Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

My Renovated Office!

For about eight years, my office was a random compilation of photographs from my wanderlust travels, eclectic knick knacks, closet doors that were stained two different colors from the prior owner, and in general, a space that was waiting for inspirational renovation.

Last fall, I fell in love with some modern iron bookshelves at Homegoods, and knowing that an office renovation was in the future, I bought them. Fast forward six months to the spring, I had some time on my hands for a project, and scoured my Houzz app for inspirational home office ideas; ideas to incorporate those book shelves.

While all of the home office pictures in the Houzz app were lovely, I just couldn’t find an idea that felt like it was “the one.” (Did I just make an office renovation seem as selective as choosing a life partner?!)

I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted my office to look like, but I knew that it would hit me when I saw it. With most of my home renovation projects, just one item can spur my inspiration, and within a matter of minutes, I can put together an entire room in my mind. Which is exactly what happened with my office renovation. I found a light pendant online that matched the modern theme of my iron book shelves, and BAM! I knew exactly what to do to create a space that I looked forward to sitting in every day.

With a little bit of fresh paint, newly stained doors, and accent pieces that matched the office theme in my mind, this is what I came up with…

<alt>a modern office renovation by Lavender Leigh Photography, a wedding photographer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt> — A peek from the hallway

a modern office renovation by Lavender Leigh Photography, a wedding photographer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — If it isn’t black, gold, or ivory in color, it isn’t making an appearance in the office!

So, that’s my new office! The only quip that I have is that the décor is so minimalistic, everything echos. Any suggestions to solve this issue?

Thanks for taking a look! Leave me some comments to tell me what you think of it!

Julia and Jeff | Downtown Engagement Session

Julia and Jeff are getting married in June next year, and we are so excited to photograph their wedding! Not only because they are such a nice couple, but also because this will be the second wedding that we have photographed for the family. I first met Julia at her sister’s wedding in 2015 (Hi, Amanda and Adam!) When Julia came to me to book her wedding photography, I was overjoyed.

We photographed Julia and Jeff’s engagement session around the city, from Point State Park to the Cultural District. Since Julia and Jeff enjoy watching musicals, we made sure to take a few pictures outside of The Benedum, where many of the musicals that they’ve seen together have taken place.

Take a look to see some of my favorites from this couple’s engagement session…

<alt>pittsburgh wedding and engagement photographer Lavender Leigh Photography</alt>

<alt>wedding and engagement photographer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Lavender Leigh Photography</alt>

<alt>Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wedding and engagement photographer Lavender Leigh Photography</alt>

Mariah and Derek | Choderwood Wedding

“Any chance that you are available on June 20th?” I read as Mariah’s Facebook chat head pops up through my social media feed.

“June 20th, 2021?” I type back, anticipating a quick response.

“No. This year.”

Mariah and Derek’s wedding was initially planned for August 8, 2020. In the beginning of March, only days before the pandemic lockdowns surfaced, Mariah, Derek and I were sitting in my Client Meeting Room, discussing their wedding photography. They were planning to have their wedding ceremony and reception at their church.

Fast forward to the end of May, Mariah and Derek’s church announced that they were not taking on any events until after Labor Day of this year due to the pandemic. While many engaged couples have reacted to the pandemic by pushing their wedding back until 2021, Mariah and Derek were quick on their feet, found Choderwood, an open-air venue, and moved their entire wedding, vendors and all, to June 20, 2020. Mariah’s chat head message was sent to me on June 2nd. Mariah and Derek literally re-planned an entire wedding in 18 days.

And nothing was short of fantastic on their wedding day. “We decided to embrace the pandemic” Mariah told me as we were discussing the details of their re-planned wedding. Some of which included handmade face masks for each guest, creative beer koozie favors that read “Quarantine Partners for Life”, individual bottles of wine for each guest, and delicious pre-packaged single-serving hors d’oeuvres, dinners, and cake slices for all.

There were so many other special details incorporated into their day, as well! Three types of specialty cocktails (each in a pre-packaged, individual serving cup), precious wedding attire for their two cats and puppy, and pictures at the very spot where Mariah and Derek first met; in the center of Market Square.

But, enough of this talk- scroll down to see the lovely moments of Mariah and Derek’s wedding day…

<alt>the getting ready location for the bride and groom in Rosslyn Farms, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>lace Bhldn wedding dress hanging on a door</alt>

<alt>mother and daughter looking at bride's wedding dress</alt>

<alt>betsey johnson rhinestone wedding shoes</alt>

<alt>mother and aunt help bride get ready</alt>

<alt>maid of honor putting necklace on bride</alt>

<alt>parents of the bride with bride</alt>

<alt>cats eating tuna paste off of bride's finger</alt>

<alt>bride's delight with her Siamese Cat</alt>

<alt>betsey johnson rhinestone wedding shoes on bride</alt>

<alt>groom's bowtie and cuff links</alt>

<alt>best man helping groom put on jacket</alt>

<alt>groom hanging out with best man</alt>

<alt>groom and best man walking towards house</alt>

<alt>groom and groomsman driving in convertible to first look</alt>

<alt>bride walking towards groom for first look</alt>

<alt>groom sees bride during first look in parrish park</alt>

<alt>bride smiling at groom during first look</alt>

<alt>bride and groom in Parrish Park</alt>

<alt>Bhldn lace dress with pink ribbon on bride</alt>

<alt>a bride smiling at her groom as he holds her</alt>

<alt>bride and groom with their puppy</alt>

<alt>bride and groom walking through Market Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom dance in Market Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride twirled by groom in Market Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>a groom lifts his bride in Market Square Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom lifting his bride in Market Square, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom and bride walking up stairs at Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom at the School of Architecture Pillars at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>a beautiful pastel wedding bouquet made by greenSinner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom hugs bride at the Pillars in Carnegie Mellon University</alt>

<alt><alt>bride and groom at the School of Architecture Pillars at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom and bridal party at the School of Architecture Pillars at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>ducks walking through Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>the meditation hut at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>wedding party at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and maid of honor in Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom and groomsman at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride twirling in dress at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom walking up steps at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom walking with bride through Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom hugging bride through Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom saying hi to the chickens at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom in the swings at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>ceremony musicians at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

father walking bride down stairs at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

<alt>father walking bride down stairs at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>father hands off bride to groom at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom walk up steps at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

bride and groom say vows at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

<alt>meditation hut sign at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

parents of bride at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

<alt>bride and groom say vows at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

bride and groom kiss at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

<alt>bride and groom in processional at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom with their specialty cocktails at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>best man's toast at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>maid of honor's toast at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>guests dancing at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom dancing at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom cutting cake at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom dances with mother at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>groom dances with Mom at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and father dance at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom's first dance at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>wedding reception table decor at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>wedding table silverware and glasses at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

<alt>wedding reception specialty cocktails at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

wedding reception beer koozie quarantine favors at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

<alt>wedding cake at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>a bride, groom and their dog during sparkler sendoff at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom at sunset at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>bride and groom at the river at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

<alt>a bride, groom, and their dog at the river at Choderwood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania</alt>

Caterer: big Burrito
Ceremony Musicians: Jacob Nathanson
Event Planner: Bob McGrogan
Florist: greenSinner
Hair and Makup Artistry: Glam to Go
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Wedding Dress Designer: Bhldn
Wedding Dress Seamstress: Topaz Thimble

Beautiful Blooms Part II

In today’s blog post, you will see floral arrangements that are uniquely different from Part I of this series! I hope that this spreads some cheer to your world!

If you missed out on Beautiful Blooms Part I, click on this link to view those images: Beautiful Blooms Part I

Soft and Sweet
The title says it all. Lightly colored blooms that sweetly complement the wedding day.

Florist: Sapphire and Lace, Hair and Makeup: DeStefino Beauty Bar
Event Coordination: Wanderlust Weddings and Events
Vintage Furniture: Vintage Alley Rentals

Florist: My Garden Floral , Hair and Makeup: ESSpa Kozmetika
Reception Venue: Pittsburgh Field Club

Florist: Always in Bloom
Hair and Makeup Artistry: Eye Do Makeup LLC

*vendors not specified

Florist: Leechburg Floral , Hair: Ciara Sheppard

Wildflower Beauty
Long stems and grassy textures, these colorful arrangements are truly unique.

Florist: Valerie Brooks, Hair: Salon U, Makeup: Taylor Ellis
Reception Venue: The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake

Florist: The Farmer’s Daughter , Hair: Cardamone’s Salon
Makeup: Ashle-a Powell

Simple Elegance
Sometimes less is more- the sweet simplicity of these blooms emphasizes the elegance of the flower (and the lovely ladies carrying them!)

Florist: Alex’s East End Floral Shoppe
Hair and Makeup: Classic Hair and Makeup

Florist: Teresa Zugay
Hair and Makeup Artistry: Antina’s Salon, Emily Martin for Lindsay
Reception Venue: The Club at Nevillewood
Event Coordination: Your Big Day, Nicole Brough

Florist: Patti’s Petals , Makeup Artistry: Valarie Panei
Reception Venue: Montour Heights Country Club

Florist: Designs by Dani Hair: Salon Eclip’s
Makeup: Lauryn Taylor
Ceremony Venue: Westminster Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue: Heinz History Center

Floral: Botanical Emporium Hair and Makeup: Evolutions Salon

Romantic Classics
Last but not least to round up this two-part blog post, are the romantic bouquets with some of our favorite classic flowers and colors.

Florist: Z Florist Hair: Kimberly Hughes Makeup: Valarie Panei
Reception Venue: Omni William Penn

Florals: By George Florals Hair and Makeup Artistry: At Home Beauty
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Pittsburgh Field Club

*vendors not specified

Floral: Hearts and Flowers
Hair and Makeup: La Pomponnee
Bridal Makeup: Valarie Panei
Reception Venue: Heinz History Center
Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental

I hope that these last two blog posts brought you some happiness during this difficult time! Sending love, hugs, and luck to all of you <3
-Leigh

Beautiful Blooms Part I

Hi friends! I hope that you all are staying happy and healthy during this crazy and uncertain time.

I was planning to post this blog about wedding florals last week, but found myself collecting more and more examples of the beautiful floral bouquets that we have photographed over the years. I couldn’t stop looking through every single one of my weddings and admiring the creative and unique artistry of each and every floral arrangement.

I gathered a plethora of floral images, so much so that I am splitting the Beautiful Bouquets blog post into a Part I and also a Part II between today and tomorrow.

Enjoy this bit of beauty!

Bright and Beautiful
These florals were created with vibrant pops of color to catch your eye.

Florist: Pisarcik Flower Farm, Hair and Makeup Artistry: Classic Hair and Makeup

Florist: Hearts and Flowers Floral Design, Hair: Rochelle Noone, Makeup: The Pittsburgh Stylist: Tami Konzier

Florist: Rosebud Floral Shop, Hair: Tease Hair Salon, Makeup: Lauren Oniboni, Cake: Pastor’s Bakery

Florist: Blossoms by Jillian, Makeup and Hair: Caruso’s, Cake: Signature Desserts

Florist: Community Flower Shop, Hair: Ritual Hair Company, Makeup: B Morgan Makeup
Bakery: Bella Christie and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique

Florist: greenSinner, Hair: Jolene Schiavo, Makeup: Lauren G. Makeup

Florist: Hearts and Flowers Floral Design Makeup: Valarie Panei

Greenery Galore
These florals are abundant with fresh and unique accents of greenery. Notice the different types and textures of greenery in each arrangement.

Florist: Kocher’s Flowers Hair: Studio 867 Makeup: Courtney Holdrieth

Florist: Sapphire and Lace Event Design Hair and Makeup Artistry: JL Studio

Florist: Mt. Lebanon Floral Shop Hair and Makeup: La Pomponnee

Florist: Sapphire and Lace Event Design Hair and Makeup: Chestnut Ridge Spa and Salon

Florist: Linda Brown’s Floral, Hair/Makeup Aristitry: Becca McClain

Florist: Bolsinger Flowers, Hair: Swank Hair Studio

Florist: Blumengarten Florist, Hair Artistry: Greg Jockel, Makeup: Pure Beauty Makeup Artistry

Florist: Alex’s Flowers, Hair: Amanda Herb, Makeup: Valarie Panei

Florist: Flowers in the Attic, Hair and Makeup: Bella Amici Salon

Pops of Purple
Purple seems to be one of the most popular wedding bouquet colors! Maybe couples with purple accents are just drawn to us because of our name!