A Perfect Pittsburgh National Aviary Wedding with Mary and Jonathan

There is nothing better than an outdoor wedding, especially in the Spring. For Mary Corey and Jonathan Dailey there was really no other choice.  Both are keen gardeners, farming-enthusiasts, and outdoor runners. Nature is where they feel most at home.  Their Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding was a wonderful celebration of their love for nature and each other.  With a special guest making an appearance during the reception, this wedding was one to remember.

bride leans on groom's shoulder at Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding

Mary and Jonathan met through the dating site Plenty of Fish and immediately felt a connection.  Their first date lasted 6 hours!  They both describe it as the “best date ever,” and spent the night talking and enjoying great food and cocktails. They quickly bonded over their mutual love of the outdoors and realized they enjoyed many of the same outdoor activities. Both knew from an early point in their relationship that they were meant to be together forever. However, it took some time for Jonathan to pop the question.

groom tucks bride's hair behind her ear at Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding

When he finally did ask, the proposal was nothing short of magical. The couple became engaged on August 20, 2017 on Presque Isle State Park. They had been kayaking on the lake, and Mary stopped (at Jonathan’s suggestion) to take some photos of the gorgeous scenery around them.  When she wasn’t looking, Jonathan took out the ring and said: “Why don’t we get one with this on your finger?” Mary was completely surprised but overjoyed. That night, the couple celebrated by a campfire with champagne and hot dogs!

Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding couple kissing in the garden

The wedding took place just 9 months later on May 20, 2018 at Bellevue United Presbyterian Church. It was a small and intimate wedding with the groom’s siblings, Andrew and Melissa serving as the bridal party. The ceremony was emotional and filled with joy. Carrying a lavender and ivory bouquet, Mary smiled from ear to ear. You could really see their love for each other as they recited their vows and became husband and wife.

bride smiles as she walks down the aisle with her father

wedding couple hold hands during wedding ceremony

bride and groom walking back down the aisle after wedding ceremony

The reception took place in the stunning rose garden at the Pittsburgh National Aviary. It was such a beautiful choice for this couple as it reflected their love of nature and the outdoors. For their wedding cake, they chose a birch tree design with their initials carved into a heart, with a cascade of cupcakes below for guests to enjoy.

birch tree design on cake at Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding

Laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches filled the reception, but the Newlyweds had a surprise special guest in store to make their day even more magical. An absolutely adorable penguin joined their celebration and wowed the crowd!

couple shares first dance at their Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding reception

bride shares a laugh with her new father-in-law at Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding reception

penguin joins the reception at Pittsburgh National Aviary

penguin joins the reception for a wedding at the Pittsburgh National Aviary

This Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding and reception was one I won’t soon forget. Jonathan and Mary are truly an amazing couple and I thoroughly enjoyed telling their love story!

bride kisses groom on the cheek at Pittsburgh National Aviary wedding reception

Whether you are looking for wedding photography, an engagement session, or portraits contact me to discuss how I can capture beautiful photos that you’ll treasure forever.

In the meantime, follow Mary and Jon’s love story with their most recent Erie PA family portrait session.

Looking for other Pittsburgh PA wedding inspiration? Check out Alexsys and Jon’s Phipps Conservatory Wedding and A Gorgeous Wedding at the George Washington Hotel for Bryan & Brandy

 

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