Pittsburgh Wedding, Boudoir, Senior Photographer

Nikki and Nate | The Hyeholde Wedding

Nikki and Nate drove from Naples, Florida, to get married in the heart of autumn at one of the most charming and unique venues in Pittsburgh, the Hyeholde. This small castle is tucked away in a crimson and gold forest, and I felt like we were driving into a magical land as we passed the front gates which, if you look closely, are adorned with medieval artwork. As a matter of fact, the interior of the entire castle is chock-full of furniture, tapestries, and stained glass that look like they came straight out of a medieval movie.

I remember the first time talking to Nikki on the phone; I knew that we instantly clicked because she told me that she and Nate met and became engaged through their dogs (I love animals!) Nikki first met Nate via pet sitting his dog, and when Nate proposed, he did so by creating two signs: one for each of their dogs to wear. One sign said “Will you marry my daddy?” and the other sign said “Mommy say yes!” We got to meet both pups while Nikki was getting ready at her parents’ house, and just adored them! *Almost* as much as we adored Nikki, Nate, and their families. You honestly couldn’t know a kinder and more welcoming group of people. They treated us like family the entire day, and at the end of the night when the wedding was almost over, they sent us home with a warm hug and delicious cupcakes!!! They even braved the snow flurries that started to come down while we were taking pictures outside (can you imagine being used to Florida weather and then wearing a strapless gown in 30 degree weather?!) It was worth braving the cold, though! The leaves and the outdoor scenery at the Hyeholde are second to none. Take a look to see what I mean…
Strapless Lace Wedding Dress, hanging in the Hyeholde restaurant, castle, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wedding and engagement photographer
Navy Floral Wedding Invitation and Bride's Jewelry, the Hyeholde restaurant, castle, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wedding and engagement photographer
wedding rings at The Hyeholde restaurant, castle, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wedding and engagement photographer
Bride Having Makeup Put On, castle, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wedding and engagement photographer
bride and her dog, the Hyeholde restaurant, castle, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wedding and engagement photographer

Cake and Cookies: Signature Desserts
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hyeholde Restaurant
DJ: Royal Grandeur; Ed Buettner
Favors: Applelicious
Florist: Hearts and Flowers
Hair Artistry: Rochelle Noone
Limousine: Tortorice Limo
Makeup Artistry: The Pittsburgh Stylist: Tami Konzier
Photographer: Lavender Leigh

Morgan and David | Point Breezeway Wedding

The second I stepped into Point Breezeway, there was a sense of calm on Morgan and David’s wedding day. A handful of people were organizing chairs and décor for the outdoor ceremony, and the street was so quiet that you could hear the wind rustling the leaves on the ground. There is something to be said about the beautiful simplicity of a small and intimate wedding, it is almost like the emotions of the day guide each step of the day, rather than a stringent timeline.

Morgan and David have not known each other long, but knew immediately that they were meant to be together. They are both in the Navy, and flew from overseas to be wed last Friday.

Watching them interact really brought me back to the roots of what a wedding is about. There were so many beautiful moments that made me tear up (happy tears) but I think my absolute favorite was witnessing Morgan and David’s prayer before the ceremony. They held hands on either side of a door so as not to see each other, and David said the most eloquent and loving prayer, thanking God for Morgan and asking for blessings on their life together. It was such a raw and honest moment. It was beautiful. But, so was every other part of their wedding day. Take a look to see what I mean…

Anne and Ryan | The Willow Room Wedding

Anne and Ryan had the most vibrant and sunny Pennsylvania fall day for their wedding! This couple got married at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, and their reception was at the elegant Willow Room. We photographed Anne’s brother’s wedding last year (shout out to Bob and Melissa!) It was the highest compliment that Anne and Ryan saw us in action at Bob and Melissa’s wedding, and asked us to photograph their wedding! Even more so, because Anne’s other brother and wife are outstanding professional photographers- please check out their beautiful work at Trey Thomas Images!

Anne and Ryan are very close with their families- all siblings were a part of their bridal party, and their nieces and nephews were also the ring bearers and flower girls (there were 4 ring bearers and 2 flower girls!) There’s just something sweet and sentimental about closely involving family members on your wedding day. They are the people that will hand you the Kleenex when you start to cry during your vows, and the first people you hug after you walk down the aisle.

Anne and Ryan’s love for each other is apparent and honest. As Ryan’s best man put it in his toast to the couple, they have that “young love” excitement for each other, and you can clearly see this in their interactions together. As we photographed, I saw Ryan’s smile grow at the approach of kissing Anne, and the glitter in Anne’s eyes in response.

Take a look to see what I mean…

Cake: Bethel Bakery
Ceremony Venue: St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin
Entertainment: Pittsburgh Digital DJs
Florist: Parkway Florist
Hair Artistry: The Blue Moon Salon
Makeup Artistry: MAC Cosmetics
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Transportation: Tortorice Limousine
Videographer: Jason Martin
Reception Venue: The Willow Room

Kara and Carl | Omni William Penn Wedding

She wore ruby red shoes in honor of her grandmother, Dorothy, and has sparkling blue eyes that are just as bright as her contagious smile. Kara was absolute perfection on her wedding day, and her handsome prince, Carl, looked equally as sharp.

Kara and Carl got married at St. Paul Cathedral, and had their reception at the elegant Grand Ballroom at the Omni William Penn. Kara’s family is very close with the Archbishop of Pittsburgh, who is a long-time friend of the family. The Archbishop presided their ceremony, and gave a touching homily with the theme “If the shoe fits,” which perfectly (and purposefully) tied into Kara’s favorite accessory that she was wearing that day- her red shoes in honor of her grandmother! One of my favorite moments that we captured that day was Kara showing the Archbishop her red shoes, just minutes before she walked down the aisle.

I also loved watching Kara and Carl’s first dance- they started off slow, and then cut into fun music with choreographed moves! It was such a perfect moment for this couple because it reflected their light-hearted personalities, and we experienced first-hand how much fun they have together!

Take a look to see what I mean…

Grandmother's wedding purse passed down to the bride, Lavender Leigh Photography

This is Kara’s grandmother’s wedding purse, and Kara used it on her wedding day!

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Kara surprised her sister, Annie, with a birthday cake and told her that they will always think of their wedding day as their “Annie-versary!”

Cake: Oakmont Bakery
Ceremony Venue: St. Paul Cathedral
DJ: All Pro D.J.s
Florist: Alex’s East End Floral Shoppe
Getting Ready Hotel: Omni William Penn
Hair and Makeup Artistry: Classic Hair and Makeup
Photographer: Lavender Leigh
Reception Venue: Omni William Penn
Transportation: Tortorice Limousine
Videographer: All Pro Video

Lisa and Christian | Point Park Engagement Session

Lisa and Christian’s engagement session started off at Point Park, in between the spurts of rain that billowed through Pittsburgh after a conversely sunning morning! Lisa and Chris got engaged at Point Park, so this spot holds sentiment to them. The fall foliage around the park was vibrant and stunning on this day! We spent most of our time at the park, then hopped over to the North Shore by the stadiums before the skies let loose and down poured on us! We were lucky to get some great pictures in between the rain, but even *luckier* that our cars didn’t get a ticket after the rain delayed us from getting to the meter on time! Lisa and Christian got to their car right as an officer was about to issue them a ticket, but when he learned that they were downtown because of the engagement session, he tore up the ticket and sent them on their way!

Here are some of my favorites from their engagement session!