OLIVIA AND JESSIE

The last time I photographed olivia and jessie...

Was in the chilly fall of 2020, while everything we knew was changing around us with the Covid-19 pandemic. Somethings were being turned upside down and being shaken, but J & O's love for each other was as strong as ever- having been high-school sweet hearts and experiencing each other grow together through college, jobs, promotions, and two gorgeous chocolate labs, they were ready to tie the knot, no matter what tried to stand in their way! Much like their engagement session, I packed up my umbrellas and a raincoat and braced for drizzles as I looked at the grey sky looming over Pittsburgh- but you never would have known the sky was gloomy with the light in pouring into the window lined Washington Room.

01 / 06

The George Washington Hotel is such an amazing not-so-little venue tucked in Washington, PA, near the Washington & Jefferson University campus! It's a blink-and-you-miss-it site, but as soon as you're inside it captivates your attention with it's stunning architecture, custom tile and trim, vintage lighting, and truly unique historic features. I loved how you could take a little peak through the glass into the ceremony space while it still remained private from the hotel's other guests. The piano for cocktail hour hors-d'œuvres was a huge talking point for guests! Don't worry, there's another piano on the balcony above if you choose to serenade your guests.

Olivia's bouquet highlighted the fall season with peachy and orange roses, light ferns for texture, and queen anne's lace to match her gown.

The movement in this dress was to die for!! It flowed over the dance floor, swished in the wind, and the train bustled into the ballroom style.

01 / 13

While Victoria of JL Studios finished up on Olivia and her bridal squad upstairs in the Mount Vernon room overlooking the ceremony site, I photographed each detail with fresh blooms from the lovely Making Magic Wheeling- I always love watching florists work their magic!

01 / 11

If I could encourage all ATP couples to do one thing, writing a love-note to each other to read the day of their wedding would be that one thing- yes, even over doing a first look! Even with the best vendor teams, wedding days are chaotic and move quickly- doing a letter exchange lets you take a moment to slow down, enjoy the quiet, and read the sweetest words from your best friend!

And just like that, it was time to walk down the aisle.

J & O had three musicians to set the mood for guests and family- a pianist, violinist, and guitarist. Soft music filled the hall as guests watched Olivia and her father walk the aisle.

You could count the number of guest with dry eyes on one hand! I loved the overhead shots my second shooter was able to capture from the balcony above the Washington Room.

After family portraits, we took the bridal party to the Washington County Courthouse stairs for some drizzle coverage. We arranged the timeline so that we'd have the majority of their portraits done pre-ceremony, so they could go mix and mingle with family and friends at cocktail hour!

Swooning over the long, cinnamon Azazie dresses Olivia chose for her bridal party! I loved the mix and match sleeve styles, especially for a late October wedding.

Just like their engagement session, the rain picked up right as we started their couple's portraits- sometimes my couples get anxious about it, but J&O were CHAMPIONS!!! The rain actually brings out lush tones in the greens and gives the cement a beautiful glossy finish, as well as having the ole wive's tale of bringing good luck to a marriage! I'm considering us double lucky, and looking at their GORGEOUS portraits, how could I not?!


PS: their laughter filled the entire session! Seriously, these two have the BEST time together!

Though the George Washington Hotel tucks into the streets of Washington quietly, their Grand Ballroom can actually hold up to 300 guests! The trims and finishings of the lobby continue into the ballroom, but change to a luxe gold hue- a perfect match for this wedding!

01 / 12

After their grand entrances, Jessie and Olivia danced ballroom style and captivated their guests with spins and twirls, and then sliced their gold leaf and ivory flower cake.

The entire dance floor lit up to celebrate them!

FIN.

Follow along on Instagram

@annetroxelphotography