Mike & Jess // DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh, PA Wedding

After dating for more than 2 years, Jess told Mike that she did not want proposed to on a holiday or her birthday. She laid down the law: no popping the question on Christmas or New Years. And like the good boyfriend that he was, Mike took careful note.

Neither Mike nor Jess are country music fans, but against all odds, over the course of their relationship, “their song” became Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You”. So, when Blake Shelton came to Pittsburgh in the spring of 2016, Mike & Jess got tickets for his concert. About a week before the big night, Jess suddenly had second thoughts: Why are we going to this concert again? We just really like the one song. Literally – one song. Mike wasn’t familiar with any of Blake Shelton’s other music, and even though Jess had made him a CD with his most popular hits, he never listened to it.

Knowing that the concert tickets were a hot item, she decided that they should sell their seats. She presented her case to Mike, “We aren’t country music fans & you hate concerts, so we should sell our tickets & not go.” Mike kept his cool (even though the sirens were going off in his brain) and very calmly, he talked Jess into keeping their tickets. Little did Jess know, just how important that decision would be.

The night of the concert arrived. Jess was upstairs, finishing getting ready. She’d bought new clothes for the evening and looking in the mirror, realized that if she could just paint her nails real quick – that it would totally complete the look. With just minutes before they needed to leave, she hurriedly pulled out her nail polish. Just as she was finishing up, somehow the nail polish got knocked off of her dresser & it spilled everywhere. It was in her hair and all over her new clothes. Of course, it was at that moment that she looked up at the clock & realized: it was time to leave.

She ripped off her ruined clothes, slung them into the trash, and literally grabbed whatever was closest in her closet to throw on. As she was frantically rushing around, stress levels pushing max, she heard the sounds of the Blake Shelton CD she’d made for Mike begin to play downstairs.

It hardly registered though as she flew down the steps. Mike noticed that obviously, something was amiss, and he asked what had happened. Jess blurted out the story as she began grabbing for her coat & shoes. Mike snatched her hands and told her to take a deep breath, to just calm down. She fought him because – didn’t he realize the time – they needed to go! But he was insistent, that she stop, calm down, and chill before they leave.

A few moments passed and when Mike saw that Jess was calming down, he pushed her back to look at her. “Wow, you look so beautiful.” She laughed, “I don’t even know what I’m wearing!” He smiled, “You are just perfect, no matter what. There’s just one thing: you’re missing something.” Suddenly, calm-Jess was out the window & frantic-Jess was back: “What?!” She looked down at what she’d put on: “What am I missing?!”

Mike teased her for a moment more and then reached over to pull out a ring box. Time froze as he got down on one knee. Neither of them remembers exactly what was said – because between their hearts stopping, the sudden wave of tears, and the overwhelming rush of love – it didn’t even matter.

They did go on to celebrate their engagement at a lovely dinner, followed by some Blake Shelton. I doubt anyone around them quite realized just how high on Cloud 9 both Mike & Jess were, but they simply floated thru the night.

This past Saturday was the big day. November 25, 2017, was chosen specifically because Penn State had an away game (otherwise, Mike wouldn’t have attended his own wedding). As Jess was putting her dress on, her Mom wiped tears from her eyes and said, “I can’t believe today is actually here – how is it already November 25?”

Mike & Jess – I can’t thank y’all enough for being the wonderful, hilariously sarcastic, hospitable, & loving couple you are! Y’all made Ellen & I feel so welcomed into your big day & we absolutely adored working with you (for both your engagement photos & on your wedding day)! You made our jobs incredibly easy & we’re slightly obsessed with how elegant & sophisticated, yet fun & laid back your whole day was! Y’all are the best!!

Check out this bling! Rose gold Kate Spade Keds & Rent The Runway bridesmaids dresses?! I had to work to keep my jaw off the floor!

I loved that we could see The Church of the Epiphany from the suite that Jess got ready in!

Jess!! You are so drop-dead-stunning!

So, while I was hanging out with the girls, Ellen was with Mike & his groomsmen!

I’m obsessed with this portrait Ellen snagged of Mike! A simple quiet moment before the guests began arriving for his wedding – I love it!

And then it was game-time!

THIS – I’m obsessed with this moment. Jess’s Dad, giving her away, and the little flower girls looking on in adoration. One can only imagine that they’re dreaming of their own wedding day one day!

Remember those Kate Spade Keds?! They truly came in handy as we decided to walk the two blocks over to where we took portraits!

The courtyard of the US Steel Tower was all light up with twinkle lights for Christmas & made the perfect backdrop for portraits!

Before we headed down to the reception, we were granted access to the rooftop of the DoubleTree Hotel! Don’t let these photos fool you – it was crazy windy up there & so so cold! Everyone braved the weather like champs though & not one complaint was uttered!

I loved Mike & Jess’s unique guest book! They had their guests sign & write their well-wishes on ornaments to deck out their first Christmas Tree as newlyweds!

First Dance, cake cutting, toasts, and dinner done – everyone was ready to party!

Huge shout-out and thank you to the amazing team of vendors, as well as friends & family, who helped make Mike & Jess’s wedding day absolutely perfect!

Ceremony Venue: The Church of the Epiphany in Pittsburgh, PA
Reception Venue: The DoubleTree in Pittsburgh, PA
Formal Portrait Location: The courtyard of the US Steel Tower in Pittsburgh, PA
DJ: DJ Jonny Hartwell in Pittsburgh, PA
Catering: The DoubleTree in Pittsburgh, PA
Bridal Gown Retailer: Exquisite Bride in Murrysville, PA
Bridesmaids Gowns: Rent The Runway
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Harold’s Flower Shop in Pittsburgh, PA
Cake: Bethel Bakery in Bethel Park, PA
Invitations: DIY by the bride
Photobooth: Pittsburgh Lux Booth
Photographer: Kara Abbey Photography in Irwin, PA