A September Wedding at The Frick | Anna + Alex

The Frick Pittsburgh wedding

September 21, 2024

Photography + Video by Margaret James

Venue: The Frick, Pittsburgh PA

A Sunrise Beginning to a September Wedding

I first met Anna and Alex at sunrise in Washington, D.C. for their engagement session earlier that spring. We started at the Lincoln Memorial and made our way to George Washington University, where their story began—and later unfolded into a proposal. From the moment I met them, I could tell their wedding would be full of meaning, deeply personal, and centered on the people they love.

Getting Ready at The Oaklander

Anna and Alex got ready at The Oaklander Hotel, surrounded by their favorite people and the soft morning light streaming through the windows. It made for some truly stunning bridal portraits of Anna in her sleek Anthropologie gown, complete with a bold statement bow in the back.

The Frick Pittsburgh wedding

Alex suited up with the help of his childhood friend Alec and Anna’s twin brother, John, while his sister proudly stood by his side as his best woman. After making their way to The Frick, Anna and Alex shared a sweet, tear-filled first look—an emotional moment that set the tone for the rest of the day.

The Frick Pittsburgh wedding

Portraits With Purpose

Anna and Alex were intentional from the start: they didn’t want their day to feel like a photoshoot. They wanted to be present and soak up every second with their people. So we moved smoothly through bridal party and family portraits before the ceremony, keeping everything natural and relaxed.

Anna’s bridesmaids wore dresses in shades of salmon, coral, and orange—an absolutely perfect palette for late September. She called it “end of summer, start of autumn,” and that balance couldn’t have been more spot-on. Their overall look was a favorite of mine for the entire season.

The Frick Pittsburgh wedding

A Heartfelt Ceremony at The Frick

Their ceremony took place in the garden at The Frick, officiated by their close friend Krista. It was warm, lighthearted, and filled with stories only someone who truly knows them could tell. That personal touch made every moment feel intentional and deeply connected.

After the ceremony, Anna and Alex stole a few minutes alone for a cocktail together—a quiet moment of reflection before joining their guests.

The Frick Pittsburgh wedding

A Tent Reception Full of Energy

Their reception unfolded under a sailcloth tent on The Frick’s lawn. The flowers from James Ludwig’s Blumengarten Florist brought color and texture to every table, and Big Burrito Catering provided an incredible meal.

The Frick Pittsburgh wedding

Anna kicked off the evening with a welcome toast, followed by heartfelt speeches from each of their parents. Her dad’s toast was a standout—joyful, funny, and clearly filled with pride. The kind of moment you can’t help but smile through.

The party that followed? One for the books. The dance floor stayed packed all night (yes, even a little sweaty), and the energy never dropped. DJ Chris Stankay kept the celebration moving, and no one will forget their 21st night of September.

The Frick Pittsburgh wedding

Capturing Their Legacy in Photo and Film

Anna and Alex chose to add ceremony and toast video coverage to their photography package—an exclusive option for Margaret James couples. Along with my team’s coverage, we also passed around camcorders for a nostalgic, guest-filmed perspective of the day.

It’s moments like these—layered and honest—that make storytelling through both photo and video so powerful.

A Thoughtful, Joy-Filled Day

From the very first look to the final song of the night, Anna and Alex planned a wedding day that truly reflected who they are. It was a privilege to document this chapter in their story.