Mansions on Fifth Wedding

Tessa and Spencer told their close family and friends that they were invited to an engagement party at Mansions on Fifth in Pittsburgh’s East End. Little did their guests know that there would be a wedding that day! Tessa and Spencer gathered everyone and surprised them with the news that in a few short hours they would be married! Mansions on Fifth was a beautiful backdrop for this Pittsburgh wedding!

Mansions on Fifth is a dream to shoot at. Originally built in the early 1900’s for Willis F. McCook, lawyer and legal council for Pittsburgh’s steel and coke magnate Henry Clay Frick. Mr. McCook was also at one point the President of the Pittsburgh Steel Company, adding to the Pittsburgh heritage of the home.

More recently, the home was purchased by the Priory Group, who also own the equally stunning Priory Hotel in Pittsburgh’s North Side - both dream locations for wedding photography in Pittsburgh.

Newborn Family Session

Katie and I met while studying abroad in Rome when we were in undergrad, when photography was just a fun hobby. Now, a decade later back home in Pittsburgh, I was able to meet the newest addition to her family. For baby number 3, we did a family photography session in the backyard of their new house. I have really enjoyed watching their family grow, and being able to be there to photograph every new addition.

Finger Lakes Wine Country

Lakeside Views and Wine

Tucked on the southern tip of Lake Seneca is Watkins Glen, New York. Usually known for its race track that hosts NASCAR and was home to the American Grand Prix in Formula 1 in the 1940’s, its picturesque hikes, wealth of wineries, and interesting geographical features is what attracts me most.

Cut from glaciers, Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes at over 500 feet deep. Now fed by small creeks and other tributaries that cascade down the slopes surrounding the lake, the centuries of erosion has provided hikers amazing sights as the waters have cut countless gorges and fall over incredible waterfalls. The Watkins Glen Gorge State Park is one not to miss, including 830 stone steps to take on your hike along the gorge.

After summiting the 830 steps, wineries are the best reward. Each trip, Lakewood is a must-visit. They have an expansive view, an equally large tasting room, and of course some of my favorite wines.

Atwater is another favorite, making one of my favorite year-round red wine blends - Stone Bridge Red, named for the Stone Bridge that was a feature of the original Grand Prix circuit.

Next up is JR Dill and Damiani. JR Dill is a fun tasting environment, and their staff help to make wine an unpretentious fun experience. Also, their front patio is made to sip mimosas on.

The Finger Lakes aren’t known for their dry red wines, but Damiani is working to change that. Their wines are some of the driest you’ll find in the area, but the quality isn’t lacking. They also feature chocolate pairings from a local chocolatier.

Bloomer Creek crafts wine that will change what you think you expect out of wine. Fermented in an entirely different way, these effervescent ‘funky’ wines have turned a few of my beer-loving friends into wine nerds!

Red Newt’s head winemaker, Kelby James Russel has his own run of wine, and the rose is to die for. Every visit, a refill of the reserves is called for.

Finally, Boundary Breaks is a beautifully made tasting room with a wonderfully large outdoor area. Specializing in white wines, but with a few reds, they bring a certain ‘New England Style’ to the area.

Lamoreaux Landing, on the other hand, has a predominantly wood design that feels very much in tune with a sense of place - but with a modernist bent. Tall windows provide a great view off to the lake below.

If you’re a beer fan, never fear - as there are a handful of breweries as well, with Two Goats offering a perfect patio, accompanied by signature views, and often - live music!

Shady Elms Farm Wedding

Maison and Drew had a festive 4th of July Wedding. The sun was shinning and love was in the air. Shady Elms Farm located just outside of Pittsburgh, was a beautiful backdrop for the Mikula’s special day. While taking photos of the sweet couple, one the cows even tried to join in on the celebration! The wedding day photos were wrapped up with beautiful sparklers under a full moon.

Venue: Shady Elms Farm

DJ: 2nd II None Productions

Cake: Bethel Bakery

Makeup: JL Studio

Hair: Brooke Rockwell Hair Design

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suit: Men’s Warehouse

Second Shooter: Aubrey Barchiesi

Downtown, Pittsburgh Wedding

Gina and Gian’s wedding color scheme is a perfect match for the upcoming Valentine’s Day! One of the highlights of the day was the photobomb by Pittsburgh Penguins’ fans during our portrait session outside of the Cambria Hotel and Suites in downtown Pittsburgh. This was such a fun wedding to shoot since the Beck and Arias Families really know how to dance and have fun - and that really showed during the reception. The epic (and traditional) Pittsburgh cookie table just topped it all off.

Vendors:

Makeup: Jacquelyn Cuturic

Dress Designer: Sottero and Midgley, MB Bride

Florist: Laurel Hewston

Wedding Cake: Signature Desserts, Bethel Park

DJ: Joshua Walker of J Walker Creative Productions

Fall Mini Session-Mellon Park, Pittsburgh, PA

The Marshall Family was a blast to work with. They also have the most adorable children. I really love it when the kids can show their fun side during the shoot. It was a chilly fall day at Mellon Park but everyone came with their A game!

If you are looking for a great place to do a family portrait session, Mellon Park is the best!

Now booking for spring and summer family sessions. Slots are filling fast. Book Now!

Family Session- Mellon Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Mellon Park is always a great spot to photograph a family session. I absolutely loved working with the Stallard Family!I had the honor of taking the boys' newborn photos months prior. It was so great to be able to take some family portraits outside on this beautiful Pittsburgh summer day.  The boys really made the family shoot special with their excitement and playfulness. You can really sense the love and joy! 

Send me a message if you would like to book your spring family portrait sessions!    Book Now!

Meg + Rich - Phipps Conservatory Wedding, Pittsburgh, PA

I have had the privilege of knowing Meg for many years. We once worked together at one of our favorite local restaurants. I was beyond thrilled when Meg asked me to photograph her wedding to Rich. Meg made the most gorgeous bride. I was in awe of her beautiful floral designs and whimsical dress. What better backdrop than Phipps Conservatory. Phipps has been one of my favorite places to shoot a wedding!  The wedding party looked absolutely stunning with the floral backdrops that Phipps has to offer. 

Sending my heartfelt congrats to the happy couple! Can't wait to see where life takes you! 

Now booking for wedding season 2018 and 2019. 

Epps Family Session- Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA

I have had the privilege of photographing the Epps Family since their maternity photos. It is always a joy to continue working with a family and watch as they grow and blossom. 

Frick Park was a great place to capture the love that the Epps Family shares. Even Blitz was able to join for a few photos! It was adorable watching Gianna and Blitz play together. Blitz is definitely little Gianna's best friend. 

Now booking for spring and summer sessions for 2018. Book now!