Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

Haldis and David | Hidden Valley Wedding

It was a beautiful fall day in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania- the leaves had just started to change color, and when the sunlight hit them a certain way, they seemed to sparkle. As we drove through the grounds of Hidden Valley, I was completely in awe of how gorgeous these surroundings were. I’ve only been Hidden Valley in the winter, so seeing colorful foliage on the ski slopes was breathtaking.

As we walk into the lodge, we find Haldis having her makeup done, while her bridesmaids are scattered about, watching the final touches being put on this beautiful bride. Haldis has a constant smile on her face, and you can tell how much she is enjoying the moment. At one point, Haldis’s mother enters the room, takes Haldis by the hands, and with excitement tells Haldis how absolutely gorgeous she looks. One of my favorite moments of the day.

Another touching moment was during Haldis’s first look with David. As Haldis walked down the steps into the courtyard towards David (who was facing away from her), you see her take a deep breath as she fought away the tears. You could tell she was thinking “this is it… the moment he sees me as his bride.” As David turned around, his expression said it all- he was enamored and teary eyed at the same time. Watching them interact was like what you would see in a romance movie- they held hands, talked about their love for one another, and even danced in the courtyard together. It was a beautiful moment for a beautiful couple.

And even though threatening clouds rolled in during their outdoor ceremony, the rain held off until the very end, and only lasted for a brief minute. I think the purpose of the rain was to create the vibrant double rainbow that arched above the autumn trees.

We stayed through the bonfire after the reception, which was incredibly fun to photograph because we got to play around with our lighting, while Haldis and David casually hung out with their guests.

But enough talk, take a look below to see some of the images that depict Haldis and David’s wedding day…
Lavender Leigh Photography, wedding photographer, photograph, pittsburgh, picture, engagement session, couple's photography, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, chic, sophisticated, wedding venues, ceremony reception, Hidden Valley Resort

Lavender Leigh Photography, wedding photographer, photograph, pittsburgh, picture, engagement session, couple's photography, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, chic, sophisticated, wedding venues, ceremony reception, Hidden Valley Resort

Loving the dance floor moves!

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hidden Valley Resort
Florist: Pisarcik Flower Farm
Hair and Makeup Artistry: Classic Hair and Makeup
Photographer: Lavender Leigh

Michele and Erik | The Grand Concourse Wedding

Growing up, eating at The Grand Concourse was a treat that my family indulged in for special occasions. One of the most intricate architecturally designed buildings in Pittsburgh, the space began as a train station in the early 1900s, and was turned into this elegant restaurant circa 1978. When we have the pleasure of photographing at this restaurant, it always brings back special memories.

So naturally, when Michele contacted me to photograph her and Erik’s intimate wedding at this venue, I was pretty excited to be a part of their wedding day! Yes, TGC is a gorgeous venue, but honestly what was even more exciting was that I would have the opportunity to get to know this charming and down-to-earth couple. Intimate weddings are so much fun to photograph because they are more laid back, they are not rushed, and you get a great sense of the beautiful relationships that the wedding couple has established with each and every guest.

Speaking of beautiful relationships, well, these words about sum up Michele and Erik together. Erik has a gentle and calm demeanor, and has such a knack for getting Michele to smile. While I was photographing them together, Erik would make quiet remarks to Michele, and her smile would turn into a spurt of effervescent laughter. Seeing them interact together that day… they were just so *happy*. They weren’t stressed about the timeline of the day, or where to be and when. The day was theirs to relax and enjoy, and so they did.

Here are some images that paint the picture of Michele and Erik’s wedding day…

Lavender Leigh Photography, wedding, photographer, photograph, picture, engagement session, couple's photography, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, chic, sophisticated, wedding venues, ceremony reception, The Grand Concourse, Station Square, bridge, train, marriage

A little behind the scenes action.

Cake: Bethel Bakery
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Grand Concourse
Florist: Gidas Flowers
Hair and Makeup Artistry: Classic Hair and Makeup
Musicians: Buffalo Rose
Photographer: Lavender Leigh

Natalie and Nick | Hartwood Acres Engagement Session

One of the best parts of being a wedding photographer is having the opportunity to connect with people on one of the best days of their lives. What is even more special is when we are asked by other relatives in the family to capture their wedding day. Each wedding, it feels like a mini reunion for us because we really get to know their friends and family over the course of all of the weddings that we are a part of for them.

This scenario is exactly how I met Natalie and Nick. We photographed Natalie’s brother’s engagement and wedding photos this past year, and when Natalie and Nick asked us to be a part of their wedding day, we were ecstatic!

We photographed Natalie and Nick’s engagement session at Hartwood Acres, on a beautiful fall day. Natalie and Nick are getting married at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort in August, and I had such a great time hearing about their wedding plans as we hopped around to different spots at Hartwood Acres.

Here are some of my faves from Natalie and Nick’s engagement session…

Click here if you want to view our work from Natalie’s brother’s engagement and wedding photos (Justin and Krystena!)

Kristen and John | City Engagement Session

Kristen and John… such a sweet couple. They are up for anything, personable, and incredibly down to earth. I think we walked to every corner of the city for their engagement session, which was awesome because it gave us time to get to know each other, and we also made sure to hit all of their requested photo spots! Some of my favorite images are the night shots on the bridge- this couple just sparkles, and so does the city skyline.

Kristen and John are getting married in May of next year at The Club at Nevillewood, and we are so excited to be a part of their day! Here are some of my faves from their session…

Elizabeth and Joey | City-Chic Engagement Session

I instantly knew that Elizabeth and I clicked when she told me that she and Joey like to travel, drink wine, and that they love dogs. We are incredibly excited to photograph their wedding at the Omni William Penn next year! Even better, Elizabeth’s parents are wedding coordinators at St. Paul Cathedral (where Elizabeth and Joey are having their ceremony). We have worked with her parents before and love them!

This gorgeous couple lives on the North Shore, so for their engagement session, we only had to take a few steps out of their front door, and the city was ours to explore and photograph. Bonus- I was able to meet their two precious pups, who made a cameo in some of their engagement photos. <3

Scroll down to see some of my faves from Elizabeth and Joey’s engagement session…