Spotlight on Karly & Matthew

Karly & Matthew | A Pittsburgh Classic

There's nothing quite like a classic Pittsburgh wedding, and Karly and Matthew's beautiful day was a timeless celebration of love, steeped in elegance and tradition. From the historic stained glass of their ceremony venue to the grandeur of their reception hall, every detail wove together to create a truly unforgettable day!

The ceremony at Heinz Chapel was absolutely stunning. Karly's crew of bridesmaids were the picture of chic in their smooth champagne silk dresses, carrying gorgeous white rose bouquets. It was the ultimate classic look.

When Matthew walked in, he brought the show-stopper. In his sharp, white military uniform, the groom was the perfect counterpoint to Karly's classic bridal style. Seeing them together was just magic!

After the "I do's," everyone headed to the incredible Soldiers & Sailors Hall for the reception. That place is seriously grand, and it was the ideal spot to keep the classic, elegant vibe going all night long.

Congrats to Karly and Matthew on a truly beautiful start to forever!

Spotlight on Kaylee & Jake

Kaylee & Jake | A Vibrant Barn Wedding at Irons Mill Farmstead

Kaylee and Jake's wedding at Irons Mill Farmstead was a day filled with so much heart and so many beautiful details. Set in the quiet charm of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, this barn venue was the perfect spot for their celebration.

The day started with a burst of color thanks to Kaylee's bridesmaids, who wore the most gorgeous bright pink dresses. They added a fun, vibrant energy to the outdoor ceremony.

The reception was a true barn celebration. Their first dance was a moment straight out of a movie, shared under a canopy of twinkling string lights that made the whole room feel so warm and intimate.

As the sun began to set, the magical golden hour light provided the perfect setting for some truly breathtaking portraits. These photos captured the pure happiness and love between Kaylee and Jake as they celebrated their first moments as a married couple.

It was a joy to document this special day at Irons Mill Farmstead. From the bright pops of pink to the dreamy first dance, every part of their wedding was a true reflection of their amazing love story.

More Than Just Dessert: The Sweet Story of the Pittsburgh Cookie Table

In Pittsburgh, they do things a little differently. They put french fries on their salads, they bleed black and gold, and when it comes to weddings, well, they have a tradition that’s as unique and beloved as pierogies and chipped ham: the cookie table.

For those unfamiliar with this delightful custom, a cookie table isn't just a plate of store-bought sweets tucked away in a corner. Oh no, it's a sprawling, magnificent display of homemade cookies, lovingly baked and contributed by the family and friends of the happy couple. Think of it as a labor of love, a delicious tapestry woven with generations of family recipes and sweet memories.

Where Did This Sweet Tradition Come From?

The exact origins of the Pittsburgh cookie table are a bit hazy, lost somewhere in the delicious dust of time. However, many believe it's rooted in the traditions of European immigrants who settled in Western Pennsylvania. Baking was a way for families to contribute to large celebrations, showcasing their skills and offering a personal touch. In a time when elaborate wedding cakes were expensive and less accessible, the cookie table offered a bountiful and affordable way to treat wedding guests.

Over time, this practical solution blossomed into a cherished tradition, deeply ingrained in the fabric of Pittsburgh weddings. It's more than just providing dessert; it's a symbol of community, generosity, and the coming together of loved ones to celebrate a new beginning.

What Makes a Cookie Table So Special?

The magic of the cookie table lies in its personal touch. Each cookie tells a story: Grandma Rose's famous pizzelles, Aunt Carol's melt-in-your-mouth buckeyes, the bride's childhood favorite chocolate chips. The variety is often astounding, a sweet symphony of flavors and textures that goes far beyond a standard wedding cake offering.

Here's what one can typically expect to find gracing a Pittsburgh cookie table:

• Classic Family Recipes: These are the cornerstones, the recipes passed down through generations, often kept secret and fiercely guarded.

• Variety is Key: From delicate lace cookies to hearty peanut butter blossoms, the more diverse the selection, the better.

• Quantity Matters: There's a certain pride in a truly overflowing cookie table. Guests are encouraged to sample liberally and even take some home as a sweet memento.

• Presentation is Part of the Fun: While the focus is on the taste, the cookies are often arranged beautifully on tiered platters, creating a visually stunning centerpiece.

• A Labor of Love: Each cookie represents time, effort, and love poured in by the bakers. It's a tangible expression of support for the newlyweds.

More Than Just Dessert: A Cultural Touchstone

The cookie table is more than just a sweet treat; it's a cultural touchstone for Pittsburghers. It's a conversation starter, a source of pride, and a reminder of the strong sense of community that defines the region. For many, attending a Pittsburgh wedding and seeing the impressive spread of the cookie table is an integral part of the experience.

So, the next time you find yourself at a wedding in the 'Burgh and you see a table laden with an unbelievable array of homemade cookies, take a moment to appreciate the tradition. Grab a plate, sample a few (or maybe more!), and know that you're partaking in a sweet and deeply cherished piece of Pittsburgh culture. It's a delicious reminder that sometimes, the simplest gestures, baked with love, are the sweetest of all.

2025 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award Winner!

Dana Lynn Photography Named Winner in 2025 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®

17th Annual Couples’ Choice Awards® Honor the Top Wedding Professionals Nationwide and Abroad

Miami, FL / Pittsburgh, PA - 2025 — Dana Lynn Photography is pleased to announce that they have been named a winner of the 2025 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, an accolade recognizing the top local wedding professionals who demonstrate superiority in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Winners are determined by couple reviews on WeddingWire, a leading US wedding vendor directory.

To identify these distinguished wedding professionals, WeddingWire analyzed user reviews within its wedding Vendor Directory across more than 20 service categories—from venues and caterers to officiants and photographers—to find the top local vendors of the year. Vendors who have received at least 7 reviews on WeddingWire with an average score of 4.5+ in 2024 received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award®. The award celebrates top vendors that showcase hard work and outstanding service, exemplifying the qualities that matter most to couples in their wedding planning journey.

“We chose Dana Lynn Photography based off of excellent reviews on the Knot and wedding wire for our Pittsburgh-based wedding. They were very responsive, professional, and the video was exactly what we were looking” Brittany H. (Bride)

Wedding professionals who win WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® are members of WeddingPro, The Knot Worldwide’s business-to-business wedding brand. As the largest wedding Vendor Marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects small businesses with millions of engaged couples each year on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, performance insights, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to giving wedding professionals access to the largest community of couples, a network of pros and data-backed guidance to help them grow their businesses.

About WeddingWire

Available in the U.S., Canada and India, WeddingWire is a trusted wedding vendor directory that helps engaged couples search, compare and find the perfect local wedding professionals for their big day. With the Wedding Vendor Manager tool, couples can discover and message wedding pros, compare reviews and pricing and add reference notes all in one place for easy decision making. WeddingWire’s suite of planning tools and services, inspiration and community make it easy for couples to plan their wedding. Visit WeddingWire online at WeddingWire.com, WeddingWire.ca, and WeddingWire.in and follow on social media in the U.S.: Facebook.com/WeddingWire and @WeddingWire on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest.