City Wedding: Stacy + Gene

June 19, 2013 Posted In:01 -Big City Weddings

weddings at phipps conservatory

Stacy and Gene contacted me about their wedding only a month and a half before the big day. Luckily, I was available for their date, and when we met I was assured that not only were they choosing the beautiful Phipps Conservatory for their wedding, but they were an awesome couple on top of that! So glad I was available to work with them! Stacy even wore peacock feather earrings at our meeting, and has an engineering background and lives in New York City. A girl after my heart!

Their beautiful wedding was hel throughout Phipps Conservatory, with their first look outside, veiling and ketubah signing in the Palm Court, ceremony under the chuppah on the Tropical Forest patio, and reception in the Rainforest Room. I loved that we could really go anywhere we wanted, and trying enjoyed photographing their event.

Thank you so much for bringing me on to photograph your wedding! And thank you, as well, to Stacy’s wonderful parents for all that they did to make this day wonderful. Here are some of my favorites from their day!

kiss and makeup pittsburgh

Stacy was very happy with her makeup by Lisa of Kiss and Makeup!

kiss and makeup pittsburgh artist

Finishing touches:groom weddingStacy’s mom helps her over to the First Look area. She looked radiant.
first look pictures pittsburgh

Seeing her groom for the first time!first look phipps outside bride groom

Gene wanted to check out her dress (which was beautiful!):first look phipps conservatory wedding

Phipps Conservatory is one of my favorite place to photograph weddings!phipps conservatory wedding photographer

Bridesmaids in their beautiful rose colored dresses:rose bridesmaid dresses fun

Stacy + Gene held their veiling ceremony and ketubah signing in the Palm Court. They greeted guests, sang, and celebrated with the lush surroundings:jewish wedding photographer pittsburgh

Sometimes we need a little help writing in a different language…ketubah signing wedding pittsburgh

Signing the ketubah!ketubah jewish wedding photographer pittsburgh

The veiling was so beautiful! There was signing, and Stacy and Gene looked at each other the whole time. It was a wonderful experience, and very intimate:veiling ceremony pittsburgh jewish wedding

After the veiling, we moved outdoors for the wedding ceremony. Stacy’s dad was glowing the whole day, and it was wonderful to see!phipps conservatory wedding ceremony

Love the excitement of my couples as they marry!phipps conservatory wedding ceremony jewish

The color and texture in these photos is really lovely, and I enjoy photographing outdoor weddings for this reason:
outdoor wedding ceremony phipps

Classic!phipps conservatory outdoor weddings

The scenery that Phipps provides is just like none other. I always love photographing my couples inside of the different rooms (I’m quite familiar with the layout!)phipps conservatory wedding photographers

Stacy with her genuine excitement!phipps conservatory wedding

Gene kissed her on the cheek naturally. No direction there, and I thought it was very sweet.wedding bride groom at phipps conservatory

Who doesn’t love the Broderie Room?!broderie room weddings phipps

The Rainforest Room looks really great with some uplighting, and these two (and their friends!) were ready to get the party started!rainforest room weddings

Speeches!weddings in the rainforest room phipps

Cutting of the cake!rainforest room weddings phipps

A sweet dance with her father. He was telling me stories all day, and I learned a lot about his family history and jewish traditions. Thank you, Harold!phipps conservatory weddings photography

Success!!hora wedding dance phipps conservatory

 

 

Wedding Album: Erin + Tim

June 18, 2013 Posted In:03 -Wedding Details

Erin and Tim are celebrating their wedding day with a 10×10 album for them, and matching 4×4 parent albums as gifts. Theirs is black cover, and the parents get pink – both their wedding colors!

Hometown Wedding: Sarah + Matt

June 15, 2013 Posted In:02 -Hometown Weddings

loren demarco leeann marie collective

Sarah and Matt had a gorgeous May day for their wedding, and spent their day surrounded by family, and some fun friends! Their party was a dance-floor heaven, and Sarah brought the beautiful day along with them inside with all of the bright colors she selected for their decoration.

Loren photographed their wedding, and again, I was so happy to see the photos and be able to re-live the wedding through Loren’s perspective. She’s such a wonderful addition to The Collective, I couldn’t possibly gush more.

Sarah and Matt – thank you for trusting us with your wedding day photography, and we are thrilled to be able to share your images with you, your family, and your crazy fun friends!

bride with father

Look at this doggie’s smile! Sarah loves it as well!wedding dog preceremony

The beautiful bride:)

wedding photography

Love these photos of the guys getting ready for the ceremony. weddings pittsburgh north hills

Inside of St. Ursula Catholic Church in Allison Park:ursula catholic church pittsburgh wedding

Ready for the wedding rings?st ursula catholic church

Love this shot from right outside of the chapel. Really makes it feel like everyone inside of the chapel is a family.st ursula catholic church wedding pittsburgh

I think they’re pretty happy to be married, yes?st ursula north hills wedding

Look at these handsome dudes cheesin’ it for the camera!groomsmen

And all of the ladies in their bright colors and different flowers!

Love the light in these photos – very summery and warm:

wexford wedding photographer

And again, Loren is able to find the dreamy light:
loren demarco wedding photography

On to the reception, and some toasts from great friends!wedding toast at futules harmar house pittsburgh

It was DEFINITELY a dancing crowd!weddings at futules harmar house

Matt with his momma:futules harmar house weddings

And Sarah and her dad enjoy a dance together:futules harmar house wedding

 

Mary Jane Czemerda -

I love it. The pictures are just BEAUTIFUL!

Breaking Down The Wedding Part 3: Family Pictures

June 14, 2013 Posted In:04 -Wedding Tips

In case you missed it!

Part 1: Preparations
Part 2: Ceremony
Family photos are really important, and the more “traditional” part of the day – but we think they’re still really important! You may want “candid” coverage of your wedding, but organizing and photographing the family photos will prove to be truly value photographs after the wedding day. We’ll make sure to get great photos of your parents, siblings, grandparents, and other VIPs right after the ceremony.

In addition, I work with each of our couples to keep a really detailed and organized list of what family photos are desired, so that we can move through them as quickly as possible, create great portraits, and keep with any church deadlines (if any). Although I do not show them on my blog, we do photograph formal photos inside of the church, and then step immediately outside for the breakdowns of these groupings.

We make sure to get really nice light on these photos, by using some off-camera flashes.

The traditional bridal portraits – around for years!

When stepping outside, we like to cater to the grandparents first if they are around. We’ll make sure you have a really nice picture of you with your grandmother! So important. In addition, we like to take nice pictures of any couples that are there!

Kaitlin and her grandfather. This was right outside of the church, and there was little greenery around, so we photographed them on the front patio. The important thing here, is that we needed to make sure everyone was positioned with good lighting – this can, again, make or break a photograph, and it’s our job to help you step into the best light!

Kaitlin and her dad, looking nice and relaxed. We find that as soon as family steps outside of the church, we are able to really capture the true essence of relationships.

And a group of fun sisters with their mom! This will be one of those “That’s me and my girls” photos for mom!

Next week we’ll talk bridal party!

Wedding Details: Rose, Blush, and a little Bling

June 13, 2013 Posted In:03 -Wedding Details

Stacy and Gene were married at Phipps Conservatory, and we really had access to the entire conservatory while we were there. It was a beautiful day!
pittsburgh rose gold wedding jewelry

When I first met Stacy, she was uber fashionable, even wearing peacock feather earrings. A girl after my heart! I loved that she wore rose gold for her wedding day:
rose gold wedding details

The girls were in this beautiful rose color, and it was such a flattering shade on all of them. Their ketubah was equally as beautiful and simple.phipps conservatory jewish wedding ceremony

This was the first time I’ve photographed a wedding ceremony on the back patio of Phipps Conservatory (outside of the Rainforest Room). It was a lovely spot! There was a fountain behind the chuppah, which was adorned with rustic wooden twigs and green moss:phipps conservatory outdoor wedding ceremony

Some of Sweet Tammy’s amazing challah! YUM.

jewish weddings at phipps conservatory

I have a thing for awesome fonts, and so I was instantly attracted to the seating cards:phipps conservatory wedding photography

Mini pierogies!phipps conservatory wedding photographer

The Rainforest Room reception area is always a nice, bright, and clean space for a wedding reception:phipps conservatory rainforest room wedding reception

Stacy Harris -

You did such an amazing job! Love the surprise of our rings on the newspaper ;) can’t wait to see more!

Leeann Marie -

You’ll see them soon! There are so many that I love – can’t wait to share with you :)

Wedding Albums: Your Wedding Day Heirloom

June 12, 2013 Posted In:04 -Wedding Tips

I was asked recently what the difference was between DVDs, USB thumb drives, and digital downloads. Was there one that was better, and why do different photographers offer different forms of digital files? The answer is that one is not necessarily better than the other – they’re all just mediums to deliver digital images to clients. However, the simple fact that there are three different delivery methods should be a sign: digital formats change, quickly, over time! Remember the days of tapes, VHS, and floppy drives? Gone! Unless you’ve gone through the process to transfer files from these formats, whatever lies on them may be lost forever (or costly to transfer).

I offer digital files in all of my packages, because I understand that we all want to share our images online, and maybe print off a few of them on our own. I also offer album credit in each of my packages - because an album is your wedding heirloom. This is the one product from your wedding day that will tell your story for years and years to come. Books have been around for centuries, and the world understands them. They’re generational, and they’re interactive.

I think that this point really came to sight at Erin and Tim’s wedding, where they had their parent’s wedding albums available to look through! How amazing is that! Imagine you’re at your daughter’s wedding, and guests can see the story of how the family was started. That’s amazing!

If you’re considering a package with only digital files, I would strongly urge you to consider adding an album. If your wedding has passed and you don’t yet have an album, consider contacting your photographer again to create one. You’ll be happy you did!
pittsburgh photographer antique wedding albumwedding album family heirloom

{SHE} Events: Meet Alexis!

June 11, 2013 Posted In:08 -Recommended Vendors

How is it that I get to surround myself with so many smart, stylish, and incredibly wedding-savvy women?! Alexis is no exception! Alexis runs {SHE} Events here in Pittsburgh, and is your go-to girl if you’re finding that wedding planning can simply be too much.

We met up for lunch the other day, and I got to learn even more about what she can offer. Something interesting? You don’t necessarily need to hire a wedding planner at the beginning (although she offers that!) – you can bring on a wedding planner to help with the details, finding the perfect vendors, and organizing events on the Day-Of the wedding. I thought it was really interesting to learn that some of her brides may have already selected a wedding venue and photographer, but then they get to the nitty gritty details and get bogged down with ideas.

Alexis can help you to hone in on your vision, find vendors that work within your ideas and budget, and ultimately make your wedding dream come true!

Visit her HERE for more! This girl is wonderful!

 

SHE Event Wedding Planner Pittsburgh

Hometown Wedding: Summer + Brian

June 10, 2013 Posted In:02 -Hometown Weddings

destiny hill wedding photography farm

Summer and Brian grew up just down the street from each other, but had no idea. It’s almost like they were meant to be, but just had to meet when the time was right. When they did meet, they were living together in Richmond, VA – and have been on a whirlwind of a romance ever since.

Melissa and I were sad to leave on the day of their wedding, but as we walked back to our cars, we kept going on and on about her perfect Summer and Brian were together. Theirs is a love that is unique, and so, so true. They just beam when they are together, and we cannot wait to see what their life together will bring.

It was an absolute pleasure being a part of their wedding day, and we are really excited to share with you some of their photos – it’s been difficult narrowing it down! You’ll see why…groom getting ready pictures

Summer got a little help from her bridesmaids:getting ready bride hair

Excited to be in her dress!bridal preparations photography

Her Granddad is just the cutest guy ever. Look at the way he’s so, so happy with Summer!wedding grandfather adorable bride

Summer and Brian opted to have a private first look, and it’s wonderful to watch from behing the lens as they saw each other for the first time. Brian was thrilled to see his bride:first look picture groom reaction pittsburgh

Ready to go get married!weddings at destiny hill

Their wedding was held at Destiny Hill Farm, which is owned by Summer’s aunt and uncle. We truly felt at home there all day, and it was a stunning backdrop all day long. The barns, fields, and sky was like none other!blue bridesmaids laughing candid picture

We have a thing for cute kids – photo by Melissa!adorable kids wedding picture

Brian watching as Summer came to the end of the grassy aisle…

wedding ceremony destiny hill outdoors

…and she smiled from ear to ear as she walked towards her husband-to-be.
wedding ceremony outside pittsburgh

This scenery. Magnificent. Someone was looking down on them all day long – it was surreal.destiny hill farm wedding ceremony

Newly married!
destiny hill farm weddings

We also had some wind all day, but we played with it!washington pa wedding photographer

*Swoon*wedding photography destiny hill farm

Destiny Hill is a lavender farm, but due to the long winter the lavender had yet to bloom. STILL – the fields were wonderful, and I loved the curving lines it created! The curving of the lavender goes as a cool contrast with the curving of Summer’s long cathedral veil!
destiny hill lavendar farm wedding pictures

Again, this scenery. This is why their blog post has so. many. pictures. Couldn’t pick!pittsburgh wedding photographer

Loved Summer’s makeup!beautiful pittsburgh wedding photography

This photo is a fluke, but I love it! candid photojournalistic wedding photographer pittsburgh

Snuggling close! IN FACT: We were going to head back to the reception before these photos were taken, but Summer specifically stepped in and said “Can we shoot some more photos? I just want to have some time alone and I like to kiss him!!” DONE!desinty hill wedding pictures

They’re adorable.best pittsburgh wedding photographers

After taking the photo above, I swung around the back of the barn for this different take on the same pose.pittsburgh wedding photography

Thank you, wind. And Summer for being gorgeous. And Brian for being awesome and in love with this lady!black white wedding pictures beautiful

We also made sure to get a big, family picture in front of the barn! I think that’s frameable!large family picture destiny hill

Listening to speeches at the reception:wedding reception destiny hill

The barn was lit with strung lights and paper lanterns, and on the right they have a moment to just soak in the late afternoon sun in each other’s arms:weddings at destiny hill farm

A dance with her dad!father daughter dance wedding reception

And mother/son as well. How sweet is this?barn wedding reception locations pittsburgh

The family that stays together, parties together – and everyone was out on the dance floor!fun reception dancing pittsburgh photo

Katie and Dan (one of my couples from 2011) now have a little boy, and he’s super cute! Needless to say, I think Dan enjoys being a dad!:)fun candid wedding photographer pittsburgh

Destiny Hill sunset (over the neighborhood where they both grew up):destiny hill wedding photographer

As we were leaving, the party was still going into the late hours. Thank you so much for having us there!!destiny hill weddings

Mary Anne Baucco -

Simply beautiful. Great photos Leann.

Betsy Moore -

Speechless Leann. Absolutely stunning!

Marissa Voytek -

So, so beautiful… you truly captured the day!

Diane Deitrick Petrilla -

Beautiful!!!!

Jackie Wootton Bogden -

So beautiful ! Thank you for sharing your special day .

Nancy Morgan Cameron -

Gorgeous! Thank you for capturing so much beauty!

Sally Morgan Scorzetti -

The pictures are beautiful!