Absolutely love this couple’s vibe—laid back, creative, and clearly madly in love with a side of carbs and sarcasm.
Katie and Bill’s wedding reminded me what this is all really about — not centerpieces or trends, but love, laughter, family, and making your wedding your own. Whether it’s cutting a pretzel instead of a cake, or including your kid in your proposal (read all about that here)— it’s the joy that makes it unforgettable. And I feel so lucky to have captured it all.
The I DO Crew:
- Ceremony Venue: Allegheny County Court House, Pittsburgh
- Reception Venue: Hofbrauhaus, Pittsburgh
- DJ: Jason Rullo
- Florist: Rosebud Floral
- Dress: Luxe Redux Pittsburgh
- Makeup Artist: Jennifer Casaldi
- Hair Stylist: Christy at Simply Captivating
- Photographer: Jen McKen Photography
Courthouse Glam Meets Pretzel-Cutting Party: Katie + Bill’s Pittsburgh Wedding Adventure
There are weddings that follow tradition… and then there are weddings like this one — the kind that make your photographer (hi, it’s me 🙋♀️) want to do backflips down the Hot Metal Bridge. Katie and Bill threw out the rule book and planned a day that was relaxed, joyful, meaningful, and 1000% them — from heartfelt vows under the arches of the Allegheny County Courthouse, to duckpin bowling at Pins Mechanical, to a German beer hall pretzel-cutting reception at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh.
And the vibe? Historic, fun, intimate, and refreshingly untraditional.
Want your own out-of-the-box, perfectly-you wedding photos? Contact Me, let’s make this happen!
A Courthouse Ceremony With Big City Drama
Katie and Bill’s ceremony was held inside the Allegheny County Courthouse — and WOW, that building is a dream to shoot in. Think epic shadows, dramatic architecture, and just enough mystery to feel like you’re filming a romantic noir movie. (Where they kiss after saying “I do” under 150-year-old arches. Swoon.)
Oh — and Katie’s sister officiated. Because obviously this wedding had heart in every direction.
From City Views to Video Games
After the ceremony, we took advantage of all that Pittsburgh has to offer — from skyline views on the Hot Metal Bridge, to spontaneous photos downtown, to sneaking into Pins Mechanical for some arcade fun, a slide, and yes… bowling, which is where Katie originally fell for Bill’s eyes and killer LEGO acceptance policy.
They were all about joy and connection, not perfection. And that’s what made it perfect.
Prost! A Pretzel-Cutting Party at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh
Then it was time to party — and in the most delicious way possible. Katie and Bill hosted their reception at Hofbräuhaus, where guests dined on authentic German food, tapped into beers the size of toddlers, and celebrated to the sounds of a live accordion.
Instead of cutting cake, they sliced a pretzel. Yes. A giant, doughy, salty pretzel. And yes, I was as excited photographing it as I would have been eating it (maybe more).
A Few More Fun Details You Need to Know:
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Wyatt, Bill’s 8-year-old son, totally stole the show with his personality. A total ham and the absolute sweetest.
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Their guestbook? LEGO people that guests customized and signed.
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Katie used to be a wedding planner and I had worked with her at many events. She’s seen all the vendors. So when she asked me to photograph her day… well, cue the tears and the honor.
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The entire day was laid back, laughter-filled, and crafted with intention. Exactly how it should be.
