Summertime Grand Concourse Wedding
Will and Maria are a quintessential love story! When they reached out to me about their Summertime Grand Concourse Wedding, I could not be more thrilled. What strikes me the most is how focused they are on being married, not GETTING married. They are excited about planning a special day, but know that what comes after is most important. So real, so refreshing and so wise.
It is my honor and privilege to capture photos for people like Will and Maria — my hope is that they will look at their photos for years to come and remember how much joy and happiness followed them on this special day.
Be sure to read more of their story below! Congrats and blessings to you both.
What was your inspiration behind your Summertime Grand Concourse Wedding?
We wanted something very classy and elegant, as well as quintessential Pittsburgh. We also wanted everything to feel timeless and like a fairytale.
Advice to share with brides planning now?
Ignore opinions of others and communicate everything with the groom. You are a team.
How did you and your spouse meet?
We initially met at my aunt and uncles house Christmas of 2023 for a party. I had given up on men but thought Will was cute, but needed more. Later on we went to the same wedding and were introduced to each other about 7 different times. It wasn’t until our families decided to go on a trip to Ireland where we really got to know each other and fell in love.
Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂
We were in New York at Christmas time with our siblings, it’s one of our special places. We had planned to do a food tour around the city, tasting different food while seeing everything. Will had everything all mapped out, and starred on the map was where he asked me to officially be his girlfriend. The whole day I thought it may happen, until it got later in the evening and we didn’t go to our “initial spot”. We went back to our hotel and I said to my sister that I was a little sad it didn’t happen because I really thought it would. I then told myself it wasn’t going to happen on the trip and to just enjoy my time. Will and I then went out late in the evening and walked around looking at Christmas lights around Radio City Music Hall and we came upon Rockefeller Center. I was completely oblivious just taking pictures and being really happy. We got in front of the tree when Will asked me to ask someone to take our photos. When they started taking our picture he got down on one knee and said, “Maria Deely, will you continue to be my best friend every day for the rest of our lives by marrying me?” I sobbed and said yes.
What was your favorite memory from your Summertime Grand Concourse Wedding?
Too many to count. The entire ceremony. Right after when it was just the two of us. Taking pictures just the two of us. Our alone time along the River in front of the Grand Concourse. Our first dance (it felt like we were the only two people in the world). Eating dinner alone at our table. All of the speeches where our favorite people shared the sweetest things about us. Then at the end of the night we ended with one of our songs “Silly Love Songs” where all of our friends and family ran around in a circle waving their arms synchronously and once again felt like we were the only two people in the world.
Summertime Grand Concourse Wedding Vendors
Photography: Steven Dray Photography
Ceremony: Heinz Memorial Chapel
Reception: Grand Concourse
Florist: Sam’s Club
Wedding Dress Boutique: Coni and Franc in Morgantown WV
Make-up Artist: Amy Kanka Green
Accessories: Etsy
Bride’s Shoe Designer:Betsey Johnson
Bride’s Ring: Bradley’s
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Bridesmaids picked their dresses
Groom Attire Designer: Men’s Warehouse
Groom Ring Designer: Bradley’s
Videographer: Emma Evans
Paper Goods Company: VistaPrint
Wedding Cake: Maura Deely
