Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

Krystena and Justin | Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Wedding

Krystena and Justin are lovers of ice cream, a couple that would do absolutely anything for their friends and family, and have the most spontaneous, and fun-loving heart. They put their whole heart into celebrating their wedding… down to Every. Last. Amazing. Detail. They decorated the Botanic Gardens with beautiful vintage furniture as a nod to their elegance, the florals were soft neutral and pastel colors to represent their romantic hearts. Yard games like cornhole were scattered about the lawn to celebrate their fun spirit, and an ice cream and s’mores bar were dessert- a token of their love of (their favorite) sweets.

Everywhere you looked, there was something to eat, play, or participate in. Krystena and Justin had the most beautiful day, and nobody is more deserving of it than this kind couple. From Krystena’s reveal to her father, to Justin’s teary expression when he saw Krystena walk down the aisle, you can just feel how much love radiated from them and their guests the entire day.

One of my absolute favorite moments that day was upon leaving; I asked Krystena and Justin if they wanted any other pictures before we wrapped up. Justin said “Can you get this moment?” He gently swept Krystena onto the dance floor, wrapped his arms around her waist, laid his forehead on hers, and romantically swayed to the music. A moment to breathe and really enjoy each other at the end of a crazy fun wedding day.

A special shout out to my favorite vendors that all had a hand in creating this beautiful day for Krystena and Justin! Wanderlust Weddings and Events, Sapphire and Lace, Vintage Alley Rentals, DeStefino Beauty Bar to name a few! It isn’t often that my favorites are all looped together into one wedding! <3
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Pittsburgh Botnanical Garden, Lavender Leigh Photography, pittsburgh wedding photographer, wedding, photographer, photograph, picture, engagement, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, wedding venues, ceremony, reception, Wedding Wire, DeStefino Beauty Bar, summer, outdoor, pastel and neutral colors, s'mores bar, ice cream bar, first dance, lace wedding dress, vintage furniture
Pittsburgh Botnanical Garden, Lavender Leigh Photography, pittsburgh wedding photographer, wedding, photographer, photograph, picture, engagement, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, wedding venues, ceremony, reception, Wedding Wire, DeStefino Beauty Bar, summer, outdoor, pastel and neutral colors, s'mores bar, ice cream bar, first dance, lace wedding dress, vintage furniture Pittsburgh Botnanical Garden, Lavender Leigh Photography, pittsburgh wedding photographer, wedding, photographer, photograph, picture, engagement, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, wedding venues, ceremony, reception, Wedding Wire, DeStefino Beauty Bar, summer, outdoor, pastel and neutral colors, s'mores bar, ice cream bar, first dance, lace wedding dress, vintage furniture Pittsburgh Botnanical Garden, Lavender Leigh Photography, pittsburgh wedding photographer, wedding, photographer, photograph, picture, engagement, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, wedding venues, ceremony, reception, Wedding Wire, DeStefino Beauty Bar, summer, outdoor, pastel and neutral colors, s'mores bar, ice cream bar, first dance, lace wedding dress, vintage furniture

Cake: Prantl’s
Caterer: Hazelnut Catering
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
DJ: Entertainment Unlimited, Scott Alexander
Event Coordinator: Wanderlust Weddings and Events
Florist: Sapphire and Lace
Hair and Makeup Artistry: DeStefino Beauty Bar
Ice Cream Bar: Bruster’s
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Videographer: Dana Lynn Photography
Vintage Furniture: Vintage Alley Rentals
Wedding Dress: Bridal Beginning

Lindsay and Dan | Fern Hollow Engagement Session

Getting to know Lindsay and Dan during their engagement session felt like talking to friends that I have known for years. They are an incredibly laid back and light-hearted couple, and just about the entire engagement session, we were laughing, joking, and having a great time. Dan had the sweetest proposal to Lindsay- on Christmas Day, he wheeled a miniature motorized toy Jeep (that was painted exactly to match Lindsay’s real Jeep) into the living room, with the ring inside the Jeep. He painted the words “Marry Me” on the front of the mini Jeep. Who could say no to a proposal like that?

Lindsay and Dan are getting married in April at The Club at Nevillewood, and we couldn’t be more excited to photograph their wedding day! Take a look at some of my faves from their engagement session…

Brianne and John | Seasons Inn Wedding

I first met Brianne and John sipping coffee at Starbucks, and distinctly remember how energetic, natural, and real they are. I learned about how they met, what they were planning for their wedding, and we immediately clicked. It was one of those moments where I walked away from our meeting and absolutely loved this couple- their personalities, priorities, and their heart. Trying to put words into how we feel about having been a part of their wedding day is basically impossible. We walked into their wedding day as photographers, and we left feeling like we were forever friends. The second we stepped foot into their getting ready room, we were greeted with warmth from them, their bridal party, and family. “What Leigh needs is priority today!” Brianne said this from the start, because her wedding pictures mean everything to her. Great minds think alike.

As wedding photographers, we get to witness the most amazing day of peoples’ lives. We are privy to seeing, hearing, and experiencing some amazing emotional moments. One of the most beautiful moments I have witnessed at a wedding was when Brianne and John said their wedding vows. There was laughing and crying involved – and for the first time EVER I shed a tear while photographing (and if I cried, imagine how the Brianne/ John/ family/ friends reacted!) Brianne and John had the most heartfelt vows, and my forever takeaway was when Brianne told John that she knew she found love when the word “Home” changed from being at a place, to being with him. Goodness. Tissue, please.

Take a look to see just how beautiful their wedding day was…

Behind the scenes…

Lavender Leigh Photography, pittsburgh wedding photographer, wedding, photographer, photograph, picture, engagement, Pennsylvania, Best of the Knot, Couples' Choice, wedding venues, ceremony reception, summer, outdoor, july

The end result of the behind the scenes…

Katie and Geoff | Pittsburgh Field Club Wedding

I first met Katie and Geoff at a coffee shop in the Strip District- they were in town from San Francisco meeting potential wedding vendors and arranging plans for their big day. I remember noting what warm and fun people they are, and completely felt a connection to them. I was elated when they felt the same way and booked us for their wedding day!
Their wedding ceremony and reception was held at the Pittsburgh Field Club, and it was an absolutely amazing day. Yes, the weather was perfect, the décor was stunning, but what was even more notable to us was how absolutely warm and friendly their family is to every single person they encounter. Beautiful people on the inside and out- you know the type- they just radiate love and happiness. The second our eyes fell upon their smile, we couldn’t help but smile, too. It felt as if we had known them for years, but in reality, we just met them that day. By the end of the night, we were giving goodbye hugs all around, and my heart was so happy to have been a part of it all.
But let’s talk about Katie and Geoff for a minute- as if Katie’s crystal blue eyes don’t sparkle enough… when she and Geoff were together they twinkled even brighter. A gorgeous bride with a ton of class, a hint of edge, and the most amazing and glowing smile. And Geoff, one of the most sincere and heartfelt handsome gentlemen, you can see his love and devotion to his bride by the way that he looks at her. A beautiful couple that exudes warmth and sophistication. When we left their wedding, I remember turning to Barry and saying “Can we be forever friends with that family?!” Truth.

Take a look to see what I mean…

Cake: Bella Christie
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Pittsburgh Field Club
Cookies: Prantl’s
Entertainment: The Bachelor Boys Band
Florals: By George Florals
Hair and Makeup Artistry: At Home Beauty
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Wedding Dress: Glitter and Grit

Jackie and Jay | Historic Stone House Inn Wedding

Jackie and Jay. A couple whose love for each other is so pure and effortless, it makes you think “this is *exactly* what forever love looks like.” A gorgeous couple, with a casual and honest way about them. They can make anybody feel important and loved in the first few minutes of conversation with them. A couple that makes you feel like you are a better person just by knowing them.

Jackie and Jay got engaged at Ohiopyle literally the day after I photographed another couple’s engagement session there! It was so ironic to learn this at our first meeting! Jackie and Jay feel incredibly connected to Ohiopyle, which is why we took their engagement and creative wedding pictures at this state park. Their reception was held at The Historic Stone House Inn, which, if you have ever been to Ohiopyle, you have inevitably passed this architecturally charming structure.

From the laughs to the love, Jackie and Jay’s wedding day was incredibly beautiful and memorable. Take a look to see what I mean…