When I'm not photographing or with my family, I get lost in pop- impressionism oil paintings. Check out some of my work here.
There is just something special about a summer wedding in downtown Pittsburgh. The city feels alive. The rivers shimmer in the evening light. The skyline glows as the sun starts to dip. A Summertime Wyndham Pittsburgh Wedding captures all of that energy in one place — especially at the beautiful Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.
As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I genuinely love when couples choose to celebrate downtown. It feels classic, elevated, and unmistakably “Pittsburgh.”
Downtown weddings have a rhythm to them. You can step outside and instantly have river views, city architecture, bridges, and skyline portraits — all within minutes of your venue. There’s no need to travel far or overcomplicate the day.
In the summer especially, everything feels lighter and more vibrant. The longer daylight gives us time for relaxed portraits. The warm breeze coming off the water softens the evening. Guests spill out onto sidewalks laughing between events. It’s a whole experience.
Couples who choose downtown usually want:
And the Wyndham Grand delivers that beautifully.
The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown sits right at the gateway to the city, which makes it such a natural choice for couples who want skyline views without sacrificing comfort and elegance.
The ballroom spaces feel classic and polished, while just outside you have sweeping riverfront views and cityscapes that make portraits effortless. I love that we can step out for 15–20 minutes and create dramatic sunset images — then head right back into the celebration.
It gives couples the best of both worlds:
A huge part of why this wedding felt so relaxed and joyful was the team at Wanderlust Events.
From the planning stages through the wedding day itself, they brought clarity and calm to every detail. Downtown weddings can come with extra moving parts — traffic, guest flow, vendor timing — but you would never have known it.
What I appreciated most:
They anticipated everything.
Questions were answered before they became stress points.
They protected the couple’s experience.
Instead of worrying about logistics, the bride and groom were fully present — laughing, hugging, soaking it all in.
They guided the day with confidence.
When it was time to move, gather, or transition, everything felt smooth and natural.
As a photographer, having a planner like Wanderlust Events means I can focus entirely on documenting real moments instead of troubleshooting timelines. And that makes a big difference in how a wedding day feels — and how it’s remembered.
If I had to choose one favorite moment from a Summertime Wyndham Pittsburgh Wedding, it would be stepping outside just before sunset.
The city softens. The light wraps around the buildings. The rivers reflect gold. There’s this quiet pause before the reception really gets going — and that’s when some of the most meaningful portraits happen.
Downtown Pittsburgh in the summer has a sophistication to it, but it’s never stiff. It feels alive. Celebratory. Romantic.
If you’re dreaming about a wedding that feels elevated yet full of energy, downtown Pittsburgh is hard to beat. And if you’re considering the Wyndham Grand, summer is truly a beautiful time to celebrate there.
With an experienced planning team like Wanderlust Events and vendors who understand how to navigate the city, your day can feel effortless — even in the heart of downtown.
A Summertime Wyndham Pittsburgh Wedding isn’t just about the skyline views. It’s about the feeling of being surrounded by the city you love, celebrating with your people, and watching the sun set over the rivers as your marriage begins.
And honestly, that never gets old.


















































What was your inspiration behind your wedding day?
We wanted an elegant and epic party. We wanted everyone to have so much fun and rave about the food and cookie table!
Advice to share with brides planning now?
HAVE FUN! And eat the cake!
How did you and your spouse meet?
We met at a wedding that we were both in! My best friend is married to his brother and we were both in the wedding party.
Proposal Details! How did it happen? 🙂
We were in Orlando for my 30th birthday trip with my family. On our last day we went to Animal Kingdom with Disney. My family had tickets that we needed to exchange and Santino was already in the park. Once the rest of us entered the park, Santino came over with one of the Disney employees. He informed us that we had won family of the day and had a private safari at 2pm. We were met by other Disney employees near the safari and were taken to our private tour. Once we got to the giraffes, my favorite safari animal, I was taking pictures and turned around to Santino down on one knee! I said “yes”! We headed back to the safari station and were met by a group of Disney employees. They gave us some free stuff and we got a proposal photo shoot on the house!
What was your favorite memory from your big day?
Our favorite memory was the first look!
Photographer: Steven Dray Photography
Ceremony: St. Michael the Archangel – St. Bernard Church
Reception: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Event Design: Wanderlust Weddings and Events
Event Planner: Wanderlust Weddings and Events
Florist: Farmer’s Daughter
Wedding Dress Designer: Sarah Alouache
Wedding Dress: Gemma Bridal
Hairstylist: Lacey Hanes
Make-up Artist: Jenna Walker
Accessory Information:Veil, shoes, reception shoes, perfume & cologne, lipstick, my Grandma’s rosary, rings
Bride’s Shoe Designer: Kelly and Katie Drema Sandal
Bride’s Ring Designer: Bucci Jewelry
Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Revelry
Groom Attire Designer: Jos A Bank
Groom Ring Designer: Bucci Jewelry
Videographer: Shofilms/ Paul
Paper Goods Company: MemorableWedding on Etsy
Calligrapher: Oliverletteringco
Handmade Details: My Dad’s custom handkerchief
Catering Company: The Wyndham Grand
Entertainment: Bachelor Boys Band
Bakery: Bethel Bakery
Linen Rentals: Party Mosiac
Any Other Vendor You Want to Recognize: 🙂 Welcome and Bar Signs, Cookie Table, Light up sign for Cookie Table, custom pet figurines on the Wedding Cake, Custom bridal converse, pet clip on Bridal Bouquet