Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh Wedding Photography | Kelsey & Evan

On Saturday, April 5th, I had the pleasure of providing Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh wedding photography for Kelsey and Evan’s beautiful celebration. Like a castle rising in the middle of the city, this stunning venue stands as an elegant architectural gem. With a color palette of plum, grey, and delicate floral tones of blush, cream, and peach, their day was filled with personal touches. The joyful moments and incredible energy made this celebration truly unforgettable.

Getting ready photography at Mansion on Fifth

Kelsey prepared for her big day in one of the Mansion’s beautiful rooms. This space with gorgeous white details created a perfect light and airy backdrop for her preparations. Getting ready photos are crucial for telling the full wedding story, as I explain in my Wedding Details | Complete Guide for Pittsburgh Couples. Surrounded by her mother Becky and sister Ashley, the atmosphere was relaxed yet bubbling with excitement. Absolutely radiant, Kelsey spun around in her dress with pure joy. Her infectious enthusiasm filled the room with laughter and smiles.

Meanwhile, Evan was getting ready with his brother Eric in another part of the mansion. The parallel moments of siblings helping the bride and groom prepare for their big moment created a beautiful symmetry to start the day.

What struck me most during these preparations was the genuine happiness emanating from Kelsey. Her bubbly personality shone through as she twirled in her dress, already eager for the celebrations ahead. She had chosen a dress perfect for twirling around – and she definitely made the most of it with each delightful spin! As a photographer, these authentic moments of joy are what I live to capture. My approach to wedding photography focuses on creating a playful, comfortable environment. Rather than posing couples, I provide gentle guidance to help them be themselves. By offering prompts that spark genuine laughter and intimate moments, we avoid stiff, forced positions that can feel unnatural.

First Look Photography in front of Mansion on Fifth

Despite the rainy weather throughout the morning, the universe granted us a perfectly timed break from the rain. We captured Kelsey and Evan’s first look in front of the Mansion on Fifth’s elegant façade. It was as if the weather itself wanted to honor this special moment! The moment Evan turned to see his bride was priceless. Their faces lit up with excitement not just for the ceremony ahead. They were thrilled for the celebration they’d been dreaming of.

If you’re considering a first look for your own wedding, check out my guide on Wedding First Look Benefits for Perfect Timeline & Photos to learn why many couples are choosing this special moment.

You could tell immediately that this couple was ready to dance and have fun on their wedding day! Their energy was contagious, and it was clear they couldn’t wait to be surrounded by their friends and family for this momentous occasion.

The wedding party photography at Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh

Kelsey and Evan surrounded themselves with a wedding party of eight close friends and family members – four on each side. The instant chemistry between the couple and their wedding party was evident from the first moment they came together. The smiles, laughter, and natural rapport spoke volumes about the strength of these friendships.

As a photographer, I love capturing these dynamics. The wedding party wasn’t just there to stand beside Kelsey and Evan – they were there to celebrate, support, and amplify the joy of the day. And that’s exactly what they did, creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere that carried throughout the entire celebration.

Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh wedding ceremony photography

Kelsey and Evan’s ceremony took place inside the beautiful Mansion around 4pm. Walking into this venue feels like discovering a hidden castle in the heart of Pittsburgh – its historic charm and grand architecture created an intimate and warm setting for their vows.

One of the most memorable moments was Kelsey’s entrance – she walked down the aisle to a Tony Stark voice introduction, a humorous nod to her last name being Stark! This personal touch had guests smiling and perfectly showcased the couple’s fun-loving personalities.

The ceremony space, with its vintage elegance, created a cozy atmosphere that felt like being welcomed into someone’s grand home rather than a venue – exactly the feeling that makes Mansion on Fifth so special. The rain outside only enhanced the intimacy of the moment as Kelsey and Evan exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest loved ones.

Spring portraits around Mansion on Fifth

Despite the rainy day challenges, we were determined to capture beautiful portraits both inside and outside the mansion. I kept a close eye on the rain, ready to dash outdoors whenever there was a break in the weather.

The White Salon for Mansion on Fifth Photography

The Mansion’s white salon provided a gorgeous indoor backdrop for portraits. The elegant space with its period details created a timeless setting for Kelsey and Evan’s first photos as a married couple. I focused on having them move naturally and comfortably, capturing genuine moments between them rather than overly posed shots.

Spring Blooms in Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

During a break in the rain, we ventured outside to capture some beautiful outdoor portraits. One of my favorite shots features Kelsey and Evan standing in front a blooming tree with delicate white flowers – a perfect symbol of spring and new beginnings. The cloudy sky actually worked in our favor, creating soft, diffused lighting that’s ideal for portraits.

Another standout moment was having them walk toward me, as if they were on an adventure in the city on their wedding day, heading to the most fun reception ever. This walking shot captured their excitement and anticipation perfectly – two newlyweds strolling through Pittsburgh, ready to celebrate their love with friends and family.

The reception celebration at Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh

The reception space at Mansion on Fifth transformed into a warm, inviting celebration space with dinner served under the gentle glow of candlelight. The venue’s cozy, home-like atmosphere created the perfect setting for an intimate celebration with their closest friends and family. My Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh wedding photography captured all these beautiful moments and details.

What truly made the reception spectacular was Kelsey and Evan’s shared passion for Irish folk dancing, specifically Ceili (pronounced KAY-LEE). As Carnegie Mellon University connections (Evan as a PhD student and Kelsey in university marketing), they brought their campus community together with this traditional dance. The most magical part was watching how they invited their friends and family to join in. They taught the steps and brought everyone together in a circle of celebration and laughter. The energy on the dance floor was absolutely electric!

An Unforgettable First Dance

Their first dance caught everyone by surprise. Instead of the traditional slow song, they chose a quick, upbeat tune that perfectly matched their energetic personalities. I never expected it, but it set the perfect tone for what was to come.

Dancing the Night Away

After the Ceili dancing, the DJ took over. They delivered exactly the music the couple was hoping for. The dance floor never emptied as guests danced like there was no tomorrow – or as Lady Gaga might say, they were ready to “dance or die.” I can honestly say I’ve rarely seen a reception where EVERYONE had THIS MUCH FUN. The joy was palpable. Capturing these moments of pure celebration was a highlight of my night.

The venue’s coordinator, Zack, ensured everything ran smoothly. He made my day by addressing me as “miss” instead of “ma’am” – the little things matter! Guests were raving about the incredible food throughout the evening. Throughout the day, the entire staff at Mansion on Fifth was exceptionally helpful. They anticipated needs before they arose and created a seamless experience for everyone. Thanks to their attentive service, the couple and their guests could fully enjoy the celebration without worry. But it was the couple’s infectious energy and amazing dance moves that truly made this reception unforgettable. As their photographer, capturing their Irish folk dancing was a highlight – the joy and tradition blending together in a celebration that was uniquely them.

The rich plum color accents throughout the reception held special significance, chosen to honor Kelsey’s late father who loved purple. These thoughtful touches are what make each wedding unique and meaningful. I always strive to capture the personal details that tell your unique story.

Explore more Pittsburgh Wedding Photography

If you enjoyed this Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh wedding photography, you might also want to check out Alyssa and William’s Embassy Suites Pittsburgh Wedding Day. Each Pittsburgh venue offers its own unique charm and character, and I love capturing how couples make these spaces their own for their special day. Browse my complete wedding portfolio to see more of my work across various Pittsburgh venues!

Pittsburgh Wedding Vendors

Photography | Marien J. Malloy Photography

Venue | Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh

Florist | McCandless Floral

Invitation | DIY by the Bride

Cake | Oakmont Bakery

DJ | Loyalty Entertainment

Hair | Glam Team PGH

Dress | One White Lane Bridal Gallery

Thank you, Kelsey and Evan, for trusting me with your Mansion on Fifth Pittsburgh wedding photography! Your joy, energy, and the personal touches throughout your celebration made this a truly memorable event.

If you’re planning your own Pittsburgh wedding, check out my wedding photography packages or browse my Pittsburgh engagement sessions for inspiration.

Wishing you both all the happiness as you continue your journey together at Carnegie Mellon University and beyond!