An Intentional Elks Lodge Pittsburgh Wedding | Ari + Bryan

When we think back to Ari + Bryan’s Elks Lodge Pittsburgh wedding, we can’t help but smile. It was the perfect example of what happens when a couple follows their hearts! They didn’t pay attention to what you “should” do, they designed a celebration that felt true to who they are. It wasn’t just a wedding, it was a PARTY in the truest sense!

We already had a special connection to this couple as Glen went to college with Bryan! Bryan runs a cool bike shop (and has helped with our kid’s bikes), and Ari has an incredible eye for design with a background in events. So it came as no surprise that their wedding was full of intentional, creative, and personal touches.

Elks Lodge was the perfect blank slate venue for their wedding. Built in 1926, this social club has its quirks and charm, and Ari + Bryan completely transformed it. Think a 1980s Vegas chapel, but way cooler! They had a bold red color palette with balloon installations and a very cool giant light-up heart onstage. Their Elks Lodge Pittsburgh wedding was exactly what they wanted - romantic, intimate, and chill enough to be able to easily talk with everyone.

Speaking of being able to connect with everyone, they had a super short but incredibly meaningful ceremony and prioritized being fully present with their people. They had no family formal portrait time, knowing that allowing the magic of the moment and whatever could happen was more important to them than all of the “should do’s” at a wedding.

One of our favorite moments was after the ceremony, they were having so much fun mingling that they totally forgot to do their first dance. And instead of stressing, they just rolled with it and shouted, “We want everyone on the dance floor!” We LOVED that energy and they carried it through the entire evening.

On top of that, there were so many little moments that made this day feel magical. There was Ari’s first look dress (which she designed herself!) and her second look change for dancing was amazing. Then the kids cheering the lovebirds on as we took portraits in the park across the street! We also loved that their friend had a camcorder capturing retro footage all night. And maybe best of all, their surprise unity cocktail during the ceremony. Their friends brought up ingredients, and Ari + Bryan mixed a drink together onstage as a symbolic toast to their new chapter. It was so cool, so heartfelt, and SO them!

From the DIY details to the way they involved their people, you could feel the heart in every part of this Elks Lodge Pittsburgh wedding. There was no rigid timeline or pressure to perform. No sense of “we have to do this because we’re supposed to.” Instead, it was Ari + Bryan’s dream day, crafted exactly how they wanted it.

We say this with our whole hearts: you do not need to plan a wedding based on tradition or obligation! You don’t need a packed timeline or perfectly posed portraits if you don’t want them. What makes a wedding unforgettable is when the couple shows up fully as themselves and invites everyone else into that joy. That’s what Ari and Bryan did, and the result was electric!

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels like you, one where presence, connection, and personality lead the way, we’d love to be your photographers! Reach out and tell us what you’re imagining. We’re already cheering you on!