MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos

Oh man am I excited to share this wedding :) I’ve been looking forward to MJ & Michael’s wedding ever since their amazing Pennsylvanian and North Shore engagement session last year. I knew immediately that these two were going to make my job super easy and they did not disappoint. All events were at the super chic Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh and it was the perfect venue. Between this venue, the amazing list of vendors, and this incredible couple I can’t get enough of this wedding. I could go on and on but MJ summed it up perfectly…

From MJ:

Michael and I met at a coffee shop; I was getting a large latte when I noticed him ordering a small, decaf tea. He had a terrific smile, so I decided to give him some sass for his order. This encounter led to Michael taking me on the most spectacular city date. When friends asked how it went, he replied, “Great! I met my wife.”

It didn’t take long to realize our relationship was as good as it gets. We loved being in each other’s company, and our shared hopes and dreams always circled back to family and God. On September 24, 2017, one year from our first date, Michael proposed in a downtown courtyard at sunset. The ring still takes my breath away. It’s engraved, “Worth the wait.”

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh is near and dear to our love story, and there was no turning back once we took my mom for a tour. We wanted guests to experience the chic, vibrant interior as well as the open-air rooftop deck, and we knew Aaron Varga’s exquisite, bold, timeless photography style would be perfect for Monaco.

Our wedding aesthetic was driven by the words of Coco Chanel: “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” Décor was intentionally minimal as the venue is stunning all on its own. Our black, white and ivory palette was inspired by the hotel’s signature houndstooth curtains, and the couple pieces we added to fingerprint the ballrooms will be used in our new home.

As a Monaco bride, a clean dress with a timeless silhouette was essential. My fit and flare gown featured a straight neckline, cascading buttons, and architectural seams, which complimented our long stem calla lilies. Michael was the forever guy, and this was the dress I would always love. Since the gown had minimal embellishment, I decided to have some fun by switching up accessories for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Michael surprised me with a show-stopper necklace that lit up the dance floor.

Our wedding marked the first time everyone came together to celebrate us, which made the day so momentous. We opted to forgo a bridal shower and bachelor(ette) parties but wanted family and friends present as we exchanged vows. Our ceremony included Michael and I sharing statements of love, meaningful music selections, a beautiful message on God’s love, and a tribute to our parents. They mean the world to us and deserved to be recognized that day. The greatest moment was the double doors opening on cue to Barbra Streisand; all guests were on their feet and my handsome prince was waiting for me. My “someday” was May 24, 2019. #ido412

Here are just a few of my favorites from their Hotel Monaco wedding!

01 henne jewelers engagement ring(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos02 diamond jewelry wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos03 beautiful wedding dress(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos04 gucci wedding details(pp w768 h707) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos05 custom stationary wedding(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos06 wedding flat lay classy(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos07 cartier bracelet wedding(pp w768 h253) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos08 hotel monaco brideal prep(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos09 wedding prep at hotel monaco(pp w768 h708) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos10 hotel monaco groom prep wedding(pp w768 h540) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos11 hotel monaco wedding first look(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos12 hotel monaco first look groom(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos13 hotel monaco wedding first dance practice(pp w768 h351) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos14 hotel monaco bride groom(pp w768 h351) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos15 hotel monaco happy couple wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos16 wedding at hotel monaco(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos17 hotel monaco unique portrait(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos18 hotel monaco wedding portraits(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos19 hotel monaco rialto suite wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos20 hotel monaco wedding rialto suite(pp w768 h448) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos21 mom and bride photo(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos22 bridal party wedding hotel monaco(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos23 hotel monaco wedding groom(pp w768 h378) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos24 hotel monaco bride portrait(pp w768 h511) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos25 bridal portraits hotel monaco(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos26 bride portrait hotel monaco wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos27 bride earings flowers(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos28 hotel monaco rooftop wedding photos(pp w768 h381) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos29 wedding photos hotel monaco rooftop reflection(pp w768 h513) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos30 reflection glass hotel monaco(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos31 hotel monaco wedding portrait spring(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos32 spring wedding hotel monaco(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos33 hotel monaco bridal party wedding rooftop(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos34 hotel monaco wedding spring rooftop(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos35 city views wedding hotel monaco(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos36 hotel monaco wedding ceremony(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos37 hotel monaco wedding ceremony spring(pp w768 h539) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos38 hotel monaco wedding ceremony room(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos39 hotel monaco ceremony wedding(pp w768 h448) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos40 hotel monaco reception room(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos41 hotel monaco wedding reception room(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos42 hotel monaco yellow couch(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos43 yellow couch hotel monaco wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos44 hotel monaco holding hands wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos45 hotel monaco lobby wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos46 hotel monaco black white wedding(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos47 hotel monaco photo in elevator(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos48 hotel monaco wedding reception room details(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos49 hotel monaco wedding reception details(pp w768 h708) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos50 hotel monaco wedding cake(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos51 hotel monaco custom menu stationary(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos52 hotel monaco wedding room table(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos53 hotel monaco wedding first dance(pp w768 h253) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos54 hotel monaco cake cutting(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos55 hotel monaco wedding sparkler exit(pp w768 h512) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos56 hotel monaco wedding night(pp w768 h561) - MJ + Michael | Hotel Monaco Wedding Photos

Venue: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
Coordinator: Kristen Stewart of Hotel Monaco
Officiant: Josiah Leuenberger of Orchard Hill Church
Stationary Designer: Angela Laskovics of Angela Pro Design
Florist: David Ludwig of Hepatica
Hair Artist: Shari Tuminello of Tease Salon
Makeup Artist: Lyndsie Hinch of Makeup Design Studio
Cake Designer: Beverly Tuminello of The Tasty Baker
Disc Jockey: John Mitch of 2nd II None Productions
Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottera from The Exquisite Bride
Reception Dress: Eliza J from Nordstrom
Jewelry: Sara Gabriel, Cartier, Camilla Christine
Shoes: Louise et Cie
Bride’s Attire Consultant: Courtney Shovel of Exquisite Bride
Bridesmaid Dress: Avery G from Bloomingdale’s
Suits: Jos. A. Bank
Groom’s Attire Consultant: Jacqueline Hayes of Jos. A. Bank
Engagement Ring: Ritani
Wedding Bands: Henne (hers), Paul Michael Design (his)
Honeymoon: Greece
Videographers: Jeremy and Amanda Scott of Jeremy Scott Films
Photographers: Aaron Varga Photography

Aaron Varga Photography is a top Pittsburgh wedding photography studio serving downtown Pittsburgh and all surrounding areas. We specialize in creating modern, glamorous, and timeless photographs and providing an unmatched photography experience. Contact us for information and availability for your wedding or engagement session!

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412.979.0556