Muse: Pittsburgh wedding and portrait photography

The day started off with a frenzy. Dina’s makeup artist cancelled on her by sending her a text message early in the morning.

Seriously?!

I must say, I was so impressed by Dina. She calmly arranged to have her makeup done at the bridal salon where she was getting her hair done. She smiled through it all and looked simply stunning.

The rest of the day was perfect. The ceremony was at the beautiful Smithfield United Church of Christ, followed by an ultra glamorous reception at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. We started off at the Holiday Inn for some getting ready pictures.

Not to be outdone, the guys also cleaned up and got dressed (I think it’s really THAT simple for men). Images below by my ultra fabulous second shooter, Amy.

Because Dina got her makeup done earlier than planned, we ended up with a nice amount of time for some bridal portraits (which I love).

Dina is a natural in front of the camera. She looked AMAZING!

And while the girls were getting their pictures taken, Mark and his groomsmen went to Wiener World.

Yup, you read that right.

Images below by Amy.

The ceremony at Smithfield United Church of Christ was full of emotion. As Dina was walking down the aisle, Mark’s reaction to seeing his bride for the first time led his brother to put his arm around him.

Mark wasn’t the only emotional man there.

After the ceremony, the first thing the newlyweds did when they got into the hallway was kiss. So sweet!

Some portraits around the University of Pittsburgh campus.

I don’t normally post group portraits, but I thought the expressions on the maid of honor and best man here were hilarious. They were such a fun group.

Lots of beautiful personal touches at the reception.

Love how Dina is looking at Mark during their first dance.

While I was getting their reactions, Amy was getting a wider image of the dance.

Always a blast to work with Jeremy of Jeremy Ganss Productions, who kept this entertaining group dancing all night.

Dina and Mark, it was such a delight to photograph your wedding! Thank you for inviting Amy and I to witness such a special day.

Ceremony: Smithfield United Church of Christ
Reception: Pittsburgh Athletic Association
Hair: Capristo
DJ: Jeremy Ganss Productions
Videographer: Open Iris

The love between Ashley and Bill is so evident. The quiet grace with which these two respond to each other is amazing.

I first met Ashley and Bill last year while documenting Larissa and Joe’s wedding. Bill just happens to be Larissa’s brother. I was so excited to see their family again. They are the warmest and most entertaining people you will ever meet.

Ashley and Bill were married at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Oakmont. Their celebration continued with the reception at the lovely Longue Vue Club in Verona. Here are some of my favorite images from their day:

Ashley is what you would call a classic beauty.

I had the pleasure of having Dan as a second shooter again, who captured this image of Bill waiting below.

Ashley had requested we go to Hartwood Acres for some portraits. Gorgeous location + gorgeous couple = happy photographer

I love that the fabric that held Ashley’s bouquet together was made from her mother’s dress.

So I mentioned earlier that their families were fun right?

Ashley and Bill, your love is an inspiration.

I hope you had fun in Belize! It was wonderful to see everyone again. Thank you for inviting Dan and I back into your lives.

Dress: Allure

Transportation: Shamrock Limousine & Pittsburgh Transportation Group

Florist: Bloomers Floral Studio

Bakery: Fenoglietto’s Wedding Cakes

Caterer: Longue Vue Club

Beautiful couples make my job easy.

Meet Martha Stewart.

Okay, so that’s not Ms. Stewart.

Meet Sherry. That was her, 2 hours before her wedding. She did it all; from cutting down tree branches in her backyard for her reception decor, to etching the glass in the lanterns, to designing and arranging her centerpieces, to looking gorgeous as a bride. I’m told (by her bridesmaids, who helped her set up) that she’s very crafty and can make anything look beautiful.

Indeed, her wedding was beautiful!

Sherry and Sam were married at the Duquesne Club in downtown Pittsburgh.

Loved the orchids!

Sam getting a little help from the internet. You’d be surprised how hard it is to tie a bow-tie. They did such a fantastic job that I initially thought it was a clip on. Images below by Dan.

Purple Manolos.

Sherry was radiant…and funny… and so calm!

Such a sweet moment… Sam looked so happy to see Sherry.

The ceremony was followed by an ultra fun cocktail-style reception.

Dan caught this great image on the left as the newlyweds were announced.

You know it’s true love when you lick the frosting off your spouse’s face.

The wedding was at night, which meant we were able to get some fantastic, dramatic portraiture.

Nevermind that this was taken in the ladies room. Come on, those mirrors were too fun to pass up.

A wonderful celebration of a wonderful couple.

Thanks for having Dan and I there to share in your beautiful night. Sherry and Sam, happiness and love to you two! And as Martha would say “It’s a good thing”.

Florist: Blooms Florist

Venue and Coordinator: Duquesne Club

Gorgeousness. Bill, you are a lucky man!

Totally in love with this image from Sherry and Sam’s wedding!

I met Alisa last year with her maid of honor Sam. I liked her immediately (Sam too!). She had a sweet smile and a warm personality and I knew Eric had to be an amazing guy for Alisa to love so much.

Their wedding celebration was at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Gorgeous location, beautiful weather, and wonderful people… here are some of my favorite images from their day:

Image of the groom above by Rachel, my super star second shooter, who rocked it out on the camera.

Alisa was a breathtaking bride, but don’t just take my word for it…

Seriously, breathtaking.

Some details… Alisa had these fabulous shoes, while Eric had some rubber ducky cufflinks.

At the end of the ceremony, guests were invited to shower the happy couple with flower petals. I definitely see happiness.

I forgot to mention, Alisa and Eric released butterflies into the air before walking down the aisle. One of the butterflies landed on the flower girl’s flowers.

Just before the reception, the groomsmen went out onto the golf greens for some pictures. They were met by a lone bagpiper playing out in the field. Can’t make this stuff up. (image by Rachel)

Some gorgeous details and personal touches at the reception. Alisa and Eric also had a professional cigar roller during cocktail hour.

My favorite image of the day… so romantic!

Nevermind, this is my favorite. I love how happy these two are.

The band “Shout” was fantastic. They had the dance floor packed and partying all night.

Thank you for letting Rachel and I share in your celebration! You two are amazing and your families are wonderful. Have fun in Italy!

Wedding Florist, Caterer, Bakery : Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Videographer : Red Bicycle Media

Band : Shout Band

Dress Designer : Jim Hjelm

These two were such a fun couple. We met them at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, where they got ready. Then off to Heinz Chapel for the ceremony. Here are some images from the day…

Image below by Lauren.

Off to the columns at the Mellon Institute for some portraits.

Emily and Shane were so natural in front of the camera.

The reception at the Edgewood Club was full of dancing and fun. These two knew how to have a good time! Images of the cake and kids by Eileen.

Love how Emily is looking at Shane here.

When we left, the dance floor was still packed! Thank you for inviting us to document your extraordinary day. Eileen, Lauren and I had a fantastic time!

Lots of love,

My friend Lauren got married! Yay! We had a fun time getting all those detail shots together! She made a beautiful bride…Travis is a lucky man! Just wanted to share a few shots with you.

Congrats Lauren and Travis!  I wish you all the best! <3

Bea and Dave are one of those fabulously talented and artistic couples that you just want to be friends with. Bea is a photographer and Dave is the drummer for the band Shade. Together, they are one of the sweetest couples I had the pleasure of meeting this year. Their ceremony was held in Bloomfield, followed by a reception at the enchanting Priory in the Northside. Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding:

We stopped by the North Shore for some pictures and discovered a crew race. And of course, had to give some love to Mr. Rogers.

My talented second shooter for the day was Dana, who got this awesome picture of the Priory during the first dance.

One of my favorite images of the day. They are just so sweet together.

I love it when guests let loose!  (first picture in the sequence by Dana)

A beautiful couple and a gorgeous wedding…Bea and Dave, thanks for inviting us to document your special day. We had a great time and wish you all the best!