PITTSBURGH LIGHT & AIRY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
There are few venues that are as beloved and iconic as the Omni Bedford Springs – from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, small town Pennsylvania to DC, this venue speaks for itself.
Few wedding venues have the history and legacy of the Omni Bedford Springs- from a presidential favorite to an abandoned shell, and all the way back to a local and historic icon, this local gem was a massive inspiration to me when I was first discovering the world of high-end weddings! From the first time I attended a high-tea on the property I set it as a goal in my mind- to try and come back as many times as I could, to capture as much of it’s beauty as possible. So, less than a week out from my trip to Houston, I drove out to Bedford with my styling kit and gear in tow.
Located in Bedford, Pennsylvania, the Bedford Springs boasts some of the countless options for a luxury wedding. With its breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills, lush gardens, and stunning architecture, the Omni Bedford Springs truly has a spot for everyone. Be it a small soirée on the Spa Lawn (my favorite), a tucked away micro-wedding or elopement in the Grotto, or a full-scale formal ballroom affair, the Bedford Springs has everything you need to make your wedding day perfect.
I know you’re here for beautiful images, not for a history lesson (admittedly, it’s my one of my biggest educational flaws anyway), but stick with me:
The Bedford Springs has a rich history- established in 1806, the draw of the healing spring waters drew in crowds of upscale clienteles traveling the mountains. For a time, it was so frequented by the president that it was dubbed the Summer White House.
After being dubbed a Historic Landmark in 1984, the inn would close from 1986, and be sold in 1998. From 2004 to 2007, the Omni group renovated the former inn to the glory we see today- keeping the original intricate details of the tilling, woodworking, and ornate embellishment as close to original as possible. So in the area, everyone has memories of the resort- from those who remembered it in it’s pre-renovated time, the local youths who explored the abandoned property, the people who labored to bring it back to it’s former glory, and the newest generations of guests.
I personally ALWAYS allow a little extra time anytime I’m photographing here- either to pick up a mocha from HeBrews Coffee or to walk the grounds and center myself. Staying after a wedding for a spa-experience and swim in that pool is on my dream list.
PS: I always convince myself that Bedford is 1 hour from Pittsburgh. It is, in fact, 2 hours along the turnpike- but I promise it’s a beautiful drive, and there’s even a coffee shop on-site!
Moving on from my sentiment, I’m just going to focus on my personal favorite moment- the rope swing. I love an elopement-style, and Rooted Farmstead brought the vibes with the vines on the rope swing and fairy-sized arrangements around the aged tree. I loved that it was the perfect amount to accent the tree, but not so much that it overtook the natural beauty.
My favorite memories of the Bedford Springs are the incredible early wedding days that Stephanie Strittmatter shared with me, when I was just a baby photographer and she was kind enough to mentor me. After stopping at HeBrews Coffee, she’d tell tell me about how the place was before the renovations in 2004-2007, when she’d go on miles long runs past the old structure. Their butternut squash gnocchi and red wine outside on the wrap-around porch in the fall with Bachelor Boys Band playing in the background. The time two of my sweetest aunts, MaryLou and Georgie, took me for a high tea when they reopened. It was before I had made any photography progress in my life, but they thought “I might enjoy taking pictures there.” And oh boy, did I. I bought a little bar of soap that smelled just like the spa, to put a scent to the memories.
Scott & Brittany McFadden were the sweetest to work with- I couldn’t believe how well Brittany was able to walk (and rock) those Badgley Mishka heels! I am always a fan of a bridal braid or plait- they bring an element of boho while still being put together and fun. Goddess by Gina created this look with zero hair extensions, thanks to Brittany’s naturally thick and long hair!
Wouldn’t it be just dreamy to have an elopement or micro-wedding at the Bedford Springs, on the spa lawn? The beauty of the pink trees in spring or golden leaves in the fall feels so dreamy! I loved the naked-cake for this outdoor reception scene. Adding beautiful menus is a great way to enhance a long-table setup.
FIN.
Thank you to this team:
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Anne Troxel Photography and Styling Mats
Bouquet Preservation: Forever and A Day Bouquet
Engagement and Wedding Rings: Miska Jewlers
