Industrial Romance in the Heart of Pittsburgh: Riley & Bryce’s Iron City Brewing Co. Wedding
Venue: Iron City Pittsburgh Brewing Company Wedding
Photographer: Jen McKen Photography – Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer
From Bananas to Bridal Bliss: A Love Story Brewed in Pittsburgh
Some couples meet through apps. Some through mutual friends. But Riley and Bryce? Their origin story involves softball, hand cramps, and… bananas. Yes, bananas.
It all started in high school when Riley was pitching at a travel softball tournament. Her hand cramped up mid-game, and her mom called out to a teenage Bryce, then dating one of Riley’s teammates:
“Bryce! Go grab some bananas!”
He did , without hesitation , earning himself the nickname “Banana Boy.” In turn, he affectionately dubbed her “Miss Cramps.” And from there, a flirtatious back-and-forth was born that would later blossom into a relationship that’s now spanned 7½ years of dating and exactly two months of engagement before their wedding day.
Dirt Bikes, Drone Dreams, and Book Nooks
These two are the definition of opposites attract in the best way.
Riley, a book-loving Colleen Hoover fangirl, is finishing her last semester at IUP, studying Health and Physical Education , with dreams of becoming a teacher.
Bryce is already living his dream job as an electrical engineer who loves racing dirt bikes and casually dropping fun (and bizarre) facts, like the time he had to get a cadaver’s ACL. Yes. You read that right.
Together? They geek out over video game music while studying, have an unmatched banter that would make a sitcom jealous, and are united by their shared love of Penelope (their cat), air fryers, and fuzzy Eddie Bauer socks.
The Proposal: Plan B Never Looked So Good
Originally, Bryce had a Pinterest-worthy drone proposal planned at Reddish Knob , a scenic, spray-painted overlook in Virginia. But Mother Nature had other plans (read: downpour). So, plan B kicked in.
Dressed up for a fancy Monday night dinner, Riley was just about ready to head out when she turned around in Bryce’s apartment to find him… down on one knee.
“I thought he was joking,” Riley laughs. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t.
The Wedding Day at Iron City Brewing Company
Let’s talk about this venue.
A wedding at Iron City Brewing Company in Pittsburgh is anything but ordinary, and that’s what made it the perfect match for Riley and Bryce. With its industrial charm, exposed brick walls, historic beer hall vibes, and moody lighting, it felt like a page straight out of a chic city wedding magazine.
From the edgy, industrial elegance to the warm, laughter-filled energy this couple brought to the space, every moment felt like Pittsburgh magic.
Vendors Recap for Future Brides:
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Photographer: Jen McKen Photography
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Makeup Artist: @glamwithsam_llc
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Hair Stylists: Cortney Hawkins (724-840-8181), Lauren Schultheis (724-954-4965)
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Florist: Bella Fiore – Selina Vargo-Hendrickson (724-664-7076)
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Cake: Sarah McClafferty
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Extras: Linens, photo booth, Perfect Draw Mobile Cigar Lounge
The Bride: A Sparkly Train and Serious Main Character Energy
Riley walked down the aisle in a sleek, fitted gown from One Enchanted Evening, with a lace-up top, low back, and the most unexpected sparkle trailing behind her.
The train? ✨ Next-level.
The buttons? Delicate AF.
The vibe? Absolute modern romance.
Her glam squad, @glamwithsam_llc on Instagram, nailed the look with a radiant, glowy bridal face. Hair stylists Cortney Hawkins (724-840-8181) and Lauren Schultheis (724-954-4965) created soft waves and pinned perfection that held through every dance move.
Fun Facts & Favorite Moments
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Bryce loves to cook and is full of useless knowledge (he’d probably dominate trivia night).
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Riley once had her first rib removed (wait, what?!), and she has an obsession with fuzzy socks so strong it might qualify as a personality trait.
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A highlight (depending who you ask): Riley once slid down a mud hill on her butt in front of a crowd at a dirt bike race. Bryce and his brother Logan were there. Strangers were there. And Riley? She was so done.
Why They’re Perfect Together
“Because we roast each other constantly… and never get butthurt.”
That pretty much sums it up. These two live for the banter. Whether it’s gentle teasing or playful sarcasm, it’s always done with love. Bryce described Riley as “beautiful, nurturing, and dearing.” Riley’s words for Bryce? Just one: “ride or die.”
Why They Chose Jen McKen Photography
Riley first saw my work through Nick and Cortney’s wedding photos and knew instantly that she wanted that same vibe.
“The colors, the poses, the album, everything was beautiful. I was obsessed.”
Final Words
To Riley and Bryce:
Thank you for trusting me to capture this milestone in your love story. Your wedding was a blend of sentimental moments and hilarious memories and it was the perfect reflection of who you are as a couple: real, vibrant, and totally unforgettable.
And to future couples Googling:
If you’re dreaming of a unique Pittsburgh wedding venue, Iron City Brewing Company weddings should be at the top of your list. And if you’re dreaming of vibrant photos that capture every laugh, every detail, and every emotional moment… let’s talk. 😉
Details, Vendors, and a Party to Remember
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Florals: The talented Selina at Bella Fiore (724-664-7076) brought the florals to life with romantic, elegant arrangements.
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Cake: Homemade love from Sarah McClafferty — a sweet ending to a sweet story.
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DJ: Angelo Long of Plenty DJ Agency ( djmidasmusic@yahoo.com | 724-689-7597) brought the ENERGY with epic music and lighting that had the dance floor packed all night long.
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Extras: Linens, a photo booth, and even a mobile cigar lounge, Perfect Draw showed up, courtesy of Riley’s mom (aka the real MVP).
