Oh boy, dear blog reader… you are in for a treat today!
Allyson and Josh are on the blog today and these two are truly one-of-a-kind. They are the sweetest people and they are completely perfect for each other. I feel like we are old friends, even though we’ve technically only hung out 3 times, we both love coffee, ice cream, and of course Downton Abbey.
Allee and Josh got married at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Mt. Lebanon and hosted their reception at the Pittsburgh Opera House in the strip district. I’m pretty sure Allee should be crowned queen of the DIY kingdom for all of the handmade signs and special touches she put together for this wedding.
As you are looking through this post, you might catch yourself thinking… wow, there are a lot of photos in this post… That is because Allee and Josh scheduled 3 hours, yes that’s right… 3 hours, between the end of their ceremony and the start of the cocktail hour. Three hours for eating ice cream, taking photos, and riding around in a trolley with their best friends. That right there is a photographer’s dream.
Allee and Josh, congratulations again and thank you so much for working with me! I loved hanging out with you two and look forward to catching up again soon!
Allee’s mom made all of the bridesmaid’s jewelry. Obviously crafting runs in the family…
St. Bernard’s Church in Mt. Lebanon is lovely both inside and out.
After the ceremony the bridal party boarded a trolley and headed to Mt. Washington for photos AND ice cream.
Cheers to ice cream on your wedding day!
After Mt. Washington we moved on to the Strip District for some pictures around the Pittsburgh Opera House.
I have to admit these next photos are kind of my favorite. I’m a sucker for geometric patter and I love how the sun and shadows created a pattern as the backdrop. 
Lastly we went inside the Opera House for a few pictures in the balcony.
Allee made and painted the table numbers along with all the signs that you’re about to see…
Their favors were small bags of coffee beans that each guest scooped and filled themselves.
Allee and Josh also made their own photo backdrop and guests really got into it!
Finally, what’s a coffee themed wedding without a barista?! Commonplace coffee provided delicious drinks after dinner. I may or may not have had two of these. 😉
Special shout out to my girl, Susan, for this ring shot.
Ceremony: St. Bernard’s Catholic Church
Reception: Pittsburgh Opera
Catering: JPC Event Group
Coffee Bar: Commonplace Coffee Co.
Florals: Budge Blossoms by Jillian
Cake: Patti’s Pasticceria
Makeup: Simone Shollito (simonejenemakeup@gmail.com)
Hair: Jackie at Belza Salon and Spa
Bridesmaid’s Jewelry: Jacqui Pressly
I am Bernie’s 2nd cousin living California. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures. Seeing these sights and people make me feel like I’m home in PA sharing this beautiful joyous event with you all. So from here in California we wish Allyson and Josh a long happy loving life together. Connie LaGrotta Ceo
Connie, it sounds like you need to make a trip to Pittsburgh and see the sights (and us)in person. (hint-hint) Thank you for the kind wishes cousin!!
These may be the most beautiful wedding photos I’ve ever seen!! The love oozes from the pics like none I’ve ever seen. Stunning……….
Oh, I’m an acquaintance of Bernie’s.
Katy, I would have to agree with you! This is a far cry from the photos I have from my wedding. There is story being told here!
Cara, great pictures as usual!! Love the coffee theme.