Inquire
portfolio
Experience
meet dawn
start here
Contact Me
Meet Dawn
Portfolio
Experience
Home

Back to Blog

SHARE

Romantic nighttime wedding portrait series at Sheraton Station Square - newlyweds embrace on riverside walkway with illuminated Pittsburgh skyline behind them, followed by candid reception moments in the ballroom featuring glowing chandeliers and city lights twinkling through floor-to-ceiling windows

Capturing Love with a Steel City Backdrop: Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Sheraton Station Square

I’ve had the privilege of capturing beautiful moments at countless venues across our beloved city. However, there’s something truly magical about documenting love stories at the Sheraton Station Square that keeps me coming back time and time again.

The moment you step into the lobby, you’re greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase Pittsburgh’s most iconic view – our stunning downtown skyline. This breathtaking backdrop creates an immediate wow factor for both couples and their guests, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration.

What truly sets this venue apart for me as a photographer is the variety of stunning portrait locations within walking distance. The riverside promenade offers an ideal setting for romantic couples’ portraits, with the golden light of sunset reflecting off the Monongahela River and creating that dreamy, magical atmosphere every couple desires. The historic train station architecture provides a unique industrial-chic aesthetic that’s quintessentially Pittsburgh, perfect for those seeking something beyond traditional wedding portraits.

One of my favorite moments to capture is when newlyweds take their first walk along the riverfront walkway, with the skyline visible in the distance and the iconic PPG soaring behind them. These elements combine to create photographs that couldn’t be captured anywhere else in the world – they’re distinctly Pittsburgh.

During evening receptions, the city skyline transforms into a glittering canvas of lights, providing an ever-changing backdrop throughout the night. Through my lens, I love capturing candid moments of couples sharing their first dance with the illuminated city serving as their personal light show. The way the ballroom complement the city lights creates an ambiance that photographs beautifully from every angle.

The versatility of Sheraton Station Square extends beyond its primary spaces. The outdoor patio area offers an intimate setting for first looks, with the city skyline creating a dramatic background that my couples absolutely adore. The recently renovated lobby offers a killer portrait location for days where the weather isn’t cooperative.

As a photographer, lighting is everything, and the natural light that floods through the windows throughout the day is simply perfect. It creates soft, flattering illumination for portraits while maintaining the drama of the city backdrop. Even on cloudy days, the space provides consistently beautiful lighting conditions that help me create stunning imagery for my clients.

The professional staff at Sheraton Station Square understands the importance of photography timeline coordination, making my job smoother and ensuring we capture all the essential moments without rushing. Their experience in handling weddings means they know exactly when to draw curtains or adjust lighting to create the perfect ambiance for both the celebration and the photographs.

Whether it’s morning preparation shots with the city awakening in the background, sunset portraits with golden light streaming across the river, or nighttime celebrations with the glittering skyline as a backdrop, the Sheraton Station Square continues to inspire my creativity and help me deliver unforgettable memories to my couples.

Venue Feature- The Sheraton Station Square

Real Weddings

A couple walks along the river outside the Sheraton Station Square
Venue Feature- Heinz Chapel »
« Venue Feature- Fox Chapel Golf Club
book now

Weddings. Engagements. Boudoir. Branding. 

Photography for your life

Dawn Derbyshire Photography loves love.
I strive to create an inclusive, hate-free, welcoming and affirming space for my employees, vendors I work with, AND my clients of all races, religions, sexual orientations and identities. All of my clients (and their love stories) deserve respect, are cherished, and are valued by me and my business. You are welcome in my business, my life, and my heart.

Follow me on the 'gram

hello@dawn-derbyshire.com

Back
to
Top

© copyright Dawn Derbyshire Photography 2025
Cleantalk Pixel