Leeann Marie | Pittsburgh Wedding Photographer
My love for photographing weddings stems from my own experience – a not so good one. Our wedding photographer provided a handful of images that we liked, and the experience left a lot to be desired. Perhaps that’s why it took me over five years to even think about creating a wedding album for our home…
THE WAY I SEE WEDDINGS
Seven years after we were married, we welcomed our daughter into our lives, and my view of wedding photography once again changed – for the better. I had always loved the details, the love stories, and the incredible parties, but now I see true stories through my lens. I see a little girl who was once a baby, now walking down the aisle as her parents watch with tears in the corners of their eyes. I see a father peeking through the doorway to see his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time – both anxious for a look, and afraid that he may see his baby floating away. I see grandparents dancing one last time together, only a story that would play out a few weeks later. I see best friends together on a day that would very soon be ‘way back when’, and I see children who were carefree participate in the greatest day of their uncle’s lives.
YOUR STORY IS UNIQUE
Each and every wedding I photograph has a story, and I believe that story should live on for years through classic wedding images. I believe that tradition is important, and creativity is something to be welcomed. I believe that every wedding story, and thus every wedding gallery, should be different. I believe that every couple deserves to be treated like gold on their wedding day, and that having someone in your corner with a timeline in one hand and your best interest in the other is invaluable.
EXPERIENCE
I have photographed weddings in the Pittsburgh area since 2009, and am honored to be a national speaker with Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, INSPIRE Photo Retreats, and Mystic Seminars. My works has been featured on the cover of Pittsburgh Weddings Magazine, as well as WHIRL Magazine, The Knot Magazine, and numerous online publications. I served on the board of the International Live Events Association Pittsburgh Chapter, and also hold a degree in Industrial Engineering from my alma mater – PITT! I excel in stressful situations, and love a good challenge – all the while remaining calm and often wearing heels. Perhaps that’s why one local wedding blogger calls me the “Beyonce of Wedding Photography“, a title I’ll gladly accept.
I live in the Pittsburgh area with my husband, Brad, our children: Joy, Bronco, and Paige. You can see more of them on my InstaStories 🙂
Want to talk more? Please reach out! I’m easy to contact.
Do you only photograph Pittsburgh weddings?
At this time my key focus is weddings in the Tri-State area. That includes Greater Pittsburgh, the surrounding mountains, West Virginia, and Ohio.
Do you offer wedding albums?
Absolutely. When I got married, I only received the digital files from my wedding. They sit on a disc in my fire-proof safe, but I have nothing to show for my wedding day (can we even use DVD discs anymore?). Over six years later, I finally made us a wedding album that we cherish.
I believe that wedding albums are an important part of the photography equation because books last for generations! I offer high-quality, handmade in the USA linen and leather-bound albums. I work with you to create the perfect design!
When do we receive our photographs?
Your photos will be online within 4-5 weeks of your wedding date, if not sooner.
What format do you deliver the wedding images?
You will receive a high-resolution digital download of images (for printing of enlargements). The images will be jpeg images. Included will be a print release for you to make prints as you’d like.
Do you allow other cameras at the wedding?
Absolutely, it’s your wedding. If your family members would like a duplicate of the formal photographs, I will gladly step aside for them after I have ensured a photo with all eyes on me. I do ask to be the only photographer present during bridal party and couple portrait sessions.
How far in advance does your calendar fill up?
Couples book several weeks to over a year in advance. Once a signed contract and deposit has been received, I will give you my undivided attention on your wedding day and before that too!
Will we meet you before the wedding?
Often, my pre-booking consultations are done via phone or Skype. The first time I meet many couples is at their engagement session, which is great because it’s a relaxed atmosphere to get to know each other personally. For couples that do not have an engagement session in their package, I often meet them for the first time on the wedding day. I know that sounds crazy, but we really do get to know each other via phone and email over the course of the months, and this has never been a problem. I think it’s because I just end up working with really great people 🙂
