief that I had tucked in the front of my dress and just dabbed the sweat away 🙂 It just felt like a very “us” moment.David; When the music started playing for Caro to walk down the aisle. Song was “Simply The Best” by Noah Reid, Which is the song we dance in the kitchen too all the time. Made me smile and so happy. Then the doors opened and I saw the most beautiful girl in the world coming down the aisle.
Spring Northside Pittsburgh Wedding Vendors
Photography: Steven Dray Photography
Venue: Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory Hotel
Event Design: Hello Productions, Christina McLachlan
Florist: Pete Donati & Sons
Wedding Dress Designer: Anne Barge
Wedding Dress Boutique: Luxe Redux Bridal Pittsburgh
Hairstylist Name: Christina Joseph-Conti
Make-up Artist Name: Alexis Frantangelo
Accessory Information: Sara Gabriel Veils
Bride’s Shoe Designer: Kelly & Katie
Bride’s Ring Designer: Kay Jewelers
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Azazie
Groom Attire Designer: Top Hat Tuxedo
Groom Ring Designer: JVL Jewelry
Videographer: Light Motion Studios
Paper Goods: Jessi Cromer
Entertainment: Dj Loyal/ Loyalty Events
Bakery: Pastries A-La-Carte
Linen Rentals: Mosaic, Inc
Any Other Vendor You Want to Recognize: 🙂 Dress alterations; Topaz and Thimble
