Stephanie + John | Pete Dye Golf Club Wedding Photos

I love photographing weddings at venues and locations that I haven’t been to before, so I was definitely looking forward to photographing Stephanie & John’s wedding at Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, WV. Stephanie put so much thought into this wedding and it really paid off; their reception room and details were beautiful! From the wine and gold color accents, to the twinkling string lights, to the display of her mother’s wedding dress, and even to the caricature artist that was there drawing the guests! Here is a little more of Stephanie & John’s story, from Stephanie’s perspective:

John & I met in November 2011 at his family’s restaurant, Julio’s Cafe. John had just moved home from Colorado and I was returning to the restaurant to earn some extra money. I worked there full time previously, which gave me the opportunity to fall in love with his family first. After we met I asked his sister, Gina why she never warned me about her brother. : ) It turned out that John & I attended the same high school. He graduated the year before I began. He knew, & had hung out with a lot of my friends, but our paths never crossed. Although I was seeing someone when we met, John & I quickly formed a friendship. He persistently tried to explain why the guy I was dating wasn’t the right fit for me. It didn’t take much convincing before our friendship turned into more.

We had many nights out together at a local watering hole, PJ Kelly’s, after our shift would end. But our first real date took place on February 13, 2012 at the Aquarium Lounge in Fairmont, WV. I remember it was a cold night. We sat in a corner booth by the door. We had chocolate covered strawberries for dessert & I had a little too much to drink. We’ve shared many special meals in that very same booth since that night.

John proposed on July 24, 2014. We planned a summer vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC to visit his brother Michael. Shortly after we arrived and got freshened up for dinner, John asked his brother if he had “five minutes” before we left. With confirmation from Michael, John asked me to take a ride in the golf cart. We drove a short distance to the boat docks near Michael’s home where we could see the sun setting in the distance. John asked, “Are you happy?” As I began to ramble about being rushed to leave & my expectations for the trip, John reached for a wood grain box that had been sitting right in front of me. I was completely surprised! He promised me the world, and after making him get down on one knee, I said yes!

Here are a few of my favorites from Stephanie & John’s Pete Dye Golf Club wedding…

Hair Artist: Teri Sigley
Makeup Artist: Michelle Goad
Florist: Bella Fiore
Wedding Dress: Oliverio’s Bridal, Jasmine Couture
Bridesmaid Dresses: Oliverio’s Bridal
Tuxedos: Oliverio’s Bridal
Engagement and Wedding Rings: Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelrey
Cake Artist: Almost Heaven Desserts
DJ: Doc Vincent
Videographer: Nick Verzilli
Ceremony: Bridgeport United Methodist Church
Reception: Pete Dye Golf Club
Honeymoon: Punta Cana
Wedding 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!